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Despite Michikatsu's efforts, Roshi materialized before him at blinding speed, delivering a searing punch to his chest. Michikatsu sensed a scorching sensation as Roshi's lava-infused fist closed in on him. Michikatsu's entire body crackled with electric energy, forming a defensive barrier against Roshi's molten blow.
Roshi's lava-powered fist connected with Michikatsu's chest, targeting his heart. The impact sent Michikatsu hurtling backward, and the collision was so forceful that it nearly toppled a nearby tree. Despite enduring this formidable strike, Michikatsu rose to his feet once more. A discernible hole gaped in his chest, centered precisely over where his heart should have been. The edges of this hole sizzled with molten lava, incinerating the upper part of Michikatsu's body. The scene was gruesome and surreal to behold.
However, a more astonishing transformation soon unfolded. The blazing lava at the borders of the chest orifice suddenly began to encase itself in ice. The fiery destruction ceased, and with remarkable celerity, Michikatsu's heart reconstituted itself. A full ribcage formed, the skin reappeared, and his clothing seamlessly materialized, completely covering his chest. It was as if nothing had happened to Michikatsu, a sight both baffling and awe-inspiring.
"What the heck!? His healing speed is off the charts! It's almost on par with my own when I'm in tailed beast mode," exclaimed Roshi in sheer amazement.
While the spectators had witnessed such a scene before, watching Michikatsu's astounding healing ability in action was a sight to behold.
Turning to Nawaki, Michikatsu spoke with unwavering determination, "Nawaki, you retreat with the remaining Konoha ninjas. I'll hold him here, and when you've traveled a considerable distance, I'll catch up with you."
Nawaki hesitated, concern evident in his voice as he asked, "But Michikatsu, what about you?"
With a reassuring smile, Michikatsu replied, "You know my strength better than anyone. I can make my escape without any trouble. Don't worry about me."
Nawaki nodded, and Michikatsu inquired, "You still have the pot I gave you, right?"
Nawaki confirmed, "Yes, I have it."
"Good. Then go now," Michikatsu urged.
Roshi, however, was not about to let the Konoha ninjas escape so easily. He sneered, "Hmph! Do you really think I'll allow these Konoha ninjas to get away?" With swift determination, he lunged towards Nawaki.
But Michikatsu was resolute in his mission to ensure the Konoha ninjas' safe retreat. Activating his 'Lightning Enhanced Mode' and harnessing the power of 'Blood Demon Art: Speed Augmentation,' he vanished and reappeared right in front of Roshi. With unparalleled speed and skill, Michikatsu intercepted Roshi's attack, demonstrating his extraordinary abilities in their high-speed clash.
At this very moment, the situation stood in stark contrast to their previous clash, where Michikatsu and Roshi had collided. This time, Michikatsu experienced no burning sensation, feeling entirely unharmed. As Roshi examined Michikatsu closely, he noticed the emergence of fish-like scales adorning Michikatsu's body.
With the arrival of this newfound opportunity, Nawaki and the other Konoha ninjas wasted no time in making their retreat. Naturally, the remaining Iwa ninjas were determined to halt their escape. To elude the pursuit of these Iwa ninjas, Nawaki tapped into his 'Chakra-enhanced strength,' creating a powerful shockwave that obliterated the surroundings in his path. The three injured Iwa ninjas were forcefully repelled, allowing Nawaki and his comrades to break free.
Having taken a final look at Michikatsu, Nawaki followed the remaining Konoha ninjas in their escape.
Roshi, however, remained undeterred, his determination unwavering. "Although the rest of your Konoha ninjas managed to escape, don't think for a moment that you can leave this place," he declared.
Michikatsu responded with a teasing grin, "Just a few moments ago, you said the same thing about my comrades, that you wouldn't let them leave. Yet here they are, alive and free. Who's to say I won't be able to do the same?"
Roshi dismissed Michikatsu's taunts, remarking, "If I could be swayed by such cheap words, I wouldn't have become the Jinchuriki of my village."
Michikatsu, unfazed by Roshi's words, merely nodded. As he did, his kimono began to recede, disappearing into his body. Michikatsu's upper body revealed itself, showcasing well-defined muscles and a chiseled six-pack.
A startling transformation ensued. A mouth formed on Michikatsu's stomach, accompanied by the growth of two additional hands beneath his existing ones. With six eyes, four hands, and a stomach mouth, Michikatsu's appearance was nothing short of demonic.
Roshi, taken aback by this grotesque sight, could only manage a shocked question, "Are you truly a demon?"
Michikatsu's response was filled with a sense of grim certainty. "Is there even a shadow of doubt? In this world, I am known as the 'Blood Demon,'" he declared.
Recognizing the formidable threat that Michikatsu now posed, Roshi decided to take no chances and resolved to eliminate him before any chance of escape could materialize.
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