Above the ruins, smoke billowed like dust.
Lightning flickered around the Second Raikage. His towering body stood proudly upon the earth, his eyes cold. "I heard of the Taketori Clan long ago—a clan born for battle. If I'm not mistaken, you're Chikuma, the current clan head of the Taketori Clan, aren't you?"
Not far away, Chikuma's face was sickly pale, yet he looked remarkably excited. Facing the overwhelming pressure radiating from the Second Raikage, he showed no fear whatsoever. "That's me. What do you want?"
"I'm somewhat interested in your clan. You're no match for me, but I can give you a chance. Bring your clan into Kumogakure, and I'll spare your life."
Whoosh—
A bone spike shot toward him in response, only to be caught by the Second Raikage's raised hand mere inches from his face.
"What a pity."
"If you want to fight, then fight. Why all the pointless talk?"
"Heh..."
The Second Raikage tossed away the bone spike in his hand, leaned forward, and began striding ahead!
Thud, thud, thud...
His footsteps grew faster and faster, gradually turning him into a streak of wild lightning. With over fifty meters still between them, he crushed the ground beneath one foot and launched himself into the air. His hands clenched together above his head as he smashed down with the force of a god beating a drum!
"Ha!"
His roar struck like thunder from clear skies. There was only a flash of lightning before his fists had already reached Chikuma's head!
Chikuma could not keep up with the Second Raikage's speed, but he had always fought head-on. If brute force could do the job, he would never resort to finesse. He clenched his right fist, several bone spikes protruding from its back, and threw a punch as well!
Boom—