After a fierce collision, neither side gained the upper hand. Saigoji Youmu and the Third Raikage tacitly chose to step back, creating distance between them.
In the sky—Boom. Crack.
Onoki used Earth Style: Rock Fist Technique to shatter the icicles. Since Saigoji Youmu was focused on fighting the Third Raikage, he had neglected to control the ice, allowing Onoki to free himself from their entanglement.
Now, the three stood apart, eyeing each other in silence.
"To be honest..."
Breaking the quiet tension, the Third Raikage finally spoke.
"If I hadn't witnessed it myself, I would have found it hard to believe..." He exhaled deeply. "Someone as young as you possessing such immense strength."
"Your swordsmanship and ninjutsu are both near the pinnacle of mastery." His voice carried a rare tone of admiration. "I admit, if this were a one-on-one fight..." He paused, then continued with conviction. "Neither I nor Onoki would be your match."
After their brief clash, he had gauged Saigoji Youmu's strength. Two words: Utterly terrifying.
Despite his composed exterior, only the Third Raikage knew how deeply shaken he was inside.
"Your praise means nothing to me." Saigoji Youmu's response was indifferent.
"I agree with Raikage's assessment." Onoki's voice was cold and sharp. "But that is precisely why..." His eyes flickered with killing intent. "Saigoji Youmu, you must die today."
A deep chill settled in his gaze. His desire to kill had reached its peak.
Saigoji Youmu was too dangerous.
Had they been allies, Onoki would have welcomed such a powerhouse into Iwagakure. However, enmity had already been forged between them. If they missed this chance to eliminate Saigoji Youmu, then one day, he would become a deadly sword hanging over Iwagakure—one that could fall at any moment.
"Kill me? Heh."
Saigoji Youmu twirled his sword before smoothly sliding it back into the scabbard at his waist.
Under Onoki and the Third Raikage's watchful eyes—his western sword suddenly vanished without a trace.
"Huh? Space-Time Ninjutsu?"
Both their pupils shrank.
Their hearts sank as an uneasy realization hit them. Given Saigoji Youmu's sheer strength, he was already difficult to kill. But if he also possessed space-time techniques...
Could they truly keep him here?
"Saigoji Youmu, I admit your strength is formidable." The Third Raikage clenched his fists. "But you can't hurt me, and you won't escape in front of me."
"Together with Onoki, your death is certain."
Though surprised by Saigoji Youmu's space-time ninjutsu, the Third Raikage remained confident. He had absolute faith in his defense and speed.
Moreover, both he and Onoki still had trump cards left to play.
"Escape?"
Saigoji Youmu shook his head, a faint smile forming on his lips.
"Sorry, but I never intended to run."
As he spoke, a faint glow flickered across the seven-sword imprint on the back of his hand.
Then—appearing in his grasp for the first time—was the red-tasseled sword.
"That sword...?"
Onoki and the Third Raikage tensed.
The moment Hongying appeared in Saigoji Youmu's hands, an inexplicable pressure descended upon them.
A primal sense of danger clawed at their chests.
Somehow, they both knew—Saigoji Youmu was far more threatening now than before.
Sching!
Hongying was unsheathed.
Its bizarre shape and blood-red blade reflected across the icy terrain, casting an eerie crimson glow.
Saigoji Youmu raised the sword to eye level, gently running his fingers along its edge.
"To be honest, you should consider yourselves lucky."
"Until now, I have never used this sword in battle."
"Frankly, even I don't know its full power."
"...What?"
The Third Raikage and Onoki stiffened.
They exchanged a quick glance—both instantly raising their guards to the absolute maximum.
There was something in Saigoji Youmu's tone—something ominous.
That red sword was no ordinary weapon.
"Chiyuan."
Whoosh!
The moment the name left Saigoji Youmu's lips, his figure vanished.
"Flash Step—"
Whoosh whoosh whoosh!
Blindingly fast snow-white slashes tore through the air.
"Gah!"
Splurt.
Blood sprayed through the cold sky.
Several deep gashes appeared across the Third Raikage's body.
"You...!"
The Raikage turned, eyes wide with disbelief.
Saigoji Youmu—who had been standing a good distance away—was now right behind him.
"...Impossible."