If anyone had truly shattered the pride in Kimimaro's heart, it was undoubtedly the 'Upper Rank One' standing before him.
It was after clashing with 'Upper Rank One' that Kimimaro realized his own weakness, driving him to train harder upon his return, which ultimately triggered the outbreak of his Bloodline Limit disease.
Swish, swish, swish…
Just as Kimimaro, Neji, and the ghostified Tanjiro of 'Upper Rank One' unexpectedly crossed paths, several more figures landed in the area.
Judging by their attire, they were elite shinobi from Hidden Cloud.
"Upper Rank One!?"
"And Akatsuki members?"
"Quick, send up a flare!"
Seeing the standoff between 'Upper Rank One' and two Akatsuki members, the Hidden Cloud elites panicked, hesitating to act.
Whoosh… Boom!
In an instant, a dazzling distress flare exploded in the sky!
Kimimaro ignored the Hidden Cloud elites nearby, his gaze locked firmly on 'Upper Rank One.' He said to Neji, "You go. I'll handle this!"
Neji shook his head. "He's 'Upper Rank One.' You can't take him alone!"
Kimimaro glanced at Neji. "If I'm not his match, adding you won't change the outcome! Go—this is my battlefield!"
Sensing Kimimaro's resolve, Neji hesitated briefly before nodding. With a flash, he sped toward Karin's towering 'Susanoo' in the distance.
He knew he was no match for 'Upper Rank One,' so rather than lingering here, he'd seek help from 'B.'
"Release!"
After Neji left, Kimimaro wasted no words, pressing a hand to his chest.
In an instant, the 'bio-exoskeleton' implanted in his chest seemed to activate, writhing eerily. The white cellular tissue spread rapidly, like tendrils, enveloping his entire body in the blink of an eye, forming a skintight suit of white cellular tissue.
Fortunately, Kimimaro's hooded red-cloud cloak concealed the transformation from external view.
"So this is the released state of the 'bio-exoskeleton'?"
Kimimaro marveled inwardly as he felt the released state.
In truth, Uchiha Shinji hadn't taught Kimimaro or Neji how to release the 'bio-exoskeleton.' After all, Shinji's intent in implanting them was to fuse their chakra to prepare for awakening the Tenseigan.
But as Kimimaro's synchronization with the 'bio-exoskeleton' grew, many of Shinji's initial safeguards began to fail, allowing Kimimaro to easily release his 'bio-exoskeleton.'
With its liberation, Kimimaro felt better than ever, his chakra seemingly inexhaustible.
"Not enough."
But he quickly suppressed his exhilaration, knowing that the released 'bio-exoskeleton' alone wouldn't suffice against 'Upper Rank One.'
Stepping forward, he declared, "Eight Gates Release, First Gate: Gate of Opening, Open!"
"Second Gate: Gate of Healing, Open!"
"Third Gate: Gate of Life, Open!"
"…"
"Sixth Gate: Gate of View, Open!"
Boom!
As he opened the Sixth Gate, the stone pavement beneath him shattered, the air around him growing viscous as shockwaves rippled outward.
"How… how is this possible!"
"What kind of technique is that?!"
"Is that Hidden Leaf's 'Eight Gates Formation'?"
The immense pressure forced the nearby Hidden Cloud elites to shield their faces and retreat, their hearts pounding.
They had never witnessed such an aura, and it left them trembling!
Even the ghostified Tanjiro of 'Upper Rank One' grew more serious.
Whoosh!
At that moment, Kimimaro shot forward like a phantom, accompanied by a piercing sonic boom, charging at 'Upper Rank One.'
Having activated his markings, mastered the 'Transparent World,' and recently replenished his chakra, 'Upper Rank One' didn't dodge. He swung his sword to meet the attack.
In an instant, two impossibly fast figures clashed, their battle a blur.
Everything in their path—streets, walls, houses—was caught in the crossfire, reduced to rubble as if a storm had passed through.
The Hidden Cloud shinobi watched, exchanging glances, relieved they hadn't acted rashly, yet shocked by the sheer power of Akatsuki and 'Upper Rank One'!
Boom!
Before long, their battle raged on, demolishing several mansions before both crashed into a large estate.
The impact was heavy, but both quickly leapt from the ruins, facing each other from a distance once more!
On Kimimaro's side, he was panting, his red-cloud cloak torn in several places. Thanks to the dual protection of the 'bio-exoskeleton' and his 'Shikotsumyaku,' he was unharmed.
In contrast.
'Upper Rank One' was far more battered, his body riddled with wounds. But thanks to a ghost's powerful regeneration, his injuries healed completely during their brief standoff.
Undoubtedly, this round ended in a draw!
Considering that 'Upper Rank One' could overwhelm even a Hidden Sand army led by the Fourth Kazekage, Kimimaro's ability to fight him to a stalemate was remarkable.
Spurt!
But just as Kimimaro prepared to attack again, his throat tightened, and he coughed up a mouthful of blood without warning!
His body felt like a deflating balloon, his strength rapidly draining.
"Damn it!"
Hunched over, his face was filled with unwillingness.
He knew his Bloodline Limit disease had flared up. He didn't fear death—he only wished to fight 'Upper Rank One' to his fullest before dying!
With his 'Transparent World,' the ghostified Tanjiro instantly noticed Kimimaro's condition. Looking disinterested, he turned to leave.
Kimimaro shouted, "Stop!"
'Upper Rank One' kept walking, as if he'd lost all interest in Kimimaro.
"He told you to stop!"
Suddenly, a voice rang out behind Kimimaro.
'Upper Rank One' paused and turned, seeing the Akatsuki member who had left earlier return.
Kimimaro also turned, seeing Neji. "Why did you come back?"
Neji sighed. "I was afraid you'd die here!"
Kimimaro shook his head. "Leave now—I'm not his match!"
"And if I add my chakra?" Neji mimicked Kimimaro, pressing a hand to his chest and shouting, "Release!"