Time was limited.
Even with Ryōken's jonin-level chakra, using this domain-type skill consumed it rapidly.
Thus, Ryōken's figure flickered, and his speed suddenly increased by a notch.
With one side strengthened and the other weakened, Ryōken easily caught up to the Iwagakure ninja.
A cold glint flashed through his eyes. Gripping his sword in one hand, he suddenly swept it out, sending a pale green Sword Qi crashing down toward the man's head.
"Not good."
"Earth Release: Super Hardening Technique!"
The jonin formed hand seals so quickly that his hands became a blur, barely completing the technique before the Sword Qi struck.
It was as though his entire body had been clad in a thick, earthen-yellow suit of armor.
Screech!!
The Sword Qi erupted, shoving him several steps back before vanishing helplessly into the air.
The ground cracked, yet the white radiance blanketing the earth seemed illusory and remained unaffected.
Seeing this, the scattered Iwagakure ninja realized that slowing down would do them no good. They might as well fight to the death as they rushed over to support him.
They formed hand seals one after another, clearly intending to coordinate with this human shield and unleash ninjutsu.
At that moment, the Iwagakure ninja who had cast the hardening technique suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood and shouted.
"You can't kill me. You can't kill me."
Driven to the brink of despair, the Iwagakure ANBU seemed to have gone mad, repeating the words over and over. His Super Hardening Technique appeared to have cracked somewhat, but it was largely intact.
Ryōken gave a cold smile, amusement flickering in his gaze, with no intention of answering.
His figure flashed, and he arrived before the Iwagakure ANBU.
He casually swung his sword, and a hazy azure sword gleam flashed forth.
An