If Apologies Worked, Then I'll Apologize After I Destroy This Place

"Crack."

Accompanied by a crisp shattering sound, the Susanoo, meant solely for defense, split open with a massive breach under the Fourth Raikage's relentless bombardment.

"Die, you bastard!"

Ai, now able to force his way inside, did not pause in the slightest. He swung his right arm directly at the boy in his sights.

Azure lightning coiled around his arm. Piercing thunder roared as it unleashed violent energy, while solid masses of muscle knotted across his bronze physique.

[Lightning Release: Liger Bomb!]

Yet, faced with one of the strongest fighters in the world at this time, Arata did not even show any sign of looking up.

But that did not mean his opponent could do whatever he pleased!

A figure radiating orange energy suddenly flashed past him. Taking the same stance and using the same secret technique, it met the Fourth Raikage's attack head-on.

Upon closer inspection,

that orange-red figure was the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, controlled by the Mangekyō Sharingan.

"B!!"

Feeling that familiar clash of power, Ai immediately let out a hoarse growl.

The lightning faded, and chakra surged.

Not wishing to harm his most important companion, he immediately tried to use an energy clash to break the Sharingan's control over Killer B.

But how could Arata possibly let the war weapon he had just acquired slip away?

With a burst of intent, the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, who had blocked the Raikage's lightning strike with the same technique, promptly withdrew and fled deeper into Kumogakure.

He completely ignored the wounds still pouring blood across his body, as well as Ai's anguished cries!

After all, Arata had said it himself.

This was the replacement for the hundreds of Shadow Clones the Raikage had destroyed.

Otherwise, clearing out all of Kumogakure by himself would still take a bit too much time.

"Hey, I'm