Sensing the opponent's movements, Seimei immediately turned his head to face them.
In an instant, he activated his Sharingan's insight ability to its maximum, closely observing every move his opponent made.
Upon seeing that the last hand sign was the "Tiger" sign, he quickly deduced that his opponent was likely about to use a Fire Style ninjutsu.
With that thought in mind, Seimei prepared to use **Water Style: Water Formation Wall** to block the incoming Fire Style attack.
However, at that moment, he sensed a strange chakra around him.
At the same time, a strong sense of danger gripped him.
Realizing something was amiss, Seimei immediately abandoned his plan to confront the opponent head-on and, in a flash, dodged behind a nearby tree.
Almost the instant he left his spot, a burst of flames appeared out of nowhere, as if igniting the area around him.
Had he not moved in time, those flames would have engulfed him completely. Even with his impressive resilience, he would have been left with serious injuries.
A chill ran down Seimei's spine, and he thought to himself, "This is a reminder never to underestimate an enemy—especially these ninja raised through such harsh training."
Wait—
Suddenly, Seimei recognized the technique. He recalled a similar secret ninjutsu from the Konoha Anbu called **Fire Style: Combustion Technique**, which could ignite enemies from a distance.
He had considered learning this powerful technique when he mastered other Fire Style jutsu, but he had never had the opportunity.
Now, it had finally shown up—although the circumstances were less than ideal.
Luckily, Seimei had observed the entire casting process through his Sharingan, which satisfied the conditions for copying the technique.
In other words, he had just learned it!
He opened his skill panel and, sure enough, there was a new entry: **Fire Style: Combustion Technique, Level 1 (1/200)**.
However, Level 1 proficiency wouldn't make it useful in battle—unless he could use genjutsu to deceive his opponent, like Kakashi. But that was unlikely.
These Root ninjas were experienced in battle and had been through special training, making it almost impossible to trap them with a quick genjutsu. Besides, there were two of them, so they could support each other.
Using Kakashi's methods wouldn't work for him.
Also, it wasn't necessary to overcomplicate things.
The two Root ninjas in front of him were skilled, but they were merely at the level of specialized Jonin.
Against other Jonin, they might have been able to hold their own or even escape unscathed, but not against him.
Refocusing, Seimei pulled out several kunai from his ninja pouch and threw them at the Root ninja who had just used ninjutsu.
Then, his body flashed with a green light as he activated **Flash Sword Technique**.
In an instant, his speed surged, and within a blink, he was right in front of the retreating Root ninja.
*Swish!*
He slashed with his sword.
This time, the Root ninja had time to react and raised his kunai to block Seimei's attack.
*Clang!*
Their weapons clashed, creating a sharp metallic sound.
Seimei withdrew his sword, instantly reactivating **Flash Sword Technique**.
With a sudden "whoosh," he disappeared, reappearing at the ninja's right side.
Wind chakra infused his blade, creating an invisible cutting edge.
He swung his sword.
The intense sense of danger made Jiu feel a chill down his neck. The wind from Seimei's blade cut his skin, drawing a few drops of blood.
Despite this, Jiu remained calm.
In an instant, he made the right decision—not to dodge but to thrust his kunai toward Seimei in a life-for-life exchange.
This would force Seimei to defend or retreat.
Would Seimei take the trade?
Of course not.
But he wouldn't let the opponent go easily, either.
Just as the kunai was about to strike him, he used **Flash Sword Technique** once more.
The power of this technique, mastered to perfection, allowed near-instant repetition, though it consumed chakra heavily.
Seimei could manage it, though.
*Whoosh!*
Jiu's kunai struck nothing but air.
His heart raced, and he searched for Seimei's location, only to feel a cold sensation on his back.
Without hesitation, he dove forward and prepared to use a **Substitution Jutsu**.
Yet Seimei's speed exceeded his expectations.
With a slashing sound, Seimei's sword cut into his back, leaving a deep gash. Blood splattered onto the ground.
Jiu remained silent, suppressing his pain and using the **Substitution Jutsu** to dodge Seimei's follow-up attack.
Seimei's gaze tracked his opponent, and he prepared to close in again with **Flash Sword Technique**.
But just then, a fireball shot toward him.
Seimei glanced over, spotting the second Root ninja forming hand signs.
Without hesitation, he jumped back, dodging the flames.
Yet the Root ninja was relentless, continuing to spew fire.
Seimei dodged repeatedly, finally securing enough time to complete his own hand signs and perform **Water Style: Great Shark Bullet Technique**!
A massive shark formed from chakra appeared and charged toward the flames.
Water Style techniques held a natural advantage over Fire Style, especially with the powerful **Great Shark Bullet Technique**.
As expected, the shark swallowed the flames and swelled, then continued toward the distant Root ninja.
Taking this chance, Seimei used **Flash Sword Technique** again, closing in on the severely wounded Root ninja, and swung his blade.
With death approaching, Jiu's expression remained cold, his black eyes unblinking.
Once again, he raised his kunai, intending to exchange his life for a final blow against Seimei.
But he was too slow.
As he struck, Seimei used **Flash Sword Technique** once more to reposition to his side.
With a swift slash, Seimei decapitated him.
Blood gushed like a fountain, soaking the ground around them.
*(End of Chapter)*