"Bang."
Yamakimine slammed his hand onto the ground, and a huge cloud of smoke erupted. A green giant python dozens of zhang long appeared in the clearing.
"Lord Yamakimine."
Seeing that Yamakimine had summoned it, the Green Ridge Great Serpent hurriedly lowered its head and spoke respectfully.
"Mm, thank you for your hard work. Protect this girl."
Yamakimine smiled faintly and pointed at Hyuga Tenkui.
"Yes, Lord Yamakimine."
The Green Ridge Great Serpent responded at once, then appeared directly before Hyuga Tenkui. It lowered its head, signaling for her to climb on.
"Yamakimine? You...?"
Hyuga Tenkui's face flushed red. She had never imagined that one day, she would be protected by another man—and that this man had just saved her life.
"Hehe!"
Yamakimine gave Hyuga Tenkui a slight smile, then turned a ferocious gaze toward the attacks rushing at him.
"Snake-Slaying Barrage."
Yamakimine swiftly summoned several snakes and sent them charging forward to take the hits.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
In an instant, the attacks were neutralized.
"Myriad Serpent Array."
Yamakimine then summoned countless snakes, sending them surging straight toward the man.
"Another snake charmer?"
"I, Darui, am not afraid of snakes."
"Storm Release—Gale Wave Wild Shot."
Darui instantly fired countless waves of light at Yamakimine's snake formation.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
Flesh flew everywhere in an instant. Countless snakes were blown apart or electrocuted, their deaths too gruesome to behold.
"Hmph."
Yamakimine vanished from where he stood. Moving at incredible speed, he drew the kunai in his hand and thrust it toward Darui.
"A blade fight? I'm not afraid of you either."
"Come at me."
Darui instantly drew the massive sword from his back and charged at Yamakimine.
"Clang! Clang! Clang!"
In an instant, the two exchanged several moves, neither gaining the upper hand.
"You're very strong. My name is Darui.