Can Throwing a Shuriken from Afar Be Called a Fight?

Gathering energy beneath his feet to stand in the air was second nature to anyone skilled in spiritual power.

Though Kuzo wasn't a true Shinigami, he had strong spiritual energy and a powerful Zanpakutō.

When he first learned Shunpo years ago, he had already mastered this aerial technique.

As long as he had enough energy, he could even sleep in the air.

The cave fell silent.

Konan and Pain exchanged glances.

Both of them had the same thought—how was Kuzo doing this?

Did he have a technique like the Earth Style: Super Light-Weight Rock Technique used by the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki?

No, that wasn't it.

Ōnoki's jutsu reduced gravity to make him float.

But Kuzo wasn't just floating—he was standing, as if walking on solid ground.

This ability went beyond simple flight.

Pain's Rinnegan focused on him with interest.

Now, he understood why Konan had so much confidence in him.

He was different.

Kuzo stood frozen.

He had sealed off the ground—yet this kid just ignored it and stood in the air.

It made no sense.

But if his last attack failed, there was only one option left…

Taking a deep breath, Kuzo calmed himself.

Then, his right arm swelled, and another mask appeared.

The Wind Style Mask.

Without hesitation, he wove hand seals.

"I wasn't planning to use this in such a small space," he muttered.

"But if I don't, I'll be underestimated. I once fought the First Hokage—I won't let a kid look down on me."

His voice turned sharp.

Combination Jutsu—Fire-Wind: Scorching Tempest!

The two masked creatures behind him attacked.

One unleashed a fireball, while the other released a wind blast.

Wind strengthened fire.

The flames grew into a massive inferno, spreading in all directions.

The cave turned into a sea of fire.

There was nowhere to escape.

Kuzo's figure vanished into the fire.

Kuzo smirked beneath his mask.

"Heh… So that's all he had?"

But before he could relax—

A calm voice spoke from behind him.

"Oh? So throwing a shuriken from afar counts as a fight?"

Kuzo's eyes widened.

Hadō #63: Raikōhō.

A burst of golden lightning flashed, bright as the sun.

Then, a thunderous explosion.

A blinding lightning blast shot forward—

—destroying the two masked creatures behind Kuzo.

○○○

Wow, three people joined my patreon already. Thank you very much. As a sign of appreciation I decided to upload another 10 Chapters today.

Please Support me on patreon

patreon.com/IA_Extra13651

I really appreciate everything