Ashveil was observing silently.
Deidara, on the other hand, could hardly contain his amusement. He looked down at Rock Lee, whose anxious expression betrayed his desperation.
"Hahaha, you're called Lee, right?" Deidara sneered, his grin wide. "I'm afraid your Teacher Guy has already been swallowed by the magma. If you want to find him, I suggest you go straight to hell."
Lee's fists clenched tightly. "Impossible… this can't be happening! After Teacher Guy activated his Eight Gates Formation, even a Kage-level expert would struggle to defeat him. How could someone like you possibly prevail against my beloved Teacher Guy?" His eyes glistened with tears, reflecting disbelief and determination.
Tobi, perched on Deidara's flying dragon, laughed in excitement. "Hahaha! Once we dealt with that Might Guy, we can finally finish off little fries like you. Don't think we'll go easy just because you're from the Land of Fire."
Just as Deidara and Tobi exchanged excited looks, a figure appeared in the sky.
"You're right, Lee," Might Guy's voice rang out, carrying both authority and confidence. Red steam rose from his body, curling and twisting in the air.
This was no ordinary steam. It was the manifestation of his Eighth Gate. His blood, pushed to its limits by the extreme strain of the technique, boiled and vented from his body as he operated at the peak of human capability.
Deidara's jaw dropped. He had not expected Might Guy, after absorbing Ashveil's previous assault, to rise again. The sight of the red steam alone sent chills down his spine.
"Is that guy… a monster?" Deidara muttered, awed and fearful.
Tobi's eyes widened as well. He knew about the Eight Gates Formation, but seeing it in action, he realized the sheer scale of its power far exceeded his expectations.
Rock Lee's concern was palpable. "Teacher Guy, activating the Eighth Gate… you'll risk your life!"
Might Guy's expression turned solemn, yet resolute. "Do not worry, Lee. Even at the Eighth Gate, I have not yet reached the brink of death."
Ashveil, observing silently, allowed a faint smile to appear on his lips. He had been waiting for this moment. He did not need to move; Might Guy would come to him. There was no need to waste energy chasing.
"I knew the Magma fist wouldn't be enough to stop him," Ashveil murmured. "But I'm afraid, Might Guy, your next move… will be one you cannot withstand."
Rock Lee felt sweat bead on his brow as he watched Ashveil's aura intensify. Even though his teacher had narrowly evaded Ashveil's previous strike, the sheer power radiating from him was overwhelming. Ashveil had yet to show any sign of fatigue, leaving Lee's heart heavy with worry.
With the Eighth Gate fully activated, Might Guy's body reached its ultimate speed and power. He surged from high above, creating step after step of sonic booms in the air. Each movement carried such force that he appeared to fly, propelled by sheer physical energy.
Ashveil raised a brow, predicting the trajectory of Guy's assault. Yet even with his awareness, Might Guy's attack shifted with unexpected agility. The linear strike suddenly curved into an arc, aimed directly at Deidara.
"First Step!" Might Guy shouted, striking Deidara's flying dragon. The impact generated a shockwave unlike anything seen in the Shinobi world—an immense force of raw physical power that shattered the dragon and scattered fragments of the Eight-Tails seal into the air.
Rock Lee's eyes widened in disbelief and excitement. "Teacher Guy… was your target the Eight-Tails from the start? You truly are incredible!"
Might Guy grinned, his exhaustion masked by determination. "Now is not the time to celebrate, Lee. Watch closely. This… is the true power of the Eight Gates Formation."
Deidara and Tobi could only watch helplessly. The subsequent attacks, however, were not directed at them. Might Guy's full focus shifted toward Ashveil, the strongest opponent among the Akatsuki.
Ashveil's lips curved into a slight, intrigued smile. He had yet to face the Eighth Gate, and he was curious to see the full extent of Might Guy's power.
"Second Step! Third Step… Tenth Step!" Might Guy unleashed a rapid series of strikes, ten successive attacks moving faster than the eye could follow.
Ashveil's faint smile widened. "The Eight Gates Formation… let's see if this can harm me, hahaha."
The air between them crackled with energy.