Chapter 172
There was no doubt that Hyuga Chinano won this battle. She didn't even use Sage Mode, and the blade Shigure at her waist never moved.
What Shino excelled at was controlling bugs—so Hyuga Chinano did just that, too. She crushed Shino's confidence at the very core of what he prided himself on most. There was no helping it. As Shino said earlier, Insect Controllers were at a huge disadvantage against Aburame Hatsuizumi. Though they both used bugs, their systems were completely different. Especially when Aburame Hatsuizumi unleashes a swarm of insects that swept across the arena, Shino realized one thing with certainty.
"These bugs... they're formed from her chakra. Not only can she control real insects, but she can also recreate them from her chakra? How the hell does she even do that?"
Shino wasn't too bothered by the loss. He simply wasn't as skilled—it was as simple as that.
Aburame Hatsuizumi had no intention of answering him. After the fight, her sea of insects vanished. She casually skipped out of the arena, not caring what the commentators had to say.
Uzumaki Zixu held a hand to his temple. It was clear—Aburame Hatsuizumi had gotten much stronger, and it seemed she still had cards she hadn't even revealed. She had grown into someone who could stand strong on her own.
She disappeared from the audience's view, skipping all the way to Zixu's side. Most of her outer armor had been removed, leaving only a few small limbs sticking to her back, swaying like a dog's tail. With stars in her eyes, Hatsuizumi threw her arms around Zixu's neck.
"Well? Isn't my new armor awesome? I spent so long designing it! It can even integrate with Sage Mode to be even stronger. Too bad Shino was kinda weak..."
She rambled while rubbing up against Zixu's neck like an octopus. Sitting on his lap, her petite body was cool to the touch—refreshing on this hot summer day.
Zixu yanked her off him with one hand. She flailed in the air, limbs waving like a cat grabbed by the scruff.
"Quit messing around. I've got a mission for you." He set her down and straightened her clothes.