After all, if someone who shouldn't die is killed by him, it would significantly impact Ashveil's future progress.
Take the Ten Tails, for example. If it were eliminated, Kaguya Otsutsuki would never appear later. As the ultimate source of experience in the Shinobi world, Ashveil could not afford to lose such opportunities lightly. Every move had to be carefully calculated.
Kakashi, for instance, was a prime candidate. Looking at him now, only Susanoo was barely usable—already indicating Kage-level strength. But if Kakashi were spared for later, he could transform with Double Mangekyo Sharingan, unleashing an even more formidable Susanoo. The potential experience gained would be immense. Six Paths-level experience could far surpass even Kage-level growth.
Ashveil pondered quietly, planning not to strike immediately. But then, something unexpected happened.
Kakashi, taking advantage of Ashveil's brief distraction, activated his Sharingan, moving at lightning speed, and unleashed Lightning Blade directly toward Ashveil.
Even without acting deliberately, Ashveil's Conqueror's Haki alone could have dealt devastating damage in response.
Hey, Kakashi, Ashveil thought with faint amusement, where did your strategy go? Did you really think you could match me? Do you have a death wish? Stop, you fool… my experience source!
But all such concerns were futile. Ashveil, a true apex in the Shinobi world, had no intention of holding back. He could only watch as Kakashi attempted to strike.
Zzzzz.
Lightning Blade clashed with the dense aura of Conqueror's Haki surrounding Ashveil. Frustrated, Ashveil rubbed his forehead. This was… inconvenient.
Boom!
The strike rebounded violently, throwing Kakashi through the air. He crashed into the ground, leaving a deep crack behind. As he scrambled to his feet, his gaze fixed on Ashveil, fear surged anew.
"Impossible to defeat him head-on…" Kakashi muttered.
He activated Mangekyo Sharingan.
"If short-range attacks can't work, then long-range… Kamui!"
Kakashi focused on Ashveil's neck, preparing to decapitate with Kamui. For Ashveil, this was relieving—he could strike freely without worrying about harming his valuable experience source.
But the barrage of Kamui and Lightning Blade failed to harm Ashveil. Conqueror's Haki around his body nullified the attacks. Energy from the Haki countered the Kamui, absorbing the attack into another dimension, leaving Ashveil unharmed.
Breathing heavily, Kakashi ground his teeth. "Unless I neutralize that strange energy, Ashveil is unbeatable."
Despite his brilliance, he had no idea how to pierce this overwhelming power. His heart sank.
"Kakashi!"
A roar split the air. Might Guy descended from the sky, landing in his iconic stance, green hair fluttering.
"Might Guy… thank heavens!" Kakashi sighed, relief washing over him. His friend was trustworthy in covering his back.
But when Might Guy saw the opponent, he froze, eyes wide.
"Ashveil…!"
Ashveil's lips curved faintly. Even Might Guy, usually forgetful, remembered his name.
Kakashi's Sharingan stayed locked on Ashveil.
"Might Guy, be careful. His power annihilated thirty thousand troops already. Even the Sannin, Hokage, and Sharingan would pale against him!"
Moonlight fell across Kakashi's face, revealing faint wrinkles. Might Guy's usual playful demeanor vanished, replaced by grim focus.
"I understand, Kakashi! Since the opponent is so strong, I, the Azure Beast of Konoha, will intervene!"
Determined, Might Guy thought of his mentor. His resolve burned as if willing to sacrifice everything.
Kakashi panicked. "Might Guy, you're not—!"
"Sorry, Kakashi, I must go first!" Might Guy replied. "Let me show the move I reserved for you!"
"Roar, youth! My youth will never fade!"
Might Guy unleashed the Eight Gates Formation, opening the Sixth Gate. A white tiger surged toward Ashveil. Ashveil's eyes narrowed; a subtle gesture released a fist-shaped Conqueror's Haki, colliding with the tiger.
Rumble. The impact blasted many nearby fallen ninja into the air. The sky darkened, a torrential rain falling as the two forces clashed. Kakashi, drenched, tried to ready his Sharingan.
"Might Guy, such an opponent… we can't win!"
But Might Guy pushed onward, opening the Eighth Gate. Steam turned red around his body.
"Evening Elephant!" he roared, releasing tremendous power.
Ashveil studied him carefully. Eighth Gate, he thought. Reckless as always.
Kakashi's jaw dropped. The Eighth Gate's cost was death—but Might Guy pressed on.
"Don't worry about me, Kakashi. Focus on defeating Ashveil while I attack!"
Kakashi's mind regained clarity. Perhaps this was their opening.
"For example…" he began, eyes narrowing. "Might Guy, you know Gaara, right?"
Might Guy blinked. "Of course, Kakashi. But what does he have to do with this enemy? I don't understand."
Kakashi explained urgently: "His unknown ability—think of it as sand. Every attack has a weak point. Like Gaara, his control over it is far superior to ordinary sand. If we exploit his attack patterns, we can create an opening!"
Might Guy's eyes widened. He finally understood Kakashi's strategy.
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