Chapter 227: The Ghost King Is Missing!
Through Ishihara's various experiments, the Ghost King's physique had undergone significant changes.
Even after self-destruction and reconstitution, he would only lose a portion of his strength.
But now, he could clearly perceive every inch of his body and even dispel any marks or seals placed on him!
Realizing this, the Ghost King couldn't help but burst into excited laughter.
"Gahaha! How ridiculous! That guy spent so long researching me, and in the end, I'm the one who benefited."
Hearing his strange laughter, the ghosts outside grew even more anxious.
"Did you hear that creepy laugh?"
"Yeah, it's terrifying! I felt a chill go straight to my skull!"
"Damn it! That guy must've killed the Ghost King! Let's go in!"
"Kill him! Avenge the Ghost King!"
"Charge! For the Ghost King!"
A group of ghosts stormed inside, shouting for vengeance.
But when they saw the perfectly unharmed Ghost King, they froze in shock.
What... what was going on? Why was the Ghost King still here?
Wasn't he supposed to have self-destructed? Wasn't there a strong enemy laughing after killing him?
The Ghost King himself found it all rather baffling.
"What are you all doing here?"
He asked in confusion, his powerful aura crashing down on the group of ghosts.
Immediately, they all dropped to their knees.
"We noticed an explosion just now and thought, Ghost King... something might have happened, so we rushed over..."
"I'm fine. Now leave. And don't speak of what just happened to anyone," the Ghost King ordered firmly.
He was well aware of how outrageous his new abilities were. Naturally, he didn't want others finding out.
"Yes, sir!"
The ghosts respectfully responded before quickly retreating.
"Looks like I need to get out of this mess. Ishihara will probably come looking for me soon," the Ghost King muttered, scratching his head.
---
Kirigakure, Inside Ishihara's Lab...
"Hmm? Interesting. He actually managed to remove the seal. Seems like this guy keeps evolving through my research."
Ishihara's eyes gleamed with mad curiosity.
"He's way more promising than that last ghost. Now I'm even more eager to dissect him further."
He was dying to capture the Ghost King again and thoroughly research him, maybe seven or eight more times.
He wanted to see exactly how that brain worked. After all, as long as a ghost retained its spiritual energy, it wouldn't die.
Cutting off the head? No big deal.
---
Clang! Clang! Clang!
After several exchanges, Deidara distanced himself from Suigetsu Hozuki.
He had realized that Suigetsu's close-combat skills and taijutsu were slightly superior to his own.
If he kept fighting up close, he'd definitely be at a disadvantage.
But at mid-range? That was his turf—victory was certain.
"Hey, hey! Weren't you all cocky a minute ago? Why are you running now?" Suigetsu sneered, baring his teeth as he charged forward.
This guy wanted to create distance?
No way!
Suigetsu wasn't about to let himself get kited.
As Suigetsu pursued, Deidara kept retreating, his hand reaching into his pouch.
In no time, he molded a clay twin bird.
Turning abruptly, he flung the bird at Suigetsu, grinning.
"Katsu!"
The moment the clay bird neared Suigetsu, Deidara triggered the detonation.
Boom!
The bird exploded violently. Although Suigetsu had been on guard, he hadn't expected such destructive power.
He was blasted backward, sent flying.
If it weren't for his Shinigami armor, that blast would've caused serious damage.
Deidara wasn't done. He quickly crafted a swarm of clay spiders and scattered them across the ground.
He even formed a large clay centipede and hurled it toward Suigetsu.
Faced with this onslaught, Suigetsu had no choice but to dodge.
Slashing them with his Zanpakutō would only trigger Deidara's detonations—he'd end up hurting himself.
As for using Shunpo to close the distance?
Deidara's Body Flicker technique wasn't just for show. Though not as fast as Suigetsu's, it was more than enough to evade an assault.
Plus, what if that Deidara was just a clay clone?
If he rushed in, only for the clone to explode in his face, he'd be in serious trouble.
But who said he had to stick to pure swordsmanship?
Since Deidara was using ninjutsu, why couldn't he?
Especially with his Zanpakutō, which had been modified by Boss Ishihara.
He didn't even need hand seals—just a swing of his blade was enough to cast ninjutsu.
That was a power Deidara definitely didn't have.
Thinking of this, Suigetsu grinned again.
"What are you smiling at?"
Deidara hesitated for a second, annoyed.
But before he could act, Suigetsu swung his sword.
"Water Release: Great Waterfall Jutsu!"