Lightning Cutter and the Barrier

But such a comparison was inherently biased. To compare the absolute power of two techniques, one had to eliminate the variable of individual differences between users as much as possible and have them compete on equal footing. Only then would it be fair.

The deeper question was this: if the Third Raikage himself used them, which would be more powerful—his Hell Stab: Four-Finger Nukite, or even One-Finger Nukite, or Lightning Cutter cast by his own hand?

Taking the thought further, the principle behind Hell Stab was to trade fewer fingers used to form the thrust—from four fingers down to one—for geometrically increased piercing power. Could Lightning Cutter follow the same logic?

Following that line of reasoning, one would suddenly realize that the core principles of Lightning Cutter and Hell Stab were fundamentally highly similar!

Both concentrated highly condensed Lightning Release Chakra and combined extreme speed with physical strength to deliver piercing strikes.

The difference between them likely lay more in their specific methods of use and outward forms than in the fundamental upper limit of their power.

Although Lightning Cutter was classified as S-rank in terms of learning difficulty, while the foundation of Hell Stab was categorized as B-rank, there was an enormous misconception hidden here!

Hell Stab on its own was separated from the foundation it depended on—the enhancement of Lightning Release: Chakra Mode. It could still be used, but its power would inevitably be greatly reduced.

And mastering Lightning Release: Chakra Mode itself was already far beyond the concept of B-rank difficulty!

Conversely, the essence of Lightning Cutter seemed to encompass both abilities at once: it contained the thrusting momentum brought by extreme speed, as well as full-body activation through Lightning Release Chakra.

Therefore, Lightning Cutter alone truly could not compare to Hell Stab enhanced by Lightning Release: