Naruto: Cultivating to Immortality

Chapter 550 Astounding Strength (Part 2)

However, at that critical moment, Hyuga Neji displayed superhuman reaction speed! His figure moved like a ghost, instantly devising a countermeasure. His body sank rapidly with lightning speed, as if becoming one with the ground.

At the same time, the Third Raikage's sharp hand blade whistled towards them, but missed due to Hyuga Neji's timely dodge. Not only that, taking advantage of this opening, Hyuga Neji suddenly unleashed a powerful burst of strength from his feet.

As this power surged forth, he shot past the Third Raikage like an arrow released from a bow. His speed was so great that he left a blurry afterimage in the air. In the blink of an eye, Hyuga Neji had successfully increased the distance between himself and the Third Raikage.

Just as Hyuga Neji had not yet fully regained his footing, a bubble appeared out of nowhere not far from him. The bubble appeared so abruptly that Hyuga Neji had no time to react whatsoever. It expanded rapidly at an astonishing speed, reaching its limit in the blink of an eye, and then exploded violently with a deafening roar!

However, this was only the beginning. Immediately afterward, countless bubbles of varying sizes rained down from all directions towards Hyuga Neji's location, quickly and completely enveloping the surrounding space. These bubbles seemed to possess a life of their own, rapidly expanding and exploding one after another, in a continuous, relentless barrage. Each explosion unleashed a powerful shockwave, accompanied by billowing smoke and dust that filled the air, creating a chaotic and utterly disorganized scene.

In an instant, deafening explosions rang out one after another, and the entire space was filled with rampant energy. Hyuga Neji's figure was completely swallowed up by this ocean of air currents and dust, disappearing from everyone's sight.

These seemingly insignificant bubbles actually conceal a secret technique unique to the Second Mizukage. They are like bombs lurking in the shadows, possessing a terrifying explosive power. When the Third Raikage launched his fierce offensive like a storm, the Second Mizukage was already prepared.

He skillfully used his summoned beast, which was different from ordinary people, to cast a profound and unfathomable illusion. This illusion was like a thin veil, completely concealing his figure, making it difficult for anyone to detect his presence. Meanwhile, the Second Mizukage, like a calm hunter, silently hid in the shadows, carefully observing the ever-changing situation on the battlefield.

As a ninja who had experienced countless life-and-death battles and whose combat experience was unparalleled, the Second Mizukage's grasp of timing was incredibly precise. Just as Hyuga Neji cleverly dodged the Third Raikage's fierce attack, the Second Mizukage keenly seized this fleeting opening.

In the blink of an eye, the Second Mizukage launched a surprise attack without hesitation! His figure flashed out from his hiding place like a ghost, his hand seals moving swiftly like the wind. Accompanied by a deep roar, the previously calm bubbles instantly activated, transforming into raging torrents that swept towards their target with overwhelming force. At the same time, his perfect teamwork with the Third Raikage was on full display; their attacks complemented each other, forming an impenetrable killing formation that left the enemy with no way to escape.

Not far away, the mighty Allied Ninja forces also turned their gaze to the battlefield. When they witnessed the astonishing scene before them, a deep look of horror involuntarily appeared on everyone's face.

At first, when they saw Hyuga Neji easily defeat the two Kage-level shinobi resurrected through Edo Tensei, a glimmer of hope ignited in their hearts, and they secretly thought that they might win this battle easily. However, the rapid change in the situation that followed struck them like a heavy hammer, leaving them utterly shocked.

The two reanimated shadows, who had been easily repelled earlier, suddenly unleashed an astonishingly powerful aura after a brief respite. This aura surged forth like a tidal wave, sweeping across the surroundings and bringing an unprecedented sense of oppression to everyone present. Even more chilling was their subsequent fierce attack, which was as swift as lightning and as fast as a whirlwind. The Allied Shinobi Forces didn't even have time to react; in the blink of an eye, the entire battle had deteriorated into its current tragic state.

