Hearing Qi's words...
A glint of brilliance also flashed in Mei Terumi's beautiful eyes.
"Hehe, then I'll be waiting to see tomorrow, Qi."
"Kindness!"
Even in a friendly spar, there's no way one would hold back, unless it's a training match. Otherwise, it's easy to provoke resentment or even hostility from others, especially in Kirigakure, and facing an extremely serious and competitive boy like Kisame Hoshigaki. It's even less likely that Kei would harbor such thoughts.
Moreover, from beginning to end, Kei had always been determined to completely subdue Kisame Hoshigaki. Kisame was a rare SSR-level character in Kirigakure, whose talent ceiling was already Kage Level, and he was at least above average within the Kage Level, not below average either. Plus, there was the Samehada sword he might obtain in the future!
The power that comes from combining these elements.
Kisame Hoshigaki is certainly one of the best among Kage Level characters.
Such a person.
For someone like Kisame, who has corresponding ambitions, it's not necessary to necessarily make them into loyal subordinates, but at least to win them over. Judging from Kisame Hoshigaki's various actions in the original work, this is possible!
Leaving aside what comes next, the first step is to completely subdue Kisame Hoshigaki in terms of strength!
To lead a powerful leader, you must demonstrate even greater strength!
Therefore, Qi was truly prepared for this battle with the highest level of awareness; what he wanted was an undeniable victory!
The next day, at 7:30 a. m.
Having made all the necessary preparations, Qi left home a day early and headed towards the third training ground.
Just as Qi arrived with light steps.
On the plain outside the wide training ground, Kisame Hoshigaki's tall figure was already waiting there.
On the west side, on the branch of a large tree, Mei Terumi sat gracefully, her face full of anticipation.
Kisame slowly opened his eyes after sensing Qi's presence. The intense fighting spirit in his pupils and the chilling aura emanating from his body made Qi's heartstrings tighten.
A genius who has already proven himself in every aspect in the original work may indeed be weaker than Cloud Ninja, who died in a bloody battle with Qi, in terms of raw strength, but in terms of threat level, he is no match for his own shark-faced companion.
We still cannot let our guard down in the slightest!
The two people locked eyes.
Their unwavering connection needed no further words; a single glance was enough.
"Boom!"
In the front position.
Kisame Hoshigaki lowered his body slightly.
That was the Chakra that erupted immediately afterward.
A figure approached with incredible speed and menacing force.
" Water Release: Water Ripple Jutsu!"
As it moved, marks were rapidly formed, and when the spell was completed, an incredibly powerful tide surged forth.
A massive, overwhelming wave.
This is a technique that an ordinary Genin could not possibly unleash.
'Still as exaggerated as ever, that Chakra!'
While Qi was still amazed, his hands moved with equal speed, and he quickly stepped forward.
Ice Release!
With a clap of both hands.
The temperature around us plummeted instantly!
A chilling aura spread outwards.
Mei Terumi, positioned some distance away, couldn't help but tremble slightly; one can only imagine how much more so Kisame Hoshigaki, who was right next to her!
This is a chilling feeling that can be sensed directly.
"Splash!"
The surging waves are frozen in place the moment they get close enough to reach the point!
This made Kisame Hoshigaki's expression even colder.
Ice Release vs. Water Release.
It has a very obvious suppressive effect, unless the range and power of Water Release can forcibly break through the limitations and comfort of Ice Release.
Otherwise, the Ice Release will only be used against them.
As a member of Kirigakure and having been paired with Kei for over three months, Kisame Hoshigaki had a very clear understanding of this.
Therefore, Kisame did not intend to use his usual Water Release to win; it was merely a supplementary offensive tactic.
The real deciding factor!
It's close-quarters combat!
Kisame Hoshigaki pulled a thick, long sword from behind his back and, as he swung it wildly, it was at an approaching angle.
All of them could hear the extremely piercing sound of metal cutting through the air.
As it draws near.
Kisame Hoshigaki suddenly twisted his body.
With a sudden acceleration, at a deliberately downward angle.
"!?"
What comes into view.
The gleaming, chilling blade is clearly visible.
Qi's eyes narrowed, and with a single flick of his hand, he unleashed more than ten Shuriken that had swiftly leaped out of his ninja toolbox.
"Whoosh!"
"Whoosh!"
"Whoosh!"
The sharp flashes of cold light that followed aimed precisely at Kisame Hoshigaki's face and struck!
Qi also unleashed a burst of Chakra from the soles of his feet, pressing forward to meet the attack.
"Ding ding ding ding!"
Just as Kisame Hoshigaki had parried the Shuriken, Kisame Hoshigaki's figure came into view.
The moment I saw this scene.
A bloodthirsty red light flashed in Kisame's pupils.
"Drink!"
The words were spoken in a deep, resonant voice.
Kisame Hoshigaki raised his large metal sword high and viciously slashed down towards Kai's head.
A sharp, piercing edge.
An overwhelming and imposing force.
"Whoosh!"
Qi's expression was cold and indifferent.
He pulled out Kunai with his backhand and held it horizontally at the top angle.
"Clang!"
The moment the two collided, a violent metallic scraping sound followed by a burst of intense sparks.
Feel the gravity that is being transmitted to me.
Qi's eyebrows twitched involuntarily.
Compared to the confrontation we had over three months ago during the graduation assessment.
Kei could clearly sense that Kisame's power seemed to have increased, and the heavy tail spurt was the best proof of that!
"Buzz!"
However, this was not beyond Qi's tolerance. Most of the power that had been forcibly neutralized was released by Qi with a thought.
That was a chilling aura that appeared out of nowhere!
The beautiful ice crystals that followed spread!
In an attempt to freeze Kisame's greatsword in this close-quarters combat!
Kisame was clearly prepared in advance. With a deliberate step back and the force of the pull, he caused Kai's body to lean forward unconsciously.
"Whoosh!"
That was a clean and crisp left-side twist.
The angle that appears after the flip.
"Clang!"
While using the large sword to swat away the Kunai, he pulled it to a slightly open, off-center position.
A powerful kick from the right leg.
'!?'
Qi had no time to dodge.
They could only passively adopt a blocking stance.
"Bang!"
With a single blow.
Feeling the gravity that is transmitted to me.
Qi's figure also darted out.