A series of high-spirited barks erupted from Danzō's throat.

Raikage A, Karui, and Omoi were all completely dumbfounded. What in the world is this? Since they had engaged him, the man had not uttered a single word, instead choosing to bark and snarl like a common dog. Does he have some sort of special hobby? they wondered. A love for role-playing? Does he enjoy pretending to be a dog?

The fierce, predatory look in his eye, the drool hanging from the corners of his mouth, the way he moved on all fours… it was, for all intents and purposes, a perfect imitation of a canine. The performance was, in its own bizarre way, flawless.

"Do not underestimate the enemy!" the Raikage whispered, his voice a low, urgent warning. "This is very likely one of Danzō's tactics! I remember that Konoha's Inuzuka clan rose to prominence through the art of Beast Mimicry. It's highly probable that Danzō is using a similar technique!"

"So… I see," Karui and Omoi nodded blankly, their minds struggling to accept the explanation. It was the only rationalization for the utterly abstract performance before them, but they couldn't begin to fathom its purpose. Was he preparing for some kind of powerful combination attack?

"Never mind! I will continue the assault! You two provide support!" The Raikage knew that further analysis was pointless. The only way to understand his opponent was through combat. Besides, it was not Danzō's bizarre behavior that concerned him most, but the child on his back. The boy's speed and movements as he had dodged the previous attack were hauntingly familiar. It seemed to perfectly mirror his own. Though it had only been for an instant, the Raikage had noticed. He just hadn't wanted to admit it to himself.

I must see it again!

This time, he pushed his body to its absolute limit. In the blink of an eye, the Raikage became a living bolt of lightning, appearing in the air directly above Danzō. He concentrated his lightning chakra into his leg, bringing it down like a giant, unstoppable axe.

"This time, let's see you dodge this! Liger Bomb!"

Just as the attack was about to land, Shiro turned his head, a wicked smile spreading across his face. The next moment, a massive aura of crackling lightning chakra erupted from his own small body, his state almost an exact replica of the Raikage's. His smile had not yet faded, but he had already vanished, his speed no less than that of the Kage himself.

It's true!

This time, he saw it clearly. A cold dread surged into the Raikage's heart. He could not stop his attack. His leg slammed into the ground with the force of a meteor.

BOOM!

The earth shattered like an earthquake, a massive crater forming at the point of impact. The display of power was immense, but ultimately, useless.

Across the clearing, Shiro reappeared, holding the unharmed Danzō, the lightning chakra that enveloped him slowly beginning to dissipate.

"You brat! How do you know my technique?! Explain yourself!" If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, the Raikage would never have believed it. The Lightning Release Chakra Mode was a secret technique, passed down orally through the generations of his family. It should have been impossible for an outsider to learn it. And the most outrageous part was the age of the boy before him. Not only could he use it, but he did so with a terrifying skill and proficiency. It was simply impossible.

Seeing that Shiro was completely ignoring his questions, the Raikage's rage began to boil over. "You little devil! I will capture you alive and pry the truth from your lips, I swear it!"

Shiro's mouth curled into a sneer. "You're sweating, you big oaf. But why are you so upset? You've spent your entire life stealing the secret techniques of others. This is the first time your own has been taken from you. Shouldn't you consider this a good thing? Think of it as a cultural exchange."

"If you truly want to know, then give me the scroll you stole from the Land of Sugi. If I'm in a good mood, I might just tell you. Hehe."