The moment blue light bloomed across the ground, it was already too late for Nara Chongdao to dodge. His hands rapidly formed seals.
"Shadow Summoning Technique!"
He summoned the surrounding shadows to trap Muzan. There were no trees left in this area, and with the setting sun helping him, the conditions were entirely in Nara Chongdao's favor.
To avoid letting the other man's shadow touch him, the attack that had been within arm's reach never crossed that final threshold.
Muzan chose a more reliable attack. His hand blade became a fist. Even if he could not end the battle with the Chakra Scalpel, the terrifying force of the Monster Strength Fist was enough to make his opponent suffer.
"Bang!"
Even though his opponent desperately summoned shadows, he did not dare take Muzan's Monster Strength Fist to the face.
He could only choose the safest method, crossing his arms. As long as he avoided being struck somewhere fatal, there was still hope of subduing Muzan.
The fallen leaves scattered across the ground were swept aside by an inexplicable gale.
At the center of it, Nara Chongdao was sent flying by the Monster Strength Fist, tracing an arc through the air before crashing beside a broken tree.
"Cough, cough."
His hands could not stop trembling. From the start of the attack to its end, only a few breaths had passed.
Yamanaka Hefeng stood between them, gripping his sword with both hands as he watched Muzan warily.
Not only had Muzan found a way to counter them in such a short time, he had nearly killed Nara Chongdao by burrowing underground.
"Your hands are badly injured. I never expected his strength to be so terrifying."
"Mm..."
Neither of them chose to abandon the mission. Root's orders had to be completed, even at the