Chapter 118
"You really think so little of me." Zixu stretched his muscles, catching the mixture of disdain and pity in the eyes of those around him.
"As the wise once said, 'A true warrior commands respect, not asks for it.' Seems like I'll have to put my skills on display. Otherwise, how many of you do I have to cut down just to get close to the Raikage?"
Zixu had already made up his mind. If it came to a fight, every strike would count.
The real meaning of that old saying? Simple. If a warrior doesn't strike hard, no one will respect him.
He shifted into his stance—one hand forming a claw, the other clenched into a fist below his chest. Every muscle in his body tensed as he prepared to strike.
He had overheard people whispering about Balio's ironclad defense, an impenetrable technique. A direct attack would be the stupidest move.
And that's exactly why he was going to do it.
In the blink of an eye, Zixu appeared before Balio. His opponent was already braced, defensive stance locked in. Just as planned.
Under Balio's monstrous control, his muscles twisted and hardened, absorbing impact like a fortress. Doton: Kongō Tate (Earth Release: Adamant Shield)—a technique that turned his body into a living wrecking ball.
But just as Zixu's fist was about to land—
He stopped. Abruptly. Unnaturally.