Traces of Chakra

"Hmph, Konoha ninja... you do have some skill."

The masked ninja sneered as a powerful surge of chakra suddenly erupted from his body. Black chakra poured out like a tidal wave, forcing the two of them back several steps.

"This is..."

Asuma's pupils contracted, a trace of shock in his voice. "Dark Release?!"

"Dark Release?"

Aoba frowned, clearly unfamiliar with this technique.

"Doesn't matter what it is—focus!"

Asuma shouted lowly, a stronger blue glow flaring over his Chakra Blades. "This guy isn't simple. We need to go all out!"

Aoba nodded and rapidly formed hand seals. "Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"

A violent gust burst from his mouth and rushed straight at the masked ninja, trying to disrupt his rhythm.

The masked ninja snorted. Black chakra formed a barrier, easily blocking the Wind Release.

His figure vanished once more. In the next instant, he appeared behind Aoba, his longsword stabbing straight for his back!

"Aoba!"

Asuma roared. Moving like lightning, he swung his Chakra Blades hard, colliding with the masked ninja's longsword once again.

Sparks flew as their chakra intertwined in midair, erupting in a piercing roar.

Aoba used the chance to retreat, quickly steadying his breathing while locking his gaze firmly onto the masked ninja.

His mind raced as he tried to find an opening in his opponent's defenses.

"Asuma, this guy's chakra is too strange!"

Aoba said in a low voice, "We need to find a way to break through his defense!"

"Try combining Fire Release and Wind Release!"

Asuma gritted his teeth. "I'll lead the attack. You support me!"

"Got it!"

Aoba answered, forming hand seals again. "Wind Style: Gale Palm!"

At the same time, Asuma forcefully spat out a blazing fireball. The wind fed the flames, and the flames rode the wind's might. Their ninjutsu converged in