Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm

Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm

Chapter 13: The Wrath of the Professor

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Chapter 17- Shadows of Conspiracy is Out! in my Patren.

Chapter 18- Calm Before the Storm- Journey to Kiri is Out!

Chapter 19- Undercover in the Land of Water is Out!

Chapter 20- Life of a undercover agent is Out!

Chapter 21: Into the Heart of the Mist is Out!

Chapter 22: The Crucible of Shadows is out!

Chapter 23: In the Lion's Den is Out!!!!

Author's Note:

Writing this chapter has been an incredible journey. It's the longest chapter yet, and I poured a lot of effort into capturing the intensity and depth of the battle. Seeing the Third Hokage in action was both thrilling and challenging to write, and I hope it conveyed the awe and power I imagined. I wanted to recrete what it would be like, when hiruzen is fighting 10 years before the manga.

Thank you all for your continued support and encouragement. Your feedback and comments mean the world to me, so please share your thoughts on this chapter. Let's continue this adventure together!

Happy reading!

Naruto's POV

The Hokage stepped forward, his voice clear and authoritative. "Kazuma, you are surrounded. Surrender now and spare your comrades further suffering."

As Kazuma and his group turned, they were shocked to see someone had entered their perimeter unnoticed. All were alarmed and took their respective weapons, but when they saw it was not a group of shinobi but a singular figure, a few relaxed. However, a bead of sweat formed on Zabuza's forehead. He stiffened, his hand immediately going to the handle of Kubikiribōchō, yet there was a hint of fear in his eyes. Even the ever-confident Kisame tensed, a serious expression taking over his face.

Kazuma tried to mask his unease with a smirk. "Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Professor himself. I must admit, I didn't expect you to come personally. But surrender? That's not an option."

Then, an inhuman killing intent paralyzed the whole clearing, originating from the Third Hokage. I was sweating, feeling an overwhelming sense of dread. What was this? Was this amount of killing intent humanly possible? The pressure was so intense that a few weaker missing-nin even slit their own throats in manic fear, unable to withstand the oppressive aura.

To counter it, Zabuza, Kisame, and Kazuma leveled their own killing intent, but it still fell short. Kisame, with his monstrous chakra, managed to momentarily overwhelm the oppressive force. The tension was palpable; everyone was on edge, ready to react.

Then, the Third Hokage unleashed an inhuman amount of chakra, cracking the ground and trees around us. I was stunned. I thought his chakra, while immense, was only one-fourth the size of Kisame's, but now it rivaled and even surpassed it slightly. Many enemy shinobi were foaming at the mouth, the pressure of his chakra too much for them to bear, while the rest were on their knees, struggling to breathe. I realized I was witnessing the Second Coming of the God of Shinobi. Hiruzen Sarutobi was not merely an S-rank or even a high S-rank; he was regarded as a mid to high SS-rank shinobi in the bingo book. This was the power of a true predator in the shinobi world.

Watching this unfold, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of awe and fear. The Hokage was showing us why he was called the Professor and the God of Shinobi. His power was unmatched, and his control over his chakra was absolute. I saw Zabuza and Kisame try to level their killing intent against him, but it was like comparing a stream to an ocean. The sheer pressure of the Hokage's presence was overwhelming.

Kisame, like the bull he is, charged at the Hokage, lighting the metaphorical spark that ignited the tinderbox. The response was swift; Lord Third with his bōken (staff) clashed with Samehada. It was ludicrous to see an old, short man holding a staff taller than him and stopping the large Samehada with practiced ease. I didn't stand back. From the countless training sessions they endured as the Seven Swordsmen, Kisame coordinated with Zabuza and moved from his back left to decapitate the Hokage with Kubikiribōchō (the Executioner's Blade). The Hokage, amidst the power struggle, ducked and gave Zabuza a chakra-enhanced kick with more force than I had ever seen, fracturing a rib and sending him flying.

In that moment, I realized just how outmatched they were. Hiruzen Sarutobi was a legend for a reason. The control he had over his chakra was unparalleled, and his ability to read and counter their moves was almost supernatural. The fear I saw in Zabuza's eyes and the tension in Kisame's stance spoke volumes. This was not just another mission; this was a confrontation with one of the greatest shinobi in history.

