He casually threw a punch, unleashing a howling gust that made the compressed air crack like an explosion!
Kakuzu's Earth Release-hardened skin, which had given him some trouble before, now felt as fragile as an eggshell!
In terms of chakra nature, Fire Release was no longer simple flame, but blazing fire so hot it burned white;
Water Release was no longer ordinary flowing water, but a torrent as heavy as mercury and as sharp as a blade;
Earth Release was no longer cumbersome rock, but creations that obeyed his every whim and were harder than refined steel!
"So this is... the power of the first stage of Yin-Yang Release?"
Uchiha Makoto felt the power surging through his body, and even he was a little shaken.
Though he had only begun to fuse yin and yang chakra, the improvement was nothing short of terrifying.
"No wonder everyone who masters Yin-Yang Release is more absurd than the last."
Kakuzu, facing him, was feeling considerably less pleased.
He had lived for more than seventy years, fought the First Hokage, and survived countless pursuits and deadly situations. He believed he had seen every sort of genius and monster.
But this brat in front of him... something was wrong!
Very wrong!
"Wind Release: Pressure Damage!"
"Fire Release: Searing Migraine!"
"Lightning Release: False Darkness!"
Almost instinctively, Kakuzu unleashed three of his signature B-rank ninjutsu in rapid succession!
Gale-force winds, a sea of fire, and a lightning spear attacked from three different angles, cutting off every possible escape route for Uchiha Makoto!
This was his standard opening against powerful enemies. With overlapping power and broad coverage, it often forced his opponent to reveal a trump card or inflicted serious damage.
And yet-
Uchiha Makoto moved.
No, that could not be called "moving." He simply "vanished" and "reappeared."