The exchange was completed in an instant, as swift and abrupt as a hare taking flight and a falcon swooping down.
Natsuki had barely driven back Kubai Star God when a mass of crimson flame energy flew at him from behind.
He brushed past the energy mass and dodged. The closer Yōshiki's star came, the more energy its surface emitted.
Yōshiki had completely abandoned Yashiro and launched a relentless barrage at Natsuki.
When Natsuki was prepared, attacks like Yōshiki's could not hit him at all.
Yet Yōshiki was still drawing closer.
Kubai Star God's skin began to shift.
Out of the corner of his eye, Natsuki saw something resembling white cartilage.
Its surface was covered with joint-like patterns, giving off a nauseatingly oppressive feeling.
Kubai Star God's voice echoed in layered tones:
"You've improved so quickly. Not only has your energy risen so much, even your reflection has improved this much."
"But I doubt you'll be able to leave this place."
As Kubai Star God finished speaking, a vast amount of bones burst from his body and shot toward Natsuki.
Natsuki swung his long blade, blocking them without pause. Even those he could not block were stopped by his War God Armor.
Kubai Star God's back bulged. He reached behind himself, pulled, and tore out his own spine.
He even ripped out his pelvic joints along with it.
Kimimaro usually formed newly grown bones into spiraling spikes in his hands, which was at least visually acceptable.
But the sight of Kubai Star God pulling out his own bones was rather grotesque.
After he drew out his bones, they began changing shape in midair. The spine itself remained largely unchanged.
However, the pelvic joints transformed into curved, hook-like scythe blades.
A scythe made entirely of bone appeared.
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