In a clearing in the forest behind Konoha, two young men faced off. The surrounding forest had been devastated, and the area around them was a mess. Hatake Sakumo looked battered; not only were his clothes torn, but he also had several wounds.
Tianqi was in slightly better shape than Hatake Sakumo, but not by much. The three sword wounds on his body proved that his fight with Sakumo hadn't been easy.
With Nine-Tails Mode activated, Tianqi held a slight advantage for the moment.
Hatake Sakumo slid his short sword back into its sheath and said to Tianqi, "Uchiha Tianqi, we've come this far in the fight. Are you still not planning to admit defeat?"
"Don't be ridiculous, Hatake Sakumo. I'm the one with the advantage right now. Why should I admit defeat? I bet you want to find out who wins, too. Stop hesitating and show me your strongest technique!" Tianqi said with a serious expression. He had his pride, and that pride would never let him admit defeat.
"Oh, is that so? As your opponent, I've come to respect you, win or lose," Hatake Sakumo said, looking intrigued. Then he closed his eyes and began gathering strength. He bent his knees slightly, his right hand resting on the hilt as if ready to draw at any moment.
"To fight you and earn your respect has every cell in my body trembling with excitement. Come on, Hatake Sakumo!" Tianqi said, raising one hand. A Rasengan Shuriken slowly took shape in his palm. Unlike an ordinary Rasengan Shuriken, this one was infused with a Tailed Beast Ball. A black sphere combined with Wind Release's white cutting energy, forming a Tailed Beast Rasengan Shuriken that shrieked with a sizzling sound.
"Hm!" Hearing the piercing noise, Hatake Sakumo couldn't help opening his