115 Ch-115 Iwayado rescued.

(Announcement: I am happy to announce that, as a Tier I Patreon member, you can enjoy a 7-day free trial to read all of my work. )

You can read 40 chapters ahead of everyone on patreon.

Link:https://www.p@treon.com/Hkj822

https://discord.gg/C7s9YjvG3p

...

Raikage found himself at a loss for words, unsure of how to counter Jiryoku's pointed remarks. In the end, he remained silent, realizing the undeniable truth in what Jiryoku had said. After all, it was their decision to engage in this battle, and they must accept the repercussions that came with it.

Onoki, too, grasped the same reality and opted for silence, refraining from comment regarding the impact of Gamamura's attack.

----

Gamashiri, keenly aware of the dire situation, materialized beneath the colossal, floating earth sphere that was steadily ascending into the atmosphere. This sphere now imprisoned Iwayado, having been constructed from the torn and encrusted surroundings.

Without hesitation, Gamashiri leaped into action, employing his immense strength and size to propel himself above the earth sphere. He aimed a powerful punch at the sphere's surface, but to his surprise, the tightly packed, broken pieces of earth showed no signs of yielding. Jiryoku's gravity manipulation was keeping Iwayado securely sealed within, and the earth sphere continued its ascent into the sky.

Realizing that removing the earth would not be an easy feat, Gamashiri opted for an alternative approach. He positioned himself atop the sphere, then executed the 'Frog Kata' with every ounce of his strength. The moment the Frog Kata made contact with the earth sphere, the upper sections of the earth shattered into pulverized fragments, unveiling Iwayado's skin from above.

Gamashiri acted swiftly, retrieving a 'Healing Talisman' and gently affixing it to Iwayado's skin, allowing the sage to start healing immediately. This unique 'Healing Talisman' had been crafted by the Sage of Six Paths, modeled after the principles of the 'Secret Treasure of the Toads.' However, it possessed a key distinction—the 'Secret Treasure of the Toads' was a single-use item that required a new one to be crafted for each use, while the Sage of Six Paths had devised a talisman capable of storing natural energy on its own, enabling indefinite usage.

With Iwayado on the mend, Gamashiri positioned himself above the earth sphere and communicated to Iwayado below, "Iwayado, I'll be attacking from the outside, and you'll work from the inside to break free."

Iwayado, now rejuvenated and alert after receiving the healing, had been in a near-unconscious state due to the intense pain inflicted by the earth sphere's crushing embrace. With renewed determination, he braced himself for the collaborative effort.

Gamashiri channeled his full strength and launched a relentless assault from the exterior of the earth sphere. The stone surface showed signs of stress as cracks appeared under the force of his strikes. Simultaneously, Iwayado exerted all his might from within the sphere, straining to escape his entrapment.

Finally, when Iwayado sensed that he could summon his innate ability—Fire Breath—he unleashed it. The earth sphere's interior grew increasingly hot, and it reached a critical point where it resembled a pressure cooker about to explode. The sphere, already weakened by Gamashiri's relentless attack from the outside, eventually succumbed to the mounting heat and pressure, resulting in a spectacular detonation. The combined efforts of both Iwayado and Gamashiri had effectively shattered the earth sphere.

The explosion sent Gamashiri hurtling towards the ground, while Iwayado descended from the sky after escaping the shattered earth sphere.

Finally free from their ordeal, Iwayado and Gamashiri quickly distanced themselves from the scene and regrouped with the other toads who had been watching the events unfold.

Fukasaku, their fellow sage, inquired with concern, "Are you both alright, Sage Iwayado and Sage Gamashiri?"

Iwayado replied, "Yes, I'm fine, but the impact of the explosion is causing me some pain right now."

Gamashiri added, "I'm also fine. Once my hand is healed, I'll be in perfect shape."

Fukasaku and the others nodded in understanding. They all fell silent as Jiryoku concluded his conversation with Raikage, leaving the atmosphere charged with anticipation and tension.

----

Iwayado's escape from the earth sphere didn't go unnoticed by Jiryoku, but he chose not to comment on it. Instead, he turned to Gamamura and began a conversation, addressing the remarkable event that had just transpired.

"You know, it's been years," Jiryoku began, "from the moment I was born until now, no one has been able to injure me in a one-on-one battle. Of course, there's the fact that I've never fought anyone stronger than me, but even so, you should be proud that you've managed to injure me for the first time in my life in a one-on-one battle."

Gamamura, recognizing the significance of his accomplishment, inquired, "You're quite skilled. Not only do you possess formidable defenses, but I also suspect that you've made your body flexible, similar to how Lady Katsuyu absorbs physical attacks by having a body that absorbs shock. Am I correct?"

Jiryoku confirmed with a nod and a hint of pride, "After all, I spent three years learning from her. If I couldn't even grasp this concept, why would I be her student? In my entire life, I've only had two teachers who taught me how to fight: my late father and Lady Katsuyu."

Jiryoku acknowledged Gamamura's exceptional skills with admiration. "You truly deserve to be the summoning beast of the Sage of Six Paths. I must say, you're an extraordinary force in one-on-one battles. No Kage is your equal, and I even doubt that multiple Kage could confront you, let alone defeat you."

(A/N: If you like the story please vote power stones.)