Neither of them retreated half a step, and both secretly drove their chakra to its limit.
Violent power surged like ocean waves, one after another, pouring madly out in every direction.
The ground beneath their feet could not withstand the immense pressure, and rings of visible air rippled outward.
Then the raging storm abruptly exploded, and the formerly level ground collapsed a considerable distance with a boom.
"What a surprise!"
"What are they feeding people in Kirigakure these days, to produce an absurd little monster like you?"
Although Kisame's sharklike face still wore his trademark savage grin, his tiny, beady eyes were already filled with deep wariness.
In a contest of pure strength, this Kirigakure brat could actually match him. He was practically a tailed beast wearing human skin.
After all, Kisame Hoshigaki was renowned for his enormous chakra reserves and monstrous strength. The force he exerted was certainly no small matter.
"Kirigakure changed long ago. The changes now go far beyond what your impoverished imagination can conceive!"
Raito snorted coldly and abruptly exerted force through his wrist. The power behind the Zangetsu Blade instantly doubled, forcibly knocking aside the heavy Samehada in Kisame's hands.
Clang!
An exceptionally sharp metallic collision pierced their eardrums. Raito's cold eyes instantly locked onto the opening Kisame had exposed-his left ribs.
There were no flourishes, only a single, simple slash!
Slash!
The fierce blade light tore through the air like lightning, and Raito swept past Kisame, almost brushing against him.
At the very instant their figures crossed, blood sprayed like a fountain from Kisame's left ribs.
A hideous wound split open, and crimson blood gushed out as though it cost nothing.
Kisame's brows knitted tightly. He clamped a hand over the wound in his side, and the searing sensation against his palm made his