Ch-66 Roshi enters the battle.

(Announcement: I am happy to announce that, as a Tier I Patreon member, you can enjoy a 7-day free trial to read all of my work. )

You can read 20 chapters ahead of everyone on patreon.

Link:https://www.p@treon.com/Hkj822

https://discord.gg/C7s9YjvG3p

...

As Michikatsu swiftly eliminated the Jonin, he noticed an ominous presence approaching in his heightened perception. A powerful individual emanating a vast chakra was closing in on their location, and Michikatsu discerned that if he did not deal with the remaining two Jonins quickly, their team's retreat might prove exceedingly challenging or, worst of all, impossible. Although Michikatsu typically held himself in high regard and refrained from employing sneaky tactics, the gravity of the situation left him little choice.

Without hesitation, Michikatsu executed a technique that rendered him invisible, becoming one with the surroundings – 'Blood Demon Art: Blindfold.' Observing Michikatsu's sudden disappearance, both Jonins were bewildered, left to wonder how he could vanish so abruptly. Nonetheless, they remained on high alert, bracing themselves for any imminent attack.

One of the Jonins, his instincts acting as a warning beacon, sensed an unseen presence lurking behind him. In a swift, reactive motion, he wheeled around to strike with his kunai, only to find that his blade met empty air. Moments later, a sword impaled his chest, and Michikatsu materialized, revealing his position.

After extracting the sword from the fallen Iwa Jonin's chest, Michikatsu spoke with a trace of regret in his voice, "While I prefer the honor of a straightforward battle as a swordsman, the circumstances have left me with little choice."

The Iwa Jonin, his eyes reflecting reluctance and resignation, slumped to the ground, succumbing to his injuries and ultimately meeting his end.

Michikatsu wasted no time engaging in conversation with the remaining Iwa Jonin. Without delay, he unleashed 'Blood Demon Art: Koketsu Arrow.' However, this time, the Iwa Jonin was prepared for such a stealthy assault. With skillful chakra control, he affixed himself to a sturdy tree branch and used every ounce of his strength to resist the force of the Koketsu Arrow, preventing Michikatsu from pulling him closer.

Undaunted, Michikatsu taunted the Iwa Jonin, "Do you truly believe that you can survive by clinging to that tree? Let me enlighten you – the very tree you're holding onto will become the instrument of your demise." He then invoked 'Blood Demon Art: Wood Manipulation.'

Astonishingly, the tree beneath the Iwa Jonin's feet rapidly transformed into a fearsome wooden dragon, its maw closing around the unfortunate Jonin's head before he could react. With a grisly finality, the Iwa Jonin's head was severed by the wooden jaws, and his lifeless body plummeted to the earth below.

Witnessing Michikatsu's use of 'Wood Release,' the other onlooking ninjas were struck with utter shock and confusion. They couldn't comprehend how Michikatsu could wield such a rare and powerful nature transformation. This incredible display was a revelation for them. Yet, for Nawaki, this came as no surprise, as he had witnessed Michikatsu's mastery of 'Wood Release' during their previous missions as a team.

As the spectators were still recovering from their shock, they were startled by the sudden appearance of three more wooden dragons alongside the one Michikatsu had conjured earlier. These colossal wooden beasts, now a total of four, were directed toward Michikatsu's front. While this bewildered the onlookers, Nawaki recognized the gravity of the situation – a formidable adversary had arrived.

Upon their collision with the ground, the wooden dragons seemed to be shattered and erupted into flames, leaving a trail of fiery destruction in their wake.

The entire area was engulfed in dust, soil, and smoke following the confrontation between Michikatsu's wooden dragons and this enigmatic adversary. Visibility was reduced to near-zero. Eventually, as the debris settled, the mysterious combatant emerged from the dust cloud, his body cloaked in molten lava.

Most of the Konoha ninjas were unfamiliar with this new arrival, but the remaining three Iwa ninjas and Michikatsu and Nawaki recognized him immediately – it was none other than Roshi, the Jinchuriki of the Four-Tails.

Roshi's heart brimmed with anger as he observed only three Iwa ninjas left standing. He turned his attention to Michikatsu and said, "It's no wonder that Gari fell at your hands, especially with your 'Wood Release.'"

Michikatsu responded calmly, "Not at all. Gari was simply too weak, and his bag of tricks couldn't save him."

Realizing his previous underestimation, Roshi acknowledged, "I made a grave error in underestimating you. It seems that, below Kage level, no one can truly challenge you."

Michikatsu, maintaining his composure, refrained from any superfluous remarks. However, Roshi was resolute, asserting, "Your rampage ends here. After slaughtering numerous Iwa ninjas, including four Jonins and one Elite Jonin, I will not permit you to leave this place alive."

Following his declaration, Roshi bolted towards Michikatsu at incredible speed. In an attempt to impede Roshi's charge, Michikatsu hastily conjured multiple small wooden pillars composed of twisted wood. These pillars were intended to slow down Roshi's progress. However, the unique peril of Roshi's molten body became evident as, upon approach, the wooden pillars promptly ignited. When Roshi's body made contact with these pillars, they were reduced to smoldering charcoal. These wooden structures proved feeble, unable to withstand the sheer velocity of Roshi's advance.

(A/N: If you like the story please vote power stones.)