A large number of black spikes pierced through the air, directly targeting Ayane's body.
This move was merely a feint; he needed to gather data on Ayane's combat style to better arrange the subsequent battle plan.
Fighting with a ninja of this caliber, it is impossible to determine the victor within a short time.
Although Orochimaru provided quite a lot of useful intelligence, that information was from a few years ago. From the current perspective, outdated intelligence could cause some inaccuracies and impact the outcome of the battle.
In ninja battles, even a minor detail can determine life or death.
This is instinctive for Puppet Masters who are accustomed to meticulous operation of puppets.
Combat should have an artistic touch.
This is Sasori's viewpoint.
He pondered over how Ayane would respond to his flying spikes.
These spikes have extremely strong penetrating power and incredible speed; any ordinary ninja caught off-guard would be killed instantly.
The spikes were also coated with his specially made poison.
Even a scratch would be a fatal injury.
Judging the ways in which the enemy might handle his mechanical spikes, Sasori considered two possibilities.
Evade, or use the so-called Absolute Defense—Revolving Heaven, to deflect his spikes.
In the case of evasion, the next step would be to use a larger range of Mechanical Techniques to restrict the opponent, creating an opportunity for Orochimaru and Hiruko to attack.
If she used Revolving Heaven to repel the spikes, then he would continue to concentrate firepower, delaying her movements and preventing her from leaving the spot.
Which would it be? Sasori wondered silently.
Just as the spikes were about to land on her, Ayane's body started to move.
In the surprised gazes of the three, Ayane met the lethal poisonous spikes head-on.
The spikes struck Ayane's body, making a crisp sound, then spun and flew off, scattering in all directions.
What? Sasori's pupils widened—it was an unforeseen third method of resolving the situation.
Ayane's actions completely overturned all of his strategic plans.
She flicked her sleeves, sending out Chakra Threads that adhered to a nearby tree and pulled.
Her body darted away from the spot like lightning.
Just as Sasori moved forward, Ayane rushed towards him, adjusting her body slightly to pursue Sasori relentlessly.
Seeing Ayane's hands about to touch his body, Sasori dared not let her touch him.
He had witnessed firsthand the power of her Gentle Fist.
No matter how hard his puppets were, they could not withstand such power—they would be shattered.
As Sasori flew in the air using Chakra Threads, a slender black shadow suddenly emerged from the bottom of his outfit, swinging mercilessly at Ayane.
Ayane raised her hand, making direct contact with the slender shadow, her body slightly quivering before landing on the ground.
What she hit was a completely metallic steel tail, resembling a scorpion's tail. At the tip of the steel tail was a sharp, venom-coated barb gleaming coldly in the sunlight.
Sasori felt a terrifying force dragging his body using that steel tail.
Without hesitation, Sasori activated a mechanism, abandoning the steel tail.
His lighter body flew through the forest with the help of Chakra Threads, landing on a thick tree branch.
After a brief clash, Sasori had a rough understanding of Ayane's capabilities—not only was her speed astonishing, but within that petite and slender figure lay immense power.
Even his most robust puppet could not withstand a strike.
The Byakugan could also see through all his attack routes, the mechanisms within his puppets laid bare under Ayane's Byakugan scrutiny.
It's fair to say Ayane's type was highly incompatible with his.
Meanwhile, Orochimaru had also taken action.
Sasori saw that facing Ayane alone was quite challenging.
His previously unbeatable puppet mechanisms were greatly limited.
Hiruko also took action simultaneously; he needed to obtain the Kekkeigenkai Byakugan, and had to unite with Orochimaru and Sasori. Relying only on his own might to acquire the Byakugan was a fool's dream.
Ayane didn't need to turn her head; she knew Orochimaru and Hiruko were drawing close.
Hiruko charged ahead first, swinging a punch at Ayane.
Her hand and his fist clashed fiercely, causing cracks to appear on the ground due to their immense force.
Ayane looked slightly surprised at Hiruko; he seemed quite pleased to see the astonishment on her face, showing a slightly proud grin.
"Don't think that only you possess Monster Strength. With my fusion with the giant bear-type Summoning Beast, my power is no less than yours!"
With these words, his figure disappeared from Ayane's sight.
Instantly reappearing behind her, rotating in mid-air to swing his leg.
Ayane turned, raising her arm to block Hiruko's kick.
The strength was truly astounding; fusion with the giant bear-type Summoning Beast was no joke.
And the unexpected speed... judging from his earlier words, it seemed he had fused with an agile Summoning Beast, granting him sharp, swift speed.
At this moment, Orochimaru seized the opportunity. His mouth opened wide, releasing a giant snake, which also opened its mouth to reveal a sword gleaming with a moon-white glow, aiming straight for Ayane's back.
A deluge of mechanical poison needles rained down from the sky, sealing all of Ayane's escape routes.