Within the Third Raikage's field of vision, there was nothing but treesan infinite expanse of wood stretching as far as the eye could see.
"Lightning Release Chakra Mode!" the Third Raikage roared. He burst through the heavy obstruction of the branches, ascending directly into the sky to survey his surroundings. It was the same everywhere: a boundless, primeval forest.
A new world of wood had descended here.
With a heavy thud, the Third Raikage landed back on the ground and barked an order. "A, Killer B! Get the Cloud Ninja to retreat, now!"
"Yes, Father!"
"Understood, Raikage-sama!" Ay and Killer B replied in unison. Faced with such a terrifying technique, they knew they had to pull the Kumogakure forces back immediately. If they stayed, the casualties would be catastrophic; more and more Cloud Ninja would perish within Tianyuan's technique.
"Hiashi, Fugaku, gather the Konoha ninja and begin the offensive," Tianyuan commanded.
"Yes, Tianyuan Jonin," Hiashi and Fugaku replied. They had finally witnessed the true, horrifying power of Wood Release. Such a display of might was the difference between a god and a mortal. Their feelings toward Tianyuan had shifted into absolute reverence and awe.
"Tianyuan Jonin, be careful." Hiashi and Fugaku departed. They needed to inform the Konoha forces that this was Tianyuan's technique, his Wood Release Kekkei Genkai.
"You make quick decisions, Third Raikage, ordering an immediate retreat like that," Tianyuan said, addressing the man before him.
The Konoha ninja were currently in a state of confusion, but if the battle dragged on, they would have the home-field advantage within this Deep Forest Emergence. In that scenario, the Cloud Ninja would be in extreme peril. It was no wonder Tianyuan felt a touch of admiration for the Raikage's decisiveness.
Tianyuan was in high spirits. He had just received a clear video signal and was quite curious about its contents, but he decided to deal with the Third Raikage first.
"This isn't the power of the Mangekyō... it is the Wood Release of the First Hokage," the Third Raikage said gravely.
This world-renowned technique, Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence, was famous throughout the shinobi world even if only Hashirama Senju had ever mastered it. It was known as the most powerful Kekkei Genkai, with a reputation exceeding even the Uchiha clan's Sharingan.
Regrettably, Hashirama was the only member of the Senju clan to possess such power; no one else had ever manifested it. This had only added to the legend of Wood Release. Now, the Third Raikage was seeing firsthand why it was hailed as the supreme power.
Furthermore, this man Tianyuan not only possessed the Wood Release Kekkei Genkai but also held the supreme power of the Uchiha: the Mangekyō.
"Third Raikage, this is the Wood Release technique, Deep Forest Emergence. I hope you find it to your liking," Tianyuan said.
"Then let us test our strength," the Third Raikage replied slowly.
"I've wanted to clash with you as well. Legend says you possess the Strongest Spear and the Strongest Shield," Tianyuan said with a smile. "This time, I'll use Taijutsu to experience your power for myself."
"Lightning Release Chakra Mode!" the Raikage barked. Lightning-natured chakra constantly surged over his body, enveloping him.
In an instant, the Third Raikage's strength, speed, and durability skyrocketed. It was a defense so absolute that even the Eight-Tails could not breach it, acting as a thick, impenetrable armor.
"Good. Truly impressive Taijutsu," Tianyuan remarked, his own physical power erupting.
The power of the Pseudo-One Punch Man Training Method.
The physical strength enhanced by Ki.
The might of the Sage Body.
Super Regeneration.
Armament Haki.
A multitude of abilities combined to form Tianyuan's currently terrifying physical capacity.
Boom!
Tianyuan stepped lightly on the ground, causing the earth to shatter. Countless cracks spider-webbed outward in every direction. This was a physical force far exceeding even Tsunade's Chakra Enhanced Strength.
"Come!"
The Third Raikage's figure vanished instantly, and Tianyuan did the same. Two shadows flickered through the jungle, clashing repeatedly. If any other ninja from the villages were present, they would be paralyzed with fear; those who were merely Jonin couldn't even track the movements of these two.
Thunderous roars echoed through the air. Gale-force winds howled as trees were pulverized into dust.
Tianyuan knew that against the Raikage's extraordinary Taijutsu, the passive power of Deep Forest Emergence would have little effect. Thus, he chose to use his own physical techniques to confront him directly.
Bang! Bang!
The speed of the two combatants created a series of afterimages, accompanied by the constant roar of colliding power. If an ordinary ninja took just one of these punches, their body would likely be reduced to a bloody mist. This was a duel of the highest level of Taijutsu.
Boom!
Their fists collided once more, and both figures were sent tumbling backward. The ground between them was gouged open, forming a massive abyss.
"What incredible strength." Tianyuan stabilized himself on the ground and shook his fist. Thanks to his Sage Body and the hardening of his Armament Haki, he hadn't sustained any real injury.
"It had no effect at all?" the Third Raikage thought, his expression darkening as he looked at Tianyuan.
Even without using the Mangekyō or Wood Release, Tianyuan was able to render him helpless with nothing but this mysterious physical power. This man's Taijutsu alone was at the Kage-level.
Furthermore, the Raikage knew that Tianyuan possessed the power of the Eight Gates. If he were to activate those, his Taijutsu would reach even more absurd heights.
Whiz!
Suddenly, the Third Raikage's figure turned into a bolt of electricity and retreated. Even as the trees tried to intercept him, they were smashed to pieces by his momentum.
"So, you're running away?" Tianyuan watched the Raikage disappear into the distance but chose not to pursue.
"My mood is decent enough today, so I'll let it go." Tianyuan's figure also began to fade from the forest. He had other Konoha ninja to assist.
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