The tide of battle was completely reversed in an instant.
Sasuke was forced entirely onto the defensive. Every time he tried to create an opening with Amenotejikara, Kokushibo blocked him with a slash that anticipated his move like a prophet. The battle devolved from spatial trickery into the most primitive clash of swordsmanship.
And in swordsmanship, a world of difference separated him from Kokushibo, who had devoted four hundred years to the art.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The ringing of metal against metal never ceased. Relying on his Sharingan's dynamic vision and his combat instinct, Sasuke barely managed to block Kokushibo's relentless attacks. But he knew full well that the combat rhythm he took such pride in had been utterly disrupted. Defeat was only a matter of time.
Every slash from Kokushibo precisely anticipated the angle of his block and how he would redirect the force. His attacks clung like maggots to bone, leaving Sasuke struggling to keep up.
"Since you've seen through my technique..."
After a block sent his blood churning from the impact, a flicker of crazed resolve flashed through Sasuke's eyes.
"...then I'll use absolute power you can't possibly withstand to crush you along with this land!"
"So what if you've seen through it?!"
With a restrained roar of fury, Sasuke unleashed his ocular power without reservation, erupting like a volcano!
BOOM-!!!
A surge of purple chakra energy, far greater and more terrifying than any before it, shot skyward, forming a massive pillar of light that spanned heaven and earth.
Kokushibo was forced back several steps by the sudden blast of air. He raised his head, all six eyes reflecting the stunning sight at once.
Within the purple pillar of light, an enormous figure was taking shape at an astonishing speed.
Flesh and meridians rapidly spread over the