"Compressed Lightning Release?"
A flicker of interest finally crossed Sasori's eyes. "Not bad. It seems you're no ordinary Konoha Genin."
Aoba gave no answer. He hurled the ball of lightning from his hand.
The ball streaked through the air in a straight line, crackling with electricity as it shot toward Sasori's chest.
This time, Sasori did not use puppet strings to stop it. He slowly raised his left hand, palm up, and a jet-black shield sprang from his sleeve.
The shield was no larger than his palm, its surface carved with intricate patterns.
The instant the lightning ball struck the shield, a tremendous boom rang out and blinding white light spread across the battlefield.
Aoba and Shinku instinctively raised their arms to shield their eyes. The shock wave swept up a layer of sand that rolled outward like a tide.
As the white light faded, Aoba and Shinku lowered their arms and looked toward Sasori.
The black shield still rested steadily in his palm, its patterns glowing faintly. The lightning ball had vanished without a trace.
"Is that... a Chakra shield?"
Shinku's voice grew grave. "Made from special puppet materials so it can absorb Chakra attacks?"
"You know a thing or two."
Sasori put away the shield. "I made it from Takigakure Chakra crystal mixed with tungsten steel, specifically to counter ninjutsu attacks.
"Konoha brat, show me whatever else you've got. Don't disappoint me."
Aoba's brows drew tight. Sasori was far stronger than he had imagined.
Both his control of puppet strings and the equipment built into his body had been honed to the limit.
Aoba glanced at Shinku and lowered his voice. "Shinku, we can't keep defending. We have to attack and throw off his rhythm."
Shinku nodded and rapidly formed Hand Seals, several times faster than before. Her