Chapter 54: Ch-54 Coming to a close.
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As the battle between the Chunin and Michikatsu's Shadow Clone raged on, the tension in the air was palpable. The Chunin found himself in a precarious situation, with Michikatsu's clone bearing down on him with incredible speed. The clone had unleashed the 'Thunder Breathing: First Form: Sixfold,' a powerful and deadly technique.
With a quick and well-practiced maneuver, the Chunin managed to form the necessary hand signs just in the nick of time. His keen reflexes allowed him to employ the 'Substitution Technique' to avoid the oncoming assault. In a puff of smoke, he disappeared, leaving the shadow clone attacking thin air.
Michikatsu's Shadow Clone didn't lose his cool; instead, a sly grin crept across his face. He taunted the Chunin, noting, "You've been relying on the 'Substitution Technique' quite heavily. Let's see how many more times you can pull this off. Three more attempts, and you'll meet your end."
Undeterred, Michikatsu's Shadow Clone resumed the assault, each strike precise and deadly. The Chunin continued to rely on the 'Substitution Technique,' narrowly escaping the clone's attacks. However, his chakra reserves were dwindling, and the exertion left him breathless.
Desperation washed over the Chunin as he turned to the Jonin leader, Kari. He pleaded for assistance, calling out, "Kari Jonin, please, save me!" Kari turned to look at the Chunin, their eyes locking briefly. He understood the dire situation but knew that intervening could spell doom. If he turned his back on Michikatsu, he would be defenseless and vulnerable to an attack from the masterful swordsman.
Kari had refrained from deploying his Shadow Clone in the battle, aware that it would hamper his performance against Michikatsu. He couldn't afford to lose the edge he had against his formidable adversary, as it might cost him his life.
The battlefield crackled with tension as the Chunin's fate hung in the balance, his chakra reserves nearly depleted, and the ruthless Michikatsu's Shadow Clone closing in for the kill.
As the Chunin faced the imminent threat of his demise, a sudden turn of events shifted the balance of the battle. Another sensor Chunin, who had been tasked with keeping a watchful eye on Kushina to prevent her escape, stepped into the fray. In a commanding voice, he addressed Michikatsu, "Lay a finger on my comrade, and this girl's life will be forfeit."
Michikatsu's Shadow Clone, a blur of deadly precision, halted abruptly in response to the ultimatum. Even Michikatsu's main body, who had been engrossed in the battle, turned his attention toward Kushina. However, his composure remained unshaken, for he had anticipated such a contingency.
"You Kumo ninjas do have a penchant for playing the role of villains, don't you?" Michikatsu's main body sighed, his voice laced with a hint of amusement.
Kari, the Jonin leader from Kumogakure, retorted, "Your actions left us with no choice."
Michikatsu's main body shrugged nonchalantly. "Perhaps you should have contemplated the consequences before kidnapping someone from Konoha."
Still engaged in combat with the Kumo Jonin, Michikatsu unleashed a formidable technique, 'Blood Demon Art: Koketsu Arrow.' Invisible arrows materialized and promptly severed Kushina from the Chunin's grasp. A sense of dread washed over her as an unseen force seemed to yank her away from her current location.
The Chunin, who had initially been brimming with confidence while holding Kushina hostage, found himself struck dumb by the sudden turn of events. Panic etched across his face as he grappled for words to defend his position. Seizing the opportunity, Michikatsu's Shadow Clone, poised for precisely this moment, executed the 'Thunder Breathing: First Form' with lightning speed.
Before the Chunin could react, Michikatsu appeared behind him, a deadly menace. With a helpless and horrified expression, the Chunin crumpled to the ground, a victim of Michikatsu's swift and lethal attack. The tides of battle had shifted once more, and the stakes had been raised to a new level of intensity.
The situation grew increasingly dire for the exhausted Chunin, whose chakra reserves had been nearly depleted. As anticipated, Michikatsu's Shadow Clone wasted no time, closing the distance with blinding speed and standing ominously before the vulnerable Chunin. The Chunin braced for what he believed would be his imminent demise, but Michikatsu's Shadow Clone had a different plan. With a swift motion, the clone placed a hand on the Chunin's stomach, sealing his chakra flow, ensuring that the Chunin could not escape.
Michikatsu's main body observed the unfolding events and spoke callously, "This is more than enough for my practice. You are of no further use. It's time for you to meet your end."
Kari, a seasoned Jonin, bristled with anger at Michikatsu's arrogance. "Don't speak as if victory is already yours," he retorted.
Michikatsu remained unperturbed. "You will soon understand why I speak with such confidence," he replied. With a determined look, he activated his unique ability, 'Transparent World.' Suddenly, the battlefield transformed for him. The trajectory of Kari's attacks became crystal clear, and he could anticipate Kari's movements based on the subtlest muscular cues.
Kari, an adept swordsman, launched a horizontal sword strike. Michikatsu, aided by the 'Transparent World,' adjusted his swordplay to counter Kari's attack mid-swing. This shift took Kari by surprise, leaving him exposed. Michikatsu's blade sliced diagonally from Kari's waist to his stomach, drawing a streak of blood. However, Kari, with his 'Lightning Chakra Mode,' demonstrated remarkable speed and managed to retreat before suffering further harm.
Yet, Michikatsu, with his 'Transparent World' ability, was one step ahead. He observed the muscle movements in Kari's leg and anticipated Kari's intent to advance. Michikatsu surged forward even before Kari could react, creating a critical advantage in their intense battle. The battle had evolved into a mesmerizing dance of swordsmanship and unique abilities, keeping both combatants on their toes.
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