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Once the dust settled, the aftermath of the explosion revealed Michikatsu still standing. However, his condition was horrific. His right hand was missing, and he was drenched in blood. His internal organs were exposed, creating a ghastly sight that seemed to suggest his demise.
In a fit of anger, Nawaki unleashed a powerful punch using 'Chakra Enhanced Strength,' causing destruction in the vicinity. He shouted, "Michikatsu!" and then sprinted toward his fallen comrade.
At that moment, Gari's real body emerged from underground, having utilized the 'Mole Technique' to appear above ground. Upon seeing Michikatsu's seemingly lifeless body, he remarked, "I had thought my 'Explosion Clone' would obliterate him entirely, but it appears that only his exterior was damaged. His internal organs remain intact, although this level of injury should have been fatal."
One of the Iwagakure Jonin, who had evaded Nawaki's punch attack, recommended, "We should ensure he is killed properly. There's a chance he might survive, considering his ability to heal on his own."
As Nawaki reached Michikatsu, he heard Michikatsu's voice, "Why are you panicking? Do you really think this level of injury can kill me?"
Michikatsu's arm, which had been blasted away, regrew at an astonishing pace. His muscles covered the exposed internal organs, and his skin reformed, followed by his clothing. All of this miraculous healing occurred in just a few blinks of an eye.
Gari was shocked and exclaimed, "How is this possible?"
The other Jonin added in amazement, "How can someone possess such rapid regenerative abilities? As far as I remember, this regenerative speed was only seen in one person—the First Hokage."
Nawaki stood there in astonishment, still processing Michikatsu's incredibly fast healing abilities. Michikatsu, noticing Nawaki's stunned reaction, urged him to action. "Why are you standing there like a statue? Go defeat the Jonin and support our other comrades. If we don't act quickly, more of our fellow Konoha ninjas will be at risk."
Nawaki, snapping out of his daze, responded, "I was just worried about you, but it's good to see you're safe. Don't worry; I'll take down the Jonin as soon as possible."
With that assurance, Nawaki left to confront the Jonin he had temporarily abandoned to check on Michikatsu.
Gari, who had been observing this exchange, wore a more serious expression as he addressed Michikatsu. "It seems I underestimated you."
Michikatsu calmly replied, "Indeed, you did, or else you wouldn't have expended over half of your chakra on a mere 'Explosion Clone.'"
Gari retorted, "Even with my remaining chakra, I have enough to deal with you."
Michikatsu countered, "We'll see about that," and, with remarkable speed, moved in front of a nearby Iwagakure Chunin. He delivered a powerful punch, mirroring Gari's 'Explosion Release: Landmine Fist' technique.
The Iwagakure Chunin, who had been preparing to retreat, was engulfed by the 'Explosion Release: Landmine Fist' before he could react. As the dust cleared, there was nothing left of the Chunin; he had been turned into a mess of blood and bones on the ground.
Gari, who had been standing close to Michikatsu to impede his movements, was utterly shocked. Michikatsu had employed the same technique as him. Gari inquired, "How is this possible? Do you also possess Explosion Release?"
Michikatsu responded casually, "Why the surprise? It's not exclusive to you, and I must thank you for teaching me. After all, you taught me yourself."
Gari was in shock as he tried to make sense of the situation. He questioned Michikatsu in disbelief, "Do not talk nonsense. I did not teach you... Wait a minute, you copied my moves?"
Michikatsu, with a mocking smile, responded, "You took quite some time to catch on, genius."
He then gripped his sword, declaring, "Even though it's a useful ability, I'll defeat you with my swordsmanship, which is my forte."
Gari's expression darkened, realizing that if Michikatsu could indeed replicate Kekkei Genkai-based techniques, he would pose an even greater threat than anyone could have anticipated.
Michikatsu readied his sword, and his hands and legs crackled with lightning as he initiated 'Thunder Breathing First Form: Godspeed.' As Michikatsu moved, the ground beneath him was torn apart, creating a gully. His speed was so astonishing that Gari, who had prepared to face Michikatsu's attack, stood there bewildered, unable to react. In an instant, Michikatsu, who had been in front of Gari, sheathed his sword and was now behind him.
The Jonins who had been battling Michikatsu's shadow clones, and were now observing this surreal turn of events, voiced their confusion. "What's going on? Why isn't the Captain moving?"
Their question was answered in a horrifying manner as Gari's severed head fell to the ground. Michikatsu's speed had been so extraordinary that Gari hadn't even had time to register the pain before his head was separated from his body by Michikatsu's blade.
However, using 'Thunder Breathing First Form: Godspeed' in conjunction with 'Lightning Enhanced Mode' took a significant toll on Michikatsu's body. The strain was evident as the muscles in his legs were nearly blasted and rendered useless. For an ordinary person, it would have been debilitating, but Michikatsu quickly regenerated his damaged muscles. He was ready to continue the fight without delay.
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