Naruto's assessment of the Raikage was that he was fast, tough, and packed a devastating punch.
Naruto hadn't held back with that attack.
The Fourth Raikage braced a hand against the ground as though nothing had happened, shook his head, spat out the dirt and flecks of blood in his mouth, and stood up again.
Although his Lightning Release Armor had dimmed slightly, it still crackled around him. Aside from some dust and minor scrapes, his bronze muscles seemed to have suffered no serious damage. Even the spot on his abdomen where the kick had landed bore only a shallow, shoe-shaped dent.
Tch, he's one tough bastard.
Naruto thought this to himself, but his expression only grew more interested.
An opponent like this made a fight worthwhile-and would give him a better chance to test the limits of his current taijutsu.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the battlefield.
After Hikari easily stopped her Fire Rat Ball, Yugito dropped onto all fours like a truly agile cat demon, erupted into astonishing speed, and charged at Uchiha Hikari again.
Infused with tailed beast chakra, the already sharp nails on her fingertips grew longer and sharper, becoming ten slender claws that gleamed with an eerie blue light.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Yugito's attacks came like a raging storm, overlapping shadows of claws tearing through the air with shrill whistles as they struck at Hikari's vital points from every angle!
Uchiha Hikari remained as calm and impassive as ever.
Yasohinokami traced graceful, deadly arcs in her hand.
Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!
A rapid series of metallic clashes rang out!
Hikari precisely flicked Yugito's attacking right claw aside with the blade.
But Yugito's assault didn't stop. Her left claw followed immediately, slashing toward Hikari's ribs from an exceptionally tricky angle.
This time, Hikari didn't even