I widened my eyes and began dodging as quickly as I could, trying to predict where the branches would grow. Despite my best efforts, I was hit by a branch and thrown to the ground. Still, I got up quickly.
I looked around just in time to see my opponent sink into one of the trees. I knew he could attack from anywhere, so I prepared myself for a quick block or dodge as needed.
I felt the ground rumble behind me, and heard him call out "Explosion Release: Landmine Fist."
I was barely able to duck in time, quickly moving my legs to sweep his out from under him.
Alas, he quickly dodged before I could get to him and blew some pollen in my face. I was not sure what the pollen was for, so I held my breath in case it was some kind of poison.
I once again moved behind him and attempted to kick him, but he turned into flower petals when my foot made contact.
Not sure where he was, or what his next move would be, I once again prepared myself for him to attack from anywhere.
I heard the roar of flame behind me, and turned around just in time to begin dodging the Flame Bullets he had sent at me. However, one managed to hit me and I quickly rolled, trying to minimize the damage.
"Here I thought Leaf Ninja were stronger than that." Saint said to me.
I smiled. If he thought I was using my full strength, then he was wrong! "Then you have underestimated me!" I exclaimed.
"Prove it," my opponent said back to me.
I knew if I opened the third gate, I would not be able to help my comrades once this battle was over. However, I also knew that if I did not open the third gate, I may end up losing and put my comrades in more danger than if I had. So I made the quick decision and opened the third gate.
I quickly moved and kicked him from behind him, in front of him, and was aiming to kick him in the side when his clone exploded. I was taken by surprise and thrown back, but I quickly recovered myself and got into a ready stance once more, preparing for an attack to come from anywhere.
He began to charge at me from my side, but I was able to duck and hit his sword hand from below, causing him to drop it. Using my close vantage, I whirled around and forcefully kicked him in the chest, causing him to slide back.
I quickly ran to him once more, aiming to kick at his side, making contact before he was able to grab my leg. The impact caused him to skid to the ground.
He will get up, he would not have given up that easily. I prepared myself for his next move.
