Onoki's scalp tingled as the massive Haoshoku slash approached.
"Earth Release: Super Lightweight Rock Technique!" Onoki formed hand signs, his fingers moving with precision.
With a surge of strength, he grabbed the mountains behind him, hurling them toward Ashveil.
Not stopping there, he quickly formed more hand seals.
"Earth Release: Super Added-Weight Rock Technique!" Onoki declared, imbuing the mountain peaks with incredible density and mass.
"Kid, watch my combination attack!" Onoki said proudly, his pride shining through every move.
Ashveil regarded the barrage with disdain, a slight smile tugging at his lips.
"Old man, you overestimate yourself. How many times must I tell you? You and I are not even on the same level. If you think your Earth Release Ninjutsu can stop my Conqueror's Haki, you're dreaming," Ashveil said lightly.
Impossible? Onoki roared, almost exhausting his entire Chakra to smash mountain after mountain at Ashveil.
"What Conqueror's Haki? I've never heard of it! Stop pretending to be mysterious!" Onoki shouted, veins bulging on his forehead.
The mountains flew through the sky like mere toys, each one aimed at Ashveil with terrifying force.
Deidara, injured but observing, opened his mouth wide. "Onoki's fighting power is still terrifying. With all these peaks crashing down, even Ashveil could be flattened!"
Tobi's eyes widened in shock. "Is this the power of a Kage? More frightening than a Tailed Beast!"
Deep within Tobi's mask, Obito's brow furrowed. Onoki was a formidable opponent. Were it any other ninja—even Uchiha Itachi—they would have struggled immensely under such an assault.
Obito's curiosity grew. Could Ashveil defeat this stubborn Tsuchikage? Onoki ranked among the highest Kage in combat strength, and even Kisame Hoshigaki was insignificant to him.
If Ashveil surpassed Onoki, his power would exceed even Uchiha Itachi. The thought alone sent a shiver down Obito's spine.
Kurotsuchi and Akatsuchi cheered, excitement brimming in their voices.
"Hahaha! Lord Onoki, crush that Akatsuki scumbag!" Kurotsuchi exclaimed.
"Let them know that any Akatsuki intruder will regret coming!" Akatsuchi added.
Yet soon, their cheers turned to disbelief. Ashveil, showing a helpless smile, knew Onoki refused to believe him. He would simply have to demonstrate his true power.
The Haoshoku Giant surged once more, its strength amplifying in Ashveil's hands.
Rumble, rumble!
Mountains shattered beneath the giant's swing, rubble raining from the sky. The colossal Haoshoku slash charged at Onoki, splitting the ground in its path and slicing the river behind him into two. The sheer intensity of the attack sent shockwaves through the battlefield.
The Earth Country ninjas who had come to assist froze, dumbfounded.
"What is that?" one whispered.
"Never seen an attack like this…" another murmured.
An elite Jonin barked orders. "Everyone, be alert! This is unlike any Ninjutsu we've faced!"
The Earth Release specialists formed a massive protective barrier, combining their Ninjutsu into a defense of Kage-level potency. Relief swept through them as they watched the structure rise.
"Good, we should withstand this attack," one muttered.
But before they could breathe, Ashveil's Haoshoku slash tore through their defenses, pulverizing the ninjas inside. Dust and debris filled the air as the residual force continued forward, unstoppable.
Onoki, sensing the overwhelming power, activated his flight, narrowly evading the strike. Yet even he could feel the oppressive force of Ashveil's attack. His expression turned serious, lips trembling slightly as he muttered, "I never expected such a terrifying presence among the Akatsuki. Why would someone of his strength join as a mere member?"
Ashveil watched Onoki's movements, a faint smile on his face.
"Not bad, Onoki. Your strength is truly Super Kage-level," he said, respecting the old man, though he had no intention of holding back.
The Haoshoku Giant clenched its iron-like fists and aimed a devastating strike at the Earth Release-shielded Onoki.
Sweat beaded on Onoki's forehead. "This kid… too terrifying. I only ever felt such pressure before Uchiha Madara and Hashirama," he thought.
Determined, Onoki prepared his ultimate technique. "Super Dust Release: Original World Detachment Technique!"
A ball of white light formed, sending waves of Dust Release toward Ashveil's giant.
"This Onoki… trying to destroy my Haoshoku Giant? Crazy," Ashveil muttered calmly.
Witnessing the spectacle, bystanders were stunned, mouths agape. The battle had escalated to unprecedented heights, far beyond their expectations.
Deidara muttered, disbelief clear on his face, "No way… Onoki is being suppressed by Ashveil?"
Obito's shock was no less. He had always respected Onoki's strength. Seeing Ashveil overpower him suggested his power exceeded even Uchiha Itachi. This revelation complicated Obito's calculations, adding another unpredictable factor to his plans.
Kurotsuchi and Akatsuchi were equally amazed.
"This battle rivals the Valley of the End fight between Hashirama and Madara!" they exclaimed.
"If this continues, we must find a way to aid Lord Onoki!"
They charged toward Ashveil, leaving Deidara and Tobi behind.
Deidara muttered bitterly, "I never thought we'd rely on Ashveil's performance to save us…"
Tobi, concerned, asked, "Deidara-senpai, are you alright? That strike from Akatsuchi was fierce!"
Deidara gave a bitter smile, still recovering from the brutal blows.
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