The stone giant thundered toward him, each step cracking the forest floor. Ryuuto didn't even blink. He just smirked at the furious woman commanding the creature.
"So… how about a bet?" he said, flicking his fingers like he was warming up for a piano recital. "Believe it or not, I can send your oversized mud-puppet flying with a single move."
The sorceress—S.H.I.E.L.D. labeled her a "secret guest," which was code for deranged nightmare with trust issues—froze, then snarled.
"You're unbelievable! Survive my Stone Titan first, then you can brag about your fingers, you arrogant brat!"
She pumped more mana into the monster. Its rocky frame swelled, veins of flame burning beneath the cracks. The ground shivered like it knew things were about to go badly.
Ryuuto sighed. "Cute, you think that helps. Alright then… show me what your 'terrifying monster' can do."
His Mangekyō Sharingan spun, petals of crimson rotating like a hungry vortex. The Stone Titan halted mid-charge, eyes glazing over. A heartbeat later, the creature whirled around and locked onto its own summoner.
"You—what—stop! I order you to kill him, not me!"
Her scream shattered the forest air, but the Stone Titan wasn't listening. It lunged at her with burning fists.
Across the battlefield, Parker and the other eight ninja dogs yelped as Mrs. Spider's telepathic blast washed over them.
"You yappy furballs! Lie down!"
As her psychic wave hit, the dogs collapsed, whining helplessly.
"Ryuutoooo! We're hit! Get this psycho off us already!" Parker barked in agony.
"Fine, fine. I swear, you guys attract disasters like magnets."
Ryuuto vanished in a blur.
The next instant he was right in front of Mrs. Spider.
Her eyes lit up with wicked glee. "Good! Your head is mine!"
She slashed forward with razor-sharp spider limbs.
"Please. Save the dramatic lines for someone who cares."
Eight Trigrams Palms: Revolving Heaven!
Chakra erupted from Ryuuto in a spiraling shockwave. The cyclone shredded several of her limbs into grotesque chunks, splattering the trees with green ichor.
Mrs. Spider shrieked, the sound scraping across the sky like a broken violin.
Ryuuto didn't let up.
Gentle Fist — Eight Trigrams Air Palm!
Gentle Fist — Sixty-Four Palms!
Gentle Fist — One Hundred Twenty-Eight Palms!
Gentle Fist — Three Hundred Sixty-One Palms!
His strikes blurred together, dumping chakra into her pressure points until her body spasmed uncontrollably and her face contorted like overcooked mochi.
"Technique's pretty good, right? You should thank me… I usually charge tuition."
"You little pest—I'll kill you!" she screeched, snapping her jaws toward his throat.
She didn't get the chance.
Ryuuto's iron fist slammed into her face, shattering her fangs.
Behind him, the Stone Titan exploded into gravel as the sorceress unleashed another burst of forbidden magic.
"You're dead now! I'll tear every bone from your body!"
Ryuuto sighed. "You threats have the creativity of wet napkins."
Mrs. Spider suddenly lurched upright… despite the decapitated head lying at her feet moments earlier.
Ryuuto blinked. "You can still move? That's honestly impressive. Annoying, but impressive."
"Regeneration is the gift of the gods! Now die!"
"Not interested."
Konoha Gale!
His spinning kick blasted her head clean off again, launching it into the branches like a grotesque Christmas ornament.
A pulse of killing intent surged behind him.
The sorceress teleported in, blade raised.
Ryuuto lifted the sand shield instantly, blocking her strike without turning.
Mangekyō tomoe flashed. Illusion surged.
But she snarled, a psychic barrier flaring around her mind. "Hypnosis? As if I'd fall for that again."
Far above them, the sky dimmed as she began chanting—her mana twisting into something dangerous.
Mrs. Spider reattached her head with a sickening pop, eyes glowing with murderous hunger.
"Together!" the sorceress commanded. "Kill him!"
"With pleasure," Mrs. Spider hissed, lunging with all limbs poised like spears.
The forest shook.
Even Parker and the ninja dogs retreated, tails tucked.
"Wow, that's bad," Parker whimpered. "Everyone fall back!"
Ryuuto cracked his neck.
The air around him sharpened.
"Oh? A two-on-one boss fight?" He smirked. "Fine. Let's see who becomes the prey now."