Momoshiki Otsutsuki was stunned by Shihōin Naraku's speed.
Only now did he truly understand why Naraku's prestige in the shinobi world was so high.
He could even understand, to some extent, why someone as proud as Ōtsutsuki Isshiki had hidden away in the Alternate Space.
Naraku's speed alone just now made it clear that he could not be underestimated.
Momoshiki was already considering retreat, but the dignity of the Ōtsutsuki Clan would not allow him to slink away like this.
At the very least, he had to put up a real fight.
If he truly proved no match for Shihōin Naraku, there would still be time to flee.
Momoshiki believed that as long as he wanted to escape, he could certainly do so.
Even if he had to pay a price, it did not matter.
Testing him-there's no harm in testing him.
That would also lay the groundwork for future action.
Besides, although Momoshiki had obtained information about Naraku from other people in the shinobi world, he had never actually seen him fight.
Some things still required firsthand experience to confirm.
So, after considerable hesitation, Momoshiki decided against withdrawing and prepared for a major battle instead.
"Kinshiki, prepare to attack."
"Yes, my lord."
Momoshiki and Kinshiki took stances ready to give it their all.
Hmm, they actually didn't run?
Naraku was somewhat surprised, but this was also within his expectations.
The personalities of these Ōtsutsuki Clan members were all too easy to read.
"Since you don't want to run, stay here."
Before his words had faded, Naraku moved.
The instant his figure vanished, the ground beneath his feet exploded.
The shattered fragments had barely bounced up before he appeared within three feet of Kinshiki.
Kurikara's pitch-black blade swept diagonally upward from the lower left to the upper right, its trembling