CHAPTER 113

Chapter 113: The Trial of the Mizukage

Mizuki Ryosuke and the others were momentarily startled as they observed the movements of the Devil Muscle Cat.

"Damn… it's actually fighting for real!"

Everyone inwardly sighed at the absurdity of the situation.

Their gaze shifted to the massive orange-furred feline, now embedded into the wall like a squashed fruit pancake—an undeniable "cat cake."

Although no one in the team particularly liked this troublemaking beast that had initiated the chaos, witnessing the one-sided beatdown in front of them evoked an odd sense of satisfaction.

Was it schadenfreude?

After thoroughly "taming" the orange cat, the Devil Muscle Cat extended a muscular limb, pressing against its opponent before closing its eyes.

Terumi Mei and Mizuki Mitsuhiko exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of what was happening.

Meanwhile, Takeda Yoichi remained unconscious, with Mizuki Mitsuhiko tending to him.

Only Ryosuke recognized the technique at play. The Devil Muscle Cat was not just using brute force but also a highly specialized ninjutsu—likely a derivative of sensory or genjutsu-based infiltration. Through some form of mental resonance, it was extracting fragmented memories from the subdued feline's mind.

In Ryosuke's perception, a special connection had formed between the two creatures.

Moments later, the Devil Muscle Cat's eyes snapped open, an unmistakable flicker of horror flashing within them.

Clearly, through the memory fragments, it had uncovered something significant.

"Honored guests."

"I am an elder of the Cat Nation—referred to as the Cat Boss."

"On behalf of my people, I extend the highest respects to you."

The massive feline lowered its powerful frame, bowing in reverence toward Mizuki Ryosuke.

Ryosuke had previously dispelled the mist escape technique within the Haze Space, a feat that had inadvertently rid the Cat Nation of a major hidden threat.

Now, seeing the wounded members of Ryosuke's team, the Cat Boss spoke with a solemn tone.

"I must offer my deepest apologies for the trouble Nyutaro has caused."

"Esteemed guests, please accept an invitation to the Cat Nation, where we shall receive you with the highest honors."

The feline's words carried weight.

In the shinobi world, diplomacy was dictated by strength.

From the memories extracted from the big orange cat, the Cat Boss had undoubtedly discerned Ryosuke's true power.

For such an individual, the Cat Nation had no choice but to extend the utmost respect.

A faint gleam flashed through Ryosuke's eyes as he processed this unexpected development.

This Devil Muscle Cat… it's actually an elder of the Cat Nation?

Then, by extension, the troublesome orange cat from earlier was essentially… some kind of second-generation noble?

"Alright then, I'll accept your offer, Elder."

Without hesitation, Ryosuke agreed to the Cat Boss's invitation.

Under the Cat Boss's guidance, the team took the most direct route to the surface, finally emerging from underground after a brief journey.

Naturally, the Cat Boss didn't forget about Nyutaro, who still resembled a flattened "cat cake," casually scooping it up in one powerful grip.

In an instant, Nyutaro morphed from "cat cake" to "cat strip," dangling limply in the Cat Boss's grasp.

Then, lowering onto all fours, the Cat Boss's body suddenly began to expand.

From the size of a calf, it swelled to the proportions of a minibus.

"Please, take your seats on my back."

Lowering itself further, the Cat Boss gestured for them to mount.

Ryosuke wasted no time.

With a swift movement, he leaped onto the feline's broad back, effortlessly carrying Terumi Mei in his arms.

Sitting cross-legged, he felt the unique contrast between the Cat Boss's soft fur and its rock-solid musculature beneath.

Furthermore, now that the feline had fully transformed, its appearance exuded an undeniable aura of power.

This thing looks like a fusion of a black panther and a war beast.

A subtle thought crept into Ryosuke's mind.

Having such a mount… wouldn't be a bad idea at all.

At the same time, Ryosuke had already assessed the Cat Boss's strength.

A single-handed application of Yin-Yang Release displayed undeniable mastery over the art. Its Expansion Jutsu, executed with such precision, was clear evidence of profound expertise in Yang Release techniques.

The team took their positions, and the powerful feline charged forward, racing toward the peak.

The speed was nothing short of astonishing—so fast it could only be described as "instantaneous."

Yet, despite the breakneck velocity, the ride was incredibly stable—testament to the Cat Boss's impeccable balance.

It was akin to sitting in a high-end sports convertible from another world.

Only this "convertible" had genuine leather seats… with built-in heating.

Incidentally, the big orange cat was not afforded a seat on its back.

Instead, it was granted a VIP seat—hanging from the Cat Boss's jaws.

Suspended by the scruff of its neck, Nyutaro dangled pitifully while the team rode atop the beast, racing toward the Cat Nation.

Rather than taking conventional routes, the Cat Boss opted for a shortcut.

Leaping up near-vertical rock formations, the group scaled the mountainside at a speed that would leave even elite shinobi stunned.

Despite the wild ascension, the ride remained eerily smooth.

Meanwhile, deep in the journey, Takeda Yoichi finally regained consciousness.

However, the moment he opened his eyes and saw the abyss below—accompanied by the howling wind around him—his vision nearly darkened again.

Luckily, Mizuki Mitsuhiko, seated nearby, quickly explained the situation, preventing another fainting episode.

Even so, Yoichi's face burned with embarrassment.

From the moment they'd entered the Cat Nation's domain, he had essentially been carried as dead weight.

In terms of "lying corpse strategy," he had outperformed even Nyutaro.

At least the orange cat had put up a fight…

Meanwhile, Terumi Mei—worn out from her injuries—had already drifted into a deep sleep in Ryosuke's arms.

Ryosuke himself, however, remained busy.

Seizing the opportunity, he employed a subtle and intricate escapism technique, reaching out to communicate with the Cat Boss on a deeper level.

At first, the Cat Boss was startled by the spiritual link.

But after a brief moment of hesitation, it accepted the connection, allowing the two to converse telepathically.

Through this exchange, Ryosuke successfully obtained crucial information.

The entire Mizukage Trial had been sanctioned by Kirigakure, with the Cat Clan serving as the overseeing party.

The performance of the three competing teams would be observed from afar by Kirigakure's higher-ups.

Upon reaching the Cat Nation's mountain stronghold, the trial would officially commence.

The first challenge would be the "Cat Labyrinth"—a vast maze filled with illusions, traps, and Yin-Yang Release constructs.

Careless shinobi could easily find themselves trapped indefinitely.

The second challenge was "The Climb."

Far from a simple ascent, this trial featured various carefully designed obstacles and tests.

Each team would be assigned points based on their performance.

Without sufficient points, they would be denied entry into the Cat Nation, failing the mission outright.

Finally, those who passed would face the Cat Nation's elite warriors in combat trials.

Only after clearing all three stages could they meet the legendary Elvis, the King of the Cat Clan, and attempt the fourth and final trial, known only to him.

Completion of all trials would grant the victor the "Mizukage Secret Scroll."

Ryosuke's eyes gleamed with intrigue.

The real test was about to begin.

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