Chapter 28 : Battle Begins

Gazing at Kazuhiko, who stood there, a mischievous expression danced across his face, reminiscent of how they'd dispatched enemies before. However, this time the tides of fortune shifted, and now they found themselves becoming the targets of mockery.

They recognized that they had stumbled upon an unexpectedly formidable ninja this time.

In the current moment, the captain of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, Jūzō Biwa, was frantically racing through his thoughts.

"Who is he? At such a young age, possessing such fearsome strength—an unfamiliar name to me!"

"Isn't the Uzumaki clan supposed to be in decline? How could there still be individuals of such staggering power? Aren't the clan's powerhouses just a few old men?"

"Such uncanny perception, formidable might, and explosive force!"

Jūzō Biwa exchanged glances with his teammates, uncertainty filling their eyes.

Finally, someone couldn't restrain their curiosity any longer and asked, "Who are you?!"

The one who posed the question was Suien Enoki, a master of subtle tactics. In this moment, he shed his past arrogance and observed Kazuhiko intently, his brow furrowed.

It was evident that he was deeply impressed by the kick that Kazuhiko had executed.

"As for me... well, it's impolite, especially since you haven't answered my question. But I'll indulge you."

Kazuhiko sensed that his manner might have been influenced by the Kizaru character template, and thus his speech carried a hint of sarcasm.

He brushed away the dust that had settled on his pristine white windbreaker.

"I—listen well! I am the current clan heir of the Uzumaki clan! The sole heir to the Daimyo of the Land of Whirlpools!"

"The Uzumaki clan's chosen successor! The saviour of the Land of Whirlpools!"

"I go by the name Uzumaki Kazuhiko!"

Having spoken, Kazuhiko regarded the six apprehensive individuals before him with a smile.

"How bold, perhaps it's because I've been influenced by the Kizaru template," he mused, swiftly finding a plausible explanation for his flamboyant introduction.

"Kazuhiko..."

The six individuals overlooked the title Uzumaki in his introduction, sharing a silent exchange before shaking their heads in unison.

"This name isn't familiar to us."

"Alright, then."

Kazuhiko remained unfazed; after all, he had been an unknown until recently.

"Alright, let's wrap up this chat! You'll become quite acquainted with my name in the days to come!"

Kazuhiko clapped his hands together, tilting his head as he regarded the six.

"So confident, indeed—probably the Kizaru template's influence!"

Kazuhiko promptly attributed his audacious demeanor to his Kizaru-inspired disposition.

"Now, there are only two options for you six: either I dispatch all of you right here, or the six of you attempt to defeat me!"

Upon hearing this ultimatum, the six were instantly incensed. Ever since they had become the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, when had anyone spoken to them in such a manner?

Ordinarily, even the Mizukage treated them with respect!

"Young man, while you possess strength, your arrogance is excessive!"

Knowing that a confrontation was imminent, Jūzō Biwa gestured swiftly, no longer hesitating.

"Attack him!"

"Swiftly, no holding back!"

In a flash, the six charged forward in succession.

"Mist Shinobi Art!"

In the blink of an eye, the arena was cloaked in mist, courtesy of Jūzō Biwa's signature technique.

With his beheading sword in hand, Jūzō Biwa leapt, vanishing from sight momentarily.

Jinpachi Munashi and Raiga Kurosuki positioned themselves at the front, aiming to engage Kazuhiko's attention.

"Water Style: Water Dragon Bomb Jutsu!"

"Water Style: Water Dragon Bomb Jutsu!"

Two surging water dragons hurtled directly toward Kazuhiko.

Along the path of their charge, debris and rotting wood were swept away like drifting weeds, obliterated by their sheer force.

Jinpachi Munashi, armed with explosive tags and a detonating kunai, produced a scroll from behind Kazuhiko, attempting to thwart his escape route.

Suien Enoki gripped his sword with both hands, eyes unwavering, and unleashed a dual-bladed strike from Kazuhiko's left.

Raiga Kurosuki, thunder knives in hand, stood to Kazuhiko's right, the blades crackling with electricity that intermittently danced across them.

All eyes were on the two water dragons barreling toward Kazuhiko.

"Lightning Sword Technique: Thunder Gate!"

Raiga Kurosuki prepared both Lightning and Water Style techniques for instant release.

"Boom!"

Accompanied by thunderous roars, several lightning bolts in the shape of trees descended from the heavens, converging on Kazuhiko's location.

Indeed, they were a seasoned team, their cooperation seamless and precise.

They swiftly sealed all possible escape routes for Kazuhiko, while also providing overlapping attacks from various directions.

As the assaults raged from every side, Kazuhiko's lips curled into a dismissive smile.

"Eight Trigrams Mirror (Yata no Kagami)!"

"Boom!" "Roar!" "Boom!!" "Boom!!!"

"Sizzle—Thorn!"

Water Dragon Bombs whistled and roared as they advanced, thunderous knives from Jinpachi Munashi and Raiga Kurosuki fell from the skies, joined by the resounding booms of explosive kunai from the rear.

Finally, at the foot of the mountain, the water dragons collided, generating an explosion of water, thunder, and fire.

Instantly, a massive expanse of water vapour and steam engulfed the area, creating a spectacle resembling an abstract painting.

"Did we hit him!?"

With lingering uncertainty, all eyes were fixed on Kazuhiko's original position.

The fog and steam obstructed their view, obscuring the scene unfolding at the heart of the arena!

"He must be done for! Given the intensity of our attacks, no one could evade that...!"

Suien Enoki proclaimed confidently.

"Indeed?"

"Raiton! Biu!"

Before they could complete their words, an eerie sense of impending danger surged from behind, and they barely had time to react.

Suddenly, the duo situated behind Jinpachi Munashi and Raiga Kurosuki were bathed in a golden radiance!