As I tried to regain my composure, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of awe and terror. The Hokage's power was overwhelming, and the sheer pressure of his presence was enough to make even the strongest of us falter. This was a battle they were not prepared for, and the realization of that hit me harder than any physical blow.

Seeing the Hokage dominate the battlefield with such ease made it clear why he was revered as the God of Shinobi. His prowess was unmatched, and his determination to protect his village and its people was unwavering. In that moment, I understood the true meaning of strength and what it took to be a shinobi of his caliber. The odds were against us, and the only thing we could do was to fight with everything we had, hoping for a miracle or a chance to escape this nightmare.

Zabuza's POV

Zabuza's POV

When I was told we'd be paid 10 million ryo for a safe extraction and securing mission, I was skeptical. But the source was reliable, and 30% of the amount was given upfront, so I agreed. The mission itself was shocking. One of the 12 Guardian Shinobi of the Daimyo had extracted from Konoha and delivered Kazuma to a safe bunker in the Land of Rivers, despite the all-out kill order from Konoha. To ensure success, I hired Kisame to tag along, leaving Haku behind since this mission was beyond his skill level.

But now, I curse the moment I took this mission. Not even in my worst nightmares did I want to confront the Professor, the sensei of the Sannin themselves, the student of the Senju Devil Second Hokage, and the master of all five elements who is an SS-rank flee-on-sight threat. Recognizing him, I felt my heart sink. What had this fool Kazuma done to have the Nidaime Kami no Shinobi himself hunting him? The only solace was that he was not in his prime.

However, that fantasy quickly vanished. The monstrous amount of killing intent he leveled at us made me feel like a genin facing a Kage. I had fought many S-rank shinobi and escaped to tell the tale, but never an SS-rank. They are a dying breed in the shinobi world, and he is one of the last known SS ranks alongside the Tsuchikage.

We responded with our killing intent, Kisame alone putting out five times the amount we leveled in response, but still, we couldn't reach his level. We managed, though, but Kisame, the monster he is, responded with his Bijuu-level chakra projection, which gave us some relief. But that relief was short-lived. The monster among monsters outpassed even Kisame's chakra and overpowered it. His chakra rivaled and even eclipsed Kisame's by a bit, but what truly frightened me to my core was the amount of control he wielded over it. I was sure that with the ocean worth of chakra he wielded, he could control every drop, unlike Kisame, who could hardly control a pond.

It was almost comical, the difference in power and control. Here was Kisame, the so-called "Tailless Tailed Beast," a man who could turn a battlefield into his own personal aquarium, and yet he was being overshadowed by an old man who looked like he should be retired and reading bedtime stories to grandchildren. No wonder there is no known jutsu in Konoha, except for hijutsu (special techniques), that he doesn't know and hasn't mastered.

Just thinking about it made me feel like a child who had been caught stealing cookies. The sheer absurdity of our situation was almost enough to make me laugh. Almost. If it weren't for the fact that one wrong move could spell our end. This wasn't a game. It was a reminder that in the world of shinobi, power wasn't just about raw strength; it was about mastery, control, and experience. And in all those areas, the Third Hokage stood unrivaled.

I watched as Kisame tensed, his grip on Samehada tightening. The beast of a man was always confident, always ready for a fight, but even he seemed to recognize the gravity of our predicament. This wasn't just another mission. This was a clash with one of the greatest legends of the shinobi world.

Kisame's chakra, monstrous as it was, surged forward like a tidal wave, attempting to match the Hokage's overwhelming presence. Yet, despite his best efforts, it was like trying to fight the ocean with a bucket. The ground cracked, the air shimmered with raw power, and for a moment, I could almost feel sorry for Kazuma. Almost.

The reality of our situation was sinking in. We were up against the Professor, the monster among monster. And now, all we could do was hope to survive the storm we had unwittingly walked into.

Third Person POV

"Kisame, Zabuza," Hiruzen said, his voice steady. "You should have known better than to involve yourselves in this."

