Kazuki Utsuki lay on the blood-soaked rocky ground, dazed. A horrifying wound marred his chest, and faintly, even his bones could be seen.
Ironically, his injuries were so severe that he could not even feel the pain. Only numbness remained, as if his body no longer belonged to him.
He had no protagonist's halo. Challenging someone above his station was incredibly difficult. He did not even know what ninjutsu Baki had used.
So tired... he thought, growing sleepy.
At that moment, Baki came before him and drew a kunai from one of his subordinate's pockets. He gently stirred it in Kazuki Utsuki's wound, looking down at the scar across his chest.
"You're strong. I originally intended to cut your head off outright."
Kazuki Utsuki was somewhat dazed, his ears seemingly stuffed with cotton. He could not hear Baki's words, nor did he care anymore.
"That move just now was called Dance of the Crescent Moon? Quite impressive swordsmanship. Anyone capable of learning such a powerful technique must have extraordinary talent. As for me, I admire the strong. If we weren't enemies, perhaps we could have become friends." Baki rambled on. His shoulder was stained red with blood, and the dark-red fluid had soaked through his ninja uniform.
He did not know why he was telling Kazuki Utsuki all this. Perhaps it was because of the ruthlessness in Kazuki Utsuki's eyes during that last move. Or perhaps it was because Kazuki Utsuki had injured him.
"The ninjutsu I used is called Wind Blade, an A-rank ninjutsu unique to Sunagakure. Its defining trait is that it is invisible."
At last, Kazuki Utsuki reacted. Confusion flashed through his eyes.
Baki smiled. "I just want you to understand why you're dying."
He rose to his feet. "Tanuki, if you want revenge, then take it.