113.Cat And Mouse

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"Boom—"

The sound of intense thunder caught Jinnai's attention!

He quickly turned his head to look at Itō!

The situation over there made his eyes narrow!

"Clatter!" It was a sound.

A charred body collapsed on the ground, and the tall figure still vaguely resembled Itō.

"Tch... Such a guy... really courted death!"

Beside the corpse, Shino's previously emotionless face gradually lost its Mangekyō Sharingan, and his gaze remained indifferent as he looked down at the body.

Seeing this scene, Jinnai still held a bewildered expression!

"How is that possible!? He actually... He actually took down Itō with just... just one move!!"

Jinnai's voice trembled with disbelief.

"What's wrong? Your eyes seem to be trembling. Are you afraid?"

At this moment,

In front of him, Sōsuke's calm words gradually reached his ears.

Upon hearing these words!

Jinnai's narrow eyes slightly narrowed even further. The smug expression on his face was replaced with a somewhat grave look as he turned his gaze towards Sōsuke.

"Who are you people!? How can you have such terrifying strength at this age!?"

In response, a faint smile appeared at the corner of Sōsuke's mouth.

His eyes were filled with amusement as he looked at Jinnai, and he calmly said in a gentle voice, "This question seems rather unimportant. If you're willing, go ahead and show me your strength first."

"I admired the look you had earlier. I hope your strength won't disappoint me too much..."

Hearing Sōsuke's words, a hint of tension appeared in Jinnai's eyes.

A bead of cold sweat appeared on his forehead, and a difficult smile emerged on his pale face.

Looking at Sōsuke's smiling face, he thought to himself,

I guess I've really encountered a strong opponent... It's so exciting...

But it seems like a hopeless situation...

This guy in front of me!

He should be the leader among these three people!

Even the brat who defeated Itō with a single move obeys him. What kind of strength does he possess!?

Though I wanted to challenge a strong opponent, I didn't expect to encounter such a freak...

Am I really going to die in this place...

He licked his slightly parched lips and murmured softly.

"As you wish. This feeling of walking on the edge of death is truly exhilarating... I love this sensation..."

"Remember, I'm Jinnai. If I'm lucky enough to survive today..."

At this point, he lowered his head slightly, his eyes hidden in the shadow.

Suddenly!

His body moved abruptly!

Excitement and enthusiasm filled his voice as he exclaimed loudly!

"Someday! The one who kills you will definitely be me!"

As his words fell,

His slender figure rushed rapidly towards Sōsuke, not far from him!

"Secret Technique: Water Blade Slash!"

His right arm transformed into a sharp blade in an instant!

The keen edge glistened on the blade's tip!

However!

Sōsuke wore a gentle smile as he stood still, calmly observing Jinnai charging toward him.

"Whoosh!"

The blade vibrated as it swung toward Sōsuke's waist!

But Jinnai's pupils contracted!

This sensation... Did he manage to dodge?

Suddenly!

A gentle laughter slowly reached his ears!

"Just this level of physical technique is rather crude; it's far from enough."

Hearing Sōsuke's voice behind him, Jinnai's body trembled slightly!

His narrow eyes grew cold.

However, he didn't panic excessively; his brain quickly pondered!

Behind him?

In an instant, he formed seals with both hands!

Swiftly turning around,

Inhaling deeply, then pushing forward!

"Water Style: Exploding Water Shockwave!"

"Whoosh!"

A large volume of water surged fiercely toward Sōsuke!

Facing the rapidly approaching water surge,

Sōsuke's lips curled into a smile, and he softly remarked,

"The power of ninjutsu is just as mundane, huh?"

He then leaped backward!

Effortlessly evading the attack range of the exploding water shockwave!

However, at this moment!

A triumphant smile flashed across Jinnai's eyes!

"Is this all you've got!? Kid, you're too overconfident, aren't you?"

His hands came together suddenly! He exclaimed,

"Storm Style: Vacuum Bubble Bombardment!"

In an instant!

The accumulated water on the ground around Sōsuke erupted with tremendous force!

"Boom!" "Boom!" "Boom!"...

Intense explosions reverberated one after another!

Countless white mist and steam billowed up from the ground!

Rolling waves of air continued to surge in all directions!

Above the sky, droplets of water fell gently.

Not far away,

Saki and Shino stood together, quietly watching the scene!

Both of them were drenched by the water droplets falling from the sky, but they paid no heed.

Saki's white eye gradually receded. After seeing the figure in the white steam unscathed, he felt relieved.

"I really don't know what he's doing. Is he just playing around with that Rain Shinobi?"

"Given his strength, he could easily crush that kid."

Shino said coldly, his tone reflecting his disbelief and disdain for Sōsuke's behavior of toying with his opponent.

Hearing his words, Saki gave him a cold glance and said in a low voice,

"Captain Aizen's actions naturally have his purposes. You and I only need to closely follow Captain Aizen's lead."

"And also, it's best for you to show some respect for Captain Aizen. I don't like any disrespectful words about Captain Aizen."

Upon hearing Saki's words, Shino's eyes transformed into blood-red Sharingan. He glanced at Saki and said in a cold tone,

"Are you sure you have that level of strength? By the way, it seems like I haven't had a chance to spar with you!"

In response, Saki slowly turned his head to look at the scene, speaking softly,

"My duty is to clear all obstacles on Captain Aizen's path. If Captain Aizen needs you, I naturally won't do anything that displeases him..."

"Remember, you better also realize who granted you your power. If one day you dare to defy Captain Aizen..."

"I will kill you even if it costs me my life!"

Saki's indifferent words slowly fell.

Upon hearing his words, Shino remained silent, his gaze fixed on the expanse of white mist, lost in thought.

Recalling that ever since he started following Sōsuke, it seemed like Saki had always stayed by Sōsuke's side.

Sōsuke's gentle smile and Saki's somber words lingered in Shino's mind.

Saki Aizen... What is it all for...

To be so loyal to that guy...

...

On the field,

The white mist and steam gradually dissipated.

Jinnai looked at the center of the white mist with an eager expression.

However, what unfolded before him was extremely disappointing!

Within the crater in the mist, on the broken and uneven ground.

A figure stood unscathed. A faint smile played on his lips, and in front of his palm, a yellow fan-shaped barrier tightly defended his body.

"Bakudō #39. Enkōsen!"

Sōsuke slowly raised his head, a slight smile in his eyes as he gazed at Jinnai ahead, and he said gently,

"The power of this ninjutsu is quite impressive. If you have other techniques, it's best to use them all now. Otherwise..."

"I'm not sure if you'll even have another chance to attack..."

The calm words entered Jinnai's ears.

His expression seemed to freeze momentarily, but his eyes once again sparkled with excitement.

Truly... an exciting opponent!