Chapter 463: The Dignified Third Mizukage Using Wood Release?

The throat, partially severed and charred, sprayed a torrent of fresh blood, dyeing the seawater beneath red.

Two corpses fell into the sea, yet Takuya didn't slow down, rushing straight toward the Third Mizukage.

In just one move!

To be precise, Takuya's target was never the two shinobi he had passed. Their deaths were merely incidental.

This scene made the Third Mizukage's eyelid twitch uncontrollably.

At this moment, he could no longer remain composed and shouted loudly:

"Yagami Takuya, you dare to assassinate me? Aren't you afraid this will lead to an all-out war between Kirigakure and Konoha?"

"Ice Release: Ice Crystal Technique!!!"

Despite his verbal threats, the Third Mizukage's hands moved swiftly, unleashing a powerful Ice Release jutsu that surged toward Takuya.

The Third Mizukage's Ice Release was formidable. Unlike the Yuki clan's Ice Release, his techniques were far more intricate and terrifying in combat.

The Yuki clan could only crudely shape ice for defensive or evasive purposes.

Countless icy crystals formed from seawater, closing in to entrap Takuya in a frozen prison.

Unfortunately for the Mizukage, a brilliant flash of violet-blue light shattered the ice crystals, allowing Takuya to break free.

Such a minor ice technique was incapable of restraining him.

"Damn it!!"

The Third Mizukage cursed under his breath, his hands moving even faster.

"Ice Release: Freezing Technique!!"

Centered on the Mizukage, the seawater around him froze rapidly. A thick layer of ice formed over the ocean's surface with a loud cracking sound.

The ice seemed like a giant hand, gripping Takuya's feet tightly and continuously restricting his movements.

Is this really just Ice Release?

Minato's eyes widened in astonishment.

Even Yagura and the others couldn't help but gasp.

They knew their Mizukage's strength was immense and that his mastery of Ice Release was extraordinary. However, they hadn't seen him fight in a long time.

And this Ice Release was entirely beyond their expectations.

Compared to the Yuki clan's techniques, the Third Mizukage's Ice Release was on a completely different level.

No wonder Takuya sought to fuse Ice Release into his abilities, claiming it had enormous potential for growth.

Minato recalled Takuya's fascination with Ice Release—a Bloodline Limit he had been experimenting with for some time—but he hadn't paid it much mind.

The Yuki clan's Ice Release gave the impression of mediocrity, leading him to underestimate it.

But now, it was clear: the fault didn't lie with Ice Release itself but with the clan's inability to utilize it effectively.

It was akin to the stark difference between Tobirama Senju's Water Release and that of other shinobi.

The same technique could yield vastly different results depending on the user.

Fighting on the ocean really has its limitations. Will this old guy freeze the entire sea next?

Takuya glanced at the rapidly freezing surface, the ice layer continuously restricting his speed. He couldn't help but feel a hint of envy.

He had always suspected Ice Release wasn't as weak as the Yuki clan made it seem.

Compared to other Bloodline Limits, the Third Mizukage's control over Ice Release was far more dominant and precise.

Its immense power aside, even the ground one stood on could become a trap to restrict movement—a truly terrifying ability.

Unless one could avoid touching the ice entirely or had the ability to fly, escape was nearly impossible.

Jiraiya-sensei would probably find Ice Release fascinating. I'll share the details of this battle with him once I return.

Minato believed that if Takuya showed an interest in mastering Ice Release, he would undoubtedly find a way to do so.

If Takuya could master it, others could as well—it was merely a matter of talent.

Much like Iwagakure's Dust Release.

"Take this big dumpling of mine!!!"

Since his movements were restricted, Takuya abandoned his speed-based attacks and opted for an explosive technique instead.

Again with this move!

Takuya's blatant disregard for tactics as he hurled his Thunder Explosive Ball made the Third Mizukage feel utterly exasperated.

Didn't you come to cut me down?

Then come at me with your blade! Why are you throwing explosives?!

