CHAPTER 65

Although the ANBU's sneak attack did not pose a threat to Mizuki Ryosuke, he still appreciated the intervention of Hōzuki Mangetsu.

However, before he could express his gratitude, Mangetsu had already vanished into the fray, his Hydrification Technique allowing him to slip away seamlessly as he pursued his own opponent. Seeing this, Mizuki Ryosuke refocused on the real threat in front of him—Yagura Karatachi, the Fourth Mizukage and the perfect Jinchūriki of the Three Tails.

"Come on, boy. Let's see if you can keep up," Yagura taunted, gripping his uniquely shaped staff—a strange metallic cudgel topped with a crimson, flower-like ornament, reminiscent of the weapon he was often depicted with during his reign.

Even before achieving perfect synchronization with Isobu, Yagura had already been a formidable Kage-level ninja, excelling in taijutsu and secret techniques. His Coral Palm, a Water Style-infused melee ability, could create coral-like growths on contact, effectively immobilizing opponents.

Despite also being skilled in Water and Wind Release, Yagura's real strength lay in close-quarters combat—an area where he believed he held the absolute advantage.

Unfortunately for him, he had gravely underestimated his opponent.

Mizuki Ryosuke's ice-based techniques deviated from the conventional Mizukigakure style. Unlike the standard users of Ice Release, who specialized in large-scale, high-chakra-cost techniques, the Mizuki clan had refined their Hyōton into a series of precise, tactical secret arts designed to compensate for their chakra limitations.

Mizuki Taki, the Third Mizukage, had integrated Ice Release into his swordsmanship, enhancing his agility and lethality. Mizuki Ryosuke, however, had refined his own Hyōton into a different approach—one that made use of the battlefield's environment.

At that moment, as Ryosuke looked up at the heavy, moisture-laden sky, a glint of realization crossed his eyes.

"This weather… perfect for that technique."

Forming a single-handed seal, Ryosuke activated his jutsu.

"Ice Release: Heavenly Descent."

A wave of unnatural cold permeated the air, instantly altering the atmosphere. Suspended water droplets crystallized into delicate, fluttering snowflakes, an impossibility in the typically humid climate of the Land of Water.

Even the Kirigakure shinobi watching from a distance were momentarily mesmerized—many of them had never seen real snowfall before. Some instinctively reached out, catching the icy flakes in their hands, unaware of the chilling effect creeping through the air.

Yagura, however, remained unimpressed.

"Tch, flashy tricks," he scoffed before vanishing with a burst of speed, using the Body Flicker Technique to close the distance in an instant.

His Shakujo—the peculiar staff weapon—swung down with incredible force, cutting through the frigid air with a loud whoosh.

Ryosuke dodged swiftly, bending at the waist to let the weapon pass overhead. But Yagura was already prepared.

His true attack was hidden—his free hand, which had been tucked behind his back, shot forward with deadly intent.

"Got you."

Water Release: Coral Palm!

Ryosuke barely had time to react before the palm made contact. If struck, his body would instantly be encased in rapidly-growing coral, rendering him completely immobile.

However, Yagura's victorious smirk vanished the moment his hand met his target.

Instead of flesh, he felt the sensation of water splashing through his fingers.

A water clone?!

The decoy dispersed into a fine mist upon impact, and for the first time, Yagura's confident grin faltered.

"Where is he?!"

His sharp, battle-hardened instincts kicked in, scanning the surroundings for any sign of the real Ryosuke. He extended his sensory perception, checking both above and below the water's surface, but still found nothing.

Then, without warning, a sudden cry echoed from the sky—sharp, piercing, and unnatural.

"Screeeech!"

A flock of ice-formed birds materialized from the freezing air, diving toward Yagura with relentless speed.

Ice Release: Frozen Talon Swarm!

Reacting instantly, Yagura formed a rapid sequence of hand seals.

Wind Release: Vacuum Sphere!

Compressed air bullets shot from his mouth, tearing through the frozen birds mid-flight. Those that survived the initial attack were shattered with swift, powerful swings of his Shakujo. However, even in victory, he was left with visible frostbite along his arms—evidence of the lingering cold seeping into his body.

"Dammit," he muttered. "Where the hell is he?!"

A deep, rumbling growl suddenly echoed from the heavens.

"ROOOAAARR!!!"

Yagura's gaze snapped upward just in time to witness a monstrous form emerging from the clouds above.

A massive, winged creature of pure ice descended upon the battlefield, its crystalline body glistening in the light.

Its elongated, draconic head bore a jagged crest of frozen spikes, its large, translucent wings spanning nearly twenty meters, casting an enormous shadow over the lake.

The beast's sheer size and lethal aura were unmistakable.

Ice Release: Celestial Phenomenon, Second Stage—Ice Dragon King!

Yagura cursed, his mind racing. He had never seen an Ice Release technique of this scale before.

Wasting no time, he formed hand seals, preparing a high-level counterattack.

Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet!

Despite typically requiring forty-four hand seals, Yagura's Kage-level mastery allowed him to execute the jutsu with just ten. A serpentine water dragon surged from the lake, its massive form spiraling through the air toward the descending Ice Dragon King.

The two collided midair.

BOOM!

Water exploded in all directions, but the result was clear—the Ice Dragon King was vastly superior in density and power. The water dragon was obliterated upon impact, dissolving into harmless mist.

"Tch… this isn't good," Yagura muttered, realizing that conventional Water Release wouldn't be enough.

Clenching his teeth, he resorted to a more advanced technique.

Water Release: Water Mirror Jutsu!

Slamming his palms onto the lake's surface, a perfectly reflective, liquid mirror emerged before him.

As the Ice Dragon King closed in, its massive reflection appeared in the mirror's surface—then, impossibly, the reflection solidified and stepped out, forming an identical Ice Dragon King.

The real beast let out an enraged roar at the sight of its doppelgänger.

The two massive ice creatures immediately lunged at each other, their battle filling the sky with shards of razor-sharp ice.

High above, hidden in the thick cloud cover, Mizuki Ryosuke observed the battle below with narrowed eyes.

"He copied it so easily…?"

He had assumed that summoning the Ice Dragon King would require unique environmental conditions and a controlled process—yet Yagura's Water Mirror Jutsu had replicated it in an instant.

A deep frown crept onto Ryosuke's face.

This battle was far from over.

JOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCE 40+ CHAPTERS

patreon.com/Kora_1