Hiruko walked to the doorway and rapidly formed hand seals.
"Swift Release."
Whoosh~
Hiruko launched a surprise attack at the corner by the door.
"So fast." Hayate Gekko, who had been using the Transparency Technique, was forced to reveal himself.
He used his sword to block Hiruko's fist.
Hayate Gekko was stunned. Hiruko could actually withstand his blade with his bare hands.
Hiruko smiled. "This is the power of Steel Release. The sword in your hand cannot harm my body."
One of Hiruko's subordinates said in astonishment, "He actually snuck in right under our noses! This is our failure."
Crack~
Hiruko exerted force through his fist and sent Hayate Gekko flying with a punch. He then returned to the entrance and stared into the distance.
"Don't blame yourselves. I remember this boy.
Konoha's only Transparency Technique user, the inheritor of Konoha-Style Swordsmanship, Hayate Gekko.
It is only natural that you failed to detect him.
He is decent at reconnaissance, but at his core, he is just a noob.
I am not interested in him. Leave him to yourselves."
After saying that, Hiruko stood to the side and watched the show.
Cough, cough~~~
Hayate Gekko coughed a few times as though he had tuberculosis. He muttered, "You really look down on me, don't you!"
"You're out of luck!" Hiruko's female subordinate formed hand seals and shouted.
"Ninja Art: Summoning Technique."
Two enormous mechanical dogs bared their fangs at Hayate Gekko as though he were prey.
Despite facing two strange beasts, Hayate Gekko's expression did not change.
"So what? I am Konoha's strongest swordsman."
Hayate Gekko burst forth with chakra, brandished his sword, and charged forward.
"Secret Sword: Moon Shadow."
Countless afterimages appeared behind Hayate Gekko.
The overwhelming visual effect of the afterimages left the two mechanical dogs unable to tell which