Why was Tsunade able to deflect Madara's fireballs?

[super yang]

1. plot convenience. that jutsu in particular is meant for strategic accuracy, not power. Tsunade absorbed the force w/ strong blows & they seem to ''deflect'' partially, as a result.

so there was: shape manipulation, a dramatic interception feat & using a lesser jutsu & brute strength coming together w/ gratuitous artwork

2. Tsunade cant punch away a more serious, spread-out(nature manipulation) & powerful ka'ton from madara
she cant punch away wind or lightning at all
water would follow the same rules as fire - situational/nature vs shape
and she can punch most earth attacks away or crumble them

 

[RicardoA]

That Katon when used by Sasuke was strong enough to break through rock. I guess its so dense that it actually becomes solid.

Lightning is different, but she can probably do the same against some Suiton jutsus. Much like Gai in part 1 when he blew Gaara's sand away.