Chapter 123: Isn't This Just Bullying?

The raging storm closed in on Shikamaru and Deerling in the blink of an eye.

Shikamaru cast a worried glance at Deerling. "Be careful!"

Deerling's small face tensed as it nodded seriously.

By now, both Shikamaru and Deerling had fully entered the attack range of the storm.

With countless wind blades slashing in all directions, the two of them didn't waste time speaking and instead began weaving through the storm, dodging with quick and fluid movements.

Their graceful evasion made it seem like they were performing an intricate dance, mesmerizing the audience.

However, Temari did not share their admiration. Watching Shikamaru avoid her jutsu's indiscriminate assault with such ease, she furrowed her brows tightly, her face darkening.

This technique was currently her strongest move. Even so, Shikamaru managed to evade it completely.

If things continued like this, she would inevitably lose.

However, as her gaze shifted toward Mienfoo, who was still meditating, her expression gradually relaxed.

"There's still a chance… Everything depends on Mienfoo now."

"Huff—"

As Temari's attack faded, Shikamaru let out a small sigh, glancing down at the tattered cuts on his clothing. His face showed clear annoyance.

"This is such a hassle… I've already done way more exercise than I planned today."

Shaking his head, he turned his gaze toward Temari. "So? Are you still planning to continue? You should know by now that you can't beat me."

"Tch—"

Temari clicked her tongue in irritation, but then she noticed Mienfoo opening its eyes.

"It's too soon to say who's winning!"

"Mienfoo, close in and use Slap Barrage!"

"Yo!"

Mienfoo responded with a sharp cry and charged forward at full speed.

Watching Mienfoo's aggressive approach, Shikamaru sighed, rubbing his temples.

Then, he glanced at Deerling. "Deerling, Sand Attack, then Double Kick."

"Deer!"

Deerling gave a determined nod and dashed forward to meet Mienfoo.

As they closed the distance, Deerling suddenly kicked the ground, sending a spray of sand flying straight at Mienfoo's face.

Seeing the incoming sand, Mienfoo quickly shielded its eyes and reflexively shut them.

Taking advantage of the moment, Deerling swiftly moved in and lifted its foreleg, preparing to strike.

Watching from the sidelines, Temari's expression tightened in alarm. "Mienfoo, be careful! Use Foresight!"

Mienfoo's ears twitched at Temari's command. It forced its eyes open just in time to see Deerling lunging at it. A shiver ran through its body.

Reacting instantly, Mienfoo's eyes gleamed as it raised its hands, intercepting Deerling's legs in mid-air.

Under the effects of Foresight, Deerling's movements suddenly became much easier to read.

With swift and precise movements, Mienfoo firmly gripped Deerling's legs.

Deerling's eyes widened in surprise, but it quickly tried to struggle free, kicking with all its strength.

Yet, Mienfoo refused to let go, tightening its grip.

"Yo!"

With a loud cry, Mienfoo spun around, mustering all its strength before hurling Deerling into the air.

"Great job, Mienfoo! Now, use Surprise Slap!"

At Temari's command, Mienfoo lunged toward the airborne Deerling, raising its palm for a powerful strike.

Shikamaru narrowed his eyes but remained silent.

He knew—at this moment—Deerling had no way to dodge.

Smack!

A resounding slap echoed through the battlefield as Mienfoo's palm struck Deerling's face.

A red mark instantly appeared on Deerling's cheek, and its eyes reflected a hint of fear.

Seeing this, Temari's lips curled into a triumphant smirk. "Mienfoo, keep up the pressure! Use Slap Barrage again!"

"Yo!"

Mienfoo nodded and raised its palm, preparing to strike once more.

Before it could move, however, Shikamaru's voice rang out.

"Deerling, snap out of it! Use Camouflage to evade!"

Hearing Shikamaru's words, Deerling shook its head rapidly. A second later, its body blended seamlessly into the surroundings, vanishing from sight.

Mienfoo, now mid-attack, hit nothing but air.

Its expression tensed as it scanned the area cautiously.

On Temari's side, her face also darkened. "Damn it… There's nothing I can do against that Camouflage ability."

Meanwhile, Shikamaru let out a quiet sigh of relief. He immediately issued his next command.

"Deerling, end this fight. Use Jump Kick!"

"Deer!"

Deerling's voice echoed through the field as its previously hidden form reappeared—directly behind Mienfoo.

With a powerful leap, it launched itself toward Mienfoo with a devastating kick.

Just as the attack was about to land, a sudden blur rushed in.

A one-eyed Weasel holding a scythe slashed toward Deerling in a lightning-fast motion.

"Deerling, retreat!"

Shikamaru's expression shifted as he called out, his brows furrowing in confusion.

Where did that scythe-wielding thing come from? It looks like a pirate!

Deerling immediately aborted its attack and retreated back to Shikamaru's side, its gaze wary.

"Huff—"

On the other side, Temari exhaled in relief. "That was close… You almost had me there. Let me introduce you—this is my Summoned Beast."

"Yo!"

The Weasel wielding the scythe shot Shikamaru a cold glance and nodded.

Shikamaru's expression twitched.

"Wait a minute… Did she just call for backup?! What kind of dirty play is this?"

"So if she starts losing, she just summons help?!"

"Since when was having a Summoned Beast considered fair?!"

Well, actually… it was fair.

After all, his own summoning technique only brought forth a completely non-combatant deer.

Shikamaru sighed. "This is getting out of hand."

Temari smirked, gripping her fan. "Now, it's my turn. Get ready!"

With a powerful swing, another whirlwind formed in the air.

She turned toward her Summoned Beast. "Go!"

The Weasel nodded and leaped into the storm, effortlessly maneuvering within the raging winds.

"Slicing Dance!"

Temari's cold voice cut through the battlefield.

Shikamaru shook his head.

"There's no point in fighting anymore… I barely have any stamina left, and my chakra reserves are nearly depleted."

"And now she's added another fighter to the match?"

"Not to mention, that scythe-wielding thing can actually attack from within that storm… It's practically a hurricane of blades!"

As these thoughts raced through his mind, Shikamaru turned his gaze toward Genma Shiranui, who stood observing the match.

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