He didn't dare to sniff the eerie-colored mist, so he directly dived into the seawater.
He just needed to wait until this eerie-colored mist dispersed, then he could return to the surface.
Unexpectedly, after holding his breath for about two or three minutes underwater, there were only signs of the poisonous mist slowly dispersing.
Just when he was about to breathe a sigh of relief, Hakushi pulled out several pellets from the Ninja Tool Bag, continuing to spread them on the surface of the sea.
Under the observation of the Byakugan, Hijin targeted Hakushi's Ninja Tool Bag, which still had many such pellets inside.
"..."
If this continued, he would certainly drown in the seawater, ending the battle.
If he moved in the sea, the enemy would undoubtedly follow his movements.
Helpless, he had to swim towards the surface, planning to use Revolving Heaven at the right moment to create a strong airstream to blow away the poisonous mist and take a breath.
Hakushi also knew what Hijin was thinking. He took out a kunai from the Ninja Tool Bag, with a string of five Explosive Tags hanging from it, and showed Hijin a friendly smile.
The insinuation from Hakushi was clear: "Don't think about poking your head out and being a turtle."
"..."
Honestly, Hijin was slightly irritated and felt an impulse to curse.
This person didn't exhibit any battle strategy typical of a ninja. Judging by his speed, he should be a Taijutsu Ninja. Shouldn't he rely on his powerful Taijutsu to engage in close combat?
Just then, within his vision, another strange object came into view.
It was a mud-colored humanoid figure, as if made from clay, swimming up from the deeper, darker sea depths. Its hollow eyes emitted a faint golden light, glaring brightly in the bottomless darkness, evoking a terrifying aura.
Twisting its bizarre body, it charged at a speed that felt unusual to Hijin, much faster even than his running speed on land.
Hijin's face changed dramatically.
He noticed that this humanoid figure had waterproof talismans tied to its body, each with the word '爆' (explosive) written on it.
Waterproof Explosive Tags.
Though less powerful than regular Explosive Tags, the quantity of these would be enough to shatter anyone into pieces, even with reduced power.
The Earth General skated through the water exceptionally fast, leaving no time for Hijin to contemplate.
Revolving Heaven!
After reaching the surface, this strange mud person would definitely catch up first and detonate the Explosive Tags on itself.
Therefore, Hijin used Revolving Heaven underwater without hesitation, stirring the water flow and deflecting the mud person away.
Boom!
A dull explosion resounded underwater, creating a massive cavity on the sea surface. Hijin spat blood airborne, struggling to open his eyes.
Despite the enormous explosion dispersing the toxic mist on the sea surface, he sustained significant injuries as a result.
Damn it!
There's not a trace of a proper ninja about him!
To encounter such a despicable opponent who disrespects his adversary deserved celestial punishment!
"Revolving Heaven!"
Seeing Hakushi charging at him, Hijin gritted his teeth, glaring at Hakushi with furious, ferocious eyes.
He wielded most of his remaining chakra within to unleash Revolving Heaven with maximum force, determined to show that even so, one couldn't underestimate a Hyuga Main Family Ninja.
Perish!
Bang!
An astonished expression appeared on his face; Revolving Heaven failed to activate.
His arm was first grasped by Hakushi, who then reversed the motion to throw his body towards the sea surface.
His body hit the water heavily, forcing another mouthful of blood out, his eyes displaying shock as he looked at Hakushi.
"How is it possible... you actually broke the Revolving Heaven!?"
"Why show such a surprised expression? I've seen a Revolving Heaven many times more powerful than yours. In my eyes, yours is full of flaws. Checkmate, Hyuga Main Family."
Obviously, Hakushi was referring to Ayane.
He had witnessed the Revolving Heaven executed by Ayane, whose power, speed, and counter-shock force far outclassed the Revolving Heaven performed by Hijin.
In Hakushi's eyes, Hijin's Revolving Heaven could simply be broken with superior speed.
This wasn't something worth boasting about at all.
"You... are you really the Medical Ninja of Jonin Sakumo's squad, and a Konoha Ninja? Why would you..."
Faced with Hijin's questions, Hakushi chose not to explain further.
Seeing Hakushi uninterested in explaining, resentment flashed in Hijin's eyes. However, his body was in no condition to endure further. Just as he initiated some action, Hakushi switched to his rear in an instant, delivering a precise chop to his neck, rendering him unconscious.
Hakushi hoisted Hijin's body onto his shoulder, taking a quick glance at the shattered, mud-colored ground nearby. The clay person was slowly re-assembling at a very sluggish pace.
The only comparatively intact head uttered incomprehensible words from its weak mouth.
It seems he's already grasped the kind of thrill that comes with being part of a battle.
His nonsensical speech now underscored just how exhilarated he had been.