"Konoha brat, your methods really are surprising, but... this is as far as you go."
Ao held a slightly curved ninja sword in his hand and swept his gaze over the two Hyuga clan members, who looked as if they were facing a formidable enemy.
With their Byakugan disabled, they could not use their powerful Gentle Fist techniques.
Many of the stronger Gentle Fist moves were paired with the Byakugan; only together could they reach their full power.
There was almost no unnecessary talk. Leaves swayed in the forest, and the moment one leaf drifted through the air, Ao moved.
The next instant, Kiyohara followed.
The two charged toward each other. When their Ninja Swords met, a leaf landed on the blades and was flung away by the shockwave.
Clang!
A piercing metallic crash erupted, sparks flying everywhere!
Ao's strength was immense, numbing Kiyohara's wrist. But with his outstanding bodily coordination and skill at redirecting force, he barely withstood the blow.
With a twist of his blade, he slashed toward Ao's wrist.
Ao hurriedly dodged.
Clang! Clang! Bang! Bang!
Their figures crossed at high speed through the thick mist, blade light flashing in every direction.
Kiyohara coated his blade in Lightning Release chakra, causing every slash to trail electric arcs.
Meanwhile, relying on his greater strength and the predictions born from richer experience, Ao always managed to block or evade at critical moments. At the same time, he launched counterattacks that forced Kiyohara onto the defensive.
For a time, the two were evenly matched, the sounds of clashing blades ringing without end.
But Kiyohara knew full well that a prolonged battle would be disadvantageous to him.
Ao's chakra reserves and stamina far surpassed his, and his opponent had yet to use any true Water Release ninjutsu.
Sure enough, in the