Kisame grinned, his shark-like teeth gleaming. "You talk too much, old man. Let's see if you can back it up."

Kisame swung Samehada again, but Hiruzen deflected it effortlessly. Zabuza, recovering from the kick, charged in again, trying to coordinate with Kisame. But Hiruzen was already moving, his body a blur of motion.

"Fūton: Shinkū Renpa!" (Wind Release: Vacuum Serial Waves) Hiruzen exhaled multiple sharp blades of wind that forced Zabuza and Kisame to dodge, breaking their formation.

Kazuma, seeing an opening, launched himself at Hiruzen with his sword and called out, "Fūton: Kaze no Sura!" (Wind Release: Slash of the Wind). The blade, enhanced by wind chakra, cut through the air with a sharp whistle, only to be met with a powerful strike from Hiruzen's staff, sending Kazuma sprawling to the ground like a child trying to hit with a wooden sword.

Hiruzen then turned his attention back to Kisame, who was already preparing a massive water jutsu. "Suiton: Dai Bakusui Shōha!" (Water Release: Great Exploding Water Colliding Wave). A massive wave of water surged forward, threatening to engulf everything.

Hiruzen countered with a combination of earth and fire techniques. "Doton: Doryūheki!" (Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall) created a massive barrier that absorbed the impact of the wave, followed by "Katon: Karyū Endan!" (Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet) that turned the remaining water into steam, creating a thick mist.

Using the cover of the steam, Hiruzen moved with incredible speed. "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" (Shadow Clone Technique) He created multiple clones that engaged Zabuza and Kisame simultaneously.

Kisame swung Samehada wildly, absorbing chakra from the clones, but Hiruzen's mastery of bojutsu and taijutsu was evident. Each strike from his staff was precise and powerful, breaking through their defenses. Zabuza attempted to decapitate one of the clones, but it dispersed into smoke, and from behind it came a massive fireball.

"Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu!" (Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique) A massive fireball erupted from Hiruzen's mouth, aimed directly at Zabuza. Zabuza barely managed to block it with his sword, the force of the impact sending him skidding back.

Hiruzen didn't let up. He followed the fireball with a swift "Raiton: Raikyū!" (Lightning Release: Lightning Ball), a sphere of crackling electricity that he threw at Kisame. The shark-man dodged, but the ball exploded, sending arcs of lightning across the wet ground, shocking several of the remaining enemy shinobi.

Using the chaos, Hiruzen seamlessly transitioned into genjutsu. "Kokuangyo no Jutsu!" (Bringer-of-Darkness Technique) cast a veil of pitch-black darkness over the area, plunging Zabuza and Kisame into a state of sensory deprivation. He then started swiftly dispatching the remaining enemy shinobi, his strikes lethal and precise.

Zabuza, no stranger to fighting in the dark, immediately activated his "Hidden Mist Technique" to obscure himself further. However, Hiruzen anticipated this and had already laid traps with explosive tags. As Zabuza moved, several tags detonated, forcing him to retreat.

Kisame, relying on his raw power, began swinging Samehada to dispel the genjutsu, but Hiruzen was relentless. He capitalized on Kisame's distraction with another earth technique, "Doton: Yomi Numa!" (Earth Release: Swamp of the Underworld), turning the ground beneath Kisame into a sticky, viscous swamp.

Kisame's movements were hindered, and he struggled to free himself. Zabuza, trying to assist, used "Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu!" (Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet) to attack Hiruzen, but the Hokage countered with "Suiton: Suijinheki!" (Water Release: Water Wall), blocking the dragon. Only four combatants remained in the now massive clearing of craters; the rest lay dead.

Hiruzen then launched a coordinated attack with his clones. "Shuriken Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" (Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique) A barrage of shuriken multiplied in the air, raining down on Zabuza and Kisame. Kisame managed to absorb some of the chakra-infused shuriken with Samehada, but the sheer number overwhelmed him and pierced his body. Samehada healed him rapidly, but the constant attacks took their toll.

