The Locking Scythe Technique
CLANG!
Saigoji Youmu's sword swung down, slicing cleanly through Hanzo's chain.
But—
Hanzo smirked.
That attack was never meant to be simple.
The severed chain coiled around Youmu's western sword, trapping it in place.
Above—
SHING!
Hanzo's scythe arced downward, aimed straight for Youmu's exposed head.
It was his signature technique—the Locking Scythe.
First, bind the opponent's weapon.
Then, strike with a fatal blow.
In the ninja world, many had fallen to this deadly maneuver.
"A good move."
Saigoji Youmu glanced up at the descending blade.
He raised his left hand.
SHHHT!
A dozen ice spikes materialized in midair.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
The scythe clashed against the frozen projectiles, its trajectory thrown off course.
Hanzo's eyes narrowed.
Saigoji Youmu exhaled calmly, then yanked his sword free from the broken chains.
Hanzo gave a small tug on the remaining chain, pulling his scythe back into his grip.
And then—
He paused.
A Sudden Realization
Hanzo stared at Saigoji Youmu.
For the first time in this battle, his expression shifted—Into shock.
"What's wrong?" Youmu asked, tilting his head.
"Surprised I blocked your famous technique?"
Hanzo didn't answer.
Instead, he muttered,
"Your ninjutsu… requires no hand seals?"
His Locking Scythe had been countered before.
But this—
This was different.
Saigoji Youmu had created and fired ice projectiles instantly, without forming a single seal.
The speed of his ninjutsu was unlike anything Hanzo had ever seen.
In the ninja world, battles were often decided by who could weave signs the fastest.
But Saigoji Youmu…
He didn't need seals at all.
That alone was a frightening advantage.
"Heh."
Saigoji Youmu grinned, but offered no explanation.
He wasn't foolish enough to reveal his secrets.
CRASHHHH!
The torrential rain continued to pour.
For a moment, a heavy stillness filled the battlefield.
Then—
WHOOSH!
Both Hanzo and Youmu disappeared at the same time.
When they reappeared—
Their weapons clashed midair.
PONG! PONG! PONG!
Steel met steel in a deadly exchange.
Sparks flew.
The storm raged around them as their blades danced through the battlefield.
A Duel of Pure Skill
Watching from a distance—
Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru were speechless.
Jiraiya's throat felt dry.
"T-This… this is Kage-level strength."
The speed.
The precision.
This was not the same battle Hanzo had fought against them earlier.
Orochimaru's golden eyes gleamed.
"It won't stop here."
Tsunade narrowed her gaze.
She understood what Orochimaru meant.
So far—
Hanzo had not used a single ninjutsu.
And—
Youmu had yet to unleash his full Ice Release.
Jiraiya furrowed his brows.
"Why?"
Why were they limiting themselves to only taijutsu and kenjutsu?
Orochimaru smirked.
"For Hanzo—he can't use ninjutsu."
Tsunade and Jiraiya blinked.
"Huh?"
"Can't use it?"
Tsunade and Jiraiya turned their attention back to the battle.
And then—
They saw it.
Each time Hanzo tried to form seals—
SWOOSH!
Saigoji Youmu would close the gap instantly and launch a relentless attack.
Hanzo was forced to defend.
If he stopped to use ninjutsu, he would be cut down.
Jiraiya's fists clenched.
"He's suppressing Hanzo's jutsu entirely…"
Tsunade inhaled sharply.
The realization sent a wave of awe through her.
Saigoji Youmu had intentionally forced Hanzo into a battle of pure swordsmanship.
And in that realm—
Hanzo was losing.
CLANG!
Hanzo gritted his teeth as he blocked Youmu's western sword.
His arms trembled under the force.
Saigoji Youmu's strength was overpowering.
"The Demigod of the Ninja World is still a ninja after all."
Saigoji Youmu's voice cut through the rain.
Hanzo's eyes widened.
At that moment—
He understood.
Saigoji Youmu had known from the beginning.
This wasn't a contest of technique.
It wasn't a test of skill.
No—
It was a statement.
Saigoji Youmu was proving a point.
That even a Demigod could be brought down.
That he was the one who would rewrite the ninja world.
And Hanzo—
Would be his stepping stone.