Ch-152 Tailed-beast mode.

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Kakuzu, with a certainty etched in his mind, acknowledged that facing the barrage of Naruto's numerous Rasengans would leave him far from unscathed. Adding to the complexity, Kakashi and Sakura, both formidable and cunning opponents, loomed behind him. Taking strategic charge, Kakuzu used the wind mask and fire mask, orchestrating their attacks against Kakashi and Sakura, respectively, while reserving his own prowess for the confrontation with Naruto and his shadow clones.

As the proximity between Naruto and Kakuzu diminished, the latter initiated a series of intricate hand seals, culminating in the release of a powerful technique - "Water Release: Wild Water Wave." This surging water wave found its mark, striking Naruto and his shadow clones with remarkable speed. However, the resourcefulness of Naruto and his shadow clones came to the forefront, as they deftly evaded a direct impact by strategically placing their Rasengans as a protective barrier.

This tactical maneuver allowed Naruto and his shadow clones to press forward, traversing the water wave with unwavering determination. Admittedly, a fraction of the less adept shadow clones succumbed to the force, being washed away and ultimately dismantled. It is worth noting, though, that only 40% of the original shadow clones conjured by Naruto fell prey to this aquatic onslaught, showcasing the resilience of his strategic prowess.

Observing Naruto and his shadow clone steadily advancing toward him, Kakuzu maintained a stoic demeanor, recognizing that this was merely the preliminary phase of the calculated attack he intended to unleash. Unperturbed, he stood firm, aware that there was more to come. Positioned beside him, the Thunder mask discharged lightning into the surging water wave, resulting in the comprehensive annihilation of Naruto's shadow clones. Faced with this imminent threat, Naruto's main body swiftly enacted the 'Substitution technique,' deftly evading the destructive aftermath.

Having deftly executed the 'Substitution technique,' Naruto chose not to seek refuge behind the cover of trees or any similar obstruction. Instead, he materialized directly in front of Kakuzu, adopting an upright posture that exuded resilience and determination.

"You are no match for me, boy," Kakuzu asserted confidently, his tone carrying a blend of assurance and superiority as he gauged Naruto's response to the unfolding confrontation.

"Really? It seems you're forgetting that I am a Jinchuriki," Naruto calmly asserted. Following this proclamation, he seamlessly transitioned into the formidable tailed beast mode. This, however, was no ordinary transformation; Naruto's manifestation was marked by the presence of three tails, each crafted from pure orange Jinchuriki chakra, elegantly swaying behind him. Impressively, there was no discernible sign of him spiraling into an uncontrollable state.

The key to Naruto's maintained sanity lay in a pivotal interaction with Hagoromo. Prompted by Hagoromo to instill trust in Naruto and extend unwavering support, Kurama voluntarily ceased its influence on Naruto's mind, refraining from any interference. The absence of access to the Kurama mode for Naruto was a consequence of various factors. Firstly, Naruto hadn't entirely placed his trust in Kurama, and the seal binding Kurama remained securely intact. Additionally, lingering negative emotions within him, yet unaddressed and unconquered, acted as a hindrance to unlocking Kurama's full potential. Consequently, Naruto's current limitation extended to a maximum of four tails, with the potential to push himself to the five-tails mode at most. Beyond this threshold, the risk of losing his sanity once again loomed ominously, underscoring the delicate balance Naruto had to maintain.

Naruto's determination blazed in his eyes as he clenched his fist, infusing an abundant surge of Chakra into his right hand. This conjured a potent chakra fist that enveloped his entire hand. Swift and focused, Naruto propelled himself forward at a breathtaking speed, materializing right in front of Kakuzu. With unwavering resolve, he unleashed a powerful punch aimed squarely at Kakuzu's face.

Refusing to be outmatched, Kakuzu retaliated with the formidable 'Earth Spear' technique. His upper body underwent a transformation, taking on a deep, obsidian hue, and his fist became a formidable force, cloaked in black. The clash of Naruto's Chakra fist and Kakuzu's 'Earth Spear'-enhanced attack created a spectacular display of raw power.

Despite the robust defense and augmented attack capabilities granted by 'Earth Release: Earth Spear,' Kakuzu found himself overpowered by Naruto's relentless assault. The sheer force of Naruto's blow sent Kakuzu skidding backward, trailing along the ground.

True to his unwavering determination, Naruto refused to grant Kakuzu a moment's reprieve. Without pause, he doggedly pursued Kakuzu, ensuring that his opponent had no breathing space or opportunity to mount a defense. The intensity of Naruto's pursuit underscored his commitment to keeping Kakuzu on the defensive, seizing the advantage in this high-stakes encounter.

Despite finding himself the target of Naruto's impending attack, Kakuzu displayed a remarkable absence of surprise or fear. This seemingly paradoxical response found its explanation as the situation unfolded. It transpired that Kakuzu's Lightning mask, a potent ally, remained strategically dormant, refraining from unleashing its formidable offensive capabilities.

As Naruto closed in within the effective range of the Lightning mask, a dense lightning beam discharged from its mouth with swift precision, catching Naruto off guard. Despite Naruto's innate ability to sense the impending assault, his reactions proved inadequate to evade the attack, resulting in a direct and forceful impact from the formidable Lightning Beam.

The aftermath of the Lightning mask's assault left Naruto in a state of serious injury, with the brunt of the damage concentrated on his right shoulder and chest. Blood flowed as a visible testament to the severity of the strike. However, any fleeting sense of triumph Kakuzu may have felt was swiftly replaced with astonishment as Naruto's injuries embarked on an unexpectedly rapid healing journey. This remarkable regeneration was attributed to Naruto's activated tailed beast mode, a formidable force that swiftly countered the physical toll of the Lightning mask's attack.

This unexpected turn of events thwarted Kakuzu's hopes of reveling in the success of his lightning-infused assault, underscoring the formidable nature of Naruto's tailed beast mode and the enduring challenge he posed in this high-stakes confrontation.

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