"So that's what it means!"
"I understand, Kakashi!"
Ashveil studied Kakashi carefully. I have to admit, this one's intellect is remarkable. Unfortunately, I am more like a pest in this world. If my Conqueror's Haki had a weakness, Kakashi would have identified it. But there is no weakness, and that is the truth.
"It's a pity, Kakashi," Ashveil said with a faint smile, "if you think this is enough to defeat me, I want to see just how far your combat power reaches."
Then, Ashveil activated his ability.
The sensation was oddly familiar. Big Mom and Kaido had once suspected the same tactic while in Impel-Down. They had all attempted this move, hoping the enemy would weaken after attacking. But Ashveil's Conqueror's Haki never faltered. The so-called weakening was nothing more than a mirage, created by those who had already realized they could not prevail.
Might Guy, with the Eighth Gate fully open, lunged at Ashveil.
"First Step!"
"Second Step!"
With his enhanced abilities, Might Guy moved through the air as if walking on clouds. He struck from multiple angles, continuously pressuring Ashveil, until finally delivering a tremendous kick toward him.
Above Ashveil, the force threatened to crush the ground itself. He could sense the danger. If a normal Kage received this blow, their bones would be pulverized.
"Is this… the power of the Eight Gates Formation?" Ashveil muttered, a hint of admiration in his voice.
Yet defeating someone like Ashveil was nearly impossible. With a subtle gesture, Ashveil condensed his Conqueror's Haki into a palm and blasted it toward Might Guy.
Might Guy roared, feeling the raw, ancient force of the attack. Compared to this, any other technique seemed trivial.
"In terms of pure physical power… is there anything more terrifying than the Eight Gates Formation?" he thought, incredulous.
But Kakashi's voice echoed in his mind: Draw most of Ashveil's power, that will be enough. Relief crept in. "Then I will burn myself out and hold as long as I can!"
Might Guy's muscles bulged dramatically. Every strike of Ashveil's Conqueror's Haki threatened to shatter his bones, yet his determination remained unshaken. He pressed forward, red steam spiraling as he sought even the smallest flaw in the Haki.
At the same time, Kakashi activated Kamui.
"That's it, Might Guy!"
A spatial distortion rushed toward Ashveil. Kamui? Ashveil barely reacted, finding the technique uninteresting. Obito had once used it to trap others, and now Kakashi wielded it as a weapon. All of it was nullified by Ashveil's Overlord Color Domain and dense Conqueror's Haki. Even if both eyes were combined against him, Ashveil would remain invincible.
"You are… too boring," Ashveil murmured with a mischievous grin. "Then I'll find a new way to play."
In an instant, Ashveil merged the power of the Ope-Ope no Mi into his Overlord Color Domain. Matter, even air, could be manipulated. Kamui's twisting space shifted under Ashveil's influence, and Might Guy, focused entirely on drawing the Haki, remained oblivious.
Kakashi noticed first. His Sharingan narrowed, eyes wide in shock. Kamui… redirected? How? Could this be… a godlike ability?
Realizing the danger, Kakashi shouted, "Might Guy! Withdraw! The plan is on hold!"
Might Guy, ever reckless, ignored him. "What are you talking about, Kakashi? Youth is for roaring! I'm fine! I will block more of Ashveil's power!"
A sudden chill struck. Even Might Guy felt fear crawl over him. Then, an immense force tore through his arm. In an instant, his limb was severed, falling like a kite with a broken string. Blood and dust clouded the air as Might Guy staggered back, dazed yet unwilling to relent.
"How is this possible?" he gasped. "Kakashi, did you attack the wrong person?"
"No! Might Guy," Kakashi said, sweat pouring down his face, "this is the real Ashveil!"
The revelation shocked Might Guy. This wasn't just a formidable opponent. This was someone capable of countering the Eight Gates Formation and manipulating spatial techniques. Among all those he knew, no one rivaled Ashveil.
Might Guy made his decision. "Kakashi, take care!"
He braced himself, one leg drawn back, charging with unstoppable force. Above him, the shape of a dragon's head emerged. Ashveil recognized it immediately. Might Guy was unleashing the move that once nearly killed Madara.
"Be prepared, Ashveil!" Might Guy roared, a primal beast of battle.
Kakashi's expression darkened with awe and respect. "He truly is the only one who can stand shoulder to shoulder with gods," he muttered, paying silent homage.
Ashveil, intrigued, allowed a small smile. "Not bad, Might Guy. As a reward for entertaining me, perhaps I can make you immortal," he said lightly.
"Immortal?" sweat turned to steam along Might Guy's veins, circulating with the intensity of the Eight Gates.
"Impossible… no one can evade the consequences of the Eight Gates Formation!" Might Guy shouted, kicking toward Ashveil.
Boom! Whoosh!
The simple kick shattered the space around them, cracks forming in the very air as Ashveil's Conqueror's Haki met the overwhelming power head-on.
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