"You old creature! It’s you!"
"You young brat! It’s you!"
The two Tobiramas stared at each other, instinctively greeting each other with false friendliness.
Especially Tobirama from Parallel World 1.
He had been "happily" managing Republic of Konoha affairs in Parallel World 1 alongside Izuna and Naori.
Suddenly, he was snatched away.
He had absolutely no ntal preparation!
Fortunately, the younger Tobirama quickly grasped his surroundings and position upon seeing his older, useless self.
Yet, he couldn’t help but feel a subtle disgust at the sight of his older, weakened self.
What could he do? A person is always most dissatisfied with themselves.
The past self hates the future self’s foolishness and failures; the future self despises the past self’s naivety and laziness.
It’s hard to say who is right and who is wrong.
But the relationship between these two Tobiramas was complex and confusing.
However, Tobirama from Parallel World 1, who had already experienced great defeat and loss, had swiftly and decisively advanced the unification of all of Parallel World 1.
This caused Tobirama from Parallel World 1 to grow significantly, both in strength and ntality.
Therefore, he didn’t continue arguing with his other self.
"Greetings, Lord!"
"Greetings, sister-in-law!"
Tobirama from Parallel World 1 consciously greeted Lux and Mito first, then imdiately questioned his other self.
"This is Konoha Village? Why are there so many people? What are you up to now?"
"What I’m up to—do I need to report it to you?"
"You...!"
"What? Not satisfied? Then let’s fight!"
Tobirama from Parallel World 2 confidently activated his Tenseigan. Two Truth-Seeking Balls floated beside him, openly displaying his arrogance.
Clearly, Tobirama from Parallel World 2 had begun to understand Madara’s joy. If you can defeat soone with power, why endlessly argue?
Insult them, hate them, understand them, and eventually beco them...
"You damn brat!"
Tobirama from Parallel World 1 was furious, but he also sharply sensed the terrifying pressure from the Tenseigan and wisely chose to restrain himself.
He knew himself too well.
If given the chance, Tobirama from Parallel World 2 wouldn’t show the slightest rcy when striking him. He’d hit him as hard as possible!
At the sa ti, people around them glanced over curiously.
Suddenly, two Tobiramas appeared, seemingly arguing—it was indeed a bit strange.
But most people just glanced and stopped caring.
They didn’t think much of it.
Wasn’t it just a shadow clone?
It was very common!
This technique was created by Tobirama. If he wanted to make a shadow clone to fool around, who could stop him—a Second Hokage?
In short, almost no one considered extraordinary things like space-ti teleportation.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
"Enough, I brought you here not to watch you fight."
"Explain the situation, and quickly place your bets on who will win."
"If you’re late, you’ll miss this excellent show."
Lux stopped the two Tobiramas’ quarrel.
He urged them to bet quickly.
Of course, besides entertainnt, Lux deliberately brought Tobirama from Parallel World 1 here.
He also wanted to use Tobirama from Parallel World 1 to remind Tobirama from Parallel World 2, helping him better understand Black Zetsu’s cunning. At the sa ti, using the fact that Parallel World 1 had fully unified to motivate Tobirama from Parallel World 2.
One move, multiple benefits—why not?
Quickly, Tobirama from Parallel World 2 briefly explained the ongoing ninja tournant.
After listening, Tobirama from Parallel World 1’s eyes sparkled too, praising how great this event was!
It could earn money and uncover talent. He should quickly copy... ah, no... he should imdiately imitate and host a similar event!
"So, it’s already reached the semifinals?"
"And the first match is an internal battle between your two students?"
Tobirama from Parallel World 1 suppressed his dissatisfaction and beca slightly interested.
"They’ll also beco your students in the future."
"Nonsense, I haven’t decided to take them as students yet!"
"It’s only a matter of ti..."
Tobirama from Parallel World 2 didn’t care. Besides the risk of them turning evil, Hiruzen and Danzō were indeed the most talented among Konoha’s young ninja generation. Tobirama from Parallel World 1 had few alternatives.
Rather than betting on uncertain new students, better to focus on a guaranteed dark horse.
Of course, it didn’t an there were no other options.
After all, the future in Parallel World 1 had also changed. If the environnt was good enough and enough new ninja were born, maybe there’d be a few extra SSRs.
"Hmph! We’ll discuss that later."
"Well? Want to bet on who will win?"
Tobirama from Parallel World 2 began provoking his younger self.
If he couldn’t play with the Tenshō Sennin, couldn’t he at least play with his past self?
"What do you an?"
"What? Not daring to play?"
"Hmph! Cheap tactics. I dare, but are you daring enough to bet your Tenseigan?"
Tobirama from Parallel World 1 wasn’t stupid either. He scoffed and deliberately raised the stakes.
He didn’t fully understand the changes in Hiruzen and Danzō in this world, but he was very willing to seize the chance to bet on the Tenseigan.
If he could obtain it, Tobirama from Parallel World 1 already imagined the glorious scene where he’d get the Tenseigan and punch his brother while kicking old Madara.