Hiruzen's clones pressed the advantage, each wielding a bōken with the same skill as the original. They surrounded Kisame and Zabuza, their strikes synchronized and relentless. Kisame, with his immense strength, broke through several clones, but the real Hiruzen was always ten steps ahead.

"Katon: Enshō Sensha!" (Fire Release: Flame Chariot) Hiruzen created a chariot of flames that he rode towards Kisame, the fire scorching everything in its path. Kisame swung Samehada to absorb the fire, but Hiruzen used the moment to close the distance.

In a swift and decisive move, Hiruzen used a combination technique. "Raiton: Gian!" (Lightning Release: False Darkness) combined with "Fūton: Atsugai!" (Wind Release: Pressure Damage). The high-pressure wind carried the lightning, creating a devastating storm that struck Kisame directly. Kisame staggered, his body convulsing from the electrical shock, even causing Samehada to twitch and convulse.

Zabuza, seeing Kisame in trouble, charged again, but Hiruzen was ready. "Doton: Iwagakure no Jutsu!" (Earth Release: Hiding in Rock Technique) He melded into the ground, reappearing behind Zabuza with a devastating "Ōkashō!" (Cherry Blossom Impact) punch that sent Zabuza crashing into a tree.

The battle was intense, and it was clear Hiruzen was dominating and toying with them. Kazuma, trying to exploit a perceived opening, rushed at Hiruzen again, only to be caught in a paralyzing genjutsu, "Magen: Narakumi no Jutsu!" (Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Technique). Kazuma screamed as he was confronted with his worst fears.

Kisame and Zabuza regrouped, realizing they were outmatched. "We need to retreat," Zabuza growled.

Kisame, seeing an opening, charged at Hiruzen again. This time, Hiruzen met him head-on. "Enma!" he called out, summoning the Monkey King, who transformed into a staff.

With Enma in hand, Hiruzen engaged Kisame directly. Each clash between Enma and Samehada sent shockwaves through the ground, the sheer power of their strikes creating craters. Kazuma tried to join the fray, but Hiruzen effortlessly knocked him aside each time.

Kisame's overwhelming chakra filled the air, but Hiruzen's precise control and mastery of ninjutsu kept him at bay. "Raiton: Shiden!" (Lightning Release: Purple Electricity). Enma crackled with electricity as Hiruzen struck Samehada, momentarily stunning Kisame.

Seizing the opportunity, Hiruzen again performed "Doton: Yomi Numa!" (Earth Release: Swamp of the Underworld), turning the ground beneath Kisame into a sticky, viscous swamp. Kisame struggled, his monstrous strength barely keeping him from being swallowed.

Zabuza, seeing Kisame's struggle, tried to assist with a "Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu!" (Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique). A massive dragon-shaped torrent of water surged towards Hiruzen. Hiruzen countered with "Suiton: Suijinheki!" (Water Release: Water Wall), forming a barrier that absorbed the attack.

Kisame roared in frustration, breaking free from the swamp and swinging Samehada with all his might. Hiruzen met the strike head-on with Enma, the impact creating a massive shockwave that sent debris flying.

Hiruzen's experience and skill began to shine through. He found a rhythm, using a combination of ninjutsu, taijutsu, and bojutsu to gradually wear Kisame down. "Katon: Hōsenka Tsumabeni!" (Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Flower Nail Crimson). Small fireballs, each with a shuriken hidden inside, flew towards Kisame, forcing him to defend.

Finally, Hiruzen identified a crucial weakness. Samehada's ability to absorb chakra had a limit. Timing his next move perfectly, Hiruzen launched "Fūton: Daitoppa!" (Wind Release: Great Breakthrough), a powerful gust of wind that disrupted Kisame's balance, followed by "Katon: Gōenkyū!" (Fire Release: Great Flame Sphere), a massive fireball that Samehada couldn't fully absorb.

The explosion sent Kisame reeling, his body smoking from the impact. Zabuza, realizing the tide had turned, made a quick decision. "Kisame, we need to retreat!"

Kazuma tried one last desperate attack, but Hiruzen easily subdued him with a precise kick. As Kazuma lay defeated, Hiruzen turned his gaze to Zabuza and Kisame, who were retreating.

