Madara Uchiha, the legendary ninja, suddenly felt an incredible surge of power course through his body.
It was an invigorating, almost primal energy that sharpened his senses to an almost superhuman degree.
His vision, already keen, enhanced dramatically, allowing him to perceive the intricate, shimmering flow of chakra in the air and within living things.
This heightened state proved immediately useful as, with a swift, almost casual movement, he expertly dodged a surprise attack launched from one of the pursuing enemy ninjas, a testament to his revitalized reflexes.
Wasting no time, and needing a momentary distraction, Madara executed the Shadow Clone Jutsu.
The resulting doppelgänger immediately engaged the enemy ninja, skillfully deflecting and parrying their attacks, thereby creating a vital window of opportunity for the original Madara.
He did not retreat.
Instead, standing his ground, Madara's fingers began to weave complex, lightning-fast hand signs.
The "Genius Helmet," a sophisticated tool that Ishiki has, wasn't merely a boost; the helmet didn't just enhance the potency of his pre-existing Fire Release techniques, but it also aided him in the rapid, on-the-fly formulation of a completely new Fire Release jutsu.
With his hand signs complete, he unleashed this newly created B-rank technique: Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet.
A massive, intricately detailed dragon head, formed entirely of raging, concentrated flames, erupted from his mouth and hurtled towards the distracted ninja.
The enemy, completely engrossed in their fight with the relentless shadow clone, never anticipated the intensity and suddenness of the attack.
They had no chance to dodge the searing dragon.
The flame bullet struck with catastrophic force, and the ninja was consumed instantly, dying a swift, brutal death.
Madara let out a deep sigh of relief, the immediate danger having passed.
He then cast his gaze toward the distant figures of his allies, Hashirama and Ishiki, before making a definitive choice: he would head in the direction of Hashirama Senju.
On the opposite side of the small, chaotic battlefield, Hashirama was currently engaged in a desperate chase, pursued by three determined enemy ninjas.
Utilising his signature technique, he swiftly created a Wood Clone to divide the attention of his attackers further.
The tactic worked perfectly: one ninja continued to pursue the original Hashirama, while the remaining two turned their focus to engaging the newly created wooden duplicate.
The lone pursuer, a formidable-looking ninja, stayed on Hashirama's heels.
With a burst of speed and a few quick hand signs, Hashirama countered the pursuit by casting Earth Release: Bottomless Swamp.
The ground beneath the attacking ninja's feet instantly dissolved into a thick, inescapable mire.
Trapped and unable to move, the ninja was an easy target.
Hashirama closed the distance and knocked him unconscious with a precise strike.
His first skirmish won, Hashirama immediately moved to assist his clone.
He arrived just as the wooden double was valiantly battling a chūnin and a jōnin , a far more dangerous pair.
Standing stealthily behind the two preoccupied enemies, Hashirama performed another set of quick seals and unleashed Water Release: Gunshot. High-velocity bullets of water shot toward the unsuspecting pair.
The seasoned jōnin managed to react just in time, deftly dodging the projectiles, but the chūnin was not so fortunate and was instantly knocked out by the powerful impact.
Teaming up with his surviving clone, Hashirama began to battle the remaining jōnin.
The enemy ninja was highly skilled, wielding his sword and using Vacuum Sword, a C-rank Wind Release jutsu that created razor-sharp air blades.
Hashirama managed to duck and evade the deadly slashes, but his clone was caught by the wind technique and was destroyed, dissolving back into pieces of wood.
Now facing Hashirama alone, the jōnin pressed his attack, forcing the him onto the defensive.
Hashirama parried the incoming sword strikes with his simple kunai, the clash of steel echoing sharply.
He knew he was beginning to lose ground under the relentless assault.
Recognizing the need for a definitive end to the fight, Hashirama channeled his formidable chakra and unleashed his ultimate defense and offense: Wood Release: Great Forest Technique.
Massive, thick tree branches erupted from the ground, twisting and coiling around the jōnin.
In moments, the enemy ninja was completely ensnared and immobilized. Hashirama then delivered the final blow, knocking the jōnin unconscious.
Hashirama let out a heavy sigh, relieved that the immediate threat was neutralized.
Just as he was recovering his breath, he sensed a presence approaching.
He turned, ready for another fight, only to see the familiar, powerful figure of Madara.
They exchanged a look, shared a moment of acknowledgement and relief amidst the conflict.
"Looks like only six followed us," Madara observed, his voice serious as he surveyed the aftermath of their battles.
The remaining ones went towards the village.
A wave of worry washed over both of them.
Their skirmishes had been a diversion, a means of drawing away some of the enemy, but the main threat was now heading toward their home.
With a unified, concerned look in the direction of the hidden village, Hashirama and Madara set aside their past and their exhaustion.
They immediately began their journey, rushing with all speed toward the village to face the greater threat.