Asuma nodded. The Chakra Blades in his hands flared blue once more as he charged at the Black Coffin. "Wind Release: Wind Slash!" A massive wind blade, carrying earth-shattering force, slashed toward the Black Coffin, seeking to cleave it apart and strike Kurotsuchi's true body.
Boom—!
The wind blade struck the Black Coffin with a deafening explosion. The Black Coffin shook violently, yet it remained completely unscathed. If anything, it became even sturdier.
"How is that possible?!"
Aoba's expression changed drastically, his voice full of disbelief. "My Black Coffin couldn't even trap her? Just how powerful is her chakra?"
Kurotsuchi's voice came from within the Black Coffin, dripping with mockery. "Did you really think such a trifling ninjutsu could trap me? How laughable! Break!"
As soon as she spoke, a powerful surge of chakra shattered the Black Coffin. Countless grains of sand erupted from within and swept toward Aoba and Asuma.
"Not good! Get out of the way!"
Asuma shouted, grabbing Aoba and rapidly retreating. Even so, sand pellets struck his arm, instantly carving several wounds into it as blood streamed down.
"Asuma!"
Aoba cried out, his eyes full of concern. "How are you? Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine. Just superficial wounds."
Asuma shook his head, his tone grave. "Kurotsuchi is stronger than we imagined. Our ninjutsu can't cause her any real harm. At this rate, she'll defeat us sooner or later."
Kurotsuchi stepped out from the sand without a scratch on her body. Looking at the two of them, she curled her lips into a mocking smile, her voice icy. "Well? That was the second move. You're already injured. By the third move, I'm afraid you won't even have the strength to resist, will you?"
"Don't get so cocky!"
Aoba roared, the fury in his eyes nearly bursting forth.