While retreating, desperate to turn the tide, Kisame began forming hand signs. "Suiton: Suirō Sameodori no Jutsu!" (Water Release: Water Prison Shark Dance Technique). A gigantic water prison formed, engulfing the battlefield. Hiruzen remained calm, having already anticipated this move.

Kisame sent a few water sharks toward Hiruzen, but they hit a substituted shadow clone and puffed out of existence. Kisame looked around frantically, searching for the real Hiruzen. He saw five clones of the Hokage outside the gigantic water ball, each performing hand seals.

In unison, they called out, "Gōton: Gōka Kyūsa!" (Five Style: Massive Combo Jutsu). The clones unleashed a coordinated attack, combining all five elemental styles.

A torrent of fire, water, earth, wind, and lightning assaulted Kisame simultaneously. The sheer power of the combined elements an SS rank jutsu distorted and electrocuted Kisame, the force overwhelming Samehada's absorbing capabilities and severely injuring both Kisame and his sword.

The combined attack was a sheer display of raw power. The elements distorted, electrocuted, and pulverized the water prison, shattering it into a torrent of chaotic energy. Kisame was caught in the maelstrom, his body wracked with pain as the relentless barrage overwhelmed Samehada's ability to absorb chakra.

As the dust settled, Kisame and Zabuza, battered and bleeding, realized they were outmatched. Zabuza nodded, his eyes narrowed. "Agreed. This isn't a fight we can win."

As the dust settled, the surviving enemy shinobi who had witnessed the battle lay defeated or unconscious. Hiruzen Sarutobi stood victorious, his presence a testament to his unmatched skill and power. The legend of the Professor had been reaffirmed, and those who witnessed it would never forget the might of the Third Hokage.

Kisame's POV

Today, I saw why these tree-huggers won their war. The old man, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was a monster among monsters. I would never have believed it without witnessing it myself. As the battle raged, I realized that even with my monstrous chakra and Samehada by my side, this old man was toying with us. He wasn't even using his full power.

In a last-ditch effort, bleeding and injured, I gathered what strength I had left. Hiruzen had targeted Samehada relentlessly, and even my sword was injured and unable to fully heal me. The Professor, with his keen intellect, had figured out how Samehada healed. He punctured the shark points on my body using his fist infused with fire chakra. It was akin to the Hyuga's Gentle Fist technique but rather than precision, it was trial and error. Samehada couldn't heal me properly, though it still provided chakra.

I decided to use the fallen water from my "Suiton: Suirō Sameodori no Jutsu!" (Water Release: Water Prison Shark Dance Technique). Instead of holding it to form a gigantic water ball, I converted it into fifteen water dragons, each one roaring with destructive power. The dragons surged in every direction, creating chaos and opening a path for our escape.

I knew executing a jutsu of this caliber would exhaust me, but I trusted Zabuza to carry me to safety. Summoning the last of my strength, I signaled Zabuza. He understood immediately and moved to my side, preparing to assist in our retreat.

The water dragons tore through the battlefield, their immense power causing even Hiruzen to pause momentarily to counter them. Each dragon struck with the force of a tidal wave, crashing through the trees and earth, creating a chaotic scene of destruction. The diversion worked perfectly.

"Now, Zabuza!" I shouted, my voice strained.

Zabuza was already there, grabbing my arm and hoisting me over his shoulder. Despite his own injuries, he moved swiftly and efficiently, carrying me away from the battlefield. We navigated through the destruction caused by the water dragons, slipping through the chaos towards the safety of the forest.

As we escaped, I glanced back at the battlefield. Hiruzen stood there, a formidable figure amidst the wreckage, his eyes following our retreat. Even from a distance, I could feel his gaze, a reminder of the overwhelming power he possessed. The old man was indeed a monster, a force of nature that I would never willingly cross again.

As we continued our escape, the realization settled in my mind. Hiruzen Sarutobi was a legend for a reason, and today, I had learned just how dangerous the Third Hokage truly was. We were retreating swiftly, but the urge to glance back was irresistible. Suddenly, we felt a surge of monstrous chakra and heard an ear-splitting roar.

