Ch-77 Nawaki's helplessness.

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...

Nawaki, with a helpless sigh, found himself compelled to embark on the arduous task of searching through the vast rubble strewn across the mountain in a relentless pursuit of the bodies of the fallen ninjas.

Following Nawaki's departure, Michikatsu underwent a transformative shift into Lava Chakra mode. His yearning for this heightened state had been kindled upon witnessing Roshi's utilization of it. However, practical constraints prevented his attempts earlier, as Roshi's unique chakra mode resulted from the fusion of his tailed beast mode with lava release. This intricate connection prompted Michikatsu to exercise restraint, fearing that an untimely activation would arouse Roshi's suspicion. Now, the opportune moment had finally arrived to unleash Lava Chakra release, poised to counter the mud release.

In a purposeful trajectory, Michikatsu set his sights on a multitude of mud dolls, creations of Ameyuki, relentlessly assaulting him. Employing Lava release with precision, Michikatsu targeted these mud entities, recognizing the futility of physical attacks against them. Their regenerative ability depended on the reconstitution of dispersed mud, whether identical to the original substance or derived from the terrain beneath them, making it imperative for Michikatsu to deploy his specialized Swordsmanship.

Approaching the mud dolls with determined strides, Michikatsu observed a noteworthy transformation in their composition—the outer layers began a gradual process of drying. Seizing the opportune moment, he directed a forceful punch at the center of one mud doll. The impact of Michikatsu's fist was resounding; not only did it breach the core of the mud doll, but it also triggered a swift reaction. The mud doll, subject to the desiccating effect, promptly transitioned into a rigid soil statue that, upon reaching completion, shattered into scattered fragments.

Contrary to the notion that the mud doll abstained from retaliation, it did, in fact, attempt to strike back. Yet, the outcome mirrored the fate of its fellow mud doll. As the mud doll's fist approached Michikatsu, it too succumbed to the drying process. Upon contact, the once formidable fist underwent a metamorphosis into ordinary soil, mirroring the phenomenon observed when a robust soil rock collides with a mighty stone and promptly transforms into loose soil. The aftermath was a manifestation of this transformative sequence, resulting in the creation of a simple, albeit transient, soil statue that crumbled upon meeting the earth below.

Ameyuki, upon witnessing this extraordinary display of prowess by Michikatsu, found himself at a loss for words and utterly shocked. The ease with which Michikatsu dismantled the formidable mud doll, a move hailed as one of his most potent techniques, left Ameyuki in awe. These mud dolls, renowned for their resilience against physical attacks, had posed an insurmountable challenge for countless powerful ninjas defeated by Ameyuki. Until this moment, no adversary had emerged capable of countering this seemingly invincible move with such effortless precision.

While conventional fire techniques could induce partial drying in these mud dolls, they fell short of complete destruction. The residual moisture allowed for regeneration, leaving the mud dolls ready to launch subsequent attacks. However, Michikatsu's strategic utilization of lava release proved to be a game-changer. Operating from a safe distance, he skillfully desiccated the mud dolls, and upon delivering punches infused with lava, the once formidable constructs crumbled into mere loess of soil.

In the wake of this unparalleled display of skill, Ameyuki, with a resigned acknowledgment of his inferiority, swiftly formed a hand seal. Positioned in anticipation, he stood there, patiently awaiting Michikatsu's imminent arrival, fully aware that he was now confronted with a formidable opponent against whom his usual tactics proved futile.

On the flip side, Michikatsu effortlessly decimated the approaching mud dolls, a seamless display of his prowess. Much like the initial mud doll, any that ventured close to Michikatsu experienced an accelerated desiccation process. His punches, delivered with unwavering precision, proved to be their demise—a relentless force akin to a bulldozer moving at a steady and relentless pace, leaving destruction in its wake.

In no time, Michikatsu materialized in front of Ameyuki, his actions speaking louder than words as he landed a punch squarely on Ameyuki's chest. Remarkably, the Ameyuki who had been standing there underwent a startling transformation, turning into mud upon impact. With Michikatsu's forceful punch, Ameyuki further disintegrated into nothing more than loose soil. Witnessing this remarkable display of skill, Michikatsu couldn't help but comment, "Escaped using the Mud Substitution Technique. But where can you escape when you're already low on Chakra?" With a calculated move, Michikatsu placed his hand on the ground, invoking the 'Area Scanning Technique.' Almost instantaneously, he pinpointed Ameyuki's location.

Presently, Ameyuki, recognizing his clear disadvantage, exerted every ounce of strength in a desperate attempt to flee from Michikatsu. It was an acknowledgment that he stood no chance against the formidable opponent who had effortlessly dismantled not only the mud dolls but also any semblance of hope for Ameyuki to escape unscathed.

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