"Earth Release: Earth Dragon Bullet!"
"..."
Ninjutsu bombarded the spot where they had stood just a second earlier.
Watching the multicolored light and the ripples spreading from each impact, Darui swallowed, fine beads of sweat already covering his forehead.
"The enemy has clearly defined roles, and their coordination is flawless!"
"They only have two squads, but they're incredibly hard to deal with!"
Darui spoke through gritted teeth.
He glanced left and right. Although some of his teammates were injured, most could still fight, and he breathed a sigh of relief.
Then his eyes grew solemn, flickering with wariness.
Hidden Rain's strength had undoubtedly exceeded his expectations. This sudden encounter had put them under immense pressure.
"Everyone, be careful!"
"These guys are no pushovers!"
C spoke up as well.
Everyone nodded, recognizing how powerful their opponents were.
The two sides stared at each other. Two breaths later, as the first figure darted forward, everyone moved.
Clang!
Metal rang against metal, blades scraping together in brilliant showers of sparks.
In an instant, several figures collided at high speed, sending blood flying.
Barely into the first exchange, muffled groans rang out. Someone collapsed limply, eyes wide with fear.
This was war!
Lives slipped away and ended when least expected.
Figures leaped and darted about. For a time, blades flashed through the woods amid lights of every color.
Darui and C felt crushing pressure. Their opponents were merely an unknown squad, yet the fighting power they displayed sent chills through them.
It was a grueling battle. Their teammates kept falling. Although the enemy had also suffered casualties, their own side was under greater pressure.
Time ticked by.
More and more sweat gathered on Darui's forehead.
Suddenly, a faint breeze brushed past his back, and his entire body stiffened.
A moment later, another figure stood