The instant Potclean burst into white smoke, the smug look on Knuckle's face froze.
He took two steps back, staring at the spot on Bai Zhu's shoulder where nothing remained.
"How... how is that possible...?"
Bai Zhu brushed his shoulder as though dusting something off.
"Your calculator doesn't seem quite up to the job."
Knuckle stood with his mouth open, unable to speak for a long moment.
He looked down at his hands, then back up at Bai Zhu, utterly bewildered.
Potclean had never failed before.
As long as he landed a punch, his opponent would take on debt, and the interest would keep accumulating until they went bankrupt and entered Forced Zetsu.
But just now, it had counted all the way to the end, then simply exploded.
"What exactly are you...?"
Before Knuckle could finish, Shuto emerged from behind the Vine Basket, covering his face.
"I told you..."
His voice was quiet, but Knuckle heard every word.
Beyond the shallows, two fishermen hauling in their nets spotted the commotion from a distance.
One pointed over and said, "Hey, look over there. There's a little doll calling out numbers in midair. Are they filming a variety show?"
The other fisherman squinted, then shook his head.
"Doesn't look like it. Variety shows don't film in places like this anymore."
"Never mind, then. Let's get the nets in."
They dragged their nets away, leaving the shallows quiet.
Morel kept his chewing gum in his mouth and said nothing, simply watching Knuckle.
Knuckle took a deep breath and gritted his teeth.
"I don't buy it."
He loosened his wrists and took a fighting stance.
"Something went wrong with my ability just now. If I take this seriously, I can definitely-"
Before he could finish, Bai Zhu raised his hand.
"Bakudo #4: Hainawa."
A