The Face-Off

His figure unfolded.

That chakra, mobilized at lightning speed.

No hand seals required.

It was a Kekkei Genkai she could release with ease.

As one of the rare ninjas in the original story to possess two Kekkei Genkai, Mei Terumi wielded Lava Release and Boil Release to their utmost potential. Of the two, Lava Release was especially powerful, with tremendous range and destructive force. The scorching molten lava that appeared out of thin air seemed both real and unreal, much like the "Hot Kiss" Mei Terumi herself often spoke of. The moment it burst forth—

That's one terrifying technique!

The blistering heat.

The molten lava spreading straight toward him.

Naruto narrowed his eyes slightly.

To an ordinary ninja, this attack would have been sharp and incredibly fast.

But to Naruto—

"Whoosh!"

He didn't even need to use the Flying Thunder God. His figure shifted toward the lower side.

Kakuzu leaped out of the way.

Straight ahead—

"Wind Style: Storm Cutter Technique!"

Naruto precisely dodged the searing lava that had enveloped him from a lower angle. At the same time, he quickly formed hand seals and channeled his chakra. A fierce, imposing crescent-shaped wind blade appeared.

"Vrrr!"

An ear-splitting roar suddenly erupted.

"Whoosh!"

In a flash—

The wind blade surged toward the air above.

Mei Terumi's eyes narrowed.

"Lava Release!"

She reacted just as quickly, turning to the side and spitting another mass of molten lava from her mouth. A wave of heat rushed toward him.

As it spread—

"Psssh!"

The wind blade was easily extinguished.

The remaining lava continued to rush toward Naruto's position.

"!?"

He veered away.

His figure sprang into the air.

"Boom!"

The lava crashed down.

The ground split apart as if it had exploded.

As the scene entered his field of vision—

Naruto raised his eyebrows