After discovering Kakuzu's remarkable abilities, Naruto smiled faintly. Their brief exchange had made it clear that Kakuzu surpassed Hidan in speed, strength, and sheer tenacity.
This was the kind of opponent Naruto had been looking forward to.
"You may both be jinchūriki, but there's a difference in quality. You're far stronger than the Two-Tails' jinchūriki. It's no surprise you defeated Hidan."
That single exchange had also been enough for Kakuzu to recognize how exceptional Naruto was.
In the distance, Asuma silently sighed after watching Naruto and Kakuzu clash, then returned to Sasuke's side.
Kakuzu's abilities were still uncertain, and Naruto moved too quickly. If Asuma rushed in recklessly, Kakuzu might defeat him, turning him into a burden for Naruto instead.
Rather than burden his comrade on the battlefield, he was better off stepping aside and quietly watching.
Asuma glanced at the unruffled Sasuke beside him, then at the confident, spirited Naruto on the battlefield. Though he was not all that old himself, he suddenly felt that he could retire.
The Fifth Hokage had done far too good a job of training Konoha's new generation.
"Kid, you're a close-combat ninja, aren't you? Let me warn you now: I'm not like Hidan. Ordinary physical attacks don't work on me. Your companions are all standing aside. Do you intend to fight me alone?"
Noticing that Asuma had withdrawn, Kakuzu looked at Naruto, who stood facing him alone. He certainly felt he was being underestimated.
"Yeah. I'm all you need."
Ignoring Kakuzu's boast, Naruto attacked him again.
"Interesting."
In their second clash, Kakuzu's flying kick met Naruto's straight punch. The impact sent both of them flying backward.
"Fire Release: Searing Migraine!"
An enormous surge of flames suddenly erupted from Kakuzu's position amid the dust. Faced with his Fire Release attack, Naruto could only dodge