Sensing the biting killing intent from Qian, and watching the long blade cleave straight toward him, a faint ripple stirred in Murakami Hane's heart.
The next instant, he tapped the ground with the tip of his foot and abruptly halted his forward momentum.
Then, using his right foot as the pivot, he rotated ninety degrees and retreated at the same time, avoiding the incoming blade.
Whoosh—
Qian's long blade cut through empty air.
His gaze sharpened. He adjusted his stance slightly, then turned his wrist, changing the vertical chop into a horizontal slash that cut straight toward Murakami Hane's waist.
Murakami Hane reacted swiftly, leaping up and avoiding the attack by a hair's breadth.
Seeing this, Qian moved to follow up.
However, at that moment, another Mist Village Jonin suddenly made his move, swinging the Kunai in his hand and slashing once more toward Qian's neck.
Sensing the danger, Qian could only give up pursuing Murakami Hane for the moment and instead use the long blade in his hand to block the incoming Kunai.
Clang—
The Kunai and long blade collided, letting out a crisp metallic ring.
Immediately after, an ear-piercing scraping sound rang out.
Both of them exerted force at the same time, trying to force the other back and seize the initiative.
Unfortunately, neither succeeded.
The Kunai and blade ground against each other, making a sizzling sound as sparks burst between them, rather beautiful to behold.
And while the two were locked in a stalemate, Murakami Hane finally adjusted his stance, found an opening, and thrust out the Kunai in his hand, aiming straight for Qian's heart.
A strong sense of crisis surged into his heart. Without the slightest hesitation, Qian immediately withdrew his strength and retreated.
However, with this retreat, he avoided Murakami Hane's attack, but also