After Zixu spoke, the entire dojo fell into silence. The once-bustling hall, filled with the echoes of training, was suddenly still. The leader had carefully crafted a trap to sow discord between Zixu and the other practitioners, yet Zixu had walked in boldly, dismantling his plans before they could take effect.
There was no need for provocation—Zixu's mere presence had already stirred enough resentment. The powerful shinobi around him hesitated for only a moment before an uproar erupted. The air thickened with killing intent as men with battle-hardened bodies closed in on him, their eyes burning with aggression.
Even those who had initially wavered now stepped forward, eager to be part of the encirclement. A few remained on the sidelines, watching in silence with unreadable expressions.
"Hey, now, can't we all just get along?" the leader interjected, feigning mediation. "He's a newcomer, a little overwhelmed, that's all. Please forgive his arrogance. He still doesn't fully understand his own strength."
His words were anything but soothing. Instead, they fanned the flames of hostility. After all, this gathering was not made up of patient men—they were warriors who spoke through fists. If Zixu had the audacity to claim he could take them all on, they would gladly put that claim to the test.
Initially, they had disdained group combat, considering it dishonorable. But after experiencing the brutal teamwork of Kumogakure's shinobi, they had come to accept its effectiveness. Victory was all that mattered.
Zixu, however, remained unmoved. Folding his arms, he put away his kanabo, showing no sign of concern. If anything, he seemed relaxed.
"It is said in the 'Lun Yu' (Analects) that a true warrior does not rely on weapons. A true warrior defeats his enemies with raw strength."
A towering man, nearly two meters tall, stepped forward. His obsidian skin glistened under the dim light, his muscles taut and rippling beneath countless scars—knife wounds, burns, claw marks. Dressed in nothing but shorts, he exuded a primal force.
"Boy, we won't bully you. You want to take us all on? Let's see you get past me first!" His deep voice echoed, his confidence undeniable.
The other fighters held back, recognizing the man as Balio, a seasoned warrior who had completed his training retreat and was now seeking challengers to solidify his reputation.
"Damn it! Balio got there first! He's been itching for a fight. He's just using this as a chance to show off."
"Hmph. Only the weak pick fights with those beneath them. If he's so strong, why doesn't he challenge the Raikage himself?"
Despite their criticisms, none doubted the outcome—Zixu was doomed to fail. The only question was how long he would last.
Balio stretched, his movements fluid yet menacing. "What's the matter? Are you scared? Too late for that now. Don't worry—I'll take good care of you."
Zixu sighed, unimpressed. "Do you understand the meaning of time's fleeting nature?"
Balio frowned, confused by the cryptic remark.
Zixu took a step forward, closing the distance. "It means those who seek death rush toward it without hesitation."
Balio scowled, finally realizing the provocation. He no longer needed to pretend. If Zixu sought destruction, he would oblige.
Golden-hued chakra erupted around Balio, enhancing his already monstrous physique. He had mastered multiple techniques to strengthen his body—chakra reinforcement, acupoint stimulation, and limiter release. These were standard practices among the elite physical combatants of Kumogakure. Before any battle, they would layer multiple buffs upon themselves, preparing for total war.
Yet Zixu remained still, making no effort to enhance himself with chakra. He simply rushed forward, unfazed.
"Tch. Kid, you don't even know what real strength is. Watch and learn!" Balio sneered, his massive frame trembling with barely restrained excitement.
Without warning, Balio assumed an unfamiliar stance. Sitting cross-legged, he tucked his arms over his head, folding his limbs inward. His entire body compressed into a compact sphere, his muscles tightening into an impenetrable defense. Every vulnerable point disappeared, leaving only a smooth, dense wall of flesh and power.
"Damn! He's using the Doton: Kongō Tate (Earth Release: Adamant Shield)! Absolute Defensive Rebound!"
Gasps rippled through the crowd. They had all witnessed the terrifying resilience of this move. Attacks not only failed to harm Balio but often rebounded, injuring the attacker instead. A perfect, impenetrable shield.
They had already envisioned Zixu's defeat. There was no way past this defense. He was done for.
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