Bab 50: The End of the First Battle
The golden Light surged toward Fumori Masaki like a swift arrow, its brilliance cutting through the dense forest. Masaki met the attack head-on, his blade clashing against the lightning-infused strike. The impact reverberated through the air, but the opponent immediately withdrew, only to reappear beside Masaki in a blur of motion. The enemy's sword aimed for Masaki's head, a clear intent to end the fight quickly.
Fumori Masaki, understanding the threat, deftly sidestepped the attack. His agility allowed him to avoid the lethal strike and reposition himself, preparing for a counterattack. The high-speed exchange was intense, with the Kumo Ninja utilizing the Thunder Release to amplify their speed and attack relentlessly.
Despite the opponent's formidable speed, Masaki remained focused. He blocked the incoming slashes with precision, yet the opponent's movements were carefully calculated to remain just outside the effective range of Masaki's counterattacks. Each attack seemed to be designed to exhaust Masaki and draw him out of position.
Masaki marveled at the skill of his opponent. "The family of the Third Raikage, huh?" he mused, recognizing the expertise. "Even if this ninja doesn't appear in the manga, it's clear that the legacy of the Third Raikage lives on."
The battle between Masaki and the Kumo Ninja drew the attention of others. To onlookers, it appeared as though a golden lightning was constantly darting around Masaki, with him moving to intercept the opponent's relentless assaults. The rapid, high-speed combat presented a visually striking and exhilarating spectacle.
Rimi, watching the intense fight, couldn't help but worry about Masaki. Despite his reassurances that he could handle the situation as long as he didn't signal for help, the relentless nature of the battle made her anxious. The lack of opportunity for Masaki to send a signal for assistance only heightened her concern.
Masaki, however, felt a surge of adrenaline rather than pressure. The high-speed combat invigorated him, and he was eager to display his full strength. "It's time to show what I'm capable of," he thought, his resolve firm.
Determined not to remain on the defensive, Masaki's gaze sharpened. After blocking another lightning-fast attack, he took the initiative, launching a counterstrike against Sora. His movements were deliberate, aimed at forcing her into a defensive position.
Sora, taken aback by Masaki's sudden aggression, struggled to keep up. Despite her own speed, she found herself increasingly on the defensive. Her attempts to evade Masaki's attacks only led to more pressure, as he seemed to predict her every move. His perception was so acute that it felt like he had a Sharingan, a thought that crossed Masaki's mind as he exploited every opening.
Sora, her frustration mounting, sought an opportunity to regain control. She maneuvered cautiously, trying to find a way to shift the momentum in her favor. But Masaki's relentless pressure prevented her from finding a chance to counterattack effectively. In her anxiety, she left herself open, and Masaki seized the moment. With a swift kick, he struck her abdomen, sending her crashing into a tree.
Sora fell to the ground, gasping in pain. The force of Masaki's attack was precise, targeting vital points to incapacitate her without causing permanent damage. The impact left Sora winded, her internal organs protesting against the forceful blow.
Masaki took a moment to catch his breath, the high-speed battle having left him momentarily relieved. Yet his reprieve was short-lived. As he watched Sora struggling to rise, he saw her hands forming seals, her voice rising in a desperate call: "Lightning Release—Lightning Strike!"
A blinding flash of Lightning erupted around Sora. Masaki's heightened perception allowed him to see the lightning's path clearly. He swiftly dodged, though a few residual sparks grazed him. His sword cleaved through any remaining lightning strands, reducing their impact.
Sora, now perched on a distant tree, looked back at Masaki with a mixture of defiance and exhaustion. "I still have strength left. Why would I flee?" she challenged, her voice tinged with frustration. Despite her defeat in physical combat, she was determined to demonstrate that she could still be a threat with her ninjutsu.
Masaki acknowledged her tenacity with a nod. "Impressive. But it seems that it's time for us to retreat." He turned, signaling to his team to fall back.
Sora was taken aback by the sudden shift in Masaki's demeanor. Realizing that their continued presence could be detrimental, she watched as Masaki and his team disappeared into the forest. Sora's own allies soon arrived, their concern evident.
One of the Kumo ninjas hurried over. "Sora, are you alright?"
Sora nodded, though her expression betrayed her discomfort. "I'm fine. Just a bit shaken."
Seeing her condition, the Kumo ninja instructed the others to pursue Masaki and his team. "We need to catch up with the Konoha ninjas. Sora, you should return to the main forces."
Sora reluctantly agreed, acknowledging that continuing the fight in her current state would be futile. She joined the wounded and made her way back to the main army, her mind already planning her next steps. Despite her defeat, she vowed to learn from this battle and emerge stronger in future encounters.
As Sora returned, the battle entered its final stages. The prolonged conflict had exhausted both sides, and the arrival of the samurai army signaled the end of the skirmish. The Kumo Ninjas' raid plan had faltered, and the defenders' resolve had held firm.
Han, the leader of the remaining Kumo forces, called for a final assault. Despite the barrage of Thunder ninjutsu, the combined defenses of the Konoha forces and the samurai army proved too resilient. With the defensive lines holding steady, Hahn made the decision to withdraw.
Once the Kumo forces retreated, Senju Tōka breathed a sigh of relief. The delaying tactics had succeeded, and the samurai army was in position to defend against further incursions. The Yunyin Ninja's raid had failed in its objective, and the battlefield was now quieter.
Senju Tōka addressed the third unit's survivors with a mixture of relief and resolve. "You've all done well. This battle was crucial, but it's only the beginning. Rest up and prepare. We need to regroup and face the next challenge head-on."
With the immediate threat quelled, the Konoha forces prepared for the next phase of their mission, knowing that the conflict was far from over. The end of this battle marked not a conclusion, but a prelude to the continued struggle ahead.
----------------
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone