The Battle Begins!

As the vines began to grow, the members of the Hand realized something was wrong. Kingpin, who had been leading Murakami and the other two toward the Stone Prison's main gate, suddenly moved with a speed that belied his massive build. He sprinted for the gate, away from the Hand.

Deep-green vines surged from the ground, growing and intertwining wildly. Within a few breaths, they had sealed the Hand inside an arena-like enclosure.

That was why Lin Hai had spent roughly a third of his Life Force on Deep Forest Emergence. The arena-like space sharply limited the Hand ninjas' ability to hide and assassinate their targets.

Now they could only fight him head-on at close quarters. Weakening the enemy was one win; indirectly protecting his more vulnerable allies was a second. He had scored three wins before the fight had even begun.

He was winning so hard it was almost absurd!

With the first step of his plan complete, Lin Hai reached out and picked up the Little Plum Blossom Spear from his lap. As he rose, it extended and expanded in his hand, instantly becoming the full Plum Blossom Spear: over two meters long, pitch-black from end to end, its tip gleaming coldly.

Lin Hai stepped out of the shadows beside the Stone Prison and appeared at the edge of the "arena" he had made with the vines.

The tip of his black spear pointed diagonally toward the ground. Azure-gold Life Force covered the shaft, and a sharp aura spread outward from him.

Five more figures appeared behind him.

Gwen held a faintly glowing staff. Peter stood with his arms crossed, his Web Shooters ready to fire at any moment. Cold blue lights shone from Harry's visor and parts of his armor. Matt held the nunchaku formed from his