As the billowing dust gradually dissipated, countless deep craters of varying sizes were revealed where Hyuga Neji had stood! These craters were densely distributed, like a giant spider web covering the area. Clearly, this astonishing sight was the result of a powerful bombardment by the Second Mizukage's secret technique.

However, to everyone's astonishment, Hyuga Neji stood perfectly upright, completely unharmed amidst the ravaged crater. Not only that, but his entire body, down to the hem of his clothing, was untouched, as if he hadn't suffered any damage whatsoever from the previous ferocious attack. At that moment, a barely concealed gleam of excitement flickered in Hyuga Neji's bright eyes, and a faint smile played on his lips.

Faced with the astonishing power displayed by the Third Raikage and the Second Mizukage, Hyuga Neji felt an immense pressure surging towards him. But at the same time, this situation was precisely the outcome he had always longed for deep down—these two renowned Kage-level warriors, who could unleash their full power, were nonetheless the formidable opponents he had dreamed of!

Just moments ago, the two displayed an astonishing level of teamwork. Even the usually arrogant Hyuga Neji couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration. After all, ninjas who had earned their renowned reputations in this vast and powerful ninja world were no ordinary individuals. Their precise control of the battle and their perfect timing made it seem as if everything was under their grasp; their terrifyingly rich combat experience was beyond the reach of most. And these were precisely the key elements that Hyuga Neji now desperately wanted to master.

However, despite the remarkable performance of the two before him, such an attack still seemed insignificant to Hyuga Neji. He knew his potential was far greater than this, and deep down, he hoped these two could unleash even greater power, thus giving him unprecedented stimulation and immense pressure. Only under such extreme challenges could he possibly break through his limits and reach a higher level.

Hyuga Neji strode slowly out of the crater created by the bomb, each step heavy and resolute. As he gradually emerged from the crater, a gentle breeze swept over him again, ruffling his slightly long hair and revealing his handsome yet unwavering face.

When he finally emerged completely from the crater and stood firmly on solid ground, he slightly raised his head, his gaze fixed on the Third Raikage not far away. The previous disdain and casualness in his eyes had vanished, replaced by an unprecedented seriousness.

Neji took a deep breath, silently adjusting the flow of energy within his body. He knew that what lay ahead would no longer be the easy probing of before, but a truly fierce contest. Therefore, he decided to release a portion of the power hidden deep within his body to ignite even greater fighting spirit and potential in his opponents.

He swiftly formed hand seals and chanted incantations, a powerful aura emanating from his body. This aura, like an invisible storm, swept across the surroundings, causing dust to rise and vegetation to sway. At the same time, the ground beneath Neji's feet seemed to sense his power and began to tremble slightly.

The Third Raikage's sculpted, cold face remained expressionless, but his Lightning Release armor seemed enraged, crackling and flashing with lightning even more violently than before. Simultaneously, he slowly raised his right hand, his previously open palm now clenched into a fist, extending only three thick, powerful fingers. Lightning Release chakra continuously gathered on these three fingers, gradually solidifying into a dazzling blue sphere of light, containing a terrifying power that sent chills down one's spine.

The next moment, the Third Raikage slammed his foot into the ground with a deafening roar that shook the entire earth. Using the powerful recoil, he instantly transformed into a bolt of lightning, hurtling towards Hyuga Neji at an unimaginable speed. This attack was significantly faster than before, like a thunderbolt ripped through the night sky, sweeping in with unparalleled power and oppressive force.

However, facing such a fierce and relentless attack, Hyuga Neji's gaze remained unchanged, calm as still water, without the slightest hint of panic. Moreover, the aura emanating from him grew even stronger, like a towering, unbreakable mountain. With a thought, the energy within his body began to circulate rapidly, the surging chakra flowing quickly along his meridians, creating turbulent waves of energy wherever it went.

What is particularly striking is that Hyuga Neji's already clear and bright Byakugan eyes now shine with an even more dazzling light, like two brilliant gems set in their sockets, exuding an aura of mystery and unpredictability.