Soft Knives

"Bang!"

The spear pierced through the thick pine tree, as thick as a water vat, easily severing the tree. The massive trunk collapsed with a deafening roar.

The dark clouds in the sky were dissipating, and the wind and snow had stopped sometime earlier. However, Mount Baiyue was still covered in white, and its pale peaks exuded a biting cold, seemingly indifferent to the occasional tremors coming from below.

The air was cold and damp, and inhaling it into my lungs was just enough to suppress the heat.

Katsuki pressed her left hand, which emitted a faint green light, against her upper abdomen. Crimson blood stained her palm, dripping down and staining the white snow.

The area he pressed his palm against was his lungs. If you walk the dark too often, you're bound to encounter ghosts. Playing tricks on a strongman like the Third Raikage will naturally come at a price. The One-Finger Nukite pierced through his lung, went straight from his chest to his back, and then tore apart a large pine tree.

It almost cost him his life.

Fortunately, his physical strength was not bad; the Third Raikage's attack only caused a penetrating wound and did not tear him into a pile of minced meat.

"Cough cough--!"

Coughing up blood, Katsuki squatted in the snow, his right hand pressed against the ground. A Shadow Clone stood behind him, using Mystical Palm Technique to heal the round hole about the size of a teacup on his back. The flesh at the wound slowly wriggled and regenerated.

"Earth Release, Yellow Spring Swamp."

The Shadow Clone stopped watching and rushed out to intercept the charging Third Raikage. The main body was seriously injured, and if they didn't intervene, they would all be doomed.

The clones, having watched for a long time, hadn't wasted their time. They gained a basic understanding of the Third Raikage's modus operandi, and their actions were remarkably effective. A massive swamp blocked the Third Raikage 'Third Raikage path, trapping him as he charged at high speed.

If the hard approach doesn't work, we have to try the soft one.

Previous observations led the clones to conclude that the Third Raikage's strength was absolutely the greatest in the current Shinobi World; a direct confrontation was the worst possible strategy, and the only way to deal with such a ruthless person was to use a gentle, gradual approach.

"You cunning brat!"

With his legs submerged in the swamp, the Third Raikage roared angrily. Hell Stab was powerful enough, and his charging speed was top-notch. The only drawback was that it was too fast, making it difficult to control the direction. Once he started charging, he couldn't stop, which made it easy to fall into the pit.

That's the case right now, for example.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

This little trick was just a minor nuisance to Lord Raikage, not a significant threat. With a burst of power from his legs, blinding lightning suddenly flashed, blasting mud into the air with a series of thuds. He launched another charge through the swamp, and his speed was quite impressive, making his clones grin. This guy was truly formidable.

Of course, I was surprised, but I couldn't abandon the work I had to do.

"Lightning Release: Lightning Spear"

"Lightning Release: Lightning Wolf"

One Ninjutsu after another was unleashed, but they were like tickles to the Third Raikage, not even a hair was broken. The clones bared their teeth; enemies like this, who were impossible to smash, crush, or cook, were the most annoying kind.

"Damn it, I should have learned some Water Release Technique. If I can't kill him by chopping him down, I'll at least drown him!"

One of the clones spat, but his words struck a chord with all of them. Immediately, a chorus of sighs and complaints arose as they complained to each other about why they hadn't studied Water Release Technique. Such hindsight advice was bound to be fruitless, and besides, the object of their arguments was themselves, a complete waste of breath.

There are countless ways to kill, and different methods are needed to deal with different people. A monstrous, brute-force attack like the Third Raikage is too difficult. Water Release Technique are indeed a viable option. No matter how strong your physical body is, as long as you're human, you still need to breathe...

"Hurry up, they're about to break through!"

The clone at the front let out a roar, and the other clones, who were also keeping a close eye on the Third Raikage, immediately sprang into action.

"Earth Release, Yellow Springs..."

"Lightning Release, Earth Run"

The Third Raikage suddenly stopped his forward charge, letting his body slowly sink into the swamp. He placed his hands on the surface of the mud and released incredibly bright lightning from his palms. The leaping arcs of lightning, like a proliferating spider web, flowed wildly along the ground in all directions.

Caught off guard, the Shadow Clone vanished in large swathes, turning into white smoke.

To be honest, having gotten used to the Third Raikage's bull-like charges, I never expected that this guy would actually use such a clever little trick.

"Do you really think I'm a brute?!"

Easily pulling his legs out of the swamp, the Third Raikage stepped onto the solid snow, glancing at the dozen or so scattered clones of Katsuki, his brow furrowing slightly.

"Kid, let's call a ceasefire!"

The Third Raikage took two steps, then stopped and unexpectedly shouted.

"... Ceasefire?" The clones made way, and Katsuki's true form sat unceremoniously in the snow. The wound on her upper abdomen had healed ninety percent. She squinted at the Third Raikage, "Aren't you planning to kill me?"

"Giving up is pointless. Since I failed to kill you earlier, the chances of succeeding next time are even lower. Continuing to fight would just be a waste of time..." The Third Raikage shook his head. "Besides, you've been secretly learning for half a day, isn't that enough?"

"I can tell!"

Katsuki scratched her head and smiled somewhat awkwardly.

"Nonsense, you just ran away without fighting back, and even created a bunch of Shadow Clone to watch the show. Besides, your Lightning Release Technique is quite impressive, it's top-notch even among the Cloud Ninja... If I still can't figure out your purpose, wouldn't I really be a fool?" The Third Raikage's voice was very calm, his hands hanging down, looking relaxed.

"Alright! It would be best if it could end peacefully." Katsuki stood up, waved her hand, and her Shadow Clone all turned into white smoke and dissipated.

Just as the Third Raikage admitted he was powerless to defeat Katsuki also had few options against this Raikage. The only method he could come up with was to wear him down. In the original future, this Raikage was worn down by ten thousand Stone Ninja at the cost of their lives. Conventional methods would hardly be able to kill this Lord Raikage.

"But aren't you worried that I might launch a surprise attack on Kumogakure?" Katsuki suddenly revealed a wicked smile.

"... Whether you worry or not is useless. If Konoha really intends to start a war, the Cloud Ninja will not be afraid. The reason I came here is simply to try my best to achieve peace... just try my best. If it really can't be done, then there's nothing I can do." The Third Raikage's eyes were very deep.

"Tch! Just doing your best? How boring..." Katsuki clicked her tongue, moved her hand away from her upper abdomen, revealing her unharmed body.

"Alright, I'm not going to argue with you anymore. I'm just here with someone to soak in the hot springs. I'll be leaving in a couple of days. Konoha has no intention of starting a war for the time being... Besides, compared to Konoha, you Cloud Ninja are much more warlike. Don't try to pin the blame on us." Katsuki pouted.

"Ha ha!"

The Third Raikage burst into laughter.

"Interesting. You're right, we Cloud Ninja than you. But when it comes to ruthlessness, your Konoha is still a cut above. Even I would be ashamed of myself if your teacher were to kill someone!"

"Well--!"

Katsuki rolled his eyes, utterly speechless. This was so true, he didn't know how to refute it.