"I can bet the Tenseigan. Then what can you bet as equal compensation?"
"..."
Tobirama from Parallel World 1 fell silent for a mont, thinking.
He realized he truly had no equal bet.
What he had, his future self also had; moreover, the Tenseigan’s value was so high, even selling himself wouldn’t be enough.
The only thing he had that Tobirama from Parallel World 2 didn’t was...
No, no, no.
No matter how despicable Tobirama from Parallel World 1 was, he wouldn’t bet Naori or Izuna. You couldn’t lend your car or wife, let alone give them away.
Just then, Mito beside them finally couldn’t take it anymore and whispered a warning:
"Tobirama, don’t get addicted to gambling!"
Both Tobiramas, upon hearing their sister-in-law’s scolding, instinctively bowed their heads.
Tobirama from Parallel World 2 quickly explained:
"No addiction! This isn’t gambling, we’re just guessing who’ll win, just for fun..."
"Right, right, too!"
Mito frowned. If not for Lux being here, she’d have already pinched Tobirama’s ear and lectured him.
A Hokage who ruled all of Konoha and the future of the ninja world—what would beco of him if he turned into a gambler?
"In any case, you can’t bet real items, and don’t get addicted to this."
Both Tobiramas imdiately nodded in agreent, becoming more obedient.
"Yes!"
"Then how do we play?"
"Like this: whoever wins gets one unconditional request from the loser."
"What kind of request? Don’t tell you’ll..."
"The limit is not endangering others’ lives or their loved ones. How? You’re not afraid, are you?"
"This... acceptable."
"Alright then, I’ll pick first." Tobirama from Parallel World 2 said happily, "I bet on Hiruzen winning!"
"Why do you pick first? You’re the host, with all the informational advantages—you should let pick first!"
Tobirama from Parallel World 1 objected and protested imdiately.
"Fine, then you pick first."
"..." Seeing his other self agree so quickly, the younger Tobirama grew suspicious, but after a mont’s thought, he still chose.
"I bet on Danzō winning!"
"Are you sure? Want to change your mind?"
"Sure! Stop talking, it’s decided."
Tobirama from Parallel World 1 knew himself well.
This cunning, ruthless version of himself was clearly playing psychological warfare from the start!
He actually favored Danzō, so he bet on Hiruzen, predicting his younger self would protest and demand to pick first, thus being tricked into picking Hiruzen.
Unfortunately, he’d already predicted that too.
In short, he predicted his own prediction about his own prediction’s prediction...
This ti, he was definitely above it all!
No way he could be wrong!
"Then fine. I still bet on Hiruzen winning. The bet is set, with Lord as witness, so don’t try any cheating."
"Hmph! Better worry about yourself, don’t lose and refuse to admit it!"
"We’ll see."
Tobirama from Parallel World 2 gave a faint smile, saying nothing.
Did he not understand his younger self’s little sche? He’d already predicted all of Tobirama from Parallel World 1’s predictions.
From the start, he genuinely favored Hiruzen.
All the earlier psychological warfare was just a trick.
"Ginger—older is spicier!"
"Ugh..."
Instantly, both Tobiramas began happily imagining how they’d maximize that "request" to dominate their other self after winning.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
At the sa ti, on the arena below, the first semifinal officially began amid roaring audience cheers like crashing waves.
"Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu!" (Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!)
Hiruzen launched the attack, raising his hand to form seals and imdiately releasing a fire technique.
The fireball was even smoother and more refined than those released by Uchiha ninja.
"Fūton: Shinkūha!" (Wind Release: Vacuum Wave!)
Danzō countered with wind, releasing a sharp air blast like a scythe that sliced straight through the giant fireball.
"Katon: Gōryūka no Jutsu!" (Fire Release: Great Dragon Fire Technique!)
"Fūton: Shinkū Gyoku!" (Wind Release: Vacuum Sphere!)
"Combined Ninjutsu: Doryū Enryū!" (Earth and Fire Release: Earth Dragon Fla Projectile!)
"Fūton: Shinkū Renpa!" (Wind Release: Vacuum Barrage!)
Instantly, these two of Konoha’s finest young ninja were locked in fierce combat. Their various ninjutsu flowed smoothly and seamlessly.
Two chakras—red and bluish-green—clashed and rged wildly. Waves of heat and sharp wind pressure collided, exploding into thousands of fireballs spreading like teors, like dozens of high-explosive bombs detonating on the stage.
In an instant, the giant arena was shattered into pieces.
Fortunately, both were experienced ninja, continuously dodging and reinforcing their bodies with chakra.
The Four Violet Flas Formation contained the remnants of the attacks. Otherwise, the shockwaves alone would’ve caused ordinary people to bleed from seven orifices and destroy their internal organs.
Yet, while most spectators cheered for the dazzling ninjutsu clash, a few elite ninja could spot the weakness.
Though both seed evenly matched for now, every collision between wind and fire caused the fire to grow stronger from the wind.
