My Brother's a Jinchūriki!

Chapter Ninety-Nine- Source

"You work for Danzo, don't you?"

His eyes narrowed and reflected a sharp coldness coupled with burning anger. "You must die now."

So he is Root, then.

He rushed at her with his Tantō raised and she shifted forms as she moved to avoid his blades. He continued to press forward, forcing her to continue in her intangible state to avoid being hit. She kept her Ninjato raised defensively as a precaution and she clenched its handle tighter.

Darn! He's completely got the advantage close-quarter like this. I don't even have time to do any Jutsu or strike back.

She continued to dodge as he continued to relentlessly barrage her with attacks that brushed through her sword and arm.

Even worse, is he's already figured out the weaknesses for this and he's not giving me any time to react.

She jumped quickly out of his reach and shifted to solid as she caught her breath.

How could I be so stupid? I blew the advantage that I had. He didn't even know I was there until I rushed in like that. She bit her lip and glanced over to where Ena was still unconscious. I didn't even think of a plan— I only was panicking because she was in pain.

She clenched her fist and exhaled sharply.

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

He leaped at her position to strike at her and she narrowly dodged and shifted form once again. "Running like a rat, are you?"

"I'm not running." Natsumi glared and solidified and swung her blade at him. He twisted to avoid the strike and slashed again, only for his blades to pass through her. I'm just trying to think.

"You are weak to have to rely on this so heavily. It seems the talk of you was exaggerated."

"What talk?!" She put distance between them and she let out a slow breath.

She swung her blade at him and he crossed his Tantō to defend as she pressed forward, striking again and again to maintain distance between them and prevent him from closing the gap. With an expert twist, he forced her Ninjato out of her hand and it clattered onto the ground.

He slowly closed in on her and she scanned the area in her peripherals.

That's it! I can't outmatch him in raw strength, so I'll have to fight smarter.

She rolled to avoid an attack and his knives hit the playground's pole. The boy gritted his teeth as she summoned her Ninjato to her hand and flashed a faint smirk at him.

Catch me if you can.

She swung at him again and again, ducking behind the playground equipment as his Tantō clanged against it. As she dodged and maneuvered around the playground, she tapped her hand on it, counting in her head. After some time, the boy glared and their attacks slowed gradually.

"You're still running."

So you think. Natsumi feigned an attack, pushing him to block, and she struck at face. A scratch appeared on his mask and she jumped up when he retaliated. Landing softly on top of the playground, she placed her palm there and exhaled, allowing for a small smile. We'll see who the real rat is.

He drew closer to attack and the corner of her mouth twitched upward slightly. Natsumi vanished and his eyes widened. She reappeared at another seal and lunged at him to land an attack that grazed his exposed lower back. He grunted and arched his back, twisting and slicing at the empty air.