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Chapter 54: Yuichi Vs. Third Hokage, Terrifying Speed
Looking at the tear in his sleeve, Sarutobi realized the danger.
If his movement had been even a tenth of a second slower, it wouldn't just be his clothes that were cut. A large chunk of flesh would have been sliced from his right arm.
Cold sweat began to break out on Sarutobi's forehead.
Seeing this scene, the ninjas in the Ninja World held their breath. This was Lord Hokage! And he was nearly killed in the first exchange. How could that guy in white be so strong?
In Konoha Village, the Sannin wore solemn expressions.
"My reaction speed is much slower than the Old Man's," Jiraiya admitted.
"Are you truly getting old?" Orochimaru mused.
"The person on the other side is genuinely strong," Tsunade added.
At the base of the Hokage building, Kakashi glanced at Guy beside him. "No wonder you couldn't beat this guy with the Eight Inner Gates last time."
"This level of speed is no longer something that can be achieved by pure Taijutsu," Guy sighed softly. "I really want to fight this guy again!"
Guy felt regretful. He hadn't known that the injuries he suffered in the last fight would be fully healed upon returning to Konoha. If he had known, he would have opened the Eighth Gate directly. Even if he couldn't defeat the opponent quickly, he could have inflicted serious damage.
And now, Guy wanted to fight, but Lord Third had chosen to step in himself, causing Guy to miss his chance for a rematch.
While normal ninjas were overwhelmed by Yuichi's amazing strength, the women in the audience had a different focus.
"He's so handsome... One slash almost hit Lord Hokage!"
"Such a powerful man! Although he is from another world, he is really handsome!"
Looking at the swooning women, Naruto curled his lips in disdain. "That's our enemy! Are these women idiots?"
He turned his head to look at Sakura, only to find her eyes also full of admiration.
"Sakura-chan, don't tell me you..."
Sakura quickly dropped her lovestruck expression and looked at Naruto angrily. "What nonsense are you talking about? I'm just looking to see if the other party has any weaknesses!"
Sasuke, standing on the other side of Naruto, was staring intently at Yuichi's hand.
What strong swordsmanship! If I can learn this guy's technique, my strength will definitely improve significantly!
Thinking of this, Sasuke began to take an interest in swords. Meanwhile, Orochimaru, perched on the Hokage building, was staring intently at Sasuke.
The fight continued.
Yuichi bowed his body slightly. His left hand gently held the sheath of Senbonzakura at his waist, posing as if ready to draw his sword.
Of all Yuichi's slashes, his Iaido draw was the fastest! Yuichi wanted to use this stance to force Sarutobi Hiruzen to resist with other ninjutsu. Otherwise, the old man would have to be ready to sacrifice an arm or a leg.
Watching Yuichi strike this pose, Sarutobi's face became even paler.
Not good... this kid's slashing speed is too fast! It's been too long since I've fought, and I can't adapt to this speed immediately...
Thinking this, Sarutobi sighed. It seems I have no choice!
He raised his hands to form seals.
Seeing Sarutobi take the initiative to weave signs, Yuichi didn't rush to attack. He wanted to see what ninjutsu Sarutobi would choose.
Suddenly, he saw Sarutobi bite his thumb.
Summoning!
"Summoning Technique!"
"Enma!!"
Boom!
A puff of white smoke erupted. An ape wearing tiger-skin clothing and a forehead protector appeared out of thin air in front of Sarutobi.
"Sarutobi! You want me to deal with this monster? My speed can't match him!"
It spoke!
The animal that suddenly appeared spoke human language? For the people in the Pirate World, this was incredible. However, the white smoke was reminiscent of the big snake that ate Kizaru, which had also disappeared in a puff of smoke.
"I know. I'll deal with the brat. I just need a handy weapon!" Sarutobi said. "The blade in that kid's hand is no ordinary weapon!"
Hearing this, Enma breathed a sigh of relief. "If that's the case, no problem!"
"Transform!"
Boom!
The white smoke exploded again, and Enma transformed into the Adamantine Staff, flying into Sarutobi's hands.
Holding the Adamantine Staff, Sarutobi finally felt somewhat ready to fight.
I have to find my rhythm as soon as possible. Otherwise, facing that kid's terrifying attack speed, there is no way for me to win!
Yuichi squinted at Sarutobi. Second ninjutsu!
His long, narrow fingers moved suddenly. In the blink of an eye, his right hand gripped the handle of his katana.
At the same time, Yuichi stepped forward.
Clang!
The sound of the sword tearing through the air rang out.
Flash!
A straight line appeared in front of Yuichi. In an instant, the slash roared toward Sarutobi. Almost without a breath, the slender slashing wave was right in front of the Hokage.
Seeing the slash approach, cold sweat broke out on Sarutobi's forehead.
Faster... can't this kid's attack speed be any slower?!
He raised the Adamantine Staff in his hand. Sarutobi had no time to dodge and could only expand the staff.
Originally, the staff was used for attacking, but Sarutobi's current usage made Enma—who had transformed into the weapon—speechless.
This old guy was actually using him as a shield!
The Adamantine Staff expanded to cover Sarutobi's figure completely.
Clang~~~
The sound of metal clashing rang out. Sparks burst from the staff.
Enma screamed in pain and cursed, "Sarutobi, you old bastard! You said you'd handle him! Using me as a shield? I'm Enma, the Monkey King!!"
Although the sword was blocked, the force pushed Sarutobi back. He dug his feet into the ground, sliding back more than ten meters before stopping.
The speed of the slash was astonishing, and the destructive force and impact left Sarutobi with lingering fear. Fortunately, he had summoned Enma to serve as a shield; otherwise, this blow would have been impossible to dodge.
"Your indestructible body isn't afraid of this kind of attack at all! It's no problem to block a blow for me!" Sarutobi argued, his face looking a bit strained.
Enma was helpless; the old monkey was getting more timid with age. "Your strength has regressed a lot, Sarutobi! Wake up! I can't stop attacks like this too many times. Even with an indestructible body, I'm not meant to be used like this!"
"I know!"
As Sarutobi and Enma quarreled, the people of the Pirate World stared at the talking stick.
It turned into a stick and it still talks? How can a stick speak if it's not human?
Suddenly, a breeze blew.
Sarutobi's pupils rapidly dilated.
"Have you talked enough? You're in a battle; do you really have time to chat?"
Boom!
Yuichi suddenly appeared right in front of Sarutobi. Their figures intertwined for an instant.
Immediately afterward, a cherry blossom petal floated by, and a spray of red blood burst from Sarutobi's shoulder...
═════ To Be Continued ═════
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