Ch-131 Asura's defeat.

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Jiryoku, with his 'Mystic Eyes of Death Perception,' could discern only three lines of death on Asura. A stark contrast emerged when considering an average ninja, where Sasori, for instance, bore more than eight lines of death. Asura, however, presented merely three lines, further complicated by his regenerative abilities. Even after severing these lines, Jiryoku harbored uncertainty about Asura's demise.

Determined to ascertain the outcome, Jiryoku pondered, "Whatever the case may be, I'll discover the truth upon cutting the lines of death on his body." Without hesitation, he propelled himself forward with incredible speed, materializing in front of Asura to launch a swift attack.

In response, Asura conjured a wooden sword, infusing it with chakra, and deftly parried Jiryoku's assault. However, the vast difference in physical strength favored Jiryoku, who effortlessly repelled Asura, showcasing his dominance in the clash.

As Jiryoku launched another assault on Asura, the latter once again skillfully parried the attack with his wooden sword. However, this time, Jiryoku, with the keen sight of his 'Mystic Eyes of Death Perception,' directly targeted the line of death on the wooden sword. In an instant, the once-solid weapon disintegrated into dust, leaving Asura momentarily defenseless.

Without pausing, Jiryoku pressed on with his relentless attack, targeting Asura's shoulder with precision. In a calculated move, Jiryoku severed the visible line of death on Asura's shoulder. Anticipating the onslaught, Asura had braced himself for the impact and managed to evade the full force of the strike. Despite his defensive efforts, a shallow cut on his shoulder served as a testament to Jiryoku's relentless skill.

While assessing the injury, Asura contemplated the escalating difficulty of the battle. He mused, "Surviving against Jiryoku is proving increasingly challenging; I find myself barely clinging to defense." Yet, amid these thoughts, a horrifying development unfolded. The very spot on his shoulder that had suffered the shallow cut now witnessed a rapid decay. Asura watched in horror as his entire hand succumbed to the relentless decay, turning into dust that fell to the ground. The unexpected turn of events heightened the stakes of the confrontation, forcing Asura to confront the grim reality of his adversary's formidable abilities.

In the aftermath of the startling event, Asura grappled with shock and horror. However, he swiftly recognized the pressing need to maintain his composure, understanding that any moment of hesitation could result in dire consequences. The urgency to adapt to Jiryoku's relentless assault propelled Asura forward.

Summoning his resolve, Asura's remaining hand transformed into multiple wooden thorns, launching a counterattack against Jiryoku. With a deft swing of his sword, Jiryoku effortlessly dismantled the wooden onslaught. Meanwhile, Asura, strategically retreating, contemplated the unfolding situation.

Amid the exchange, a realization struck Asura. He muttered, "I initially believed Jiryoku's abilities were limited to ninjutsu, but I was gravely mistaken. His powers extend to the human body as well. The shallow cut on my shoulder, which I expected to heal instantly due to my regeneration abilities, instead resulted in my hand decaying and turning to dust. It felt as if my hand had died. Fortunately, my regeneration abilities saved me, preventing the loss of my arm and the subsequent decrease in combat capability." As Asura reflected on the broader implications of Jiryoku's powers, the confrontation took on a new level of complexity, and the need for strategic adaptation became more apparent than ever.

As Asura strategically retreated, Jiryoku deftly dealt with the wooden thorns and promptly launched another attack. Unfazed, Asura, whose regenerated hand had regained its former state, acted without hesitation, invoking the formidable 'Wood Style: Deep Forest Emergence.' Towering trees sprouted from the ground, advancing towards Jiryoku with menacing intent.

As Jiryoku observed the approaching wooden onslaught, he understood that he had the capability to swiftly cut through the trees and clear his path. However, he also recognized the tactical disadvantage of doing so—Asura would capitalize on the opportunity to create distance, impeding Jiryoku's pursuit. Aware of the urgency to eliminate Asura swiftly, Jiryoku opted for a different strategy.

In his hand, a colossal Rasengan took shape, and with a sudden gathering of wind and lightning, the Rasengan transformed into a large shuriken-like structure. This powerful move, named 'Swift Release: Rasenshuriken,' exemplified Jiryoku's ability to control the elements. With a swift throw, the Rasenshuriken tore through the air, obliterating any obstacles in its path, including the advancing wooden trees. The calculated precision of Jiryoku's technique ensured an unobstructed path, emphasizing the need for swift and efficient maneuvers in the ongoing confrontation.

In a swift motion, Jiryoku materialized in front of Asura, who, at this juncture, showed clear signs of exhaustion, panting heavily as he had expended a significant portion of his chakra reserve.

Undeterred, Jiryoku launched another assault without hesitation. Anticipating the attack, Asura fortified his fist with chakra and retaliated. Despite Asura's preparedness, Jiryoku effortlessly evaded the incoming strike and, with unparalleled speed, reappeared behind Asura. A discerning observer might notice a subtle detail—the tip of Jiryoku's sword was now stained with blood, hinting at the precision and effectiveness of his recent manoeuvre.

Asura's gaze shifted downward, revealing a shallow cut etched across his stomach. Turning toward Jiryoku, he acknowledged, "It seems that you've emerged victorious." Asura's lower body, mirroring the decay that had befallen his hand earlier, began to turn grey. Collapsing to the ground, it became evident that Asura's fate was sealed. In the aftermath of the fall, the prospect of Asura rising again seemed bleak, a reality not lost on Jiryoku, who, far from being oblivious, would not grant his fallen opponent another chance.

As Asura lay on the ground, Jiryoku, breaking his silence after entering the EAM, remarked, "Indeed, it appears that victory is mine. This battle wasn't yours to begin with, yet you insisted on facing me." The acknowledgment echoed in the stillness, marking the conclusion of a fierce and decisive confrontation.

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