Coup

Seven-Star Sword energy came slashing in alongside Tailed Beast chakra. The Second Raikage had no time to react and could only hastily gather chakra to resist.

"Lightning Style: Woven Thunder Cloud Explosion!"

Leaping lightning appeared in the Raikage's hand, then spread outward in branching bolts. Piercing screeches rang from the electric light as Lightning Explosions continuously erupted within a small area.

Sword energy and Lightning Style collided head-on. The two forces of chakra clashed violently in midair, bursting with blinding light. Everyone below narrowed their eyes to lessen the damage from the glare.

The two powers remained locked for several seconds, but Kinkaku had come prepared while the Second Raikage had counterattacked in haste. Even if the Second Raikage was somewhat stronger, the gap was limited. Moments later, the lightning net was torn apart, and the sword energy cleaved straight toward the Second Raikage.

"Gah!" As the sword energy struck him, compounded by the berserk Nine-Tails chakra, the Second Raikage's body trembled violently and a thread of blood spilled from the corner of his mouth.

Yet he still forced himself to endure. Raikage throughout the generations used Lightning Style to stimulate their bodies, protecting themselves with a layer of Lightning Style Armor. The Second Raikage was naturally no exception. Though Kinkaku's sword strike had been fierce, the Lightning Style Armor had blocked most of its power. What remained was not enough to be fatal.

Gathering his chakra, he instead used the force of that strike to plummet swiftly downward. As long as he could reach the ground and hold out until the others reacted, Kumogakure's many experts could come to his rescue. At that point, Kinkaku and Ginkaku would no longer be a threat.

"Lightning Style: Thunder Thorn Whip!" But Kinkaku naturally would not let him have his way. Ever