Chapter 75

"Earth Release: Earth Spears!"

In an instant, the ground beneath Hui's feet erupted as sharp earthen spikes shot up like spears, all aimed directly at him. 

These spikes were far more focused than the ones used earlier, every single one targeting Hui with lethal precision. At the same time, Kamizuru Ishigawa's hands were rapidly forming seals for another jutsu, preparing to unleash the Earth-Style Dragon.

In his mind, the outcome was clear: Hui would have no choice but to leap into the air to avoid the spears. Once airborne, he would be vulnerable, and Kamizuru's earth-stone dragon would strike, leaving Hui with no room to escape. 

Kamizuru had already sensed that Hui's chakra reserves were nearly depleted, and with no chakra left to defend himself, the earth dragon's attack would be devastating.

However, Hui didn't follow the script Kamizuru had envisioned. When the spikes emerged from the ground, he did indeed leap, but not upward. Instead, he darted forward, weaving through the gaps between the earthen spears, making a direct charge toward Kamizuru, who was still in the midst of casting his jutsu.

Kamizuru's eyes widened in shock. He had momentarily forgotten that Hui was no ordinary opponent—he was a mere boy, nimble and able to move through small spaces with ease. 

Now, faced with Hui's rapid approach, Kamizuru was forced to abandon his jutsu mid-casting. He drew his kunai, bracing himself for close combat.

The two clashed again, their blades ringing out as sparks flew between them. This time, Kamizuru was more cautious, not daring to look directly at Hui's blade after being blinded by his earlier attack. 

But this cautiousness made Kamizuru's movements slightly more rigid, and with his earlier body-splitting technique weakening him, he no longer held the upper hand in strength or speed.

For the first time, the battle became evenly matched.

But while Kamizuru felt the pressure mounting, Hui remained calm. To Kamizuru, this fight was a battle of survival. 

To Hui, it was simply a matter of time—time he needed for his internal energy to recover. Once his energy was restored, Kamizuru's fate would be sealed. 

Kamizuru, on the other hand, was unaware of Hui's ability to replenish his strength, and after their intense ninjutsu exchange earlier, he too was running low on chakra. He knew that his only chance was to seize the perfect moment to unleash his trump card and deliver a fatal blow.

The two continued their fierce struggle, exchanging blows as they awaited their opportunities.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The sound of their weapons clashing echoed through the night, sparks flying with each strike.

Slash!

Hui took a hit, a shallow cut appearing on his arm.

Slash!

Kamizuru's arm was next, sliced open by Hui's blade.

This battle was truly neck and neck. Hui's reflexes gave him a slight edge, while Kamizuru's extensive combat experience allowed him to keep pace. 

Both fighters were accumulating wounds, their movements slowing as fatigue and injuries took their toll.

At one point, a stray thought crossed Hui's mind: Maybe I should start coating my blade with poison.

He struck again, landing another slash across Kamizuru's side, but Kamizuru retaliated with a punch, sending Hui staggering back.

Both were growing weaker by the second. Kamizuru's body was drenched in blood, the crimson liquid pouring from his many wounds, threatening to stain him entirely red. 

Hui, despite his ability to heal faster than most, was also in rough shape. His pale face and labored breathing betrayed the extent of his injuries.

Both of them were waiting. Hui for his energy to recover enough for a decisive strike, Kamizuru for the moment he could unleash his hidden technique and end the fight in one blow. They fought on, each hoping that the other would fall soon.

This was no longer just a battle of physical strength. It had become a test of willpower. Whoever faltered first would die.

Clang!

Their weapons clashed again, sending them momentarily apart.

Kamizuru, panting heavily, glanced at Hui and said, "Konoha brat, I acknowledge you. Tell me… what's your name?"

He spoke through ragged breaths, but there was genuine respect in his voice. 

Kamizuru had come to see Hui as a true opponent, a formidable one worthy of his acknowledgment. Even though he still wanted nothing more than to kill him, Kamizuru respected Hui's strength.

"Hui of Konoha," Hui replied without hesitation. At this point, there was no need for secrets. Either he would die here, or Kamizuru would. There would be no witnesses other than the two of them.

The brief exchange ended as quickly as it began. Without waiting for a response, Hui charged once more. There would be no long pauses for recovery in this fight. Hui had no intention of giving Kamizuru time to gather his strength.

Kamizuru cursed under his breath and readied his defense. He had hoped to buy himself a moment of respite, but this kid saw right through his plan. The two clashed once again, sparks flying from their weapons as they pushed their bodies to their limits.

The fight grew more desperate. Their wounds worsened, their movements slower, but neither could afford to make a Fogake. The battle was nearing its breaking point.

Suddenly, Hui sensed it—his had recovered enough enrgy. The moment he had been waiting for had arrived.

At the same time, Kamizuru's eyes lit up. He too had found his opportunity.

The next instant, Hui's body erupted with light, and a massive sphere of brilliant white energy, three meters in diameter, enveloped both combatants.

Kamizuru saw the flash of light but didn't care, ignoring the blinding glow. He had already decided to make his move. 

In the next moment, Hui was right beside him, sword poised to pierce Kamizuru's heart.

But Kamizuru wasn't done yet. His face twisted with a crazed expression as he let out a furious roar.

"EXPLODE!!"

In that moment, Hui felt an overwhelming sense of danger. Acting on pure instinct, he kicked out with all his might, launching Kamizuru away from him. At the same time, he curled his body, leaping backward in an attempt to shield himself.

BOOM!!!

The explosion was deafening, a brilliant white flash lighting up the sky like a second sun. For a moment, the world seemed to stand still as the light consumed everything in its path.

Then, just as quickly as it came, the light vanished, and the world returned to silence.

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