Moro's sudden burst of terrifying speed left all the surrounding onlookers dumbfounded. Immediately after, their attention was drawn to the arc that traced Moro's movement.
Upon closer inspection, Moro, crackling with lightning, had already closed the distance behind Sakumo, his blade aimed at Sakumo's back.
Yet, his strike failed to find its mark as Sakumo swiftly drew the short blade from his right hand, intercepting Moro's attack midway.
Sakumo's effortless deflection made it clear to Moro that his opponent's mastery of swordsmanship was indeed extraordinary. And Moro's previously invincible speed? Sakumo seemed to have acclimated after just one exchange.
What Moro didn't realize was that Sakumo, too, was profoundly shaken. While he could discern the patterns of Moro's swordplay, this Speed was unlike anything he'd encountered before.
It appeared effortless for him to thwart Moro's assault, prompting Sakumo to remark in astonishment, "Cloak of Lightning!?"
This lightning-quick movement brought to mind the Lightning Release Chakra Mode of the 3rd Raikage, a formidable opponent he had faced before. However, unlike Moro, there was no telltale lightning shrouding Sakumo's form as he moved.
His ability to parry Moro's blade stemmed not solely from lightning fastr reflexes but from years of combat experience, including battles against the likes of the 3rd Raikage. Despite being unable to visually track Moro's trajectory, Sakumo managed to intercept the strike.
Yet, this Cloak of Lightning-esque maneuver forced Sakumo to abandon his complacency entirely. At this moment, Moro's speed alone posed a significant threat to the elite Jonin. Perhaps he hadn't been exaggerating; perhaps he truly had bested an elite Jonin.
The ninja spectators, seasoned warriors accustomed to frontline combat, exchanged knowing glances. They recognized Moro's prowess with just one display of his speed.
"Could Moro truly be the fastest in Konoha?"
"Sakumo may struggle to match his speed!"
"If Moro's kenjutsu matches the rumors, he could become a formidable asset to the Leaf!"
"I must admit, despite Sakumo's skill, Moro's strikes seem effortlessly blocked!"
...
Outside the arena, discussions flourished, yet within the duel, Moro and Sakumo remained silent. Moro deliberated on how to gain the upper hand, while Sakumo bided his time, waiting to discern Moro's strategies.
Moro intensified the frequency of his attacks, slightly faster than when he faced the elite Jonin. Although Sakumo's speed didn't match Moro's, his defense thwarted each onslaught.
His defensive tactics unnerved Moro, who found Sakumo anticipating and neutralizing his every move, leaving him frustrated. 'Is this the famed Hatake kenjutsu? Truly reminiscent of the 9 Swords of Dugu!'(1) Moro inwardly praised.
Aware that Sakumo would strike eventually, Moro increased his attack frequency to the maximum. This time, even Sakumo found himself struggling to parry, forced into a defensive stance, unable to preempt Moro's strikes.
"At this speed, is there anyone in the ninja world who can match him?"
"Sakumo is formidable, not once has he been struck!"
"Considering Sakumo's Kage-level status, Moro's speed is astounding. With a bit more refinement, he could be a true force!"
"According to Jiraiya's evaluation, Moro's kenjutsu rivals Sakumo's!"
...
However, Moro's confidence was premature.
Previously, Sakumo had merely observed Moro's technique, refraining from initiating his own attacks. Suddenly, the passive defender transformed, a surge of thunder chakra enveloping his short blade as he struck, sending Moro hurtling over ten meters away.
Observing Moro's flight, Sakumo praised, "Impressive kenjutsu, but your strength falls short. With some improvement, perhaps we could be evenly matched!"
Moro rose, his expression now grave.
Both were masters of their respective ninja arts, renowned for their speed, yet Sakumo surpassed Moro not only in swiftness but also in strength and endurance.
Unfortunately, Moro hadn't had the opportunity to enhance his strength. Relying on Garp's physical prowess, he believed he could rival Sakumo given time.
Moro wiped his face and discovered blood, evidence of a wound from Sakumo's earlier strike. As a Logia user, physical blows should be ineffective against him unless infused Haki, as Sakumo's blade wasn't. but he still hurt him....
'If not for discovering this during our duel, being attacked by thunder would have been disastrous,' Moro thought.
With Sakumo no longer holding back, Moro prepared for the onslaught, knowing his strength alone couldn't match his opponent's. As Sakumo advanced, Moro met him head-on, exploiting his speed advantage to the fullest.
Their movements blurred, visible only to those with a keen eye for elite combat.In the arena, the clash of their blades echoed, each strike carrying the weight of their prowess and determination.
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End of Ch
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(1) The 'Nine Swords of Dugu,' crafted by Dugu Qiubai, offers nine versatile sword stances to counter diverse combat styles across eight weapon categories. Emphasizing prediction and adaptability, practitioners exploit opponents' weaknesses dynamically. Mastery entails transcending techniques, eliminating vulnerabilities inherent in structured styles. Linghu Chong's experiences underscore the efficacy of the Dugu Nine Swords against formidable adversaries.
from the The Return of the Condor Heroes
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Actual Title: Weaknesses of elementalization
here is the next ch title so maybe to the people reading can help me come up with a new one so leave you Suggestion on the Title of the next ch
Next Title: Obtain the heart of swordsmanship
As always see any mistake or anything that can be improve on Lmk!