Ch-75 First time using Magnet Release.

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Upon hearing the name Ameyuki, all eyes unconsciously turned toward a young man. Michikatsu and Nawaki noted this subtle reaction, confirming that Ameyuki was indeed the person of interest.

"Are you Ameyuki?" inquired Nawaki.

The young man nodded. "Yes. Why are you searching for me?" he questioned.

"We need to discuss something important with you. Can we talk privately somewhere?" Nawaki proposed.

Ameyuki feigned contemplation but abruptly responded, "As if I'm going to believe you." With those words, he unleashed a ninjutsu, 'Mud Release: Bottomless Mud Hole.'

Instantaneously, the ground beneath Michikatsu and Nawaki transformed into mud. Mud-formed hands emerged from the mire, gripping the legs of Michikatsu and Nawaki, pulling them into the rapidly expanding mud hole.

"What are you doing, Ameyuki? Why are you dragging us in?" exclaimed Yukihiro, his expression filled with horror.

"Yes, we've all lived here together for so long. Why are you dragging us into this?" pleaded Ito.

"Why do you ask? It took no time for you all to betray me, revealing my location to avoid being implicated. Now you can perish with them; I'll bury you all in this mud pit," declared Ameyuki, wearing a crazed smile.

Michikatsu remained silent, shaking his head. Suddenly, a thick string shot from his hand, anchoring to the cave wall, much like a spider securing its web. With a determined pull, Michikatsu started extracting himself from the mud pit, ensuring Nawaki could follow suit. Ameyuki observed this, realizing that allowing both of them to escape would complicate matters.

In response, Ameyuki intensified his chakra usage, transforming the wall where Michikatsu's string clung into mud. This hindered Michikatsu's efforts to pull himself and Nawaki out, and the growing number of mud-formed hands surrounding them increased, exerting a stronger force downward into the pit.

Faced with this escalating challenge, Michikatsu understood that a change in strategy was necessary. Wings unfurled from his back, and with a powerful flap, he lifted himself and Nawaki out of the mud pit.

"Why are you holding me like a cat?" complained Nawaki, dissatisfied with Michikatsu's grip.

Michikatsu retorted, "Do you expect me to hold you by the waist? You're my friend, not my girlfriend."

"Damn you, just you wait. I'll get my chance, and when I do, I'll hold you like a kitten," Nawaki vowed, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"And not to mention, what is this mud? It's so sticky; it won't budge from my body. Instead, it's solidifying," grumbled Nawaki, clearly irritated by the clinging mud that covered his lower half after being inside the mud pit.

"Quit your whining, will you?" retorted Michikatsu. With those words, a pot materialized in Michikatsu's hand, adorned with a painting of sea waves. Water flowed from the pot, under Michikatsu's control, enveloping their bodies. He skillfully directed the water to cleanse both himself and Nawaki of the stubborn mud.

Once the mud was washed away, Nawaki remarked, "I feel totally refreshed now that the mud is gone. I'll dry this mud pit."

Nawaki then employed his technique, 'Fire Release: Fire Dragon Bullet,' unleashing a torrent of flames from his mouth. The intense heat struck the mud pit, causing the water within to vaporize and the mud to solidify. However, the repercussions extended beyond mere solidification.

Unbeknownst to them, those unfortunate souls captured by Ameyuki inside the mud pit, only a fraction of their upper bodies visible, were also subjected to the scorching wave of fire. Trapped and sinking in the mud, they had no chance of survival against such a powerful Fire Release.

"Please, don't kill us. You've got Ameyuki, so please let us go," Ito implored.

Nawaki and Michikatsu didn't respond to their plea.

Witnessing the demise of those trapped in the mud pit due to their fiery attack, neither Nawaki nor Michikatsu displayed any hint of remorse or regret. They understood that these individuals were no ordinary victims; they were heinous criminals, rogue ninjas fleeing from their villages after committing grave offenses.

As the effects of Nawaki's fiery assault became evident, the once-muddied ground transformed into a dry surface. Observing this change, Nawaki remarked, "Finally, we can stand on the ground again."

However, before the satisfaction of solid ground could settle in, the dried surface swiftly reverted to mud. Ameyuki spoke with a smirk, "Do you truly believe you can defeat me by drying the ground? Let me enlighten you— as long as there is ground, I can transform it into mud at will."

"Damn! This is cheating," exclaimed Nawaki.

Michikatsu, on the other hand, had anticipated this turn of events. He was well-versed in the intricacies of the mud release technique. He understood that as long as the Earth's surface was soil, Ameyuki could effortlessly convert it into mud.

Drawing upon his strategic insight, Michikatsu swiftly retrieved a sealing scroll from his kimono. With a deft motion, he unfurled it, conjuring a large pot enveloped in a cloud of smoke. The band of Michikatsu's kimono extended, wrapping around the pot. From within the pot emerged a cascade of gold sand—an application of Magnet Release. This marked Michikatsu's first utilization of Magnet Release in combat, a power acquired from Rasa.

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