klisemfg Chapter 570: Able to defeat Killer Bee
Chapter 570: Able to defeat Killer Bee
Every nightfall, Zhang Hai would use his Spirit Transformation Technique to silently detach from his body and explore places inaccessible during the day. He infiltrated the Hidden Cloud Village's archives, researching records of the village's history, forbidden techniques, and notable figures. He even infiltrated the vicinity of the Raikage's office; though unable to enter directly, he could sense the Raikage's immense and volatile lightning-attribute chakra.
He discovered that although the Hidden Cloud Village's defenses were formidable, there were still some exploitable loopholes in his soul form. In particular, those ninjas with weaker soul perception were completely unable to detect his presence.
Zhang Hai's gains were substantial. He gradually figured out the composition of the Cloud Village's strength, as well as some powerful individuals hidden in the shadows. He even discovered that deep underground in the Cloud Village, there was indeed an extremely large and suppressed chakra fluctuation. That fluctuation was somewhat similar to that of the Seven-Tails, Chongming, but also completely different, carrying an ancient aura—that was very likely the location of the Eight-Tails' true form.
Under Killer Bee's tutelage and through his own infiltration and reconnaissance, Zhang Hai gained a deeper understanding of Kumogakure. While learning Killer Bee's Lightning Release ninjutsu and taijutsu, he used his Spirit Transformation Technique to gather intelligence under the cover of night. His strength steadily improved in the process, and his combination of swordsmanship and ninjutsu became increasingly refined.
On a sunny afternoon, Zhang Hai arrived alone at the training grounds of Kumogakure. He recalled his swordsmanship duel with Killer Bee a few days earlier, and his heart was still filled with excitement and contemplation.
"Being able to defeat Killer Bee was not just due to my swordsmanship, but also a combination of factors," Zhang Hai silently analyzed in his mind.
First, Killer Bee wasn't fully serious at the time; he was just playing around and wasn't using his full strength against a child. Second, I used the Spirit Transformation Technique to perceive the trajectory of his swordplay on a spiritual level, allowing me to predict his attacks. Furthermore, while Killer Bee's Seven Swords Style is powerful, it relies too heavily on the coordination of his joints and body; if a vital point is precisely struck, he will instantly lose his balance. And I seized that moment, using the tip of my blade to deflect all of his swords.
“This doesn’t mean my swordsmanship has truly reached the Kage level,” Zhang Hai clearly recognized this. “But at least it proves that my swordsmanship has already taken shape and has unlimited potential.”
Just as Zhang Hai was deep in thought, Killer Bee suddenly appeared behind him. He made no sound, as if he had appeared out of thin air.
"Hey! Kid! Contemplating life here?" Killer Bee's voice, with its distinctive rap rhythm, startled Zhang Hai.
Zhang Hai turned around and looked at Killer Bee. "Lord Killer Bee."
"I've come up with a name for you!" Killer Bee exclaimed excitedly, his eyes behind his sunglasses gleaming with fervor. "The swordsmanship you used last time, those dance-like movements, that state of perfect harmony between man and sword—I've decided to name it—Sword Dance! What do you think? Isn't it cool?!"
Sword Dance? Zhang Hai's lips twitched slightly. The name was somewhat...odd, but it unexpectedly suited the characteristics of his swordsmanship. His fluid, dance-like movements truly complemented the word "dance."
"Thank you for bestowing this name upon me, Lord Kirabi," Zhang Hai replied politely.
Killer Bee burst into laughter, clearly delighted. "Kid! You've got potential! Want to move in with me? My place is huge! And I can teach you rap every day!!!"
Zhang Hai was startled. Move to live with Kirabi? Wouldn't that restrict his movements even more? Besides, he couldn't fully reveal his identity yet.
"Thank you for your kindness, Lord Killer Bee," Zhang Hai politely declined, "but I have some matters to attend to right now and it's inconvenient for me to do so."
Killer Bee didn't press the issue; he simply shrugged regretfully. "Alright, alright! What a boring brat! But it's okay! You can come play with me anytime! Killer Bee-sensei, you're always welcome!"
Just then, a deep and hoarse voice suddenly came from not far away.
"You did a good job, kid."
Zhang Hai and Killer Bee turned their heads at the same time, only to see Kakuzu's figure emerge from the shadows like a ghost. His cold green eyes stared straight at Zhang Hai, his tone carrying a hint of admiration.
"Kakuzu?!" Killer Bee's eyes narrowed slightly behind his sunglasses as he saw Kakuzu appear, a hint of wariness on his face. Although he was impulsive, he would instinctively remain wary of strong individuals, especially those like Kakuzu who exuded a dangerous aura.
Zhang Hai felt a slight chill when he saw Kakuzu appear. He knew that Kakuzu had been secretly observing him, and it seemed that Kakuzu had witnessed his earlier confrontation with Killer Bee.
"It seems you are quite satisfied with my swordsmanship," Zhang Hai said calmly, looking at Kakuzu.
"Hmph." Kakuzu snorted coldly, but did not deny it. "Your swordsmanship is indeed quite interesting. I saw those dead corpses, and your swordsmanship was very clean, without any unnecessary movements. It's much better than those guys who just shout and yell."
Kakuzu's words were undoubtedly the highest praise for Zhang Hai's swordsmanship. Although he didn't say it explicitly, his eyes revealed a sense of admiration for Zhang Hai.
Zhang Hai felt somewhat helpless. Kakuzu was indirectly acknowledging him, while also implying that his swordsmanship had reached a level where he could "serve" him.
"So, do you think Lord Killer Bee... is suitable for your collection?" Zhang Hai asked deliberately, wanting to hear Kakuzu's opinion on Killer Bee.
Kakuzu's cold green eyes looked at Killer Bee, a greedy glint in them. "His chakra is powerful, and it's pure lightning. Perfect for my collection." He paused, a hint of doubt in his voice, "However... there seems to be an even greater power within him. That power makes me feel uneasy."
Zhang Hai understood. What Kakuzu was referring to was naturally the Eight-Tails. He could sense the aura of the Tailed Beasts, but he couldn't fully comprehend their existence.
"So, what have you decided to do?" Zhang Hai asked.
Kakuzu shifted his gaze from Killer Bee to Zhang Hai. "I need to observe him for a while longer. I'll make my move when the opportunity arises. You continue gathering intelligence."
Zhang Hai nodded. He knew that Kakuzu was always cautious, especially when facing a powerful target.
Just then, a classmate suddenly ran over. He saw Killer Bee and Zhang Hai together and a worried expression appeared on his face.