Inside the Tsukuyomi Barrier.
Bang!
The earth shook. Itachi's Susanoo finally failed to withstand the tremendous impact, and its entire body toppled backward.
"Itachi, you're getting weaker and weaker. You can't even sustain your Susanoo's shield anymore..."
"It's not me. She seems to be getting more and more accustomed to her power."
Blood seeped from the corner of Itachi's mouth. Maintaining Susanoo while defending without ever counterattacking consumed more chakra than using it normally.
He had little chakra left, and he still had to keep his Mangekyō Sharingan active to counter Izumi's ability. He knew better than anyone that he could not hold out much longer.
"Why don't we retreat? I'll use Kamui..."
"No."
Rejecting Obito's suggestion once again, Itachi kept his eyes on Izumi.
"Itachi, don't tell me you're planning to make your so-called atonement right now? Dying at her hands might make you feel better, but don't forget..."
Boom!
The blue Susanoo moved faster and struck harder than before.
"Can you still hold on?"
"It's not a major problem. She shouldn't be as experienced with Susanoo as I am..."
Boom, boom, boom!
Susanoo's attacks interrupted their conversation again. Izumi's onslaught grew fiercer, and Itachi's Susanoo teetered on the brink of collapse.
"Itachi..."
"It's still under control..."
Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom!
"Itachi, are you sure you're not getting weaker? Your Susanoo is starting to fade!"
"Izumi's control over her power is improving at an astonishing rate. She's getting used to attacking without relying on sight. This is looking bad."
Crack!
A sharp cracking sound rang out.
This time, Izumi's offensive intensified yet again, and a single punch actually left a crack in the Yata Mirror.
Obito, who had been shouting all this time, immediately fell silent. Earlier, he had noticed that Itachi really did have a plan and