CH - 130 Third Mizukage

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The Third Mizukage was a legendary figure, known for his role as the First Mizukage Byakuren's bodyguard at the first Five Kage Summit. He was a warlike leader, responsible for turning the Mist Village into the Bloody Mist, an era where only the strong graduates of the academy, were enforced through brutal methods. It was only later, with the appearance of Zabuza, that this harsh method was changed when he killed all the other ninjas from his class, sparing only one.

From the beginning, Akihiko's intention had been to deal with the Mizukage. He understood that the position of a village's Kage was not to be underestimated. For instance, when the Third Kazekage disappeared in the Sand Village, it led to a power vacuum that initiated the Third Great Ninja War.

Why did Akihiko choose the Mist Village? It was simply the right choice for his plan. The Mist Village was neither too strong nor too weak during this period. It was weaker than the three major ninja villages of Leaf, Stone, and Cloud, but stronger than the weakened Sand Village, which was still standing thanks to its elder generation. If the Mist Village could be weakened, it would dissuade other villages from easily taking action against the Grass and Rain villages, as they were also engaged in a fierce war. Without a quick victory, they'd face consequences on other fronts.

At this moment, a thunderous explosion erupted as the entangled giant dragon was detonated. The Third Mizukage swiftly retreated, his normally expressionless face now wearing a look of shock. He cast a glance at the remaining dragons surrounding the Mist Ninjas.

Though squinting, he could sense the changes unfolding around him. Faced with Akihiko, the Mist Ninjas were at a disadvantage. He looked at the Grass Ninja leader and said calmly, "It seems... you deliberately lured me out."

Not long ago, he had received a confidential letter in his room, which read, {Secret Mist Ninja raid on the Grass Ninja Village has been leaked by Konoha, we need help, Mizukage-sama.} Even though he didn't know where the letter came from, he hurried over. He never expected to witness such an interesting scene. Now, he understood that he had been fallen into a trap.

The Third Mizukage, upon hearing the continuing cries of the Mist Ninjas, fell silent for a moment. He said solemnly, "In this battle, the Mist Village surrenders to the Grass Village. We will withdraw quickly."

However, there was no response. The Third Mizukage fell silent again and continued, "The Mist Village can form an alliance with the Grass Village. I believe that the Grass Village needs us now, especially since you have offended the Five Major Ninja Villages."

Yet, even after expressing his willingness for an alliance, there was still no response. At this point, as the Third Mizukage, he realized that there was no room for compromise in this war between the Mist Village and the Grass Village.

"Very well," The Third Mizukage ignored the Mist Ninja's cries of distress behind him, waved his hand, and stated, "Retreat!"

With that command, he swiftly moved towards Akihiko. "You, the Grass Ninja leader, should not underestimate me. I am a Kage."

His hands formed seals rapidly, and he executed the "Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet Jutsu."

Not surprisingly, this Mizukage employed Water Style, a skill that made sense given his history. He had been highly regarded by the First Mizukage and even attended the Five Kage Summit alongside the First Mizukage. It was possible that this man had received training from the First Mizukage himself.

Akihiko also formed hand seals and unleashed a similar jutsu, the "Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet Jutsu."

…

While the Mizukage and the Grass Village leader clashed head-on, the Grass Ninjas accompanying Akihiko seized the opportunity to continue their assassination attempt. They leveraged the dense fog created by the Mist Ninjas and collaborated with the massive dragon in their attack.

The Mist Ninjas were a formidable force, and the Kaguya clan, being prominent in the Mist Village, were equally battle-hardened. Their bone-based bloodline limit, created havoc amidst the battle between the Mist and Grass Ninjas.

However, the Three Swordsmen recognized the dire situation. Continuing like this would result in substantial casualties for the Mist Ninjas. Even though the Third Mizukage appeared to have the Grass Ninja leader at a standstill, his earlier order to retreat was a clear indication of his lack of confidence in swiftly defeating the Grass Ninja leader.

The Three Swordsmen understood that the Grass Village leader's primary objective was the Third Mizukage. His intention was to weaken the Mist Village by removing its leader at such a critical time, placing them at a significant disadvantage. Understanding this, the three swordsmen felt a sense of urgency.

"Retreat! Everyone, fall back!" Fuguki, still serving as their commander, shouted loudly and without hesitation. "Everyone, fall back!"

However, despite his orders, the frenzied Kaguya clan members paid no heed. One of them even taunted, "Hahaha~ Fuguki Suikazan? The Three Swordsmen? You're nothing but a bunch of cowards willing to abandon your comrades!"

He called on another Kaguya clan member, "Tsubaki, let's go!"

But before the Kaguya clan member could unleash his blood limit, the massive dragon engulfed him in a single bite.

"You lunatics!" Fuguki ground his teeth and his face darkened as he witnessed the horrifying scene. "Ignore them, everyone else, retreat!"

