Tobio's body screamed in agony as the claws of Krampus' demons tore at his flesh. The weight of the chains around his neck constricted his breathing, and his vision blurred with pain and exhaustion. But within him burned the unrelenting spirit of a shinobi, forged by years of training under Heikō's guidance. He refused to die here.
Focusing through the haze of pain, he formed the seals in rapid succession: Dog → Ox → Snake.
"*Earth Release: Quicksand Collapse!*"
The ground beneath them rumbled violently, the jagged terrain liquefying into a swirling vortex of sand and stone. Krampus and his demonic minions faltered as the earth shifted, dragging them downward. The chain around Tobio's neck slackened, and he seized the moment, drawing *Kagekiba* and slicing through it with a precise, chakra-infused strike.
Krampus snarled, his towering form stumbling as the quicksand pulled at his legs. His jingling chains flailed wildly, attempting to regain control of the battlefield, but Tobio was already moving.
Tobio's hands blurred through another set of seals: Tiger → Dragon → Boar. His chakra flared to life, glowing fiercely as he called upon the power of fire.
"*Fire Release: Flaming Meteor!*"
A massive orb of fire erupted from his hands, its blazing heat warping the air as it hurtled toward Krampus and his minions. The meteor exploded on impact, engulfing the area in a fiery inferno.
But Tobio wasn't done. He immediately transitioned into another jutsu, his hands weaving Horse → Ox → Tiger.
"*Lightning Release: Static Field!*"
Electricity crackled around him, the air humming with energy as bolts of lightning danced across the battlefield. The static field combined with the lingering flames, creating a deadly storm of fire and electricity.
To amplify the chaos, Tobio added two more seals—Tiger → Horse—channeling his chakra to magnify the intensity of the combined techniques. The resulting explosion was cataclysmic, a blinding flash of light and heat that obliterated the demons surrounding him and sent Krampus skidding backward.
As the battlefield quieted, Tobio dropped to one knee, his breathing heavy. Blood dripped from his wounds, staining the scorched earth beneath him.
He couldn't afford to waste time. Placing his hands over his chest, he channeled his chakra inward, activating a healing technique he had learned during his time under Heikō's tutelage. Warm energy spread through his body, knitting torn flesh and sealing deep gashes.
The healing process was excruciating, but Tobio gritted his teeth and pushed through the pain. His focus never wavered—he couldn't allow himself to be caught off guard again.
The smoke cleared, revealing Krampus standing amidst the destruction. His fur was singed, and his smile was gone, replaced by a look of pure malice.
"You think that will stop me?" the god growled, his voice echoing ominously. "You're a fool to think mere jutsu can defeat a god of duality."
Krampus raised his hand, and the jingling of chains filled the air once more. The chains reformed around him, writhing like serpents as they lashed out toward Tobio.
This time, Tobio was ready. He leapt into the air, flipping gracefully as he dodged the chains. The metallic whips struck the ground where he had been moments before, leaving deep craters in their wake.
Krampus moved with shocking speed for his size, his claws swiping at Tobio with terrifying precision. Tobio parried the blows with *Kagekiba*, sparks flying as blade met claw.
The god unleashed a deafening roar, and the air around Tobio turned icy cold. Frost formed on his blade, and his movements slowed as the chill seeped into his body.
Tobio refused to let the cold overwhelm him. Drawing on his reserves of chakra, he performed a rapid sequence of seals, activating a technique designed to counter Krampus' oppressive presence.
A wave of heat radiated from his body, dispelling the frost and restoring his agility. He immediately followed up with a flurry of strikes, his blade moving faster than the eye could follow.
Krampus blocked most of the attacks with his chains, but a few slashes found their mark, drawing dark, viscous blood from the god's arms and chest.
Tobio pressed the advantage, channeling fire chakra into *Kagekiba*. The blade erupted in flames, each strike searing Krampus' flesh and forcing the god to retreat.
Krampus let out a guttural laugh, his jagged teeth glinting in the firelight.
"You fight well, mortal," he said. "But I'm not alone."
The shadows around them began to writhe, and once again, the demonic horde emerged. Their snarls filled the air as they charged toward Tobio, their claws and teeth glinting menacingly.
Tobio took a deep breath, his resolve unshaken. He knew he couldn't afford to hold back.
The demons swarmed him, but Tobio's blade was a blur of motion, cutting through them with ruthless efficiency. He combined his kenjutsu with precise genjutsu, creating illusions that confused and disoriented the attackers.
One by one, the demons fell, but their sheer numbers began to take a toll. Tobio's movements slowed as fatigue set in, and his chakra reserves dwindled.
Krampus watched from a distance, his grin widening as he sensed Tobio's struggle.
"You can't win," the god taunted. "This is my domain. You're nothing but prey."
In the chaos, one of Krampus' chains found its mark, wrapping around Tobio's wrist and yanking him off balance. Before he could recover, another chain ensnared his ankle, pulling him to the ground.
Krampus closed in, his massive form looming over Tobio. The god's claws gleamed as he prepared to deliver the final blow.
Tobio struggled against the chains, his mind racing. He couldn't let it end here. Not after everything he had endured.
With a powerful impulse, he gathered the last of his chakra, preparing to unleash one final, desperate attack.
TBC.