"Crash!"
The sheer scale of the mighty water-style ninjutsu that erupted across the forest battlefield was absolutely staggering, demonstrating a level of elemental mastery that could reshape entire landscapes. The technique possessed enough raw power to flood valleys and level mountains, its force seemingly drawn from the very essence of the ocean itself.
Nawaki looked toward the source of this devastating attack, his expression growing grim as he lowered his eyelids and spoke in a voice heavy with recognition and concern.
"It's him!" he said with the certainty of someone who had faced this particular opponent before and understood exactly what they were capable of.
From the distinctive chakra fluctuations embedded within this water-style ninjutsu, he had immediately sensed a familiar and troubling energy signature. The technique bore the unmistakable characteristics of a master he had encountered previously under very different circumstances.
Moreover, in the current ninja world, there were only a handful of individuals who possessed the skill and chakra reserves necessary to deploy water-style jutsu on such an overwhelming scale in areas completely devoid of natural water sources. The technique required not only tremendous power but also perfect chakra control to manifest such quantities of liquid from pure energy.
The Fifth Mizukage Mei Terumi was fighting alongside the Shinobi Alliance forces on a different battlefield, which eliminated one possibility. That left only one individual who could be responsible for this particular display of aquatic mastery.
The devastating attack was rapidly approaching his position, and Nawaki found himself with no choice but to abandon his pursuit of the First Mizukage. His hands moved through a different sequence of seals as he prepared to defend against the incoming torrent.
The broken water dragon with blood-red eyes, which had been pursuing the retreating First Mizukage, suddenly rolled back upon itself in response to Nawaki's chakra manipulation. The creature's form dissolved and transformed into a massive stream of rushing water that surrounded Nawaki's position and formed a protective circular wall of liquid defense.
"Boom!"
The next moment brought the collision of two tremendous water-style techniques as the incoming torrent crashed down with a deafening roar that seemed to shake the very foundations of the earth. The impact created a localized earthquake that sent tremors through the forest floor and knocked nearby trees from their roots.
As the battlefield around Nawaki's position began to shake violently from the tremendous forces being unleashed, the Allied ninja engaged in combat throughout other areas of the dense forest couldn't help but turn their attention toward the source of such overwhelming destruction.
The sound of the collision carried for kilometers, announcing to everyone within hearing distance that a battle between masters was taking place in their vicinity.
"Crash!"
On another section of the battlefield, the Fourth Raikage, his entire body encased in the crackling blue energy of his Lightning Release Armor, delivered a thunderous punch that collided with tremendous force against the figure standing before him.
His opponent was also surrounded by dark lightning chakra, creating a spectacular display as two masters of lightning-style techniques engaged in direct physical combat. The collision sent visible shockwaves through the air and created an electromagnetic pulse that could be felt by sensitive ninja throughout the area.
With that single exchange, the lightning armor protecting A's striking arm actually began showing visible signs of stress fractures and potential failure. The defensive technique that had protected him through countless battles was being overwhelmed by his opponent's superior power.
"As expected of the previous Raikage," A muttered with grudging respect and growing concern. "His strength truly surpasses anything I had imagined possible."
The Fourth Raikage stared intently at the First Raikage who stood before him – a figure who was not only his predecessor in office but also the patriarch of his clan and his direct ancestor.
It had been the First Raikage who led his Clan from their original homeland and united the various scattered families throughout the Land of Lightning. Through a combination of military genius, political acumen, and overwhelming personal power, he had pacified the entire region and established what would eventually become the modern Cloud Ninja Village.
However, despite his deep respect for his ancestor's accomplishments, A's natural competitiveness and unwillingness to admit defeat meant that he would not retreat or surrender easily. With a tremendous surge of chakra that made the very air around him shimmer with electrical energy, the cracks that had appeared on his lightning armor suddenly disappeared as the defensive technique renewed itself.
When the two enormous forces collided again, the ground beneath their feet gradually began to collapse and crater from the sheer power of their exchange. Each blow contained enough force to level buildings, and their sustained combat was systematically destroying the landscape around them.
"Raikage, please don't force yourself beyond your limits," came a concerned voice from high above the battlefield. "If you fall here, the situation will become extremely unfavorable for our forces."
In the sky overhead, the Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki was engaged in his own aerial confrontation with the Second Tsuchikage. Both elderly figures floated through the air with the casual ease that came from decades of mastering flight techniques.
Dust Release, also known as Kekkei Tōta or Bloodline Selection, was an advanced chakra nature that combined earth, wind, and fire elements into something that transcended normal ninjutsu categories. The technique had originally been created and perfected by the Second Tsuchikage during his research into advanced elemental manipulation.
