Ch-67 Gravity Blade - Quake Strike.

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After deciding to eliminate Jiryoku, the Deva Path utilized Universal Pull to draw Jiryoku towards him. Kisame employed his Samehada to sprint in Jiryoku's direction, aiming to attack him. In response, Jiryoku covered his entire body with Armament Haki and clashed his sword with Kisame's Samehada.

"Itachi, from the side, unleashed his jutsu 'Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique' to assault Jiryoku."

Jiryoku discerned that the figure before him was a Shadow Clone, and he sensed Kisame's concealment. He repelled Kisame and simultaneously deflected the fireball, causing it to disperse. While evading the attack, Kisame, who had been lying in wait, struck Jiryoku from behind. Additionally, the Human Path, wielding a black rod, also joined the assault against Jiryoku.

Jiryoku found himself confronted by three opponents: one of Kisame's shadow clones, Kisame himself, and the Human Path. While he could potentially defend against each of them separately, he recognized that one of them were part of the Path of Pain and he doesn't know their ability. Not yet fully aware of their capabilities, Jiryoku knew that he needed them to reveal their abilities first. This meant he couldn't take undue risks. The Human Path had the capacity to harm his soul upon physical contact, while the Preta Path possessed the ability to absorb his chakra through touch. Hence, he proceeded with caution, using Gravity Push to repel all three of them. Subsequently, he slashed at Kisame's shadow clone, dispelling it.

Jiryoku recognized the futility of fighting them all in his base form, prompting him to activate the Storm Chakra mode. A cocoon of wind and lightning enveloped his body.

During this phase, Jiryoku's speed had escalated to nearly that of light. Itachi, who materialized behind Jiryoku, was swiftly cleaved in half. However, it became evident that this Itachi was a mere shadow clone.

"Exercise caution, his speed has surged to an almost lightspeed level," advised the Deva Path.

The Deva Path once again employed the 'Universal Pull,' aiming to draw Jiryoku closer. This time, Jiryoku gripped his sword firmly, poised for an attack. Yet, the Deva Path prevented Jiryoku from approaching too closely. As Jiryoku neared, the Deva Path executed the 'Almighty Push,' attempting to create a substantial impact on Jiryoku's body. However, countering this move, Jiryoku employed the 'Gravity Push,' neutralizing the effects of the 'Almighty Push.' Aware of the opportunity, Jiryoku discerned a five-second window before the Deva Path could deploy another 'Almighty Push' to repel him once more.

Just as Jiryoku closed in on the Deva Path and readied to strike, a barrage of missiles homed in on him. With remarkable speed, he sliced each missile in half before they could reach him. Understanding that attacking the Deva Path was now unfeasible, Jiryoku promptly vanished and assailed the Asura Path, the entity responsible for launching the missiles. Regrettably, this maneuver did not escape the observation of the various paths of pain, making Jiryoku's endeavor far from straightforward.

Just as Jiryoku neared the Asura Path, he was intercepted by the Animal Path. Jiryoku's sword clashed with the chakra rod wielded by the Animal Path. Although Jiryoku couldn't directly assail the Asura Path, this interruption worked in his favor.

Infusing his sword with gravity, Jiryoku executed a downward slash. Upon contact with the ground, the blade caused a massive quake, resulting in the 'Gravity Blade - Quake Strike.' The Animal Path in front was immediately vanquished by the tremor, and the shockwaves reached the Asura Path behind, causing it to shatter. Jiryoku wasn't content with this outcome, recognizing the endless cycle of resurrection for these paths of pain. He raised his hand, prompting the ground beneath the Animal and Asura Paths to break apart. The debris converged upon the two paths, forming spheres.

Observing this, the Deva Path wasted no time and initiated the 'Universal Pull.' Jiryoku swiftly countered with the 'Gravity Blade: Raging Tiger,' disrupting the gravitational forces and rendering the 'Universal Pull' ineffective. Jiryoku then manipulated the gravity to levitate the spheres above the ground, raising them to a significant height.

Meanwhile, beneath the ground, Kisame was in motion. Utilizing the 'Earth Release: Subterranean Voyage,' he navigated through the earth, akin to swimming. Kisame's speed was remarkable, propelling him swiftly towards Jiryoku. However, Jiryoku's 'Observation Haki' allowed him to track Kisame's movements. Enveloping his sword in 'Armament Haki,' he also imbued it with gravity. With precise accuracy, Jiryoku struck the upper section of Samehada, which was visible from above the ground. The impact was monumental, propelling Kisame out from the underground and forcibly separating him from Samehada. Kisame was dragged across the ground for a significant distance due to the force of the impact.

Kisame composed himself swiftly, promptly rising to his feet while Samehada also returned to his side. The Deva Path materialized beside him, accompanied by the remaining Preta Path, Human Path, and Naraka Path. Itachi also manifested beside the Paths of Pain.

"You appear to possess knowledge of my capabilities," remarked the Deva Path.

"Not only that, but he also seems to possess awareness of the abilities of our members. It's evident in how he consistently avoids sustaining injuries, with his body consistently enveloped in a violet layer. According to our intelligence, this layer significantly bolsters his defense. If my assumptions are accurate, it's likely a safeguard against Hidan's ability," Itachi commented from the sidelines.

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