Columns of rushing water slowly rose behind the eight ninja, taking the shape of a dragon.
"Die!" the eight ninja roared, killing intent flaring in their eyes.
"This is..."
Nai Hyuga's gaze sharpened. Faced with the menacing Water Release Ninjutsu, she dared not underestimate it and increased the chakra flowing into the ninjutsu beneath her feet.
In an instant, the ice spikes swelled to several times their original size and collided with the incoming Water Release Ninjutsu.
A moment later, rumbling crashes and splashes erupted.
The immense water pressure crushed the ice spikes, shattering them before sweeping them away.
Water roared and splashed.
After breaking through the ice spikes, the Water Release did not stop. It turned into raging streams that surged toward Nai Hyuga.
Nai Hyuga did not panic. She drew a deep breath, then rolled backward into the open space behind her.
All the while, her hands stayed busy, swiftly forming hand seals.
Once she had retreated far enough, she stopped and planted one hand on the ground, her voice turning sharp. "Ice Release: Flash Freeze."
A pale blue chill spread from her palm, traveling along the ground toward the raging streams ahead until it reached the enemy's ninjutsu.
Ice creaked and crackled.
In an instant, the Water Release froze in place, forming a translucent, pale white wall of ice.
But the Ice Release did not stop. It continued spreading farther back.
The crackling of freezing ice gradually drowned out the sound of rushing water.
Several breaths later, a series of muffled screams reached her. Only then did Nai Hyuga slowly ease off her ninjutsu.
"H-how is this possible? How can there be such powerful Ice Release... aah..."
Scream after scream rang out. Only when everything fell silent did Nai Hyuga breathe a sigh of relief. "Phew..."
She