123 Ch-123 Falling Meteor.

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Asura expertly manipulated the wooden human, directing it to deliver a powerful punch squarely into Jiryoku. In response, Jiryoku swiftly swung his gleaming sword, unleashing a massive, devastating slash that severed the wooden hand of Asura's creation.

For the ensuing half-hour, an intense and relentless battle unfolded between Asura and Jiryoku. Their ferocious clashes left behind a trail of devastation, transforming the once-pristine battleground into a chaotic landscape filled with numerous potholes and scattered debris. Astonishingly, both combatants emerged unscathed despite the prolonged engagement.

In the midst of their unyielding combat, Asura's extraordinary combat awareness emerged as a daunting challenge for Jiryoku. Even Jiryoku's "Observation Haki: Future Sight" proved futile in the face of Asura's ability to foresee Jiryoku's attacks and respond with precise counters at the very last moment. This unexpected twist left Jiryoku at a distinct disadvantage.

Meanwhile, high above the battlefield, a breathtaking spectacle unfurled in the sky. Wood, stones, earth fragments, and trees converged, coalescing into a colossal sphere suspended midair. Onlookers observed this massive earth sphere with a mix of terror and disbelief, struggling to fathom the catastrophic consequences if it were to descend to the ground. Survival seemed nearly impossible, and it appeared that every Kage present would have to unleash their ultimate techniques to evade this impending catastrophe.

With the immense earth sphere ominously looming in the sky, Jiryoku brought his widespread use of "Zero Gravity" to a halt and used his gravity controlling ability for the colossal mass to ascend toward the Earth's atmosphere. This mesmerizing and unexpected turn of events left everyone in awe and confusion alike, as they grappled with the enigma of Jiryoku's intentions.

The baffling move perplexed every onlooker present. They couldn't discern the motive behind Jiryoku's decision to send the Earth Sphere soaring into the atmosphere. Asura, too, found himself in a state of perplexity. However, he had an unwavering faith that Jiryoku would never engage in unnecessary actions. There had to be a hidden purpose behind this unprecedented maneuver that remained veiled to Asura. With this conviction in mind, Asura continued his relentless assault on Jiryoku.

Now that Jiryoku had dispelled the "Zero Gravity" field, Asura seized the opportunity to unleash his "Wood Release" abilities without hindrance and directed them at Jiryoku. The prior use of "Zero Gravity" had disrupted the effectiveness of Asura's "Wood Release" techniques. The roots and branches that were previously at Jiryoku's mercy were now untethered from gravity's influence.

Asura's resolve shone through as he conjured the formidable "Wood Release: Wood Dragon Technique." Five colossal wooden dragons emerged from the ground on his command and surged towards Jiryoku. In response, Jiryoku gracefully levitated into the air, his intentions becoming clearer by the moment. He initiated the "Gravity Sword Dance," conjuring a myriad of gravity-infused slashes that radiated outward.

The clash between Asura's formidable wooden dragons and Jiryoku's gravitational onslaught was nothing short of spectacular. Each gravity-infused slash cleaved through the air, mercilessly intercepting and obliterating the incoming wooden dragons. Splintered fragments of wood rained down to the ground, each one a testament to the titanic clash between these two extraordinary warriors.

Asura, demonstrating his strategic prowess, seized the opportunity presented by the fallen wooden dragon fragments. From these remnants, thick vines began to sprout and rapidly extended in the direction of Jiryoku, their aim being to ensnare and immobilize him. While Jiryoku could not predict Asura's every spontaneous move, he possessed the uncanny ability to foresee the movements of the wooden vines. With remarkable agility, Jiryoku adeptly dodged their advances, evading capture, and subsequently cleaved the vines into pieces with precision strikes.

As the struggle between the two warriors intensified, Jiryoku could feel that the colossal earth sphere he had propelled into the atmosphere had finally reached its intended destination. It was now ripe for employment as a potent weapon.

Jiryoku's face broke into a confident smile as he prepared for a potentially game-changing maneuver. He enveloped his sword in an aura of gravity, ready to unleash a devastating attack. However, to the bewilderment of everyone present, nothing occurred as he swung his sword. The absence of the usual cataclysmic sword slash left both allies and foes perplexed, the air tinged with uncertainty.

In the midst of this enigma, Jiraiya's memory was triggered. He recalled a similar occurrence from their previous encounter in Konoha. Back then, Jiryoku had swung his sword, and yet no sword slash had materialized. Instead, a colossal meteorite had descended from the atmosphere, hurtling toward Konoha.

Meanwhile, Asura's heightened senses alerted him to an impending threat. His instincts on high alert, he turned his gaze skyward, where he beheld an enormous meteorite hurtling towards him at breakneck speed. The ground quaked as the ominous projectile descended, setting the stage for an unprecedented and cataclysmic showdown between the two formidable combatants.

"Jiryoku," Asura implored, a hint of concern etched in his voice, "Do you realize the sheer magnitude of destruction this meteorite will unleash upon the Earth?"

Jiryoku, resolute and unyielding, responded to Asura's apprehensions. "In the realm of battles between the mighty, collateral damage is an inevitable consequence. Rest assured, I'm not committing any atrocity against humanity. This battleground is strategically situated far from any inhabited village. Moreover, I explicitly warned the onlookers earlier, offering them a choice to leave if they lacked the strength or the resolve to witness our clash. Those who remain have proven their mettle and determination, willing to stake their lives on this spectacle. They do so of their own accord, and if they were to fall, it would be their own doing. I also have individuals here who are dear to me, and I guarantee their safety. Not a single scratch will mar them, be it from my attacks or those of my adversaries."

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