Turning back, we saw in the clearing a typhoon of fire and electricity. The inferno was a terrifying combination of fire, wind, and lightning, swirling together in a devastating dance of destruction. The sheer magnitude of the jutsu was mind-boggling. It pulverized the water dragons as if they were nothing more than paper, evaporating them instantly in a blinding flash of steam and sparks.

The sky lit up with the blinding brightness of the combined elements, and the ground shook violently beneath our feet. Trees were uprooted and flung aside like toys, their trunks shattering into splinters. The air was filled with the deafening roar of the elements clashing and the crackle of lightning. It was as if nature itself had turned against us, driven by the will of this one man.

Zabuza and I exchanged horrified glances. This was beyond anything we had ever seen. The raw power, the precision, the absolute control—Hiruzen Sarutobi was truly a monster among monsters. Even Kisame, with his bijuu-level chakra, seemed insignificant in comparison to the overwhelming force the Hokage had unleashed.

"This... this is insane," I muttered, my voice barely audible over the cacophony. "That old man... he's not human."

Zabuza nodded, his face pale. "We need to move faster. If he catches up to us, we're done for."

Despite our injuries and exhaustion, we pushed ourselves to the limit, driven by sheer survival instinct. The sounds of the elemental typhoon faded as we put more distance between ourselves and the battlefield, but the image of that terrifying power was seared into my memory.

Even in my weakened state, I couldn't help but admire the Hokage's mastery. He had turned the tide of the battle with sheer force of will and a depth of skill that was truly awe-inspiring. It was no wonder that Konoha had won the wars, with a leader like him at the helm.

As we finally reached a safe distance, Zabuza set me down gently, both of us gasping for breath. "That was too close," he said, his voice trembling slightly.

I nodded, every movement sending waves of pain through my body. "We underestimated him," I admitted. "Hiruzen Sarutobi is on a different level. We were outmatched from the start."

Zabuza glanced back towards the distant clearing, the glow of the elemental storm still visible on the horizon. "Let's hope we never have to face him again."

The fear of god and respect I felt for the Third Hokage were now deeply ingrained. Today, I had seen the true power of a legend, a god among shinobi, and it was a lesson I would never forget. Truly, the second coming of the God of Shinobi. But then, what would a true god look like? Even the Professor had not touched the level of his sensei, Tobirama Senju, a High SS to touching SSS rank. And what about Madara Uchiha, the Ghost of the Uchiha clan, an SSS rank shinobi who could cause natural disasters on a whim? Or the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, the True God among shinobi who defeated Madara and the strongest of the Bijuu at the same time. What must his chakra level be like? Even the Fourth Hokage, who defeated the Nine-Tails while this monster could not, seemed to belong to a different plane of existence.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was not just a shinobi; he was a force of nature, a living embodiment of destruction. And in that moment, I knew that crossing paths with him again would be a fate worse than death. The fear and awe I felt for him were unlike anything I had ever experienced. As I retreated, injured and humbled, I realized that today had changed everything. The Third Hokage had shown me the true meaning of power that made him one of the greatest shinobi to ever live.

As Zabuza and I made our escape, the adrenaline began to fade, and I couldn't help but let out a chuckle despite the pain. "Zabuza, remind me never to underestimate these tree-hugging shinobi again. They may act all peaceful and noble, but when it comes down to it, they're monsters."

Zabuza, still catching his breath, gave a dry laugh in response. "Yeah, Kisame, and I thought we were the bad guys. Turns out we might just be the warm-up act for these so-called protectors of peace. And they us monsters"

Naruto's POV

I watched in shock and disbelief as the battle unfolded. This was the first time I had ever seen such powerful jutsu, let alone A-rank, S-rank, or even SS-rank techniques. It felt like witnessing a force of nature. Every clash between Hiruzen and the enemy shinobi sent shockwaves through the air, making it hard to believe this was real and not some exaggerated tale.

When the Third Hokage summoned Enma, the Monkey King, and he transformed into a staff, my eyes widened. The sheer power and presence that Hiruzen commanded were overwhelming. Each strike with Enma against Kisame's Samehada shook the ground. It was a testament to the sheer force of their battle.

