"I'll stop the ritual!"
Aoba shouted. He broke away from the enemy in front of him and charged toward the center of the altar.
"Stop him!"
The leader of the black-robed figures roared. Several of them immediately abandoned their opponents and closed in on Aoba.
"You think you can stop me? Not so easily!"
Aoba's eyes turned cold as Chakra surged through his body. "Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!"
Countless fireballs shot toward the black-robed figures closing in on him.
"Hmph!"
Several black-robed figures acted at once, forming a dark barrier that blocked the fireballs.
Aoba seized the opening, picked up speed, and reached the center of the altar.
He stared at the black vortex before him. He could clearly feel its terrifying pull, as though it meant to drag in both his Chakra and his soul.
"I have to destroy this vortex!"
Aoba gritted his teeth and quickly formed Hand Seals. "Lightning Release: Lightning Blade!"
Blue lightning gathered in his hand, crackling fiercely.
Aoba slammed the Lightning Blade into the black vortex.
Boom!
The Lightning Blade struck the vortex with a tremendous explosion.
The black vortex rippled violently, seeming ready to collapse at any moment.
"No!"
The leader of the black-robed figures roared at the sight. He charged at Aoba without a thought for his own safety. "You dare ruin our lord's plan? I'll kill you!"
Aoba sensed the murderous intent behind him and tried to dodge, but the vortex's pull was too strong. It held him fast, unable to move.
"Aoba, watch out!"
Kakashi called out. He wanted to help, but several black-robed figures had him pinned down.
At that critical moment, a yellow figure appeared behind Aoba and kicked the leader away.
"Who?"
Aoba froze and turned to look.
The newcomer wore a yellow jacket and