"Bang!"
Right fist collided violently with right fist. Chiba and the Third Raikage, both launching themselves forward with punches, suddenly emerged from that flash of lightning and black flames.
"Whoosh—!"
Then, amid the booming sound of flesh striking flesh, a tremendous gust erupted from the point where their fists met, sweeping up loose dirt and grass from the ground, scattering the two clouds of dust blasted open by their impact, and rolling outward.
"Fall back!"
At that moment, seeing the gale carrying dirt and grass clippings toward them, Dodai's eyes flew wide open. He abruptly crossed his arms in front of himself and sprang backward, shouting as he moved.
He absolutely did not want to be anywhere near those two for the battle ahead!
Whether it was the Third Raikage or Taki Chiba, both were Kage-level figures—indeed, among the strongest even at that level. Both excelled at taijutsu, with strength and speed beyond reproach, levels he could never hope to reach! Any ninja with even a shred of common sense knew that when two Kage-level fighters battled, they absolutely could not get close. All they could do was watch from afar.
That was right!
For the battle ahead, they could only observe from a distance. Forget intervening—even getting a little too close could bring irreversible consequences! All they could do now was get as far away as possible so they would not be caught in the crossfire! "Retreat! Fall back!"
"Now isn't the time to stand around!"
"Move! Hurry! Support the wounded and fall back!"
The Kumogakure ninja behind Dodai snapped out of it as well. Some retreated at once, some supported their injured comrades, and others dragged along medical personnel who had yet to react. All of them rushed backward as quickly as possible. Yet throughout their retreat, whether