Whoosh!
A slash streaked with lightning sliced through the tree trunk, cutting through it as smoothly as a hot knife through butter. The tree, thick enough for two people to wrap their arms around, snapped in response, its cross-section charred black.
"How was that?"
Ringo Ameyuri sheathed her sword, lifted her smiling face, and asked with wide, adorably expectant eyes.
"Very good. That strike already carries some of my skill."
Araki clapped softly, generous with his praise.
He was not joking. Though Ringo Ameyuri was young, that strike had truly carried a hint of thunderous momentum. She was indeed worthy of being called a renowned Lightning Release genius.
"Little Ringo, ordinary Lightning Style Ninjutsu can no longer challenge you. Next, you might as well study Lightning Release's nature transformation."
Araki instructed her, "The most common nature transformations of the lightning attribute are paralysis and extreme speed. You should focus on the latter; it will greatly enhance the power of your swordsmanship."
"Hehe, Araki, how did you know my new move involves nature transformation?"
The red-haired girl asked in surprise.
"What? You've already developed a new move?"
Araki was even more surprised than she was. How long had it even been?
"Of course I have!"
Ringo Ameyuri looked as though it were only natural. "Didn't I tell you before you left last time? I said I'd definitely show you the new move I developed the next time we met! If I say something, I have to do it!"
"Heh... heh, you're right!"
Araki was speechless. Was this what a genius was like?
Look at her, then look at Zabuza. After all this time, he had not even shown a trace of Ghostly Aura. Why was the gap between two candidates for the Seven Ninja Swords so enormous?
"Very well, then show