Several memories returned to Neji's mind after the Shadow Clones vanished. The impact of those memories had no effect on him. With the spiritual power of two lifetimes combined, Neji could even create dozens of Shadow Clones at once without suffering any repercussions. Among ordinary ninja, that was already quite an impressive number.
The final scene in those memories focused on several humanoid puppets that were clearly anything but ordinary, their bodies covered in purple patterns flowing with dazzling energy.
These war machines from Sunagakure glowed with an eerie violet light from head to toe, while the chakra-conducting metal embedded in their joints reflected a blinding cold gleam beneath the blazing sun.
"Wandering Dragon: Star Shatter!" The foremost Shadow Clone suddenly lunged forward, and the chakra shockwave erupting from his palm plowed a deep trench through the sand.
Yet the leading puppet bent backward in a motion that defied the laws of physics. As its patterns flashed, dozens of poisoned senbon shot from a gap in its chest armor.
The Shadow Clone rapidly formed hand seals. The chakra barrier created by Rotation knocked every hidden weapon away, metal clashing against metal like a sudden downpour beating on sheet iron.
The mechanism in the puppet's left wrist suddenly unfolded, and a rotating saw-toothed blade wheel slashed toward the second Shadow Clone with a piercing buzz.
The Shadow Clone retreated half a step. Veins bulged around his Byakugan, and after precisely predicting the blade's path, he struck the puppet's elbow energy node with Gentle Fist.
Just as his fingertips were about to touch the purple patterns, a third puppet burst from beneath the sand. Its whipping kick swept through the air, forcing the Shadow Clone to change moves and defend.
"Boom!"
The third Shadow Clone seized the opening and charged into the