The Puppeteer Behind the Scenes!

Kawaki Aoba leaned back slightly, the blade of the longsword barely grazing past the tip of his nose and stirring up a biting chill.

For an instant, his heartbeat seemed to miss a beat, yet there was not a trace of panic in his eyes.

He swiftly stepped back, pushed off the ground with his toes, and used the tree trunk as cover to slide ghostlike to one side, evading the enemy's second slash close behind the first.

The enemy's longsword gleamed with a cold, sinister light beneath the moon. Complex runes were carved into its blade, faintly radiating an ominous aura.

The masked ninja was clearly no ordinary opponent. His movements were swift and precise, every strike carrying killing intent that could not be underestimated.

Aoba's lips twitched faintly as he secretly assessed his opponent's strength. This guy is at least Jonin-level... and his chakra fluctuations are somewhat abnormal.

"You think this game of hide-and-seek can drag on for long?"

The enemy sneered, his voice low and hoarse, with a hint of mockery.

He gave the longsword in his hand a light shake, and its tip carved a shallow line into the ground. The soil split soundlessly, displaying his astonishing control over his strength.

Aoba did not respond. His gaze remained fixed on the enemy, watching every subtle movement.

The enemy's cloak swayed gently in the breeze. Its charred edges looked even more tattered in the firelight, yet that did nothing to lessen the suffocating pressure emanating from him.

Aoba's fingers lightly brushed through his ninja tool pouch, touching a cold Explosive Tag.

The corner of his mouth rose slightly, revealing an almost imperceptible sneer.

Stalling for time? No, I'm merely waiting for you to expose an opening.

Aoba silently muttered to himself, his thoughts as calm as a