The other end of the Adamantine Staff was driven straight into the ground by the kick, gouging out a huge crater.
Hiruzen Sarutobi shuddered. His hands nearly lost their grip, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.
The sheer power of that blow left both his arms numb and even sent a flicker of alarm through his heart.
His instincts told him that Xia Le had grown even stronger since their last encounter.
Or perhaps it was simply because he was getting old.
In that brief moment of distraction, Xia Le raced along the Adamantine Staff and reached Hiruzen Sarutobi in a flash.
Only when the wind struck his face did he snap back to his senses and jerk his head up.
What met his eyes was a sharp, decisive kick.
If that ferocious kick landed, it would undoubtedly blow his head apart.
"Stop spacing out, old Third Hokage!!"
The rough shout jolted Hiruzen Sarutobi awake. A figure wreathed in lightning instantly stepped in front of him and swung a thick arm with all his might.
Bam!
The punch collided with Xia Le's kick once again, sending ripples through the air.
Bzzzt!
Lightning crackled wildly. The Fourth Raikage's face twisted fiercely, his hair standing on end as he entered a full berserk state. His muscles tightened and bulged, making him look immensely powerful and imposing.
Xia Le's kick was firmly blocked, and a trace of seriousness appeared in his eyes.
"You can block me!"
"I acknowledge your skill in hand-to-hand combat!"
"Fourth Raikage A!"
As those calm words left his mouth, he abruptly withdrew his right foot. With a twist of his waist, he lashed out with his left.
The Fourth Raikage reacted just as quickly. He pivoted and roared as he swung his other fist hard.
Boom!
They