On the outskirts of the Land of Hot Water, deep in a dense forest.
Guy and Kakuzu stood facing each other from a distance.
Kakuzu narrowed his eyes at Guy and snorted. "I'll give you one last chance. Leave now, and I won't kill you!"
Guy watched him with amusement. "How considerate of you, but I'll pass. Before we fight, could you answer a question?"
Kakuzu said nothing.
Guy continued, "Why do you think I'm Might Guy?"
Kakuzu snorted again. "Ask me after you beat me."
With that, he wasted no more words and tore off his shirt.
It revealed a bizarre body crisscrossed with stitches.
But what drew the eye most were his chest and abdomen.
Four mask-like faces of different colors and shapes were embedded there!
Guy's interest was immediately piqued.
This was Kakuzu's ability—Earth Grudge Fear!
A forbidden technique from Takigakure.
By stealing other people's hearts and incorporating them into his body, he could extend his lifespan and achieve near immortality.
His body could hold up to five hearts at once, and he could use the elemental release techniques corresponding to the chakra natures of the stolen hearts.
Kakuzu's own chakra nature was earth.
After stealing the other hearts, he had gained access to five elemental releases.
Beneath these four masks were the four hearts he had stolen:
A fiery red lion mask (fire).
A blue-green eagle mask (wind).
A yellow Gyuki mask (lightning).
A green frog mask (water).
Kakuzu gave Guy no chance to study him and rapidly formed hand seals:
"Fire Release: Head Moulder!"
The fiery red lion mask on his chest instantly lit up, opening its mouth to spew a vast fan of intensely hot flames.
In an instant, it engulfed the broad area in front of Guy and on either side of him!