Chapter 33: The Will to Survive
The masked shinobi struck first, his chakra-coated hand slicing through the air like a blade. Nicolas barely managed to dodge, feeling the energy graze his cheek. A thin cut appeared, but he had no time to acknowledge it—his opponent was relentless.
With inhuman speed, the shinobi closed the distance again. Nicolas reacted instinctively, raising his sword just in time to block another strike. Sparks flew as the strange energy clashed with his blade, sending tremors through his arms.
He's fast… too fast.
But Nicolas wasn't the same as before. His training with Tsunade had sharpened his reflexes, and his enhanced perception allowed him to see the enemy's movements just a fraction of a second before they happened.
The shinobi flickered, disappearing from sight.
Above!
Nicolas rolled to the side just as the masked figure came crashing down, shattering the stone pavement beneath him. Without hesitation, Nicolas counterattacked, swinging his sword in a precise arc.
But the shinobi vanished again.
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A Battle of Wits
Nicolas's breathing was steady despite the intensity of the fight. His opponent was clearly skilled—not only in taijutsu but also in some kind of unique chakra manipulation.
He needed to change his approach.
He's fast, but he's not untouchable… I just need to predict his movement.
Closing his eyes for a split second, he let his senses expand. The artifact against his chest pulsed, and suddenly, everything became clearer.
He felt the flow of chakra in the air, the slight distortion whenever the masked shinobi moved.
There!
The moment the shinobi flickered again, Nicolas moved preemptively, swinging his sword at an empty space—
CLANG!
The shinobi materialized exactly where Nicolas had predicted, his kunai barely blocking the attack in time.
For the first time, there was hesitation in the masked figure's stance. "You…"
Nicolas smirked. "Didn't expect that, did you?"
But he had no time to gloat. The shinobi quickly recovered, leaping back and forming a series of hand seals. The air around them shifted, the temperature dropping suddenly.
"Enough games," the masked figure muttered.
Nicolas braced himself. He didn't know what technique was coming next, but one thing was clear—this battle was far from over.
End of Chapter 33