"Still want to fight...?"
"Does this woman never get tired?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen felt his teeth ache. It wasn't just physical exhaustion; being completely overwhelmed the whole time was no joke.
If he hadn't relied on his vast array of techniques and combat experience, Sarutobi Hiruzen would have been taken out long ago.
He even wondered if he should just summon Fujin and Raijin and have them pin Esdeath down here.
He couldn't beat Esdeath alone, but with Fujin and Raijin fighting alongside him, he still had a chance.
But in the end, Sarutobi Hiruzen only entertained the thought. He had prepared a few countermeasures for Esdeath's Mahapadma, but he wasn't at all confident they would work.
Suddenly, Esdeath looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen's battered state and smiled for some reason. Then she dispelled the Ice Blade in her hand and let her fighting spirit subside.
Esdeath walked slowly up to Sarutobi Hiruzen and nodded in satisfaction.
"So you're Sarutobi Hiruzen..."
"You're impressive. Since I obtained [Demon's Extract], you're the only one who's been able to fight me to a standstill..."
"I admire you."
Esdeath studied Sarutobi Hiruzen, taking in his mature, heroic features with a gleam in her eyes.
If Sarutobi Hiruzen hadn't seemed so old, and if he hadn't come from such a different background than her, Esdeath might even have considered dating him.
Sarutobi Hiruzen also breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed Esdeath had no intention of fighting to the death.
There was no need for him to fight Esdeath to the death, either.
"I hope you'll grow even stronger."
Esdeath's voice brimmed with anticipation.
"Strong enough to satisfy me completely."
That was why she hadn't gone all out. She saw the potential for Sarutobi Hiruzen to reach her level.
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled.
"Of course I'll get stronger..."