Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

Although Raiden was caught off guard by Onoki and Atsuchi's sudden attack, he wasn't defenseless. Seeing Onoki prepare a Dust Release attack, Raiden's first instinct was to evade.

However, just as he was about to move, two enormous rock hands emerged from the ground, instantly gripping his ankles.

"When?!"

Surprised, Raiden channeled lightning chakra to shatter the rock effortlessly, vanishing from the spot. Mere seconds later, a faint white light enveloped the area he had just vacated.

Onoki's Dust Release attack caused no explosions; instead, it was eerily quiet. But when Raiden glanced back, he saw a deep pit where he had stood. What was most unnerving was the absence of any debris or stirred dust, as though the ground had been erased entirely.

"Is this Dust Release?"

"Forget about resisting it directly—just touching it would be catastrophic. This power feels like space-time ninjutsu," Raiden thought, his pupils narrowing.

Raiden quickly grasped Dust Release's devastating power. Although Onoki's preparation time was significant, the technique's release was swift and overwhelming. Using his Lightning Armor to enhance his speed, Raiden believed he could predict and evade Onoki's next attack. However, evading in theory and in practice were two different things. With nearly a hundred enemy ninjas supporting Onoki, even distant attacks could become a significant threat.

"Impressive, kid! You actually dodged my Dust Release," Onoki remarked, his expression neutral. Despite his words, he harbored concerns. The giant rock hands meant to immobilize Raiden had been crushed with ease, and Raiden appeared completely unharmed.

"Breaking free so easily without sustaining injury… an ordinary ninja's ankle would've been pulverized. This boy is troublesome," Onoki mused, his gaze fixed on Raiden.

Onoki's keen eyes observed the lightning armor covering Raiden.

"Is this the Thunder Armor technique, similar to what the Third Raikage used? The speed and resilience suggest a connection. Could Kumo's secret technique have leaked to Konoha?"

Taking no chances, Onoki ascended higher, maintaining a safe distance while scattering gravel to limit Raiden's movements. On the ground, Iwa ninjas launched a barrage of stones to further hinder him. Meanwhile, Atsuchi and the Uchiha clan engaged in a fierce battle nearby, the explosions echoing across the battlefield.

The projectiles hit Raiden's lightning armor, shattering into powder without causing serious harm. However, the force of impact slowed him down, allowing Onoki to maintain his advantage.

In a bold maneuver, Raiden created two shadow clones. Using their combined strength, they launched him into the air toward Onoki, his Sakegari no Tachi gleaming.

"Super Light-Weight Rock Technique," Onoki muttered, further lightening his body and rising higher. He retaliated with another shower of gravel, covering the area in front of him.

As Raiden closed the distance, he swung his blade, only to find Onoki out of reach.

"Hmph, boy!" Onoki smirked, watching Raiden lose momentum and begin to fall.

For a speed-based ninja, mid-air combat presented a significant disadvantage. Onoki seized the opportunity, condensing Dust Release once more. Yet, when Raiden looked up, there was no fear in his eyes—only a chilling killing intent.

Suddenly, nine golden chakra chains shot out from Raiden's back, racing toward Onoki at lightning speed. The chains closed the distance almost instantly, forcing Onoki's eyes to widen in alarm.

In a flash, the chains pierced through Onoki's body.

"Lord Tsuchikage!"

"Teacher!"

The Iwa ninjas below cried out in shock. However, Raiden's expression remained grim.

"This doesn't feel right…"

True to his instincts, Onoki's body disintegrated into black mud—it had been an Earth Clone. At that moment, the lid of a wooden box carried by Atsuchi opened, and the real Onoki floated out.

"I see… you concealed your real body inside a box from the start. Rock Shinobi came prepared," Raiden muttered, his chakra chains retracting as he steadied himself.

Onoki studied Raiden with narrowed eyes. "Those chains are his trump card. A dangerous technique if caught off guard, but manageable once anticipated. Still, the boy was hit by my Super-Weighted Rock Technique—his movements must be severely hampered."

Raiden's movements confirmed Onoki's observation. Though standing, his exposed veins and tense muscles betrayed the immense strain he was under.

"Even a single attack can neutralize an opponent," Onoki thought. "The Super-Weighted Rock Technique is truly a game-changer."

Onoki descended swiftly, his right arm transforming into a stone pillar as he punched Raiden in the abdomen. Despite the protection of his Lightning Armor, Raiden coughed up blood and was sent hurtling into the ground, forming a massive crater upon impact.

"Damn it!" Raiden growled, struggling to his feet. He could track Onoki's movements, but his slowed body couldn't react in time.

"Speed, attack power, aerial mobility, and Dust Release… This is the strength of the Tsuchikage!"

Raiden wiped the blood from his mouth, his chakra chains swirling defensively around him.

"You're tough, kid," Onoki said, floating above him. "But in your state, how will you fight me? Don't worry—I won't kill you just yet. You're too valuable."

Onoki charged forward again, his fist encased in rock.

"Old man… die!" Raiden roared, his chakra chains lashing out as he swung his blade toward Onoki.

(End of Chapter)

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