Suigetsu gripped the scorching Kubikiribōchō, the moisture on its blade evaporating into white mist.
His eyes turned crimson as he fixed a deadly stare on Kurotsuchi. Chakra surged into the hilt like a tide, instantly coating the blade in a flowing film of water. "Don't think this means you can beat me! The Hozuki Clan's Water Release has a lot more to offer!"
Before his words had faded,
he stamped hard against the ground. Water exploded beneath his feet as he became a blue blur charging toward Kurotsuchi, sweeping the Kubikiribōchō sideways. Its water coating shrieked as it sliced through the air.
Kurotsuchi's pupils contracted. Chakra gathered in her palm, the lingering Heat of the lava making her arm burn slightly. "You want to fight up close? I'm not afraid of you!"
She twisted aside to dodge the blade, turning her left arm to stone as sharp rock spikes formed at her fingertips. "Earth Release: Rock Spike!" The spikes whistled toward Suigetsu's chest.
Suigetsu sneered. His body suddenly liquefied, flowing through the gaps between the spikes. As he reformed in midair, he kicked at Kurotsuchi's back.
"Hyah!"
Kurotsuchi reacted in a flash,
turning to block with her stone arm. With a clang, the impact drove her back three steps, fine cracks spreading across the ground beneath her feet.
"Pretty quick dodge."
Suigetsu flicked the Kubikiribōchō, scattering droplets from its water coating. "But you're almost out of chakra, aren't you? Looking at you, I'd say you won't last much longer!"
Kurotsuchi gritted her teeth and wiped the sweat from her temple, a fierce glint flashing in her eyes. "We haven't settled who wins and who loses yet!"
She drew a deep breath and rapidly formed hand seals. Searing Heat ignited within her chakra again, hotter than before, distorting the air around