CHAPTER 55

At the same time, over the mist-shrouded Lake of Fog, the barrier that had been used to isolate the battlefield and trap the Mizukage shattered in an instant.

On the lake's shore, explosions from ongoing battles echoed across the battlefield. The intensity of the clashes had reached a critical point, making it clear that reinforcements from the Kishibe Teru Yoruichi clan were unlikely to arrive in time.

Yagura Karatachi's expression shifted from shock to gloom, and then to eerie calm.

Panic was useless. Losing composure would only invite mockery.

"Do you really think this is enough to kill me?"

Yagura's voice was laced with cold amusement, the corner of his lips curving into a smirk.

"…?"

Ghost Lantern Mangetsu narrowed his eyes. He couldn't discern where Yagura's confidence was coming from.

"Listen well—this is nothing more than a psychological attack."

"All this talk of Iwagakure's involvement? Nonsense."

"The winner takes all. The loser is branded a traitor."

"Do you truly believe that, after standing against the Mizukage, you'll be able to escape unscathed?"

"Everyone—charge!!"

Yagura's order was issued with unwavering authority. He didn't need to explain himself. His command was absolute.

The Anbu at his back—though shaken—understood the unspoken reality. If Yagura fell, they would all be marked for death.

They had no choice but to follow him into the abyss.

Seeing Yagura steel himself for a last stand, Mangetsu knew that any hopes of an easy surrender were gone.

"Kill them!"

With that single command, the armies clashed.

Soldiers met soldiers. Captains faced captains. Kings battled kings.

Mizukage's forces against Anbu.

Ghost Lantern clan warriors against elite operatives.

Among the Seven Ninja Swordsmen—Samehada, Kubikiribōchō, Hiramekarei, Kabutowari, and Shibuki—each blade cut through the battlefield, carried by its wielder.

The highest-tier duel belonged to Ghost Lantern Mangetsu and Yagura Karatachi.

One, an enigmatic Anbu commander, a former Jinchūriki with an iron grip over Kirigakure's black ops.

The other, a prodigy known as The First Genius of the Mist, the heir to the Ghost Lantern clan's secret hydration techniques.

The outcome of their battle would shape the war.

Meanwhile, on the shore, an equally savage clash erupted.

On the Lake of Fog's shore, the phrase "Enemies are drawn together by fate" had never been more fitting.

The moment the two sides locked eyes, the Kaguya clan warriors erupted into a charge without hesitation.

No need for words.

They fought for one reason alone—because their enemies were the Mizuki.

Their enmity ran deep, dating back to an era before Kirigakure's founding, when ninja clans still ruled the Land of Water.

The Mizuki and Kaguya were to the Mist what the Senju and Uchiha were to the Leaf.

For generations, they had waged a relentless blood feud, locked in an endless cycle of slaughter.

Only the intervention of the First Mizukage, Byakuren, had forced a temporary truce, compelling both clans to join the village he had founded.

Even then, the peace had been purely strategic.

Both sides understood that under the One Village, One Country system, any clan that refused to integrate would be eliminated.

The Mizuki had seen this truth and played their hand masterfully.

They aligned themselves with the First Mizukage, gaining his trust.

Mizuki Taki then secured his influence by becoming the First's personal bodyguard, later maneuvering his way into the position of Anbu Commander under the Second Mizukage.

Eventually, he took the ultimate step—becoming the Third Mizukage.

Compared to that, what had the Kaguya achieved?

For all their might, they had been outmaneuvered at every turn.

Their brute strength meant nothing against the Mizuki's political cunning.

Now, with Yagura's rebellion in full swing, tensions had reached a boiling point.

Even without this battle, it was inevitable—soon, the Kaguya would be forced to rise against Mizuki Taki's growing dominance.

And when that day came, there would be no turning back.

In terms of sheer numbers, Mizuki's forces had a significant advantage.

They had the support of Jōnin squad leader Maeda Genshō, and many previously neutral shinobi had now pledged loyalty to the Mizuki.

The Teru Yoruichi clan, on the other hand, had exhausted much of their strength maintaining the now-broken barrier.

But ultimately, this war wasn't about sheer numbers.

It was about Mizuki versus Kaguya.

Both clans knew—this battle would decide the fate of their bloodlines.

For the Mizuki, the command had been given.

Mobilize every warrior.

With Mizukage's full authority behind them, they had deployed their entire clan.

The only problem?

They lacked their clan leader.

Yet despite that, there was no sign of panic.

Because even without their patriarch, the Mizuki had something else.

Their unshakable anchor.

The Great Elder.

The Great Elder of the Mizuki clan looked like an aging man in his sixties, with flowing white hair and a dignified presence.

But no one underestimated him.

In his prime, he had been a Kage-level warrior. Though age had diminished his raw strength, his battle instincts remained as sharp as ever.

And when facing Kaguya Ichirō—he would fight with everything he had.

Beside him stood a young man in his twenties, his features bearing a striking resemblance to the elder.

Mizuki Hidero.

The elder's eldest son.

He was also known as The Number One Genius of the Mizuki Clan.

Among their ranks, there had already been whispers that Hidero should be named the next clan head.

Now, he would prove his worth.

"Hidero, we fight together."

A cold glint flashed in the elder's eyes as he locked onto Kaguya Ichirō.

Their opponent was a Kage-level warrior, but Mizuki Hidero showed no hesitation.

"Yes, Father!"

A burning excitement filled his gaze.

With that, the battlefield erupted once more.

Ice spears clashed against razor-sharp bone blades.

Kaguya warriors shattered ice walls thicker than fortress gates with raw strength.

Teru Yoruichi warriors ripped through Mizuki defenses with their monstrous close-combat skills.

And in the center of it all, Kaguya Ichirō stood, his gaze locked onto the white-cloaked elder and his son.

The battle had only just begun.

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