Nakajima led Yoshishima Yuko in further flight, quickly disappearing into the smoke. Leitao was entirely focused on dealing with Makita and had no time to spare. After exchanging a few more blows, Makita was physically exhausted and his movements had grown sluggish. Seizing the moment, Leitao unleashed a flying kick that sent Makita's long blade hurtling through the air, then thrust his dagger straight at Makita's throat.
Terror filled Makita's face. The instinct for survival prompted an instant reaction; his right hand darted rapidly to his waist, drawing three shuriken that he flung fiercely at Leitao. Seeing this, Leitao felt a chill grip his heart. With no time for thought, he instantly dropped low, using the strength in his legs to execute a tactical leap and roll to the side. The three shuriken whistled sharply through the air, flying past the spot where he had just been standing and embedding themselves deeply into the tree trunk behind him.
Taking advantage of the gap while Leitao dodged, Makita's other hand swiftly whipped out a concentrated smoke grenade, hurling it hard against the ground. In an instant, an even thicker, more acrid smoke billowed outward from Makita, shrouding almost everything around them. As the smoke rose, Makita spun around and, relying on his familiarity with the terrain and his own agile movements, rapidly vanished into the depths of the smoke without a trace.
Chapter 295