Kawaki Aoba's gaze fell on the Black Ant puppet, slowly sweeping over every part of its construction—from its head and torso to its limbs—missing not a single minute detail. His eyes grew increasingly focused.
"This puppet's structure is completely different from Crow's. Its armor is thicker, its seal is tighter, and there are almost no exposed gaps."
Kawaki Aoba spoke softly, his voice calm and steady, without the slightest hint of panic.
Kankuro let out a derisive snort, his tone full of contempt and arrogance.
"Looks like you've got some eyes. Black Ant specializes in defense and capture. Its entire body is protected without a single blind spot, made specifically to counter close-range ambush fighters like you! You got close enough to destroy Crow's core earlier, but let's see how you break this one!"
Kawaki Aoba's eyes narrowed slightly as he replied evenly, "No matter how airtight its defenses are, it's still a puppet. As long as it's a puppet, it needs chakra transmission, and that means there will be a flaw."
"You stubborn little brat!"
A vicious gleam flashed through Kankuro's eyes as his fingertips twitched sharply. "Black Ant, capture him!" At the command, the Black Ant puppet erupted with terrifying speed. Its heavy body shot forward, its limbs grinding the sand beneath its feet into fine powder as it sprang out. Its massive pincers sliced through the air with a piercing whistle, clamping viciously toward Kawaki Aoba's waist. The force behind them was brutal—once caught, a human skeleton would be crushed instantly.
Kawaki Aoba kicked off the ground and slid sideways like a breeze, precisely avoiding Black Ant's capture. The pincers skimmed past his side, and the fierce gust they generated tore through the air around him, carrying an icy chill.
"Your reactions are pretty quick."
Kankuro spoke