Naruto's gaze did not waver as Kazahana Dōtō lunged at him through the wind and snow, brimming with murderous intent.
With a deft twist of his right wrist, his sword traced an almost perfect circular flourish. A series of light clinks rang out as he precisely deflected every ice pellet Dōtō had hurled during his charge, each infused with freezing chakra and powerful enough to punch through an iron plate.
Then, rather than retreat, he unleashed a burst of chakra beneath his feet. Like an arrow loosed from its bowstring, he charged straight at his opponent with unstoppable momentum!
"Silver Sword, Golden Edge"-that renowned name in the Jianghu had not come from nowhere.
The two figures moved like lightning, colliding with a crash in the empty center of the great hall.
Relying on his size and strength, Kazahana Dōtō wielded Ice Release ninjutsu with masterful skill within the throne hall. A wave of his hand formed enormous ice fists that smashed downward; a stamp of his foot sent sharp ice spikes rising from the floor. Bitter cold spread in every direction as his attacks came in a fierce, relentless barrage.
But Naruto's sword was faster-and sharper!
The golden Wind Release chakra coating its blade, condensed until it seemed almost solid, gave the sword an edge that could cut through anything.
Before that golden sword light, the defenses and attacks Dōtō formed from chakra, ice, and snow were torn apart, pierced, and dismantled as easily as paper.
They exchanged only three rounds of blows.
Squelch!
A sickening, muffled sound rang out, blending the tearing of metal with the piercing of flesh.
Kazahana Dōtō grunted in pain, his towering frame staggering several steps backward.
Naruto's thrust had pierced his right palm and the painstakingly forged gauntlet covering it, striking from a treacherous