Thoughts on Going Live

Ino felt she had the upper hand and was secretly devising a strategy, while Shikamaru, being the clever one, was also calculating his moves.

Shikamaru didn't know much about the Second Mizukage. In fact, not only him, but many ordinary ninjas from Kirigakure Village were also unaware of the Second Mizukage. They only knew the name—First, Second, Third, Fourth, and now the Fifth Mizukage. That was it! As for what abilities the Second Mizukage possessed, no one really knew.

With so little information, Shikamaru could only let his imagination run wild. The Second Hokage of Konoha was skilled in Water Release, so surely the Second Mizukage of Kirigakure wouldn't specialize in Fire Release, right?

Sasuke sneered. He wasn't afraid of any challenge, and upon hearing that his opponent this time was Haku, he was even more eager to face him again and settle the score.

The three of them were all strategizing about their opponents, thinking about the enemies they might encounter in the maze. The other three, however, didn't seem as confident.

To be fair, no one could deny that Naruto would become incredibly powerful in the future.

But before he learned the Rasengan, Naruto's combat abilities were often negligible.

Before learning the Rasengan, he was just Naruto. After learning it, he became a completely different entity.

The Rasengan had only one form in Minato Namikaze's hands, three forms in Jiraiya's—normal, Odama, and Cho Odama. But in Naruto's hands?

Normal, Odama, Cho Odama, Chaotic Rasengan, Taren Rasengan, and with the addition of Wind, Lightning, Earth, Water, Fire, Magnet Release, Scorch Release, and other attributes, as well as modes like Nine-Tails Mode, Sage Mode, Kurama Mode, and Six Paths Mode, Naruto could develop at least a hundred different variations of the Rasengan! If you include the Rasenshuriken, the number becomes even greater.

Naruto's development of the Rasengan was unparalleled, surpassing even the so-called "Professor of Ninjutsu" without breaking a sweat. At this stage, however, Naruto only knew the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique, and perhaps the Harem Technique that left Kaguya Otsutsuki speechless and Sasuke in tears. Beyond that, he knew nothing.

Naruto looked confused. He wanted to ask Kakashi, but as someone who was practically illiterate, he didn't even remember the Second Hokage of his own village, let alone the Second Mizukage of Kirigakure. He didn't even know where to start with his questions.

Sakura wasn't very confident in herself either, while Choji was using the last bit of time to fill his stomach.

After preparing themselves, the Konoha team followed Ao to a valley southwest of Kirigakure Village.

They entered a passageway, descending deeper as the mist grew thicker.

Upon entering a relatively spacious cave, Mei Terumi, the Fifth Mizukage, still hadn't appeared. Instead, Genji, Gonbei, and Midori of Kirigakure were quietly waiting for the Konoha team. Behind them stood a rather shy young ninja carrying the Ninja Blade "Hiramekarei"—Chojuro.

Chojuro wore glasses, and when the group's gazes swept over him, he quickly lowered his head.

Beside him were their old acquaintances—the handsome Haku and Ranmaru.

Ino was surprised. She took a closer look at Haku, who was now dressed in samurai attire and had a slightly more heroic air about him. Wow, had this young man changed his entire appearance after escaping death?

Haku noticed her gaze and nodded slightly. Ino raised her right hand in return, offering a greeting.

On the other side, Ranmaru completely ignored Team 10. After all, one of Raiga Kurosuki's arms had been severed by them. It could be said that from the day they encountered Team 10, his ninja career had come to an end.

Ao glanced at the spirited Genin from Konoha—Ino, Sasuke, Shikamaru—each with their own unique traits. Then he looked at his own Genin: Chojuro, Haku, and Ranmaru. To be fair, these three were, well, a bit too delicate.

This wasn't a sports event. There was no such thing as "friendship first, competition second."

The trio from Kirigakure Village was well-prepared. In this regard, Konoha was at a significant disadvantage due to their lack of intelligence.

Gonbei, standing beside Genji, stepped forward to play the good cop: "Everyone can rest for another half hour. The maze is long and will require ample stamina." Naruto raised his arm energetically and declared, "We don't need to rest—mmph?!"

Sakura covered his mouth, gave an awkward smile to the crowd, and then dragged him to a corner for a thorough beating.

Shikamaru pulled his two teammates closer and whispered, "Our opponents are those three. Ino, do you have a way to counter Ranmaru's sensory-blocking ability?"

Ino shook her head directly. "No."

That was a Kekkei Genkai. At best, she had some sensory abilities—how could they compare? Not even the Byakugan of the Hyuga Clan could fully counter it. How was she supposed to come up with a solution in such a short time?

"Alright then, their blocking range probably isn't too large. Once we enter the maze, we'll use our sensing abilities to regroup. During the fight, Choji will hold off that glasses-wearing kid with the Ninja Blade. Ino and I will take care of Haku and Ranmaru first, then we'll all gang up on the glasses kid."

Choji blinked. "What if we get separated?"

Shikamaru replied nonchalantly, "I'll find a spot to sleep and cheer you on from there."

Asuma quietly reminded them, "Remember, you're ninjas of Konoha. You're in competition with Team 7, but you're not enemies."

He then gestured for them to observe Haku's movements. "That kid isn't just an Ice Release user. It looks like he's skilled with a blade too. Be careful, especially you, Ino. He's already seen your ninja techniques, so he'll definitely have a counter-strategy prepared."

"Got it, Asuma-sensei."

The three nodded in unison. On the other side, Kakashi was giving Team 7 their final instructions. Naruto and the others listened intently.

Half an hour later.

Genji, who looked as if he might keel over at any moment, gave a slight nod.

Gonbei, Genji's trusted aide, took out a dazzling gemstone. He activated several seals on it, infused it with his own Chakra, and soon, the entrance ahead was enveloped in thick fog. The already blurry entrance vanished completely, leaving only a vast, white, unknown space.

Everyone strained their ears. Despite being in an underground cavern, faint sounds seemed to emanate from beyond the fog.

Naruto widened his eyes and peered inside. "Is someone in there? I think I hear voices."

Sasuke sneered. "Idiot, that's Genjutsu."

Seeing that the entire area was filled with Genjutsu, he felt even more confident about his chances of winning.

Ino was also observing the thick fog, a technique left behind by the Second Mizukage's Summoning Beast, "Shinkiro." Or perhaps it was a clone of the Summoning Beast? Or maybe the real body was at the bottom of the cave? If she were to bring the Second Mizukage's Summoning Beast back to Konoha, would the Third Hokage be able to withstand the pressure? Her thoughts were all over the place, but Naruto, who was determined to charge ahead, had already stepped boldly into the thick fog, followed by Sasuke, and finally Sakura, who was extremely nervous.

Ino exchanged glances with Shikamaru and Choji, and they too stepped into the fog. Last to enter were the three from Kirigakure Village, who were the hosts of this place.