A more violent impact rang out than before. A shock wave of raging energy spread in a ring, forcibly shaving a full meter off the surrounding ground! Smoke and dust filled the air.
However, when the dust settled, the Third Raikage's expression turned utterly grim.
A deep, searing crimson chakra, as though from the underworld, erupted skyward like a volcano!
A colossal rib cage and arm bones, formed entirely of energy, stood behind Uchiha Ling, shielding him completely!
Susanoo! Second Form!
CLANG!!!!!!!
A deafening metallic blast rang out, like a massive temple bell struck by tremendous force!
The Third Raikage's seemingly unstoppable Hell Stab slammed into Susanoo's crimson ribs!
The expected sight of bones shattering and the enemy being pierced in an instant never came.
The ribs, though seemingly made of energy, were far harder than the Third Raikage had imagined!
The force rebounding from his fingertip left his entire arm tingling, while the dark purple ribs bore only a few hairline cracks, so insignificant they were almost impossible to notice. They repaired themselves in an instant!
"What?!"
The Third Raikage's pupils contracted. For the first time, an expression of disbelief crossed his face.
His Hell Stab had been stopped?! By this bizarre defensive technique he had never seen before?!
Not only had it been stopped—the force that rebounded against him made him feel as though he had crashed into an iron mountain that had existed since time immemorial!
"So this is your 'Strongest Spear'?"
Uchiha Ling's voice came calmly from within Susanoo's protection, carrying undisguised mockery.
"You can't even break through my defense. What makes you think it deserves to be called the 'strongest'?"
"Damn you!" The Third Raikage's hair stood on end with rage. Humiliation drove him completely berserk. "Don't get cocky! Hell Stab: Three-Finger Nukite!"
BOOM!!!
The