Naruto: Starting by Marrying Uchiha

At that time, his strength was worthy of the level of the Five Kage.

Let alone now, at this age.

Not only does he not have the weakness of a bad back, the key point is chakra.

Being a ninja is a profession where strength declines with age.

Because chakra is extracted from cellular energy, the energy in cells during one's prime is far superior to that in old age.

Therefore, the current Onoki has much more abundant chakra than he will in the future.

With more chakra and a better body, Onoki's strength is far beyond what Takashi imagined.

If he continues to run, he might exhaust himself before depleting the opponent's chakra.

Never underestimate the means of a Kage.

The mobility of the Flame Cloak is something the opponent can't always counter, so it's better to take the initiative.

Take a gamble! Exhaust the opponent's chakra first.

Dust Release requires a bit of time to activate, so as long as he's careful, there's no need to worry about getting hit.

Crack! The test tube shattered, and the liquid inside seeped into his body.

Onoki didn't take the opportunity to attack with Dust Release; instead, he landed on the ground to observe.

He knew Takashi's Sage Mode activates extremely quickly, unlike Jiraiya's slower process, making it hard to interrupt. So, he didn't waste his efforts and instead wanted to clearly observe and gather intel.

Golden-red flame patterns rapidly spread from Takashi's forehead, and his aura surged dramatically.

Upon closer observation, one would notice that the area covered by the flame patterns was much smaller than initially.

"Let the flames purify everything!"

Takashi's pupils had turned a golden-red color.

This phrase was also a psychological cue for himself.

Used to distinguish between Sage and normal states, he didn't want to always be in Sage Mode.

Not being human! Yes, natural energy causes some changes, so it's important to clearly differentiate between the two states.

He's not like Hashirama, Jiraiya, or Naruto, who have thick-skinned personalities and aren't much affected by Sage Mode.

Though whether their personalities were influenced is uncertain.

After all, Jiraiya spent his life chasing the "Child of Prophecy" for Mount Myoboku, and Naruto is practically a saint.

Both seem quite abnormal to an average person.

With such examples, it's no wonder Takashi always says something when entering Sage Mode.

It's not that he's in the late stages of chuunibyou.

"Sage Mode, huh? Let me see how your Sage Mode differs from that guy Jiraiya's!"

Unlike others who are extremely wary of Sage Mode, Onoki was full of fighting spirit.

Strength is confidence!

Even if he's not at a super Kage level, he's at least a "strong Kage," far stronger than an average Kage.

He quickly formed hand seals.

"Earth Release: Golem Technique!"

He slammed his palms on the ground to activate this S-rank Earth Release.

Boom!

A gigantic stone golem rose from the ground beneath Onoki's feet.

It was about several dozen meters tall, equivalent to a building's height.

Terrifying! This is the power of a Kage-level ninja, capable of destroying cities and nations.

One could say that Onoki's technique might have been developed after seeing Uchiha Madara's "Gundam."

Because the technique's utility is limited.

It doesn't protect the user, nor does it amplify the power of ninjutsu.

It's just pure physical offense and defense, and no smart ninja would face it head-on, so its practical effect is limited despite its impressive appearance.

"Let me see the true strength of you, the Third Tsuchikage!"

Facing the stone golem, Takashi didn't retreat; instead, he charged forward.

His target was Onoki atop the stone golem.

The fact that the opponent didn't stay airborne was his best chance to attack.

Of course, this might also be Onoki's intention.

To lure Takashi into not dodging and engage directly.

To this, Takashi had only four words:

Bring it on!

If he were to be kited from a distance, approaching the opponent would be risky. Now, the trap set by the opponent is also his opportunity.

Whew! The massive palm of the stone giant came crashing down. Even before it hit, the accompanying gust of wind was enough to make breathing difficult and movement nearly impossible.

Fortunately, Takashi was prepared for this. He adjusted his body to adapt to the pressure and moved to the side.

For a Chunin or Genin, this situation might have been fatal before they could even react, but for a Jonin-level ninja, it wasn't much of a threat.

These slow-moving targets only looked intimidating. Once you calmed down, dealing with them wasn't too difficult.

Of course, if used for breaking through defenses or against ordinary ninjas, it would be a godsend technique.

Whoosh! The stone giant's other palm came down.

Swish! Takashi seized the opportunity to leap onto the giant arm, charging towards the stone giant's head.

With his feet firmly on the ground, it was easier to dodge Dust Release.

Sage Mode enhanced all aspects, which is why Takashi dared to engage in a direct confrontation with an experienced Kage-level opponent like Onoki.

"Kid, I admit you have the qualifications to be my opponent now!"

Standing high atop the stone giant's head, Onoki felt the threat of Sage Mode and finally changed his view of Takashi.

Previously, he had only seen him as a 'promising future' genius. Even knowing his achievements, this perception hadn't changed.

After all, he was just a teenager.

But now, facing him personally, Onoki realized that Takashi was already a formidable opponent capable of threatening him.

Ninjas don't care about age, only strength.

Realizing this, Onoki's perspective shifted.

However, this change in view also meant his killing intent intensified.

Previously, it was to eliminate a 'genius' early on; now, it was to resolve a 'threat' to the village, a naturally different mindset.

Whoosh! Takashi closed in on Onoki and threw a right punch.

"Ardent Bite!"

A blazing white flame enveloped his fist, powerful enough to melt gold and iron.

Facing Takashi's punch, Onoki formed a seal with his left hand.

"Earth Release: Rock Fist Technique!"

His right hand was covered in a thick layer of rock, and he struck directly.

Boom! The two fists collided, the terrifying force shaking the surrounding air, flames and debris flying.

The flame's temperature was indeed extreme, but it couldn't melt the rock layer on Onoki's right fist.

However, Takashi had anticipated this. He didn't think that just because Onoki liked to fly and use Dust Release, he would be weak in close combat.

A Kage-level ninja might have a specialty, but they certainly can't have a fatal weakness.

So, at the moment their fists met, Takashi pointed his left index finger at the nearby Onoki.

"Flame Finger!"

This jutsu, developed by borrowing from Sasuke's future 'Chidori Sharp Spear,' was unleashed.

The target wasn't the head.

Facing a Kage-level opponent, if it were that easy to land a headshot, the Kage title would lose its weight.

Just as Takashi could sense danger before Dust Release descended, Onoki could naturally sense it too. At the critical moment, he moved his body and used his giant right arm to block.

Whoosh! A flaming spear shot out from Takashi's index finger, but Onoki had dodged in advance, and the rock layer on his right arm deflected it, leaving only a glancing blow.

Injured! Onoki's clothing at the abdomen was destroyed by the Flame Finger, leaving a minor wound.

"As expected of Lord Tsuchikage!"

Takashi sincerely praised.

To react at such close range, even a Taijutsu-specialized Jonin might not manage.

But for someone of Onoki's age, who wasn't a Taijutsu-type ninja, to react like that was truly impressive.

"Kid, don't underestimate a Kage!"

Onoki took the initiative to attack.

Yes, despite his small stature and being a ninjutsu-type, he transformed into a berserker.

His close combat skills were exceptionally refined, giving Takashi few opportunities.

Remember, Takashi was in Sage Mode, with enhanced attributes across the board, yet he couldn't overpower Onoki, showcasing how formidable the younger Onoki was.

"Moonlight Slash!"

Takashi took a hit from Onoki to grab him.

But as soon as he injected chakra with altered properties into the target, he realized something was wrong and quickly released the earthen dummy in his grasp.

Earth Clone! At some point, Onoki had used this technique.

Simultaneously, Takashi heard a jutsu name that made his hair stand on end.

(End of Chapter)