Chapter 173: Thunderstruck
Why, you ask? It's simple! In Koshino's memory, during the Five Shadow Summit arc in the original storyline, White Zetsu used the very secret technique he's employing now to limit the power of the Five Shadow! The name of that technique is the Spore Technique, which is lodged in Koshino's mind! It's a unique binding technique that only White Zetsu and his clones can use! Unlike ordinary clones, White Zetsu's clones don't disappear upon death; they remain there indefinitely.
During the Five Shadow Summit in the original storyline, White Zetsu used the Spore Technique to limit the power of the Five Shadow. The power of the Five Shadow was probably far beyond what White Zetsu's clones could match, so at that time, the Spore Technique was like a useless binding technique, easily broken by the Shadow.
However, recalling the effects of the Spore Technique in his mind, Koshino couldn't help but break into a cold sweat! After all, when White Zetsu uses the Spore Technique, whether it's White Zetsu himself or his clones, they can transform into the parasitic form of White Zetsu that currently envelops Koshino, or rather, the form of White Zetsu's expanding mass, tightly restricting the physical movements of others. Moreover, when the body is filled with the expanding mass created by White Zetsu or his clones, this mass can absorb the chakra of others! Just the first binding effect of the Spore Technique is enough to give Koshino a headache!
After all, Koshino isn't just facing a sneak attack from a single White Zetsu; he's also up against the entire Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist: Jūzō Biwa, Raiga Kurosuki, Jinpachi Munashi, Jinin Akebino, and Fuguki Suikazan! With White Zetsu using the Spore Technique to bind Koshino, wouldn't he be like a lamb to the slaughter in front of Jūzō and the others?
Moreover, when Koshino previously marveled at the characteristics of the Space-Time Rasengan, didn't he also assess the remaining chakra in his body?
With 40% of his chakra still intact, even without perfect mastery of the Space-Time Rasengan, Koshino has the confidence to escape the fierce battle and even reduce the number of formidable enemies before him!
But don't forget! That's only if Koshino has a certain amount of chakra left, giving him the confidence to escape the fierce battle and reduce the numbers of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist!
Indeed, the characteristics of the Space-Time Rasengan are very useful.
Especially when combined with the various advanced Rasengan techniques Koshino mastered early on, along with his exceptional skill in using projectiles, the characteristics of the Space-Time Rasengan become a deadly move!
Initially, when Fuguki was injured by the Space-Time Rasengan, it was merely the characteristic of the Space-Time Rasengan showing its power.
But later, when Jinpachi and Jinin were injured by the Space-Time Rasengan, it required a combination of other techniques!
Firstly, the mysterious "disappearance" characteristic of the Space-Time Rasengan is essential.
Only by fully showcasing the characteristics of the Space-Time Rasengan can Koshino maintain the accuracy of his various advanced Rasengan techniques!
Secondly, Koshino's chakra level has always been an issue. If Koshino continuously uses the Space-Time Rasengan in battle, a few more Rasengans might deplete all his chakra. In such a situation, Koshino naturally wouldn't have the confidence to escape the fierce battle and further reduce the numbers of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.
However, with the mastery of the Finger Rasengan, an advanced Rasengan technique, the situation changes.
For instance, using a regular Rasengan might consume ten chakra points from Koshino, with a power level of ten.
But using a Finger Rasengan consumes at most one chakra point, while still delivering an impressive power level of five!
From here, it's clear that using the fingertip Rasengan offers great value. Combined with the previous characteristics of the Space-Time Rasengan, even if its effects are sometimes unpredictable, Koshino can ensure he suppresses the likes of Jūzō Biwa and other members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist while minimizing chakra consumption.
Ultimately, the full potential of Koshino's Space-Time Rasengan is inseparable from his mastery of hidden weapons.
Even though the Space-Time Rasengan can seemingly "disappear" and reappear to attack, achieving a ghostly effect, members like Jūzō and Jinpachi have rich combat experience. From the disappearance trajectory of the Space-Time Rasengan, they have already understood some of its characteristics. Can they not predict where it will reappear to attack?
Thus, it is precisely Koshino's early mastery of hidden weapons that eliminates the only flaw of the Space-Time Rasengan!
With his terrifying hidden weapon skills, whether throwing the Rasengan or the fingertip Rasengan, Koshino can use different throwing methods to make it nearly impossible for others to detect the trajectory. As a result, the Space-Time Rasengan becomes a truly elusive killer move.
Because of this, even with a preliminary understanding of the Space-Time Rasengan's characteristics, Jinin and Jinpachi were severely injured by Koshino's fingertip Rasengan combined with its traits!
However, it's truly unfortunate!
No matter how much you guard day and night, you can't guard against Madara!
Even if Koshino had Shikaku's intelligence and understood the original storyline, he couldn't imagine the lengths Madara would go to deal with him.
Not only were the Seven Ninja Swordsmen involved, but even White Zetsu was silently observing Koshino.
So, when Koshino couldn't guard against White Zetsu's clone, he fell victim to the Spore Technique. As the binding of White Zetsu's clone deepened, Koshino faced a life-threatening situation!
Especially since the Spore Technique of White Zetsu's clone can absorb others' chakra, Koshino, already low on chakra, found himself in a desperate situation!
As his chakra gradually disappeared, panic flickered in Koshino's eyes.
Nearby, Guy, Genma and Ebisu, who were looking for a chance to retreat, saw Koshino suddenly caught in a strange binding technique, unable to move. Their first thought was to rescue Koshino.
However, just as Guy and the others were about to move, "whoosh!" Jūzō and Jinpachi appeared before them, blocking their path and cutting off Koshino's last hope of survival!
The next moment, when Kurosuki Lighningga pointed his Thunder Swords at Koshino, Koshino's pupils contracted slightly, trapped by White Zetsu's Spore Technique!
"Hahaha! Kid, weren't you just acting all high and mighty?"
"Now you're helpless, aren't you? Feeling desperate?"
"Let me, Kurosuki Raiga, give you a perfect funeral, honoring your death under my Thunder Swords!"
"Lightning Style! Thunder Ball!"
"Boom!"
Almost as Raiga's arrogant voice echoed in Koshino's ears, Koshino felt a deathly aura looming over him!
And as a member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, facing a target like Koshino, Raiga was unlikely to miss!
So, under Koshino's despairing gaze, Raiga aimed in Koshino's direction and hurled his Thunder Swords!
Immediately, the sound of crackling electricity filled the air!
In the instant Raiga threw his Thunder Swords towards Koshino, the first thunderball, brimming with destructive power, crashed down upon Koshino!
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