Another pursuer seized the opportunity and charged in from the flank. A vicious Wind Release wind bullet slammed hard into Toroi's injured left leg. Toroi barely twisted aside and gathered chakra in his right arm to block.
"Bang!"
With a dull thud, Toroi staggered back from the impact. Agonizing pain shot through his right arm, and he could barely lift it. His defense completely collapsed.
"Now! Kill him!"
A vicious glint flashed through the third pursuer's eyes. He formed hand seals, preparing to deliver the fatal blow.
Just as Toroi was about to be killed by their combined attack—
A figure suddenly shot out from the rain curtain and the shadows of the rocks at astonishing speed.
Though not as absurdly fast as the Lightning Body Flicker Technique, he still far surpassed an ordinary jonin. It was the young Ai, relying on the explosive power of his formidable taijutsu.
Remembering Shaoyu's orders, he did not use his signature Lightning Release Chakra Mode or any Lightning Release ninjutsu. Instead, he used chakra purely to enhance his physical speed and strength.
Ai's right fist howled through the air as it smashed toward the Sunagakure pursuer who was about to complete his Wind Release hand seals.
Sensing the fierce gale striking from the side, the Sunagakure ninja turned in alarm. He only had time to hastily cross his half-formed hand seals before his chest in defense.
"Bang!! Crack!"
A bone-chilling crack rang out. Ai's fist slammed solidly into the man's crossed arms, and the savage force directly shattered the bones in them before continuing into his chest.
The Sunagakure jonin flew backward like he had been struck by a battering ram. He screamed, spat blood, and crashed into the rock wall before sliding down. He was clearly not going to survive.
**"Who are