Chojuro and Haku

Ino formed nearly seventy hand seals to construct the basic framework of the technique. She estimated that this was sufficient and immediately positioned her left hand above and her right hand below, palms facing each other as if embracing a circle, directing the seals toward Little Mustache.

"Ninja Art: Mind Confusion Technique!"

The spiritual energy accumulated through the ninja art was vast, though extremely mixed. Compared to the total spiritual energy, only a small portion was projected outward, but it was the most refined and pure spiritual energy.

A multicolored spiritual chain connected the two "individuals." Little Mustache's life and past entered Ino's mind like a slideshow, all fragmented, and she couldn't extract any meaningful content. Ino's expression twisted in pain, as every tenth of a second, she endured a backlash of spiritual energy. At this moment, she was gritting her teeth and holding on.

Little Mustache was first startled, then annoyed, but as the technique continued, his expression grew calmer. After ten seconds, the chain of the Mind Confusion Technique disappeared, and the way he looked at Ino had changed significantly.

He was still smiling, but whereas his earlier smile had been guarded, his current smile appeared much more amiable.

He stood to the side, examining Ino's ponytail and profile from various angles. "Hmm, from this angle, you look a bit like the neighbor of my cousin's nephew's brother... Does your family have any roots in Kirigakure Village? Konoha ninja, always so troublesome. Ah, forget it, forget it. It's not easy for a young girl like you to come all this way. I'm not an unreasonable person. Sigh, I'll consider this round as a pass for you!"

With a wave of his hand, the bustling market scene instantly vanished. Ino's spiritual energy was significantly depleted, and she pressed her right hand to her forehead. The spatial displacement nearly caused her to fall, but when she looked up, she found herself in the middle of a lake.

As an excellent Water Release ninja, walking on water had long become second nature to her. Without caring whether it was a Genjutsu, she immediately gathered Chakra beneath her feet, standing on the water's surface and adopting a defensive stance as she surveyed her surroundings.

Not far away, Chojuro and Haku were whispering to each other. When they saw her appear, they quickly retreated.

The spirited Little White even assumed an Iaido stance.

Little Mustache reappeared. "Hahaha—one-on-one is so boring. Let me spice things up for you—a free-for-all!"

Chojuro was the first to react. He stammered, "Second Mizukage, this kunoichi is from the Hidden Leaf Village!"

Little Mustache scratched his ear. "So what? Back in the day, did anyone say that ninja from the Hidden Leaf couldn't take my test? Did they? I don't recall saying that. Besides, it was you juniors who let her in, not me! You can discuss the rules among yourselves or team up against her. It's all up to you. Well, kids, do your best!"

As if afraid he might soften, Little Mustache waved his hand and disappeared.

Haku and Chojuro, who had been preparing to determine the final victor, immediately turned their focus toward Ino, the outsider.

Ino called out "Senior" twice into the air, but Little Mustache never reappeared.

She estimated that the friendliness generated by the Mind Confusion Technique had reached its limit. No longer holding onto illusions, she prepared to take on both of them at once!

To appear more formal, she untied her forehead protector from her waist and fastened it around her head. At this moment, she was ready to fight as a Konoha Ninja.

Seeing Chojuro looking around nervously and Haku hesitating slightly, she took the initiative to speak: "Hey, you two are definitely going to team up, right? Don't hesitate, draw your weapons, and let me take on both of you!"

If she had said this to Naruto, he would have charged forward with a loud shout. However, both Chojuro and Haku had softer personalities, and since they weren't familiar with each other, they were still a bit hesitant about teaming up.

"Stop being so indecisive! Since you're not moving, I'll make the first move!"

Fighting one against two was extremely difficult, and Ino didn't have absolute confidence in winning. She could only exploit their personality weaknesses and take them down one by one.

"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet!" She started with this familiar Water Release Ninja Technique to test the waters.

After sailing on the sea for over half a month, neither her Water Release level nor her hand seal proficiency had improved, but she had become very skilled with the Second Hokage's Water Dragon Bullet. Previously, it required twelve hand seals, but now she only needed six.

Beneath the three of them was an endless lake, and the surrounding water was under her control. A massive water dragon surged into the sky, carrying immense force as it roared toward the two.

Haku's demeanor was completely different from their last battle. Back then, he was Zabuza's tool, but now he was Zabuza's successor.

Once again, ice mirrors appeared behind him, but this time he didn't retreat. Instead, he actively engaged in the fight.

As the Water Dragon Bullet rushed toward them, Ino noticed a flash of light from the side. In the next moment, Haku dashed out from the ice mirror, his right hand resting on the hilt of his sword. With a quick step, he unleashed a dazzling slash covered in icy crystals.

Ino maintained her usual fighting style: one main body and two shadow clones.

The main body controlled the Water Dragon Bullet to attack Chojuro, while the shadow clone sprayed a water curtain.

"Water Release: Water Formation Wall."

The icy slash struck the water wall, freezing a five to six square meter area into solid ice.

Ino's shadow clone showed no fear. It formed two more hand seals, and the water rapidly churned, breaking through the ice and shifting from defense to offense. The Water Formation Wall surged like a towering wave toward Haku.

Just as the wave was about to engulf the water-like young man, Haku leaped gracefully into the air. A piece of shattered ice appeared beneath his two-tooth geta, and he used it to perform a double jump.

When he reached a height of ten meters, an ice mirror appeared behind him. He leaned back into it and reappeared beside Chojuro.

With the time Haku had bought, Chojuro formed hand seals and activated "Water Release: Water Fang Bullet," shattering the Water Dragon Bullet from the side.

"The test is over. She's strong. You need to team up with me," Haku said bluntly.

Chojuro's face was covered in sweat, and he seemed a bit shy for some reason. Ino, watching from a distance, was baffled. What are you shy about? "I-I'm really not good at fighting," Chojuro stammered out a few words, but under Haku's calm gaze, he eventually steeled himself.

Unlike Haku, who had just joined, Chojuro had lived in Kirigakure Village since childhood and was now regarded as a leading figure among the younger generation. His sense of belonging to the village was extremely strong. Seeing Haku fighting earnestly, he had no reason to retreat, both emotionally and logically.

"Alright, fine. I'll coordinate with you."

Both of them simultaneously formed hand seals.

Chojuro's Water Dragon Bullet was a Water Release Ninja Technique with simplified hand seal steps. Combined with his solid foundation, he completed the seals first.

"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet!"

Chojuro's water dragon surged into the sky. Haku then applied Ice Release to the water dragon, transforming it into an ice dragon, and immediately followed up with a slashing attack.

"Compound Technique: Ghost Blade Ice Strike!"