Jesus Himself Can't Save Him-I Said So!

Konoha wasn't the only side that could choose its opponents. The Hidden Cloud could do the same.

When Chiba Shin'i saw Uchiha Mai charging toward him, he turned and ran for Toroi without a word, hoping to leave this troublesome opponent to his teammate.

"Hmph. Trying to run?"

Uchiha Mai couldn't perform Lightning Whirlwind Slash or a leaning jump shot, but he did know Ninja Swordsmanship.

"Deathfire Oscillating Sword!"

Uchiha Mai swung his sword. A wave of blue flame tore across the ground toward the open space ahead of Chiba Shin'i.

The strike wasn't meant to kill Chiba Shin'i. It was meant to stop him.

At his current speed, Chiba Shin'i would run straight into it if he kept moving along the same path.

He would have to find a sudden burst of speed, change direction, or slow down.

Uchiha Mai was certain Chiba Shin'i was already moving as fast as he could.

Sure enough, Chiba Shin'i couldn't go any faster, and he didn't dare take the strike head-on. He slammed on the brakes.

The flaming sword wave skimmed past right in front of him. Its fleeting heat was enough to make his heart pound.

That brief pause let Uchiha Mai close much of the distance between them. A clash was inevitable.

"Violent Wind Palm!"

Chiba Shin'i thrust a palm toward Uchiha Mai, hoping his Wind Release would wound him—or at least blow him away.

Super Beast Imitating Drawing: Ink Tiger.

"Roar!"

A tiger burst from Uchiha Mai's chest and lunged at Chiba Shin'i with a roar, both paws striking out.

Such a simple move could hardly trouble a battle-hardened Jonin like Chiba Shin'i.

The moment the tiger leaped, Violent Wind Palm smashed it apart into a cloud of blood mist and chakra.

"Dragon Star Style: Baxia."

Baxia, also known