Chapter 81. Ryu Vs Gai

A week has passed since their return, nothing major happened but Ryu knew this was the calm before the storm.

Ryu didn't bother with anything else, he was moving towards the forest of death. Today was special, today he is supposed to have a battle. After entering the forest, he kept on going. Finally he saw his opponent.

Gai was doing some light warm-ups, Minato, Tsunade and Sarutobi were here as well. When Ryu and Gai start fighting, they will know anyway so he informed them beforehand.

Ryu spoke to Gai " Have you gotten stronger, Gai? "

Gai laughed " Hahaha, find out for yourself. "

Tsunade and the others watched from afar, they ordered Anbu to seal off any form of sound from this region. Now Ryu and Gai could go all out without worries.

Both of them stood facing each other, their battle intent soared each second. Wind blowed, lifting a tree leaf, it slowly descended. Ryu and Gai stood motionless, the moment that leaf hit the floor, they disappeared.

Both of them collided head on, fist to fist. Ryu examined Gai's body, it has strengthened to a ridiculous level. With just his body's strength alone, Gai can give most Kages a run for their money.

They exchanged a few more moves before retreating. Gai grinned, he took a horse stance

" First Gate : Gate of Opening

Second Gate : Gate of Healing

Third Gate : Gate of life "

Three inner gates were opened continuously. No energy was released from his body, in fact his body looked the same as that of an ordinary person. But Ryu and the others could feel a terrifying energy brewing inside him.

His speed was notched up, Gai was like a phantom as he moved around Ryu, suddenly Ryu put up his guard towards his left side. A tremendous force blasted him away, Gai didn't relent as he continued his assault. But Ryu was no pushover either, he quickly got accustomed to Gai's speed and dodged.

' He is as strong as his former opening fifth gate, moreover all that energy is condensed. I can't be half hearted.

Navii, release the seal upto 6th ring.'

Navii " Yes master. "

Ryu placed seals on himself to limit his powers, his seals consists of 10 rings. Each rings seals ten percent of his power.

Ryu stood there motionless, his body didn't show any change when the seal was removed but everyone focused on him. Somehow his body gave off a dangerous feeling.

Gai got serious as well, he knew Ryu wouldn't go down that fast. Ryu smiled widely, his figure flashed. Gai couldn't react as he was punched to his gut, still he managed to deflect his body a bit at the last second to avoid any damage.

He countered by using Ryu's body as a foothold and kicking downwards. Ryu placed his arm above his head, blocking it. Gai couldn't get the drop on Ryu for the next few seconds.

Gai yelled " Gate of Pain, Open!! "

This time guys body turned a bit red, but as before he didn't leak a ounce of energy. Gai charged madly as he punched towards Ryu, who didn't back away either.

Both their fists collided, a terrifying shockwave spread out towards every direction. Neither of them backed down.

Ryu suddenly pulled back his strength, this surprised Gai as he lost his footing. He caught Gai's hand pulling him towards his direction. He then got behind him and pummeled Gai to the ground.

Gai managed to regain his balance at the last second, he dodged and retreated.

Gai looked at Ryu, he spoke seriously " I didn't think you would be this strong. Right now my strength should be equal to previous me Opening upto seventh Gate. "

Ryu laughed " You don't expect me to remain at a particular level, do you? "

Gai grinned " I guess so. "

His face hardened, veins bulged all over his body.

" Fifth Gate : Gate of limit!! OPEN!! "

Ryu was solemn, he didn't hold back as he retrieved Kokushibyo. Gai's strength kept on increasing.

He muttered ' Can't keep this up for more than Five minutes, so I should finish this quickly. '

Sarutobi and the others were overwhelmed when they saw Ryu and Gai fight. There fight left the forest in a sorry state. Trees were uprooted, several crates varying in depth and size spread throughout the battlefield.

Sarutobi " What a monster!! "

Tsunade nodded " Yes, to keep up with Gai like that, he is very strong. "

Minato " He wasn't talking about Ryu."

Tsunade was startled, she looked at Gai and understood. To cultivate just his body alone without any kind of ninja technique required strong will and dedication.

Ryu used his sword techniques to fight Gai, his domain restrained Gai's movements but not to a great extent. Ryu focused even more to find Gai's location, unknowingly his sword domain was expanding, albeit slowly.

Ryu suddenly placed his sword right in front of him, his body slightly bended to take on the incoming attack. This all happened in a split second.

Gai's punch came like a meteor, it smashed directly above Ryu's sword, his figure was blasted away, leaving a long trace on the ground. Ryu got up from the debris, his hand was slightly injured with blood flowing out but Ryu didn't seem to notice it. His eyes blazed as he looked at Gai.

Ryu took on a stance, his domain spread out encircling everything within a hundred meters. Ryu suddenly slashed, this attack was nowhere near Gai but his expression changed as he moved to the side.

Ryu didn't stop, his attacks kept on coming towards Gai. No matter how hard he dodged these attacks seemed to have eyes on its own as they relentlessly attacked Gai.

Finally Ryu's figure moved, he appeared above Gai. He slowly slashed his sword towards Gai

" First slash : Decimation '

A greyish light came out slicing towards Gai.

Gai gained some distance, he pulled both his fist towards his Gut, a second later he punched rapidly.

" Asakujaku "

Flames materialised as they attacked Ryu, but he didn't care. Ryu held up his blade, his domain still active. Any flame that got inside his domain was sliced apart.

Ryu looked up, Gai was still attacking. Ryu's speed increased tremendously for a second as he got Infront of Gai. He swung his sword only to be missed. Gai was alert at all times but without any warning he was kicked downwards.

His body crashed heavily into the ground, before he got up Ryu already sent a few more attacks towards his direction. Gai had no other choice but to dodge but he suddenly felt a something cold touch his throat.

Ryu grinned widely as he said " I win. "