Kakashi narrowed his eyes, his expression one of deep concern. "Though I don't want to believe it, the facts are right in front of us. We need to move faster. Otherwise, I fear Might Guy may be in serious trouble."
Sai remained stoic, yet even he felt the weight of the situation. Sakura, standing nearby, paled at the sight. She had faced powerful foes before, but nothing like this—a human capable of summoning lightning that could alter the sky itself. She struggled to comprehend if such power could truly belong to a single person.
The rest of Kakashi's team quickened their pace, acutely aware of the peril Might Guy's squad faced. Naruto, witnessing the display of raw strength, tensed. Jiraiya had warned him about Akatsuki, but seeing Ashveil's power firsthand made him question if his teacher might already be in danger. His eyes sharpened, and he prepared himself, ready to react at a moment's notice.
Meanwhile, the battle at Might Guy's location intensified.
"You're a rogue ninja from the Land of Lightning," Might Guy muttered, frowning, "but why have I never heard of someone like you?"
Ashveil's lips curved into a faint, mocking smile. The surrounding lightning danced around him, untouched by his words. "Hehe, my abilities aren't limited to lightning alone. To judge me solely by this… Might Guy, you truly are a rare beast, aren't you? Hahaha!"
Might Guy and Lee broke into cold sweats. If Ashveil spoke the truth, it meant the lightning they had witnessed so far was only a fraction of his true power. They had yet to see the full extent of his combat abilities, and the realization was terrifying.
Ashveil, uninterested in further explanation, let his power speak for itself. With a thunderous roar, a surge of lightning erupted from his body.
Boom! Boom!
The speed and intensity were instantaneous. Streaks of electricity slashed across the battlefield, striking dangerously close to Might Guy and his team. Even with the Eight Gates Formation activated, Guy and Lee dodged with all their might.
Neji, relying on his Byakugan and Absolute Defense, struggled under the immense power. The lightning was unlike anything he had ever encountered—its force nearly shattered his defense completely. A trickle of blood appeared at the corner of his mouth as he fought to maintain control.
Boom! Another strike.
Neji's body trembled under the relentless assault. His Eight Trigrams Palms: Revolving Heaven could not withstand the assault; finally, he collapsed, unable to continue.
Lee's face reflected sheer shock and rising panic. Despite his incredible speed, even he could not completely evade Ashveil's lightning. A massive bolt struck him, sending tremors through his body. Might Guy shouted, "Neji! Lee!"
Lee, recalling his years of training and hardship, steadied himself. He thought of how far he had come under Might Guy's guidance. Though he lacked the ability to use traditional Ninjutsu, he had mastered the Eight Gates—a unique secret technique gifted by his teacher.
Fueled by determination and defiance, Lee opened the Sixth Gate.
"Sixth Gate, Open!"
Energy surged through his body, a visible aura of raw power erupting as he prepared for his ultimate attack. Like a warrior awakened, Lee charged forward, letting out a fierce cry.
"Morning Peacock!"
He burst through the storm of lightning, launching his attack directly at Ashveil. Onlookers watched in astonishment. Might Guy's eyes widened in disbelief and pride. Lee had not only opened the Sixth Gate but had also unleashed the ultimate technique, Morning Peacock, flawlessly.
"This is youth, Lee!" Might Guy shouted, excitement and pride in his voice. "Roar! Take down these Akatsuki members in one strike!"
Lee, feeling the encouragement and faith of his teacher, pushed forward with even greater intensity. "Guy-Sensei, I will prove myself! I must defeat this terrifying opponent and show my strength!"
Deidara, observing from above, was stunned. "What… what is this power? I thought Lee was just a straightforward, brawny fighter, but this… this is something else entirely."
Tobi, nearby, shared the shock. Known as Konoha's "Blue Beast," Lee was already famous, but few had expected a Chunin to harness the Sixth Gate and Morning Peacock. Now, it was clear—the legacy of the Eight Gates Formation had found a worthy successor in Lee.
Ashveil, unfazed by the display, prepared his next move. The battle's intensity escalated further, lightning crackling and the aura of Haki radiating from him.
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