Defeat

Meanwhile, on the other side of the training ground.

The battle between Sasuke and Kimimaro ended even faster.

After Kimimaro sent Sasuke staggering back with a single blow, his feet dragged several meters across the ground, and his arms went faintly numb.

He raised his head and stared fixedly at Kimimaro.

After just one direct clash, he had already judged the gap between them.

Kimimaro's strength, speed, and combat experience were all above his own.

Especially those bones that could extend from anywhere on Kimimaro's body—they gave him no opening at all.

But the pride of the Uchiha Clan would not allow Sasuke to back down.

Since close combat gave him no advantage, he would use ninjutsu!

Sasuke swiftly widened the distance and formed hand seals at high speed.

Snake, Ram, Monkey, Boar, Horse, Tiger!

"Fire Release: Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"

Sasuke took a deep breath, then forcefully exhaled.

Boom!

Scorching flames gathered in midair, forming a massive fireball that instantly engulfed the spot where Kimimaro stood.

"He got him!"

Sakura's eyes lit up.

"No."

Itachi watched the field calmly.

"Kimimaro has already dodged."

The flames dispersed.

Sure enough, Kimimaro was nowhere to be seen.

Sasuke's pupils suddenly contracted as a cold voice sounded beside his ear.

"The ninjutsu was fairly powerful."

"Not good!"

Sasuke spun around sharply.

But Kimimaro had already appeared behind him.

The bone blade extending from his palm was hovering beside Sasuke's neck.

With another inch forward, it could have easily slit his throat.

Sasuke's entire body stiffened.

His attention had been completely focused on the Great Fireball. He had not seen when Kimimaro dodged, nor when he circled around behind him.

But he was unwilling to admit defeat like this.

Sasuke suddenly ducked beneath the bone blade and thrust a kunai toward Kimimaro's waist with