Kazuma, who I thought was unbeatable after seeing him fight Asuma and Tatsuo, was handled like a mere child by Hiruzen. Every attempt Kazuma made to join the fight was effortlessly thwarted, leaving him sprawled on the ground. It was almost surreal to see someone so formidable reduced to such a state.

Kisame was another story entirely. His chakra was monstrous, unlike anything I had ever felt. The way he wielded Samehada, absorbing chakra from Hiruzen's clones, was terrifying. Yet, Hiruzen's mastery of ninjutsu, taijutsu, and bojutsu kept him at bay. The moment when Hiruzen used "Raiton: Shiden" to stun Samehada was brilliant, showcasing the Hokage's strategic genius.

The "Doton: Yomi Numa" that turned the ground beneath Kisame into a swamp was eye-opening. Watching Kisame struggle against it, his raw strength barely keeping him afloat, was both thrilling and frightening. Hiruzen seamlessly transitioned between jutsu, countering every move with precision and power.

Seeing "Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu" crash into Hiruzen's "Suiton: Suijinheki" was spectacular. The force of these techniques clashing created a massive explosion of water and steam, momentarily obscuring the battlefield. When Hiruzen launched "Shuriken Kage Bunshin no Jutsu," the sky seemed to rain shuriken. Kisame managed to absorb some with Samehada, but the sheer number overwhelmed him, piercing his body. Yet, Samehada's healing abilities kicked in, and Kisame continued to fight with a ferocity that was hard to comprehend.

Hiruzen creating a "Katon: Enshō Sensha" and riding it towards Kisame was awe-inspiring. The chariot of flames scorched everything in its path. Even though Kisame absorbed some of the fire with Samehada, it allowed Hiruzen to close the distance and strike with devastating precision.

The combination of "Raiton: Gian" and "Fūton: Atsugai" was the most spectacular. The high-pressure wind carried the lightning, creating a devastating storm that struck Kisame directly. Kisame staggered, his body convulsing from the electrical shock, even Samehada writhing from the overload. Seeing Hiruzen blend all these techniques so seamlessly was a sight to behold.

Kazuma's final desperate attack was quickly neutralized by Hiruzen's genjutsu, "Magen: Narakumi no Jutsu." Watching Kazuma scream in terror as he confronted his worst fears was chilling.

As the battle reached its climax, Kisame began forming hand signs for "Suiton: Suirō Sameodori no Jutsu," creating a gigantic water prison. But Hiruzen anticipated this move. When Kisame sent water sharks toward Hiruzen, they hit substituted shadow clones and puffed out of existence. Kisame looked around frantically and saw five clones of the Hokage outside the water ball, each performing hand seals.

In unison, they called out, "Gōton: Gōka Kyūsa!" The clones unleashed a coordinated attack, combining all five elemental styles. A torrent of fire, water, earth, wind, and lightning assaulted Kisame simultaneously. The sheer power of the combined elements distorted and electrocuted Kisame, overwhelming Samehada's absorbing capabilities and severely injuring both Kisame and his sword. Another set of clones launched different elemental attacks, ensuring Kisame was caught in a relentless barrage.

As I watched, my heart pounded in my chest. I had never seen anything like this before. Kisame's earlier jutsu, the Water Prison Shark Dance Technique, was already a high S-rank technique. Seeing it in action had been terrifying and awe-inspiring. The sheer scale of his power was something I could barely comprehend.

But now, to witness Hiruzen Sarutobi unleash an SS-rank jutsu in response—it was beyond anything I could have imagined. The way he commanded all five elemental styles simultaneously, the raw power and precision of his attacks, it was like watching a force of nature.

This was the true power of a legend, a god among shinobi. The Professor was in a league of his own, effortlessly countering Kisame's monstrous abilities and turning the tide of battle with sheer skill and experience.

For the first time, I truly understood the gap between myself and these monsters.

