Ch-65 Roshi going to the battlefield.

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...

With the triumph of overcoming Michikatsu's Shadow Clone now behind them, the Jonin regrouped, gathering in close proximity. The gravity of their situation weighed heavily on their collective minds as they exchanged glances. One of the Jonin, his voice a mixture of admiration and caution, spoke candidly, "There's no denying it—we are no match for Michikatsu and Nawaki. Their strength transcends ordinary Jonins; we were compelled to employ a spectrum of tactics merely to subdue the likes of Michikatsu's Shadow Clones. Their capabilities are truly on a whole other level."

The somber discussion among the remaining Iwa Jonin continued, their voices laden with a mixture of awe and resignation. "Indeed," one of the Jonin noted with a tinge of exasperation. "Even if, by some stroke of luck, we manage to inflict harm upon Michikatsu, he'll mend his wounds in the blink of an eye."

Another Jonin chimed in, emphasizing the futility of their situation. "Our efforts would be futile at best. His recovery rate is beyond remarkable."

The last Jonin in their small assembly summed it up succinctly. "In this case, our most prudent course of action is to alert Lord Roshi."

With newfound determination, they swiftly decided to communicate their dire predicament to Lord Roshi, the strongest person in their team. In doing so, they launched a brilliant, fiery flare into the sky, its radiant glow painting the night sky. Its luminosity was so pronounced that even from Kusagakure, it could be discerned.

Within moments, in a serene chamber where Lord Roshi was meditating in a state of tranquil introspection, the tranquility was disrupted by insistent pounding on the chamber door. Roshi, with an unamused countenance, granted entry. As the chamber door swung open, an Iwa ninja knelt before him, his demeanor conveying urgency. With deep respect, he relayed the foreboding news to Roshi.

"Lord Roshi," the Iwa ninja began with a sense of urgency, "the situation is dire. A red flare has been sighted in the distance, emanating from the same direction from which Gari, one of our Jonin, departed."

Roshi, jolted from his meditation, reacted with a mixture of disbelief and determination. "What?" He exclaimed, springing to his feet in astonishment. Rushing out to witness the ominous flare firsthand, he ordered the kneeling Chunin, "I must go. It appears our comrades are in grave peril."

----

Michikatsu's keen eyes didn't miss the vivid crimson flare that blossomed in the sky, a beacon of unforeseen developments. Deep in thought, he pondered the situation, realizing that their adversaries might have brought reinforcements. A shrewd hunch led him to consider the possibility of encountering a Jinchuriki among their opponents, given the increased activity of Iwagakure's Jinchuriki during that period. Although confident in his abilities, Michikatsu was no fool; he knew better than to underestimate the overwhelming might of a Jinchuriki. Confronting one head-on, especially in his current state, seemed like a reckless endeavor.

Turning his attention to the recovering Chunin who showed signs of improving, Michikatsu spoke with a determined resolve. "You must hold on a little longer. The remainder of your treatment can be completed in due time, either by myself or upon our return after we've dealt with these Jonin."

The Chunin offered a nod of agreement, placing trust in Michikatsu's capabilities and his unwavering dedication to their mission. Michikatsu's eyes then drifted towards the surviving Iwa ninja, a mere handful of Special Jonin and Chunin, their numbers severely dwindled due to Nawaki's relentless assault.

Michikatsu gave an affirmative nod, then addressed Nawaki, "Nawaki, it's time to conclude your 'Enhanced Breathing Mode.'There's a strong chance that we may find ourselves facing even more formidable adversaries."

Perplexed by the prospect of even greater opposition, Nawaki sought clarification, "Are there opponents of greater strength?"

"Most likely," Michikatsu replied with a hint of caution. "So, let the remaining elite Konoha ninjas contend with these remaining Iwa forces. Our priority now is to assess the situation and, if necessary, execute a strategic retreat."

Nawaki, fully in agreement with Michikatsu's tactical assessment, sprang into action. In an impressive display of his strength and speed, he materialized behind one of the Iwa Chunin who was already engaged in a fierce confrontation with a fellow Konoha Chunin. With one swift, decisive punch, Nawaki struck the Iwa Chunin in the back, incapacitating him. Shortly afterward, as his 'Enhanced Breathing Method' came to a halt, Nawaki's body began to betray signs of exhaustion, and he found himself sitting on the ground, panting heavily.

This sudden display of vulnerability on Nawaki's part filled the remaining three Iwa Jonins with renewed hope and satisfaction. They now believed that, even if Michikatsu were to engage them, they stood a fighting chance, and they could endure long enough for the arrival of reinforcements, which they eagerly awaited. However, their knowledge did not extend to the fact that Michikatsu had anticipated the possible arrival of Roshi or Han, the presumed leaders of the Iwa team dispatched to Kusagakure.

It was Michikatsu who first set his sights on the trio of Iwa Jonins. While the identity of the impending saviour remained a mystery to him, he harboured a hunch that strong adversaries were on route, hence his determination to kill these opponents swiftly. After hearing one of the Iwa Jonins suggest scattering to maintain distance but facilitate mutual support, Michikatsu chose not to delay. In an instant, he activated the 'Body Flicker Technique' and harnessed the 'Blood Demon Art: Speed Augmentation,'making him virtually disappear from his current position.

As Michikatsu reappeared before one of the Iwa Jonins, he unleashed his 'Sixth Form: Perpetual Night, Lonely Moon - Incessant'technique, delivering a barrage of slashing strikes. The two remaining Iwa Jonins rushed to their comrade's aid but found themselves inexplicably dragged in the opposite direction, unable to employ any jutsu to assist their beleaguered teammate. This interference was the result of Michikatsu's use of 'Blood Demon Art: Koketsu Arrow.'

Fuelled by 'Lightning Enhanced Mode,' Michikatsu moved with breathtaking speed. The unfortunate Jonin faced devastating injury from Michikatsu's relentless assault, and his efforts to withdraw were thwarted as he became enveloped by multiple crescent moon blades. In the end, the Jonin, already gravely wounded by Michikatsu's previous swordplay, succumbed to the relentless onslaught of these crescent moon blades, ultimately leading to his demise.

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