This war had already grown far more complicated than a simple battle. They had received incorrect intelligence about the Grass Ninja Village, and Akihiko's strength had exceeded their expectations. Furthermore, the Grass Village had a bloodline clan similar to the Uchiha, capable of using dojutsu techniques resembling the Chinoike Clan's abilities.

However, one thing Fuguki couldn't comprehend was why the Chinoike Clan, who had been exiled to the Valley of Hell, was now allied with the Grass Village. This crucial information needed to be conveyed, he thought to himself.

With his decision made, Fuguki dashed away without a second thought, leaving his teammates behind. In contrast, the remaining members of the Seven Swordsmen, Jūzō and Raiga, hesitated. They were consumed by confusion, torn between the memory of their previous retreat after abandoning comrades and the current situation which seemed eerily reminiscent of that day.

Suddenly, they heard another resounding order to retreat: "Lead everyone to retreat!"

Upon hearing the Third Mizukage's firm command once again, Raiga and Jūzō snapped back to reality. They looked upon the grim aftermath of the Mist Ninja and barked, "Retreat!"

…

Meanwhile, Akihiko also observed the Third Mizukage in amazement. As a village leader, he couldn't help but exclaim internally, acknowledging the Kage's formidable abilities. The Third Mizukage's Water Style was indeed impressive, comparable even against the likes of Hanzo's Water Style. Hanzo was renowned as a demigod in the ninja world, not only for his mastery of poison techniques and but also for his exceptional Water Style techniques.

Opposite to him, Third Mizukage was also impressed not just by the Akihiko's Water Style but also by his proficiency in Five elemental chakra natures. If it weren't for Akihiko's occasional use of Paper Style ninjutsu, he might have believed he was facing the Third Hokage himself. The Third Hokage had earned his reputation as the strongest Hokage thanks to his proficiency in all five elemental chakra natures and the creation of many powerful jutsu.

However, Akihiko's mastery extended beyond elemental techniques. His expertise in instantaneous techniques combined with Paper Style made it nearly impossible for the Third Mizukage to predict his movements. The scattered paper he used could be reassembled anywhere, leaving the Mizukage unable to anticipate his next move.

Moreover, the one perplexing aspect for the Third Mizukage was the resilience of the paper to water. He was growing frustrated as he struggled to identify any weaknesses in this Grass Ninja leader.

The longer they clashed, the more astonishing the Third Mizukage found Akihiko's abilities to be. He came to the realization that after the Rain Village had produced a demigod in the ninja world, the Grass Village had now given birth to a truly terrifying powerhouse, someone even more formidable than a demigod and significantly younger.

Despite their intense battle, the Third Mizukage, with a serious expression, noticed the Mist Ninja retreating. Most of them had already pulled back, following Fuguki's lead, except for the Kaguya clan members who had gone into a frenzy. Concerned about the consequences of continuing the battle, he called out, "Do we really need to keep fighting here? Keep in mind, this isn't the Land of Grass or the Land of Water!"

Akihiko nodded in acknowledgment. "Don't Worry, I Know. Otherwise, why would I have lured you out here to ambush you if not for a well-prepared strategy?" He then cast a glance at the retreating Mist Ninja and added, "Do you truly believe they can escape? Some of our forces have set traps ahead."

Just as he mentioned the traps, the Third Mizukage seemed to realize something. His face suddenly shifted, and sensing that Akihiko had halted his pursuit while the Mist Ninja continued to flee, he yelled desperately, "Run! Run quickly!"

But it was already too late. "Boom! BOOM!" A deafening series of explosions echoed, even more destructive than the detonation of the massive dragon.

The Third Mizukage was momentarily stunned, his face a mix of anger and bewilderment as he questioned Akihiko, "Why were there so many explosive tags there?"

He had personally investigated the area and confirmed the absence of explosive tags. Even if they were present, such a vast number of explosive tags would have been impossible to overlook. As soon as he voiced his question, he realized it was a futile inquiry.

The Third Mizukage's closed eyes seemed to emit an enigmatic glow as he met Akihiko's gaze. "It appears we have all underestimated you, Akihiko Kusano," the Mizukage remarked. 

This time, he didn't address him as the leader of the Grass Village but recognized him as a powerful figure akin to a demigod. Moreover, his use of "we" implied that he was speaking on behalf of the Kage of the Five Great Ninja Villages.

With a resolute expression, the Mizukage rapidly formed hand seals, and a fearsome aura enveloped his entire being. He declared, his eyes fixed on Akihiko, "Even if it costs me my life, I will defeat you here!"

Akihiko responded with a calm yet mocking tone, "You're overestimating Yourself, Mizukage"

He dismissed the Third Mizukage's resolve and continued, "Moreover, It's time to bring this to an end. You dared to extort money from us, Grass Ninjas? Don't you know that our Minister of Finance in the Grass Ninja Village is furious right now?" He raised his hand slightly as he said, "Paper Style: Rain of Blades!"

As he spoke, the Third Mizukage's expression changed once again as he observed his surroundings and realized his situation.

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