As the dust settled, the battlefield was clear. The Third Hokage's presence alone was a testament to his unparalleled power and strategic brilliance. The clash between titans had ended, and Hiruzen Sarutobi stood victorious, a living legend in the annals of shinobi history.

I saw Kisame muster his remaining strength. His body was battered and bleeding, but he wasn't giving up. I could feel the immense chakra he was gathering, and it made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

"Suiton: Suirō Sameodori no Jutsu!" (Water Release: Water Prison Shark Dance Technique). But this time, instead of forming a single gigantic water prison, Kisame converted the massive water ball into fifteen ferocious water dragons. The dragons surged in all directions, their sheer size and power tearing through the battlefield with destructive force.

The perimeter we had carefully maintained was instantly shattered. The water dragons rampaged through the clearing, their powerful jaws snapping and crashing into everything in their path. I watched in horror as the dragons decimated everything, the ground shaking beneath their might.

Panic surged through me. I knew I had to act to avoid getting caught in the chaos. I gathered my chakra and performed "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" (Shadow Clone Technique), creating several clones to help fend off the dragons. My clones and I launched a barrage of kunai and shuriken, trying to divert the dragons' attention, but our efforts seemed pitiful against their overwhelming power.

The other shinobi around me were doing the same, using whatever jutsu they could muster to protect themselves and each other from the onslaught. It was chaos, and for a moment, I thought we were all done for.

But then, amidst the chaos, I saw him. The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was still standing strong. With a calm determination, he began weaving hand signs at a speed I could barely follow. I watched in awe as he unleashed a technique I'd never seen before.

The air around him crackled with energy, and then it happened. Hiruzen performed a combination of "Katon: Gōka Mekkyaku!" (Fire Release: Majestic Destroyer Flame) and "Raiton: Gian!" (Lightning Release: False Darkness), creating a massive tornado of fire and lightning. The fiery whirlwind sucked in the water dragons, their forms evaporating in the intense heat and electricity.

The sheer scale and power of the jutsu left me speechless. It was a level of power I'd never imagined, let alone witnessed. The dragons were obliterated, and the battlefield was left steaming and scorched.

As the smoke and steam cleared, I saw Kisame and Zabuza retreating, their forms barely visible through the haze. They were defeated, their spirits broken. Hiruzen had shown them the true meaning of power.

For the second time, I had witnessed an SS-rank jutsu, and it left me in shock and disbelief. The power of the Third Hokage was beyond anything I could have imagined. Kazuma, who I once thought unbeatable when he fought Asuma and Tatsuo, had been handled like an annoying child. And Kisame, who seemed invincible, was forced to flee.

I felt a mix of awe and fear. This battle had shown me the true scale of power in the shinobi world, and it was both inspiring and terrifying. As we regrouped, I knew I had a long way to go, but I was determined to become stronger, to one day reach a level where I could stand alongside legends like Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn't just a shinobi; he was a force of nature. Witnessing the Professor in action, seeing him dominate such powerful foes, made me realize just how vast the world of shinobi was and how much I still had to learn. The thought of facing someone like Hiruzen in battle was terrifying, and the respect I felt for him deepened.

Then I saw the Third Hokage throw Kazuma toward Lord Choza, who was standing beside me. As a sensor, I was always close to the captain. "Detain him," Hiruzen ordered. "We're moving back to base."

Lord Third was slightly panting after using such powerful techniques back to back. Lord Choza muttered under his breath, "He's getting old." I was baffled. If this was him now, what must he have been like in his prime?

We began to move back, the weight of what I had just witnessed still heavy on my mind. The sheer power, the strategic brilliance—it was almost too much to take in. I knew that I had a long way to go, but seeing the pinnacle of what a shinobi could achieve filled me with determination. This was a day I would never forget.

Stay tuned for the next exciting episode of Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm!

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Chapter 18- Calm Before the Storm- Journey to Kiri is Out!

Chapter 19- Undercover in the Land of Water is Out!

Chapter 20- Life of a undercover agent is Out!

Chapter 21: Into the Heart of the Mist is Out!

Chapter 22: The Crucible of Shadows is out!

Chapter 23: In the Lion's Den is Out!!!!

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