Kabuto reveals his new appearance. Not only do his pupils bear distinctive eye makeup, but two dragon horns sprout from his head, clearly setting him apart from mere mortals.
Yet, more shocking than his appearance is the terrifying chakra pressure he exudes, forcing all Konoha ninja present to hold their breath. It feels as if they're facing the explosive physical chakra power of Senju Tobirama.
Some weaker Konoha ninja convulse and collapse on the spot.
"That's… natural energy? Is that Sage Mode?" Naruto, who also masters Sage Mode, is the most familiar with it. He immediately recognizes Kabuto's current state, sensing natural energy even stronger than his own!
It's not that Kabuto is more talented than Naruto, but his ruthless techniques forcibly bridge the gap in lineage.
Kabuto has not only activated Ryuchi Cave Sage Mode but also, by inheriting Orochimaru's legacy, fused the cells and abilities of ninja like Orochimaru, Juugo, Suigetsu, Karin, Kimimaro, Sakon, Ukon, Tayuya, Kidomaru, Jirobo, and others into his body.
Forget the rest—just the Uzumaki Clan's enhanced vitality and recovery alone make Kabuto far surpass ordinary ninja.
By blending over a dozen bloodlines, Kabuto has truly transformed from a snake into a dragon, able to absorb more natural energy and wield a stronger Sage Mode!
Kabuto has now broken the shackles of lineage, surpassing Orochimaru and Jiraiya, stepping into the Super Kage level unattainable by mortals.
Not to mention, he also wields Edo Tensei, a forbidden technique at a game-breaking level.
"Hahaha! Worthy of being Jiraiya's student—you know your stuff."
"But today, I'll take you down."
"Forward! Give Konoha's ninja a little surprise!"
Kabuto forms hand seals, commanding the five Edo Kage to attack together, charging toward Konoha's ranks.
Honestly, five Edo Kage are essentially a village-destroying force for any major village.
Especially among them are Second Tsuchikage Muu, Second Mizukage Hozuki Gengetsu, and Third Raikage A—three elite Kage-level fighters.
Any one of them is a powerhouse capable of facing thousands or tens of thousands alone.
Combined, they're Kabuto's absolute confidence in capturing the Nine-Tails.
Though he's unsure how the supposedly destroyed Akatsuki reformed, or that Obito, disguised as Madara, was killed by Nagato, Kabuto knows that Edo Nagato and others killed the current Five Kage, truly shaking the ninja world's balance.
They've nearly gathered all the Bijuu and revived the Ten-Tails.
Facing this powerful "new Akatsuki," whether Kabuto will oppose or ally with them, he needs enough cards in hand, and the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is undoubtedly one of the most critical.
So Kabuto dares to attack Konoha, aiming to outpace Nagato and others to seize Naruto, this major card!
However, without White Zetsu as Edo Tensei fodder, the new Edo Kage's strength is, after all, not as great as when alive—perhaps only seventy to eighty percent of their original power.
Otherwise, just a peak, immortal Third Raikage would be enough to bulldoze all of Konoha.
Of course, though Konoha is weakened, it still has an extraordinary foundation.
Or rather, the new generation is gradually ready to shoulder great responsibilities.
Eight Gates Released Formation – Sixth Gate: Gate of View, Open!
Kamui!
Sand Mausoleum!
Sage Art – Ultra-Big Ball Rasengan!
Facing the five Edo Kage, Konoha doesn't dare underestimate them.
From the start, they unleash full power, using their ultimate techniques.
Might Guy, opening the Eight Gates, faces Third Raikage Edo, nearly matching his weakened opponent.
Kakashi, using Kamui, cuts off Second Tsuchikage Muu's preparation to unleash Dust Release.
Naruto, with Sage Mode's super senses, sees through Second Mizukage Hozuki Gengetsu's illusions, fighting fiercely.
Gaara naturally faces his father, Rasa Edo, and in top condition, Gaara is undoubtedly superior.
A large number of elite Konoha Jonin, including the Hyuga Clan head and Ino-Shika-Cho combo, jointly surround Third Kazekage Edo.
In short, Konoha pours everything in, barely managing to match the five Edo Kage.
