Qingyun and A's fists collided. Red lightning and blue lightning instantly intertwined with a sharp crackle, and the tremendous force between them sent a shock wave rapidly spreading outward.
Fortunately, after Qingyun arrived, Hiruzen Sarutobi and the Third Raikage had each ordered their ninja to erect a barrier. Protected by those two layers, the spectators escaped the blast.
As though they had agreed beforehand, A and Qingyun sprang apart the instant they made contact. That exchange had merely been a probing attack. As A retreated, blue lightning surged around his body, activating Lightning Release Chakra Mode. Both his offensive power and his defenses immediately rose to an absurd level.
"Lariat!"
A roared and streaked toward Qingyun like a bolt of blue lightning.
Qingyun's pupils contracted at A's speed. A really was formidable. With Lightning Release Chakra Mode active, even Qingyun in his normal state could barely make out his movements.
Though impressed, Qingyun's hands never paused. He instantly activated his Sharingan, then unleashed Heavenly Mountain Plum-Blossom Hand. With red lightning woven into the technique, he seemed to dance amid scarlet flashes.
A attacked with the momentum of rolling thunder. Upon reaching Qingyun, he drove his right elbow viciously toward Qingyun's face. Unafraid, Qingyun's hands blurred into afterimages. The back of his right hand brushed against A's elbow, and his left palm struck A squarely in the chest.
The blow sent A flying backward. Fortunately, Lightning Release Chakra Mode not only granted him tremendous offensive power but also greatly strengthened his defenses.
Otherwise, that single strike might have left him seriously injured on the ground.
After shedding the force that had sent him flying, A stared gravely at Qingyun, who stood shrouded in red lightning. Although he had heard plenty about Qingyun's victories, his pride had never allowed him to believe