Hikari's stomp was formidable, enough to startle even Kakuzu. But that was the extent of it.
Kakuzu, after all, was part of an organization boasting the likes of the self-proclaimed 'god' Pain, the angel Konan, Uchiha Itachi, Deidara, and Sasori—each a master among masters.
Moreover, Kakuzu had roamed the shinobi world for decades. He had slain his fair share of taijutsu experts.
What he didn't know, however, was that Hikari already had full knowledge of his abilities.
Under these circumstances, Kakuzu's chances of turning the tables were slim.
"Clone Jutsu!"
With a shout, a grotesque humanoid figure composed entirely of writhing black tendrils split from Kakuzu's body.
"Earth Release: Moving Earth Core!"
"Lightning Release: Ground Surge!"
In terms of chakra nature, Lightning Release typically countered Earth Release—but that didn't mean the two couldn't be combined.
Having mastered all five elemental techniques for years, Kakuzu had never developed a Kekkei Genkai, but his control over ninjutsu was nothing short of impeccable.
By using Earth Release to shake the ground while simultaneously applying Lightning Release to paralyze his foe, he formed a dangerous combination.
He would've preferred Water Release, but the environment wasn't suitable. Unlike Kisame, the "Tailless Tailed Beast", he wasn't keen on wasting chakra to alter the battlefield.
So here Kakuzu was, disguising his Earth Grudge Fear as a simple clone technique.
Hikari had to admit—this guy really knows how to play dirty.
But if Kakuzu wanted to play, Hikari was happy to oblige.
"Shikamaru, pay attention. This is how taijutsu counters ninjutsu!"
Even as Kakuzu's attacks rained down, Hikari still found time to lecture Shikamaru—an act that bordered on outright disrespect.
Kakuzu seethed inwardly, but his resolve remained unshaken.
"All ninjutsu have weak points." Hikari continued. "Find the flaw, strike at the right moment, and the technique collapses."
As the Earth and Lightning Style attacks closed in, Hikari raised his foot—then stomped down.
*BOOM!*
The clash of ninjutsu and taijutsu shattered the ground beneath them, while the crackling lightning was effortlessly sidestepped.
"When facing an enemy, the first step is to understand their abilities. Take this old man, for example—his so-called 'clone' is clearly a secret technique. I wouldn't be surprised if he's modified his own body."
Casually deflecting chunks of flying ice with his fists, Hikari sent them hurtling back at Kakuzu like cannon fire.
'This guy's taijutsu is no joke. Why haven't I heard of him before?'
Dodging the ice projectiles, Kakuzu calmly formed another set of hand seals.
"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet!"
"Lightning Release: Lightning Water Dragon Bullet!"
A true combination of Water and Lightning, this attack was far more devastating than the last.
A massive water dragon, crackling with electricity, soared through the air like a storm god's wrath. Compared to its overwhelming presence, Hikari seemed insignificant.
*ROAR!*
A dragon's cry seemed to echo as the dual-elemental beast surged toward Hikari.
There were many ways to counter—or even ignore—such an attack.
But doing so would defeat the purpose of demonstrating taijutsu to Shikamaru.
And if he restricted himself to pure taijutsu, Hikari had to admit—against a technique of this magnitude, only the likes of the Fourth Raikage or Maito Gai could face it head-on.
Anyone else would be a fool to try.
"Now I have no choice but to dodge."
Despite the incoming assault, Hikari's voice remained calm, reaching Shikamaru, Chōji, and Ino clearly.
Hearing him, the three young shinobi felt their fear ease slightly.
"Everyone, keep your distance!"
With another warning, Hikari leaped to the left.
The thunderous dragon struck the earth, carving out a crater dozens of meters wide.
But Kakuzu wouldn't have used this technique if that was all it could do.
"Thunder Dragon—Pursuit!"
His hands flew through seals, commanding the weakened but still deadly dragon to chase Hikari.
Though its size had diminished, its speed had more than doubled.
"Tch. Taijutsu really is at a disadvantage here."
Hikari sighed. Today's performance wasn't going as smoothly as he'd hoped.
Pushing off the ground again, he vaulted further away.
"Run all you want. Let's see where you can go!"
Kakuzu had to admit—if Hikari truly wanted to escape, he couldn't stop him.
But Hikari wasn't alone. Behind him were the young Ino-Shika-Chō trio, Kazahana Koyuki, and Asama Sandayū.
Even if he didn't care about the mission, abandoning fellow Konoha shinobi—especially those from major clans—was unthinkable.
The consequences would be severe.
"Heh, guess I'll stop pretending."
With a dark chuckle, Kakuzu's cloak writhed as two more grotesque masses of black tendrils slithered from his legs, forming into towering, nightmarish figures.
"Deal with the others. Let's see how long he keeps running!"
The two Earth Grudge Fear clones expanded to three or four meters tall, their monstrous forms exuding pure dread.
Hikari had no choice but to halt.
"Kakuzu, as a senior, isn't this too low—using such methods against genin?"
"Low? When Konoha attacks enemy genin in war, do you hesitate?" Kakuzu sneered, his hands still guiding the thunder dragon toward Hikari.
"You leave me no choice."
Hikari's warning fell on deaf ears as the dragon crashed into him, engulfing his body in a storm of lightning.
Against a shinobi's fragile defenses, such an attack would mean certain death—or at least crippling injury.
Closer, closer...
The thunder dragon struck Hikari's chest, the blinding radiance swallowing him whole.
"Why didn't he dodge? Was it intentional, or...?"
Years of experience had taught Kakuzu never to underestimate an opponent.
Few seconds passed.
The lightning still raged, but within its heart, a shadowy figure stood—unscathed.
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