Had to Act First!

The Uchiha Clan brat had just displayed a Shadow Clone Jutsu tactic on par with Taki Chiba's when he rescued him. And from the battle just now—his shadow clones, that punch aimed at Taki Chiba, and his own experience of my speed and strength—

With his ability to devise such tactics, it would not be hard for him to see that my strength and speed were enough to kill him in an instant.

Yet just now, I deliberately slowed down to put considerable psychological pressure on him, but his movements still did not falter.

In other words, even knowing my strength, he remained calm and resolute. That was certainly due to his own nature, but it could not rule out the possibility that he had a tactic with a high chance of holding me back.

He should also understand very clearly that he could not win this battle. All he could do was stall for time.

Then there might be a way to delay me behind that giant tree. Though I could not imagine what could possibly hold me back, even my brother had praised that Taki Chiba so highly—especially his tactical ability, which he had bluntly said surpassed his own.

And my brother's tactical ability...

Had directly led Kumogakure of the Land of Lightning to join the victors of the Second Great Ninja War.

And now, this Uchiha Clan brat who could replicate Taki Chiba-level tactical ability would most likely be able to come up with a way to delay me as well.

Just because I could not think of one did not mean those people who tinkered with tactics could not.

So...

No need to attack from behind.

With that thought, the Third Raikage made his decision. He stepped forward again, slowly walking toward Hirohiko. His speed remained