His plan for "mutual destruction" had lost its meaning. Even if he detonated everything, he could only destroy this now-empty desert.
"You..." Ōtsutsuki Isshiki's voice was low and grave. "You're more cautious than I expected, and more... cunning."
"I'm flattered." Hatake Cang Kong nodded slightly. "But since you could set such an elaborate trap to draw me out, I had to prove that I was better at chess than you."
He raised his hand and pointed toward Ōtsutsuki Isshiki.
"Now, there is no Rōran here, no Laboratory, no scientists, and no companions for you to check on."
"Only you and me."
"You can use all your strength against me now. I'll respond with all of mine."
"Are you ready?"
The corners of Ōtsutsuki Isshiki's mouth slowly stretched into a complicated smile! There was wariness, appreciation, fighting spirit, and a trace of... madness.
"...You're special, Hatake Cang Kong."
He said quietly, "I've lived for a thousand years and seen countless humans. Some were powerful, some cunning, some foolish, and some despicable. But you... you're the most interesting one I've ever seen."
"So interesting!" He suddenly erupted, sending sand shooting skyward beneath his feet. "That I want to crush you utterly!"
His figure vanished in the sand! The next instant, he appeared less than two meters in front of Hatake Cang Kong! His right fist, wrapped in pitch-black energy, slammed down like a meteor with the force to tear space apart!
Hatake Cang Kong's gaze sharpened.
This time, he did not dodge.
Facing that punch, he raised his own right fist. There was no dazzling lightning on its surface, only a layer of intensely concentrated, almost tangible silver current flowing and dancing across his knuckles.
Boom!!!!
Their fists collided! A visible ring of shock waves spread in every direction from the two