"Lightning Release: Liger Bomb!" the Fourth Raikage roared.
Power surged through his body, and with terrifying speed, he charged directly toward Ashveil.
"Brother!" Killer Bee exclaimed, alarm clear in his voice. Even together, their jutsu had been powerless against this Akatsuki member.
The sheer strength of Ashveil's combat power was almost unimaginable. Facing him head-on, the Fourth Raikage's choice was audacious, perhaps reckless.
As expected, before the Raikage could land a strike, a massive burst of energy slammed down from the sky, hitting him like a giant hand swatting a fly. He plummeted, Darui rushing to mitigate the impact with a Water Release, cushioning his fall into a lake. Without it, the Raikage would have been knocked unconscious immediately.
At that moment, C appeared, swiftly moving forward. Behind him, hundreds of elite ninjas from the Land of Lightning had arrived, drawn by the commotion. They gaped in astonishment at the scene—an Akatsuki member suppressing the Land of Lightning so completely was beyond their expectations.
Darui, cautious as always, approached C. "C, examine him! What's the nature of his Chakra? He seems limitless, and I've never seen anything like it. He's… alien!"
Ashveil glanced casually toward them, slightly amused. C activated his exploration Ninjutsu, his eyes widening.
"This… his Chakra seems infinite. More than that, it radiates like an invisible, overwhelming energy, concentrated within a ten-meter radius. Any disruption of this sphere would trigger a massive explosion," C reported gravely.
The Fourth Raikage and Killer Bee absorbed this revelation in stunned silence. No wonder their attacks hadn't broken through Ashveil's defense. His sheer concentration of energy could resist anything in the world.
"Then what can we do?" the Raikage asked, jaw tight. The Land of Lightning had never faced such a threat, and their pride burned at the thought of being overwhelmed by an Akatsuki member.
C considered, then spoke carefully, "If the energy sphere explodes, Ashveil will be at his weakest. At that moment, a coordinated strike could repel him using his own power against him."
The Raikage and Killer Bee exchanged glances. The method was feasible, and though dangerous, it was the only option.
"Killer Bee, focus your attack. I will feint against Ashveil. All others, do not engage him directly. He is far beyond your level. Concentrate on Deidara and Tobi," the Raikage ordered firmly.
Killer Bee shook his head, concerned. "Big Brother, with the Eight-Tails' protection, I can strike first. My defense surpasses yours!"
"No more excuses!" the Raikage snapped.
Without hesitation, he enveloped himself in Lightning Armor and launched himself like a bolt toward Ashveil.
"Lightning Release: Liger Bomb!" he shouted again.
Ashveil's lips curled in a faint smile. He hadn't expected such unyielding resolve, a spirit worthy of a Kage. Yet, even with his formidable ability, Ashveil rose calmly, the aura of his Conqueror's Haki radiating.
"Since you witness my true strength and still resist, then very well. I will show you true terror!" Ashveil's voice carried both amusement and dominance.
Nagato, observing from the Akatsuki's hideout, tilted his head, intrigued. Ashveil's intent to impose pain mirrored his own methods, which piqued Nagato's curiosity. Konan, noticing his unease, approached.
"What is it? Something's happened?" she asked. Nagato waved his off.
"Nothing of concern. All is proceeding smoothly," he said.
Back on the battlefield, the Fourth Raikage surged forward relentlessly.
"You detestable Akatsuki, how dare you understand the resolve of the Raikage of the Land of Lightning!" he bellowed.
Ashveil narrowed his eyes and launched a punch toward him. The Raikage accelerated further, and the blow missed entirely. Intrigued, Ashveil unleashed another strike, only for the Raikage to evade again, now standing behind him. Ashveil's own punch struck his back as he adjusted mid-air.
Boom!
A colossal force erupted, the Conqueror's Haki Giant Fist colliding with Ashveil's protective Haki barrier. Waves of energy radiated outward, rippling the air and shaking the battlefield.
The Fourth Raikage was sent flying, spitting blood, while surges of Conqueror's Haki energy continued to cascade around him.
Ashveil hovered calmly, his eyes glinting with quiet authority. He had faced the strongest of the Land of Lightning, yet remained unshaken.
The battle had escalated to a level that no ordinary shinobi could fathom. The Land of Lightning's pride, their Kage and strongest warriors, all pressed against a single figure—and that figure was Ashveil, standing unyielding, the embodiment of true power.
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