In the elental chakra cycle of creation and destruction, fire naturally overcos wind.
Therefore, Danzō had to consu more chakra to release larger wind techniques in resistance. Yet, despite this, he couldn’t stop the arena’s temperature from continuously rising.
In such an environnt, wind techniques would only grow stronger.
This was why Danzō, a wind-elent expert, could only match Hiruzen’s fire. Despite his higher mastery of wind, he couldn’t overco the natural law favoring fire.
Not to ntion, Hiruzen was also skilled in all five elental ninjutsu.
He could occasionally use stronger dual-elent combination techniques to counter and disrupt Danzō’s moves.
"Katon: Karyū Endan!" (Fire Release: Fire Dragon Fla Bullet!)
Seizing the mont, Hiruzen unleashed a stronger high-level fire technique. A fierce fire dragon erupted from his mouth.
With Hiruzen’s modifications and enhancents, he could not only control the fire dragon to split and attack, but also condense and strengthen it.
As a result, the deep red flas turned golden-white, their core temperature rapidly exceeding two thousand degrees—hot enough to instantly lt steel!
This scene shocked many watching Uchiha ninja.
It was the first ti they’d seen a ninja from another clan unleash fire power to this level.
He’d elevated the basic Fire Dragon Fla Bullet to a qualitative change, as powerful as a humanoid planet engine.
The massive golden-white fire dragon nearly covered half the arena.
This equaled a single fire technique capable of burning an entire football field, turning the ground to charcoal.
Just this one technique alone, across the ninja world, seed few could withstand.
And Hiruzen, still in his twenties, hadn’t even reached his pri.
At his peak, Hiruzen was at least a top-tier Kage-level expert, nearly touching the Super Kage threshold. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have given Ōnoki such a hard ti.
Of course, Ōnoki had greater stamina than Hiruzen; his power decline with age wasn’t as severe.
That’s why elderly Hiruzen appeared weaker than elderly Ōnoki.
If he faced pri Hiruzen, below Super Kage level, seemingly no one could withstand his single Five Elents Continuous Bombs technique.
In other words, Hiruzen was the highest limit achievable by normal ninja; those stronger than him only used cheats.
Tobirama from Parallel World 2 himself knew this well.
During this period, Tobirama had witnessed Hiruzen’s remarkable progress in mastering five-elent ninjutsu.
Whether due to the helplessness he felt during the Kinkaku and Ginkaku pursuit, his body undergoing rapid growth and change, or the pressure and responsibility he felt after becoming Hokage—
In short, Hiruzen’s improvent during this ti was indeed rapid.
Added to continuous training with Kagami and direct guidance from the still-living Tobirama,
Hiruzen’s progress could be called extraordinary. He far surpassed Koharu and others, gaining astonishing Kage-level strength!
Compared to Danzō, who served as a spy in Sunagakure with limited power growth, Hiruzen clearly had the advantage.
This was the main reason Tobirama from Parallel World 2 bet on Hiruzen’s victory.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
At the sa ti, facing his friend’s terrifying fire techniques, Danzō refused to back down.
He quickly ford hand seals, took a deep breath, then suddenly exhaled, creating the world’s number one "pursed-lip" mouth technique.
"Fūton: Shinkū Dai Gyoku!" (Wind Release: Great Vacuum Sphere!)
A massive high-pressure wind sphere shot forward, like dozens of invisible rockets, slamming directly into the giant golden-white fire dragon.
*BOOM!*
Air boiled, the arena cracked.
The originally solid arena was brutally shattered by nurous wind blades, while simultaneously scorched by extre heat. In this repeated cycle, nearly half the giant arena was reduced to ash—truly terrifying.
Yet, the astonishing Giant Vacuum Sphere only managed to hold back the Fire Dragon Fla Bullet for a few seconds.
It quickly weakened, gradually pushed back by the fire dragon.
Clearly, despite "pursing his lips" higher, Danzō’s lung capacity and chakra were far below Hiruzen’s.
Within just ten seconds, the Fire Dragon Fla Bullet had completely consud the invisible Giant Vacuum Sphere, expanding further and engulfing Danzō in the distance.
Hiruzen quickly stopped his technique.
Though he knew Danzō wouldn’t die with Tobirama present, he still felt worried.
After all, when ninjutsu reached such a scale, no one could guarantee 100% safety.
Amid the blazing smoke, after the flas and smoke cleared, a tallic umbrella-like object still stood upright on the scorched ground.
*CRACK-CRACK-CRACK!*
The sound of tal grinding suddenly echoed.
Danzō abruptly stood, folding his right prosthetic arm, which had transford into a shield umbrella.
And he smirked coldly at the distant Hiruzen:
"A powerful fire ninjutsu—you’ve beco this strong too."
"But... Hiruzen, tis have changed!"
Danzō’s prosthetic right arm transford again, becoming a pitch-black laser cannon. He aid it straight at Hiruzen’s left kidney—and fired!
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