Among all the assembled coalition forces, the only ninja who possessed both the knowledge and the ability necessary to fight effectively against the Second Tsuchikage was his own former disciple – the Third Tsuchikage, who had also mastered the secrets of Dust Release through years of dedicated training.
"Of course I understand the situation," A responded with characteristic bluntness, though his breathing was becoming slightly labored from the sustained high-intensity combat.
However, even acknowledging the wisdom of Ōnoki's advice, defeating the First Raikage would not prove to be an easy task. The legendary founder of their village possessed power that seemed to exceed even the most optimistic estimates of his capabilities.
Meanwhile, Nawaki had managed to weather the sudden torrent attack and was now moving forward with determined purpose. He stepped confidently across the water that now covered much of the forest floor, using the liquid as a platform to increase his mobility rather than allowing it to hinder his advance.
Soon, he caught sight of his primary opponent through the devastated forest landscape. On the far side of the area that had been swept clean by the massive water technique stood a man with an enormous sword strapped to his back and facial features that bore an unmistakable resemblance to a predatory shark.
"Hoshigaki Kisame," Nawaki said with the recognition of someone who had faced this particular opponent before and understood exactly how dangerous he could be.
Not long ago, Nawaki had engaged Kisame in direct combat within the Hidden Mist Village during a mission that had tested both his skills and his resolve. Although Kisame's water-style ninjutsu abilities were admittedly not quite equal to Nawaki's own mastery, the shark-like ninja had proven to be an extremely difficult opponent to defeat.
The primary source of Kisame's tactical advantage was his legendary weapon – the massive sword known as Samehada, which possessed the unique ability to absorb and devour chakra from anyone it touched. This capability made prolonged combat against him a dangerous proposition for any ninja who relied heavily on ninjutsu techniques.
"We meet again under much more interesting circumstances," Kisame said with his characteristic predatory grin, revealing rows of sharp white teeth that reinforced his shark-like appearance.
In his eyes, Nawaki could see a mixture of excitement and genuine fear as the missing-nin contemplated their rematch. However, the current tactical situation strongly favored Kisame's chances of success.
The reason for his confidence became apparent as the First Mizukage also emerged from concealment on the opposite side of the battlefield. The three combatants now formed a roughly triangular formation, with Nawaki positioned at the disadvantaged apex while his two opponents could coordinate their attacks.
As their eyes met across the water-covered battlefield, both Kisame and the First Mizukage began forming hand seals almost simultaneously. Their coordination suggested either extensive practice together or an intuitive understanding of each other's combat methods.
"Water Style: Water Shark Bullet Technique!" Kisame called out as he channeled his chakra into one of his signature attacks.
"Water Style: Water Gun Technique!" the First Mizukage announced as he deployed his own aquatic assault.
Immediately, numerous sharks formed from concentrated water and multiple high-pressure water projectiles shaped like bullets began shooting toward Nawaki's position from two different angles. The coordinated attack was designed to overwhelm his defensive capabilities through sheer volume and diversity of threats.
"Multiple Water Wall Technique!" Nawaki responded as he realized that facing two top-tier water-style specialists simultaneously left him with no viable offensive options.
Massive streams of water rose around his position and formed multiple layers of protective barriers, each one designed to absorb and dissipate the incoming attacks. The technique required tremendous chakra control to maintain so many defensive structures simultaneously.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
The water sharks and high-pressure projectiles continuously impacted against Nawaki's defensive walls, creating spectacular splashes and waves that sent spray flying in all directions. Each collision tested the structural integrity of his barriers while gradually wearing down his chakra reserves.
The attacks from Kisame and the First Mizukage were virtually uninterrupted, creating a sustained barrage that prevented Nawaki from mounting any kind of counteroffensive. Under these relentless circumstances, his carefully constructed defenses were being systematically broken down and overwhelmed.
The air throughout the entire area had become extremely humid and thick with water vapor, creating an atmospheric condition that favored water-style techniques while making it difficult for other elemental ninjutsu to function effectively.
Swish!
As Nawaki found himself increasingly disadvantaged by the two-on-one assault, the sound of rushing movement echoed throughout the battlefield. At that critical moment, a figure was moving through the dense forest with incredible speed and determination.
"Eight Gates Released Formation: Sixth Gate, Gate of Joy, Open!" came a powerful shout that seemed to shake the very air with its intensity.
When the newcomer burst from the forest cover, a brilliant green light suddenly rose around his entire body. However, the energy aura didn't resemble normal chakra in its appearance or behavior – it seemed to be something far more primal and dangerous.
The green light enveloped the figure completely, and his movement speed immediately reached a level that was difficult for ordinary people to even comprehend, let alone track with their eyes. He seized the precise moment when Kisame and the First Mizukage's coordinated attacks created a brief gap in their defenses.
