Chapter 684 - 19: Peak Form
"Fuck!"
Just a quick step to dodge the flying Long Spear, and 45 yards swore.
Facing Paul, who was taller and more robust than himself, he showed no fear.
Calmly standing with an axe, facing Paul, he didn’t charge along with Paul but lowered his center of gravity, standing firm at his position.
...
On the other side, Chen Zhou untied the Long Spear from his back, hurled two towards the Japanese, then picked up the Bone Hammer and plowed through the muddy ground, charging directly at the Japanese.
The judgment abilities of experts were extraordinary.
Even in the mere seconds of contact, the Japanese Ninja could discern enough information from the Long Spear thrown by Chen Zhou and his running speed —
Compared to the more intimidating physique of Paul, Chen Zhou carried a condensed ferocity, with a clearly more formidable power bound within his not particularly large body.
Similarly armed with Wooden Spears, the Long Spear thrown by Chen Zhou was fast, precise, and powerful, flying far enough to pierce half a meter into the ground.
While Paul’s thrown Long Spear could only embed a tip into the surface.
Yokomae Sohaku calmly observed the sprinting Chen Zhou, capturing his pace and motion, cautiously retreating towards the riverside.
He was well versed in the Water Escape Technique as a mid-level Ninja, the proximity to water bringing him enough sense of safety while maximizing his combat prowess.
...
In just seconds within the hundred-meter range, even carrying a Bone Hammer of over a hundred pounds, Chen Zhou’s speed was hardly affected.
Including his weight, this nearly 230-kilogram "tiny beast" was approaching the Japanese Ninja at an incredible speed.
The muscle fibers long dormant seemed to cheer loudly with Chen Zhou’s run, his powerful lungs injecting oxygen into red blood cells with each breath, even before adrenaline kicked in, leaving a deep footprint on the muddy ground as he rushed close to the Ninja.
Yokomae Sohaku only saw a dark flash appear before him, followed by a shadow enclosing him with a strong gust.
Years of Ninjutsu training made him react to danger with near-instinctual sensitivity.
Without conscious thought, his muscle memory prompted him to make a diving move, thereby evading the blow from the Bone Hammer.
Knowing this clearly Eastern Martial Artist would certainly pursue further attacks, Yokomae Sohaku discreetly scattered four Shurikens on the ground after the dive.
Participating in the challenge, he lost most of the exquisite metal Ninja Tools he carried; these four Shurikens were meticulously crafted after he arrived here.
The Shurikens embedded into the mud had two tips firmly inserted into the ground, leaving only two tips exposed; coated in mud, even if an enemy were intent on chasing, it would be hard for them to spot the slightly protruding Shurikens upon close inspection.
Despite these four Shurikens being made of wood, Yokomae Sohaku still made sure to poison them; the toxins were derived from a giant lizard dwelling by the riverside, and testing revealed their effects of paralyzing nerves and decaying skin.
Once the enemy rashly rushed forward and sustained injuries from stepping on the Shurikens, he could rely on other Ninja Tools to endure until the poison took effect and kill the enemy.
...
After setting the Shurikens, Yokomae Sohaku’s movements did not pause, he dodged to the side with a swift motion.
Just now, with the corner of his eye, he saw the large hammer, seemingly made of animal bones, smash a deep pit into the ground, making him realize how heavy the weapon held by the East Asian was.
Yet, despite its weight, in the hands of the Eastern Martial Artist, it was wielded with such ease.
Through this, Yokomae Sohaku formed a clear judgment of Chen Zhou’s strength —
During Japanese Ninja training, they were divided into five main categories: balance, agility, endurance, strength, and special skills.
Completing these hazardous and inhumane practices transforms Ninjas into full-powered combat machines.
Whether in tracking, reconnaissance, espionage, or assassination, they can utilize their wide array of Ninja Tools and weapons to complete the task.
But for Ninjas, most importantly, it’s the mind.
The distinction between a lower Ninja and a mid-level Ninja lies in this.
As an experienced Ninja who adheres to the Ninja’s nine-word maxim, even if fleeing in disarray, Yokomae Sohaku must spare thoughts to observe opponents, grasp their expertise, and analyze the enemy’s weaknesses.
Now he knows Chen Zhou’s strength is extraordinary, thus dispelling the idea of close combat.
Heavy weapons indeed possess immense power, but they also consume tremendous stamina; even if this Eastern Martial Artist is battle-hardened, he can probably hold on for only a dozen minutes, by which time exhaustion will lead to his demise.
Meanwhile, always utilizing advanced evasion techniques to avoid enemy attacks, lengthy endurance training allows him to maintain low-energy consumption for over forty minutes, ensuring he can wait until the enemy is exhausted.
This embodies the "Kai" word from the Ninja’s nine-word maxim, constantly reminding him to pay attention to understanding hearts, to manipulate enemies, and exploit weaknesses.
...
Chen Zhou had long known this Japanese Ninja was agile, but didn’t expect his movements to be this nimble.
However, he wasn’t an ordinary fighter either.
If the Japanese Ninja relied on muscle memory from years of hard training, then he depended purely on physical fitness —
The heavy Bone Hammer hitting the ground seemed to defy physics, striking a pit without any pause, even omitting the initial swing, was swung out purely by Chen Zhou with brute force.
The muddy water splashed towards Yokomae Sohaku ahead of the hammer’s head, distorting his vision in the already poor-lit night.