However, this was just the beginning. After the shadow clone on the right failed its attack, Seimei's shadow clone on the left also launched its assault.
It, too, used a Water Release jutsu, which is particularly effective against Fire Release techniques.
A pillar of water suddenly formed, erupting from the depths of the lake. Before Rōshi could react, he was instantly propelled into the sky.
This wasn't some elaborate ninjutsu; it was another B-rank technique Seimei had mastered – Water Release: Water Formation Pillar!
This jutsu hadn't really shown its potential in the past, but today it was proving incredibly useful.
Sizzle sizzle hiss...
The harsh sound of water vaporizing filled the air.
At the top of the water pillar, the high-temperature lava on Rōshi's body collided with the water, creating massive amounts of white steam that made him look like he was riding a cloud.
But if he had a choice, Rōshi definitely wouldn't want to be in this situation.
Leaving aside the fact that he'd plummet to the ground with a potentially bone-jarring impact once the water pillar disappeared, just being suspended in the air with nothing to hold onto made him incredibly uneasy.
And, as often happens, what he feared came to pass.
Seeing his left shadow clone succeed in its attack, Seimei didn't hesitate. He immediately extended his right hand, performing the A-rank, signless ninjutsu – the Rasengan – and a high-density chakra ball formed in the center of his palm.
Then, he infused it with Wind Release chakra, transforming it into the S-rank jutsu – Wind Release: Rasenshuriken!
Instantly, a piercing grinding sound emanated from Seimei's palm.
The massive Wind Release shuriken spun faster and faster, tearing through the surrounding air and distorting Seimei's figure behind it.
"This is..."
Seeing the 'Wind Release: Rasenshuriken' in Seimei's palm, Rōshi was initially stunned, then seemed to remember something.
Suddenly, he turned his gaze towards Seimei and exclaimed, "It's you?!"
Hearing this, Seimei knew his identity had been exposed.
He wasn't particularly surprised by this.
After all, during the Third Great Ninja War, he had spent a considerable amount of time dealing with the Iwa ninjas, and had even fought Rōshi a few times.
So, it was natural that the other side would have some information about him.
And a jutsu that looked like an S-rank technique would definitely be a high priority.
Therefore, it was perfectly normal for Rōshi to recognize it.
And the moment Seimei decided to use this technique, he had already given up on hiding his identity.
Poof!
A cloud of chakra smoke dissipated.
Seimei simply released his Transformation Technique, revealing his true form.
Then, under Rōshi's bewildered gaze, he hurled the 'Wind Release: Rasenshuriken' in his hand!
He had long since mastered this technique to perfection, so he could naturally throw it with ease.
It tore through the surrounding air, and under Seimei's control, it spun towards Rōshi's body at an incredible speed.
At the same moment, the shadow clone dispelled the 'Water Release: Water Formation Pillar'.
The water pillar vanished, and Rōshi, having lost his point of leverage, had no chance to evade.
A powerful sense of danger washed over him. Rōshi knew that if he were hit by that attack, even if it didn't kill him, he would be severely injured.
Left with no other choice, he was forced to expend a large amount of chakra and unleash a defensive ninjutsu – Lava Release: Granite!
Instantly, a massive amount of lava erupted from his body, forming a vast lava field that shielded him in the center.
Almost the instant the jutsu was completed, the 'Wind Release: Rasenshuriken' controlled by Seimei slammed into it.
Immediately, large amounts of magma were sliced apart, turning into fine streams of lava that sprayed in all directions.
The 'Wind Release: Rasenshuriken' continued forward, nearly cutting through the entire lava field before finally exhausting its power and slowly dissipating.
On the other side, Rōshi stared at the Wind Release shuriken that was just inches away, a drop of cold sweat trickling down his forehead.
He had almost been cut in half.
If he had hesitated for even a second when casting the jutsu, or if he had tried to conserve a little chakra, he would most likely be in two pieces right now.
"Hoo..."
Letting out a soft breath, Rōshi quickly steadied himself, controlled his body, and began to descend towards the lake's surface.
Although the 'Wind Release: Rasenshuriken' had posed a significant threat, it had also successfully stabilized his descent, allowing him to land safely.
Boom!
A deafening crash echoed.
Below, a huge crater appeared on the lake's surface. A large volume of water was displaced, turning into waves that crashed outwards in all directions.
At the same time, a significant amount of water came into contact with the remaining lava field around Rōshi and was rapidly vaporized, turning into massive amounts of steam that spread outwards.
Feeling his vision somewhat obscured, Seimei, along with his two shadow clones, simultaneously activated their Byakugan. Using its penetrating vision, they searched for Rōshi's location.
Initially, when the Byakugan was first transplanted, it hadn't fully integrated with his body. It was merely a foreign object, so his shadow clones couldn't use it.
However, after its evolution level reached (100/100), it had completely merged with him.
At that point, his shadow clones could use it just like they could use the Sharingan.
And now that it had undergone another evolution, using it with his shadow clones was even more effortless.
In just an instant, they locked onto Rōshi's position.
Then, as if in perfect sync, they used the Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique, creating two water dragons that attacked Rōshi one after the other.
At the same time, Seimei's main body wasn't idle. After his chakra had calmed down slightly, he also joined the assault.
In an instant, Rōshi was overwhelmed, forced into a purely defensive position with no way to counterattack.
He had, of course, tried to fight back, but his attempts were largely ineffective. Often, after one round of attacks, he would be met with even more ferocious assaults from Seimei and his shadow clones.
Although this tactic consumed a large amount of Seimei's chakra, it effectively suppressed Rōshi and caused his chakra to drain much faster than usual.
As a result, even though he was hiding within his turtle shell of lava, he had no way to escape and could only slowly await his demise.
Originally, Rōshi had hoped to buy time and wait for reinforcements from his village.
After all, this place wasn't too far from Iwagakure.
However, looking at his rapidly dwindling chakra reserves, he knew he wouldn't be able to hold out that long.
So...
'I have to gamble!'
Thinking this, he barely managed to dodge another round of attacks from Seimei and his shadow clones. Rōshi forced some distance between them and then immediately formed hand signs, partially releasing the seal on the Four-Tails.
In the next instant, the Four-Tails' chakra surged out of the seal, instantly filling his entire body and causing a faint beast cloak to appear on his skin.
As the Four-Tails' chakra leaked out, a suffocating aura instantly enveloped the entire area.
Feeling this aura, Seimei was not surprised but rather delighted. He thought to himself, "It's finally out."
Then, he immediately used his Mind Transmission Jutsu to tell his two shadow clones to reduce their attack frequency, giving Rōshi enough time to draw out the Four-Tails' chakra.
Only when enough of the Four-Tails' chakra was released could it form a reliable medium that his Sharingan could influence.
At that point, the battle would end in an instant.