Deidara hovered in a semi-conscious state, his eyes wide with disbelief. He had underestimated Might Guy's power. That bushy-browed ninja could unleash such terrifying combat strength without immediately succumbing to death. Lee, meanwhile, beamed with excitement, his admiration for his teacher overflowing. To witness such raw power unleashed safely was the best validation of his lifelong training in the Eight Gates Formation. Lee's gaze never wavered from Might Guy. Every movement, every step had to be observed with precision; it was his way of honoring the care his teacher had always shown him.
...................
Elsewhere, Kakashi's team was racing toward the battlefield. Sensing the intensity of the situation, Kakashi activated his Sharingan mid-stride, his eyes narrowing as he took in the scene. Naruto, Sakura, and the others exchanged surprised looks. Activating the Sharingan on a daily basis consumed massive amounts of Chakra, and yet Kakashi had done so voluntarily.
"Teacher Kakashi… why are you using your Sharingan now?" Naruto asked, confusion and concern mixing in his voice.
"Yes… something must have happened, right?" Sakura added, her eyes wide.
Kakashi's expression darkened. "Through my Sharingan, I just witnessed something unbelievable…"
The team fell silent, waiting. Naruto's concern deepened. "What did you see, Teacher Kakashi?"
Kakashi's gaze sharpened. "Might Guy… he has activated his Eight Gates Formation."
Naruto blinked in relief. "If that's the case, then it's nothing serious. The Eight Gates is his ultimate technique. He must have encountered a powerful opponent and had no choice but to use it."
Kakashi's eyes narrowed further, his expression turning grave. "You're wrong, Naruto. This is far worse than that. He has activated the Eighth Gate… and at this level, using it risks his very life."
The weight of Kakashi's words sank in. Naruto, Sakura, and the others stiffened, realizing the gravity of the situation. Even Might Guy, a master of the Eight Gates, could not afford such a confrontation lightly. The enemy confronting him must be beyond formidable.
"Move quickly," Kakashi commanded. The team accelerated, slicing through the terrain with precision.
Suddenly, a familiar figure appeared ahead, halting them in their tracks. Naruto's eyes widened, his heart racing. It was Sasuke Uchiha, the person he had longed to confront once again.
"Sasuke!" Naruto called out, astonished. Sakura's voice trembled as well. "Sasuke… you're here!"
Kakashi's frown deepened. "Sasuke… your intent is filled with killing intent," he murmured, his Sharingan tracking every movement.
Sasuke's eyes glimmered coldly. "Do not stop me. My target is not you. I need information from a member of Akatsuki… and I intend to eliminate him." His fingers clenched around his weapons, a chilling smile crossing his face.
Kakashi's warning was calm but firm. "Sasuke, do not let hatred blind your vision."
Sasuke's glare sharpened. "You remind me of something I forgot. You fake, half-hearted fools… do not defile the Uchiha's eyes." His tone left no room for mercy.
Naruto's fury boiled over, his blood-red eyes signaling the Nine-Tails' Chakra awakening. "Sasuke, I failed to bring you back before. This time… I will not fail. Even if I must beat you to bring you back, I will!"
Kakashi's eyes flicked toward Might Guy's location. The timing of Sasuke's appearance at such a critical juncture was unsettling, yet he had no choice but to trust Naruto to hold the situation.
"Naruto… you must stop Sasuke," Kakashi murmured.
"I am the Nine-Tails! Don't worry, Teacher Kakashi," Naruto assured him, brimming with determination.
Kakashi, slightly reassured, sped ahead with Sai in tow, leaving Sakura behind for support. She lingered, torn between fear and determination. "Teacher Kakashi… I'll stay. I need to help."
...................
Back on the battlefield, Ashveil remained immovable, his composure unshaken. He observed Might Guy's movements with calm detachment, confident in his own power.
Might Guy, despite the terrifying strain of the Eighth Gate, sensed something unnerving. Ashveil's unwavering confidence, his calm observation, created a subtle chill along Guy's spine. The Akatsuki member was not just overconfident… he was assessing Guy's limits.
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