"Good boy."
Asuma looked at Kawaki Aoba, a trace of gratification flashing through his eyes. In a gentle tone, he said, "I know you want to prove yourself, and you want revenge, but Black Blade is truly strong. You're not his match yet. When the battle begins, stay by my side and support me. Don't act on your own, understand?"
Kawaki Aoba fell silent for a moment, then nodded. In a resolute voice, he said, "I understand, Asuma-sensei. I'll stay by your side, support you, and won't act recklessly. We'll defeat Black Blade together!"
"That's more like it."
Asuma nodded, then turned, his sharp gaze fixed on Black Blade. In an icy voice, he said, "Black Blade, enough nonsense. Come on. Let's settle this once and for all!"
Black Blade sneered disdainfully. "Since you're so eager to die, I'll grant your wish!"
As he spoke, he tightened his grip on the black longsword. With a powerful push off the ground, he shot toward Asuma at incredible speed. At the same time, he poured dark chakra into the blade, causing it to emit a faint black glow. Carrying an eerie aura, it slashed toward Asuma's chest.
Asuma's expression sharpened. He immediately formed hand seals at high speed and said in a low voice, "Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
The moment the words left his mouth, a massive fireball burst from his mouth and surged toward Black Blade. Wherever it passed, the temperature in the air instantly soared, illuminating the entire tunnel.
Boom!
The fireball collided with the black longsword in a tremendous explosion. A powerful shockwave swept outward in all directions, and sand continuously fell from the tunnel ceiling. Kawaki Aoba and the four Sunagakure ninja hurriedly retreated to avoid the blast.
Black Blade was forced back several steps by the