Might Guy positioned himself directly between the attackers and Nawaki just as the defensive water walls were beginning to fail. His fists began moving with such incredible speed that the friction between his hands and the air actually began producing visible flames.
"Morning Peacock!" Guy announced as he unleashed one of his most devastating taijutsu techniques.
As he continued swinging his fists at superhuman speed, countless fireballs were generated and thrown outward in a spectacular display. The technique created what appeared to be a peacock's tail made entirely of fire, each feather representing a projectile capable of tremendous destruction.
"Boom! Boom!"
The flaming projectiles collided directly with the incoming water sharks and high-pressure bullets, creating massive explosions of steam and displaced energy. The collision between fire and water techniques created localized atmospheric disturbances that affected visibility throughout the area.
However, with Guy's strength alone, even enhanced by the power provided by opening the Sixth Gate, it was naturally impossible for him to completely resist the coordinated ninjutsu attacks of two legendary water-style masters simultaneously.
But Guy's intervention had created exactly the opening that Nawaki needed to shift from defensive to offensive tactics. The moment Guy engaged the incoming attacks, Nawaki immediately abandoned his failing defensive walls and converted them into offensive weapons.
The water barriers in front of his position suddenly transformed into high-velocity water projectiles and began shooting outward continuously, adding his own firepower to Guy's flaming assault.
With the combined efforts of Nawaki's water-style expertise and Guy's taijutsu mastery, the enemy's coordinated attack was gradually neutralized and overwhelmed.
"What in the world is wrong with that guy?!" Kisame stared at Guy with genuine disbelief and confusion written across his shark-like features.
Guy's decision to rush directly into the attack range of both him and the First Mizukage's devastating ninjutsu seemed like nothing short of suicidal behavior. Even the most powerful and confident ninja would think twice before attempting such a reckless maneuver.
Guy's entire approach to combat was unlike anything Kisame had ever encountered during his extensive career as a missing-nin. The man's willingness to risk everything for the sake of protecting a comrade defied all logical tactical analysis.
"Thank you for the timely assistance, Guy," Nawaki said as he looked at the man with the distinctive green jumpsuit and unusual hairstyle, allowing himself a small chuckle despite the dangerous circumstances.
If Guy hadn't arrived precisely when he did, Nawaki would have found it extremely difficult to cope with the sustained assault from two masters. The intervention had quite possibly saved his life.
However, the way Guy responded to this gratitude was characteristic of his unique personality. He turned around with enthusiastic energy, stretched out his right hand and raised his thumb in a cheerful gesture, revealing a row of brilliant white teeth. His face, which looked somewhat fierce and intimidating due to the physical stress of using the Eight Gates technique, somehow managed to display what could only be described as a radiant smile.
Nawaki's expression suddenly took on a slightly helpless quality as he processed Guy's typical response, but he didn't allow himself to dwell on his teammate's eccentricities for too long. Instead, his eyes immediately refocused on their enemies with tactical precision.
"You take on one of them while I deal with the other opponent," Nawaki suggested as he began formulating their battle strategy.
"Roger that!" Guy responded with characteristic enthusiasm and volume, then immediately directed his attention toward Kisame with the focused intensity of a predator selecting its prey.
"Are you even human with a face like that?" Guy asked suddenly, his tone carrying genuine curiosity rather than deliberate insult.
Kisame's originally serious and intimidating expression suddenly became noticeably stiff and awkward as he processed this unexpected question. After a moment of stunned silence, he managed to respond.
"Ha! With your ridiculous appearance, you're hardly qualified to make comments about anyone else's looks, are you?" Kisame shot back with defensive irritation.
Guy's attention shifted to the massive sword strapped across Kisame's back, and his expression took on the thoughtful quality of someone working through a complex problem or trying to recall important information.
"That sword... I remember now," Guy said with growing recognition. "You must have been a ninja from the Hidden Mist Village originally, right?"
"Even if you became a missing-nin and abandoned your village, you shouldn't be helping Madara and his associates in their plan to destroy the entire world."
Kisame's eyes immediately filled with bloodshot intensity as Guy's words struck at something fundamental in his worldview. When he spoke, his voice carried the bitter edge of someone who had experienced profound disillusionment.
"This world is inherently false and meaningless, so there's absolutely no need for it to continue existing," Kisame declared with the conviction of a true believer.
"You're really a gloomy and depressing fellow," Guy observed with characteristic directness.
"Having grown up in a warm and supportive environment like Konoha, people like you could never truly understand the genuine cruelty and harsh reality that defines the ninja world," Kisame replied with a smile that seemed on the verge of splitting his face entirely.
"I don't understand?" Guy murmured thoughtfully, his expression suddenly becoming serious and focused as he stared at Kisame with eyes that seemed to burn with inner fire.
"Well then, I suppose it's time for me to show you exactly what passionate youth really means!"
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