Chapter 140: Hidden Strategies
The metallic clash of weapons filled the air, echoing through the trees like a war drum. Kurara moved swiftly, her Kusarigama spinning relentlessly, weaving a deadly dance around her opponent. Ren's clone, no longer forced to protect his friends, could now focus entirely on the attack.
And the masked man knew it.
For the first time since the fight had begun, he was losing control.
Kurara and Ren pressed him with precise and synchronized strikes. The Kusarigama's chain coiled around the enemy's sword, forcing him to use more energy to free himself. Meanwhile, Ren's clone strategically placed Explosive Tags, restricting his movements and pushing him into a defensive stance.
The strategy was working.
BOOM!
Another explosion, another strike. The masked man staggered back, his breath heavy.
Kurara tightened her grip on the chain. Almost there!
Then, suddenly, it happened.
A wave of dispersed chakra spread through the air.
Kurara felt an abrupt emptiness to her left.
Ren's clone vanished in a swirl of smoke.
"No!"
What should have been the final strike was now exposed.
The masked man reacted instantly.
With a swift, lethal motion, he spun his body and freed his blade, slicing clean through one of the Kusarigama's chains.
Kurara lost her balance for a split second.
It was enough.
A well-placed kick struck her in the stomach, sending her flying backward until she slammed against a tree.
Pain exploded in her chest. She coughed, struggling to catch her breath, but the weight of the battle was taking its toll.
She was alone.
And her opponent, though exhausted, was still too strong.
- - -
Deep within the forest, Ren abruptly stopped.
A surge of information exploded in his mind.
He saw the battle. He saw Kurara and the clone turning the tide. He saw the exact moment the clone vanished.
No time to think.
"Damn it, I have to move now."
No more hesitation.
He sprinted toward the battle, breath steady, heart pounding.
- - -
Kurara struggled to her feet, breathing raggedly, her arm trembling slightly. The kick had rattled her more than she wanted to admit.
In front of her, the masked man moved slowly, but his presence still exuded danger.
He was tired, too.
He was losing his edge.
But he was still stronger.
Kurara gritted her teeth. She couldn't afford to stop now.
She tightened her grip on the Kusarigama, the severed chain still wrapped around her hand.
The masked man watched her for a long moment. Then, without a word, he moved again.
Another strike.
Kurara raised her scythe to deflect the blow, but this time the force of the attack made her stagger back again.
Her breathing grew unsteady.
She had to hold on.
Just a little longer.
Ren was coming.
- - -
Meanwhile, Fujino watched the starry sky over Kirigakure with a faint smile.
He knew the Mizukage was wondering why the exam had been so... peaceful.
The answer was simple.
He had hidden the truth from him.
Not all students were fighting to win. Some, carefully selected, had received a clear message:
"These are the Mizukage's orders. Kirigakure needs strength. Only those who are worthy must rise."
They had been led to believe that eliminating the weak was Yagura's will.
But the Mizukage knew nothing.
And by the time he found out...
It would be too late.
- - -
The race was frantic, breath short, heart pounding in his ears. Shinji moved at an astonishing speed despite carrying an injured Jun'ko on his back. Every fiber of his being urged him forward, refusing to waste a single second.
When they finally reached the battlefield, Shinji took in the scene in an instant.
Kurara was exhausted, on her knees, clutching the Kusarigama like it was her only lifeline. In front of her, the masked man, fatigued yet still dangerous, advanced with relentless steps.
Shinji moved without thinking.
He carefully set Jun'ko down and dashed forward to protect Kurara.
But he wasn't fast enough.
Two shadows flickered through the trees.
Misaki and Yuki Sora had arrived.
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