Though these are past Kage with reduced strength, it's still terrifying. If it were any of the other four villages, they'd likely be scared witless.
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Seeing Konoha holding off the assault and even summoning sealing teams to seal the battered Edo Kage, Kabuto can't hold back anymore and is forced to act personally.
He prepares to show off, giving Konoha a taste of "Dragon Kabuto's" shock.
The Strongest Sage Below Super Kage!
Sage Art – White Rage Technique!
The next moment, a red chakra dragon shadow bursts from Kabuto's mouth. The red dragon holds a black orb, and through the orb's rotation and friction, it merges into it, unleashing blinding light and astonishing soundwaves, simultaneously attacking opponents' vision and hearing.
A half-offensive, half-support area-of-effect senjutsu.
It combines natural factors like sound, light, and physical vibration.
Once unleashed, it's nearly impossible to dodge—only to be endured head-on!
This ferocious senjutsu once suppressed Edo Itachi and Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan Sasuke.
Even Susanoo's strongest defense isn't immune.
It not only ruptures eardrums but also causes pain akin to bones grinding together; weaker individuals might faint on the spot.
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"Aaaaaahhhh!"
Countless screams of agony echo.
At this moment, the White Rage Technique is successfully activated.
Everyone present is enveloped, even Kabuto's five Edo Kage aren't immune.
Konoha's side, including Naruto and Kakashi, can't help but cover their ears, trembling and gritting their teeth against the intense pain coursing through their bodies.
Only Kabuto, relying on his snake corneas to shield his vision, his liquified body to resist vibrations and soundwaves, and his snake heat senses and Sage Mode perception to navigate, remains unaffected and moves freely.
This time, the White Rage Technique cripples nearly all the hundreds of Konoha ninja around, most collapsing to the ground.
Only a dozen or so barely hold on.
But with ringing ears and excruciating pain, they struggle to muster much combat strength…
With this single move, Dragon Kabuto stands supreme at the Kage level.
Seizing this golden opportunity, Kabuto lunges at Naruto, ready to abduct him directly.
However, he underestimates the value of the Will of Fire.
Against this seemingly unbreakable senjutsu, Konoha still has someone who can fight back.
Eight Gates Released Formation – Seventh Gate: Gate of Wonder, Open!
"Daytime Tiger!"
A surge of blue steam erupts—it's Might Guy, opening the Seventh Gate.
Of course, he's not immune to the White Rage Technique; he's enduring it through sheer will.
Compared to the pain of training the Eight Gates, even bone-crushing agony won't make Guy yield!
"Roar, my youth!"
Guy closes his eyes, roaring furiously, both hands striking out.
A massive tiger-shaped air blast shoots forward, heading straight for Dragon Kabuto opposite him.
In this moment, with the Seventh Gate open and Daytime Tiger unleashed, Guy becomes the brightest star on the battlefield.
The Daytime Tiger's staggering power sends a chill through even Kakashi.
'Why have I never seen him use this move before? Could it be his ultimate technique saved for me?'
At the same time, this move forces Kabuto and Manda II to temporarily dodge, not daring to face Daytime Tiger's power head-on.
They can only evade, relying on liquified bodies to resist most of the damage.
This also makes Kabuto miss the best chance to capture Naruto, as the White Rage Technique only lasts about ten seconds.
After it ends, Kakashi and others recover.
Shocked by the senjutsu's power, they quickly assess the situation.
"Naruto, we'll do our best to hold off the other Edo Kage. You take down Kabuto alone!"
"Don't forget, Nagato and Itachi haven't shown up yet—hurry!"
Don't be fooled by Guy's current strength; Kakashi knows the dire situation. The Edo Kage aren't fazed by taijutsu and can regenerate endlessly.
With most of the sealing team knocked out, Kakashi can't seal the Edo Kage while enduring the White Rage Technique.
Even if Kabuto uses no other ninjutsu, one or two more White Rage Techniques could wipe out all Konoha ninja here.
And if he summons more Edo ninja, there'd be no need to fight.
Thus, to win this battle, they must defeat Dragon Kabuto himself as quickly as possible!