Youngsters these days have no sense of honor.

Though mentally cursing, the Third Mizukage quickly performed another jutsu to counter the attack:

"Ice Release: Ice Vibration Technique!!"

A large ice wall rose in front of the Mizukage. As the Thunder Explosive Ball collided with the ice, the layers vibrated and shattered one after another, ultimately dispersing the explosion's force.

The Mizukage managed to retreat unscathed.

Not bad.

Takuya's eyes lit up in admiration.

He had always believed that every Bloodline Limit possessed incredible potential—its upper limits were only constrained by its user's imagination and skill.

The Yuki clan's Ice Release was so rudimentary that Takuya was embarrassed to even call it Ice Release.

Compared to the Third Mizukage's techniques, the Yuki clan wasn't even worthy of carrying his sandals.

It was no wonder the Mizukage had always dismissed the Yuki clan as insignificant.

Sitting on a treasure trove but failing to utilize it—who could they blame but themselves?

The mission was nearly complete.

Noticing that Sakumo Hatake was in position, Takuya decided to stop pursuing the Mizukage and continued his dishonorable tactic of throwing explosives.

The Mizukage, who had just planned his escape, had no choice but to use the Ice Vibration Technique to block again.

After successfully defending against the explosion, the Mizukage let out a sigh of relief.

But just then, a chilling killing intent locked onto him.

Not good!

The Mizukage's heart sank. Does Yagami Takuya have accomplices?!

Damn it!!!

Having just used a jutsu to block Takuya's attack, the Mizukage was in a brief moment of vulnerability when a lightning-fast figure charged toward him.

The figure wielded a blade enveloped in crackling lightning, slashing directly at the Mizukage's neck.

The Mizukage didn't need to look to know who it was.

After all, he had once fled in sheer panic from this man, holding up his pants as he ran.

Although it had been a moment of confusion, the memory of that humiliation remained vivid.

The man who had brought him such disgrace had returned.

"Get lost!!!"

Dense spikes erupted from the Mizukage's back, growing rapidly to impale Sakumo Hatake as he attacked from behind.

Danger!

Sakumo swiftly severed the spikes aimed at him and retreated, his eyes filled with shock.

This is… Wood Release?

As a Konoha shinobi, Sakumo recognized Wood Release immediately, even though it was rarely seen in Konoha anymore.

Wood Release was practically a symbol of Konoha's heritage.

Yet now, this technique had appeared on an enemy.

The revelation left everyone stunned, except for Takuya, who had anticipated it.

Even Yagura, who had devised the assassination plan, hadn't expected their Mizukage to resort to using Wood Release in desperation.

"Wood Release: Piercing Roots Technique."

Takuya sheathed his Kusanagi Sword, his gaze mocking as he studied the Mizukage.

"I'm curious. Why would the dignified Third Mizukage of Kirigakure, a master of Ice Release, suddenly use Wood Release?

"Could it be you're the First Hokage's son?"

"No, that's not right. The First Hokage wouldn't have a son as old as you."

Sakumo's mouth twitched. He felt the need to secure Hashirama Senju's coffin lid before the legendary ninja returned to life from sheer outrage.

The spikes receded into the Mizukage's body, and his demeanor suddenly shifted. He scratched his head awkwardly and said with a sheepish smile:

"Well, you've found me out. That's troublesome."

The serious and stern Third Mizukage abruptly transformed into a goofball!

He didn't seem to mind his change in demeanor, instead grinning at Takuya.

"No wonder you're hailed as a genius comparable to the God of Shinobi. I underestimated you, just like everyone else."

What kind of madness is this?

Takuya admitted he couldn't handle this comedic side of the Mizukage.

Fortunately, his mission was now complete.

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Sorry for the delay but here you have your five chapters and the deal is the same for tomorrow so the next 1100 power stone.

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(P)(S): If you're interested, you can read up to chapter 550+ at Patreon com/ Emik01.