1. Gai came out from a large cloud of smoke. Him catching him off guard means little.Point really doesn't matter whether Madara avoided them or not. The point is, Gai almost landed a hit and Madara's expression face shows Gai's speed was too fast:
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If Gai can almost catch Madara off guard, then he will blitz Tobirama, who's reactions and reflex are blow Madara's.
2. Gai didn't almost land a hit on anyone.
Madara was merely jumping back and he easily avoided his attacks. No Shunshin was even necessary.
No, it didn't. Manga showed pinches. Pinches show impact.
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Um, yes, it clearly did. Telling me what pinches usually show doesn't mean anything to me when the manga shows Gai not hitting him.