Flying Thunder God Technique.
Tengen had acquired this ninjutsu after defeating Kakashi, a fact known to very few. Even Minato was unaware that Tengen had mastered it.
Since Minato entrusted Tengen with his version of the Flying Thunder God Technique, Tengen had never consulted him about it. Minato likely assumed Tengen had given up, as the idea of a genius mastering such a complex technique just by studying it seemed implausible, even for someone like Tengen.
The notion would have upended Minato's understanding.
Thus, Minato never suspected Tengen had taught himself the technique.
During missions with Orochimaru's team, Tengen hadn't used the Flying Thunder God either, not to keep it as a trump card, but because it was merely one of many in his arsenal.
He reserved it for solo encounters with formidable Jonin, and those who witnessed it never lived to tell the tale, keeping Tengen's mastery a closely guarded secret.
Now, facing Kakuzu, a ninja of considerable strength, Tengen saw an opportunity to test his ability.
The scene shifted to the border of the Land of Grass.
Kakuzu froze. The Konoha-nin had vanished, not through speed but something else entirely. Even with his keen senses, Kakuzu detected no trace of movement, Tengen had simply disappeared.
"How is this possible?" Kakuzu's expression darkened. How could he fight this?
"It's very possible." Tengen's voice echoed from behind.
The indifferent tone sent a chill down Kakuzu's spine. Tengen had approached his back without the slightest hint of detection.
Such was the fearsome power of the Flying Thunder God Technique, true teleportation. Even knowing an opponent wielded it offered little defense, only slightly reducing the chance of an instant kill.
Kakuzu, however, was unaware of Tengen's mastery.
"Back off!" Kakuzu instinctively recoiled, a rare sensation of impending death gripping him, a feeling he hadn't experienced in years.
"Let's take one first." Tengen said calmly.
His fist turned pitch-black, hardened by Armament Haki. Enhanced by his pseudo-One Punch Man training and the elite Jonin experience pack, Tengen's Haki had reached terrifying heights.
He could now withstand certain ninjutsu with it, though not the most powerful techniques or Bloodline Limits like Dust Release or Lava Release. But with further physical enhancement, he might one day counter even those.
Dust Release, despite its ability to reduce matter to molecules, was merely a ninjutsu application, not a universal law. Sufficient power could overwhelm its disintegration.
As Kakuzu tried to flee, Tengen's fist smashed into him, the sound of fracturing bones echoing.
"Argh!" Kakuzu screamed, though he managed to break free and retreat.
"Konoha-nin." Kakuzu growled, glaring at Tengen with a mix of fear and fury.
What was that technique?
Teleportation. If Tengen could appear anywhere at will, Kakuzu had no means to resist.
Their brief clash had already shown Kakuzu's taijutsu was no match for Tengen's.
"What just happened?" Kakuzu rasped, desperate to understand how Tengen had appeared behind him without warning.
"Ever heard of the Flying Thunder God Technique?" Tengen answered directly.
"Flying Thunder God?" Kakuzu frowned, puzzled. With the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, long dead and the Third Great Ninja War yet to begin, Minato's signature technique wasn't widely known. Kakuzu couldn't immediately place it, as only Tobirama and Minato had ever mastered it.
"The technique the Second Hokage used to kill Madara Uchiha's brother." Tengen said coolly.
"Tobirama Senju's Flying Thunder God." Kakuzu's eyes widened as realization hit.
"You used that kunai to mark your position." Kakuzu said, eyeing the kunai in Tengen's hand.
"Exactly." Tengen confirmed.
"Then I just need to keep your kunai away from me." Kakuzu declared.
"You think that's possible?" Tengen smirked, suddenly producing several kunai and hurling them at Kakuzu.
"What!" Kakuzu drew his own kunai to deflect them, but in an instant, Tengen appeared before him, striking with a kunai and forcing him back. Then, just as quickly, Tengen vanished again.
To Kakuzu's right, Tengen reappeared, his right leg surging with power.
Like a howling hurricane, he unleashed his attack.
"Taijutsu: Konoha Great Whirlwind!"
The kick slammed into Kakuzu, sending him flying.
Kakuzu struggled to steady himself on the ground.
"Still think you can keep up?" Tengen asked, gripping his kunai and gazing at Kakuzu impassively.
"You…" Kakuzu's face twisted in frustration. Under the Flying Thunder God Technique, he felt utterly powerless.
Such was the technique's terrifying nature.
To Tengen, it sometimes felt like cheating.
No wonder so few had mastered it.
Moreover, Tengen's version was an enhanced iteration of Minato's already refined technique, with faster execution and simpler methods.
"Don't think this means I'll surrender." Kakuzu snarled, shedding his cloak. Countless black tendrils writhed from his back.
He was ready to fight to the death.
***
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