Chapter 55 : Another Duel

As Mist Shinobi arrived, the Raikage, who had been assisting the Third Mizukage with his injuries, stepped away. 

Several medical staff from the Mist Shinobi rushed forward to re-bandage the Mizukage's wounds. Their skills were much more refined than the Raikage's rough hands.

Meanwhile, cheers erupted from the Uzumaki clan.

"Kazuhiko-sama, you've won!"

"We did it!"

"Kazuhiko-sama is incredibly powerful!"

The expressions of the Mist Shinobi darkened as they observed the jubilant Uzumaki clan. They gazed at the whirlpool symbol not far away, particularly at the young man surrounded by the crowd.

"At his age, he's already at Kage-level..."

Among them, an assistant elder wore a gloomy expression as he looked resentfully at Kazuhiko. 

He couldn't help but feel anger and despair, knowing that his own grandson had yet to return from the  Land of Whirlpools after losing this battle.

However, he refused to reflect on his own actions, such as suggesting the invasion of the  Land of Whirlpools during the meeting. 

If not for that, his grandson wouldn't have gone to the  Land of Whirlpools, and his fate would be known. 

Moreover, he had been overly confident that Kazuhiko would undoubtedly lose this duel, believing there were no Kage-level powerhouses in the  Land of Whirlpools. His current anger and suffering were entirely self-inflicted.

But instead of accepting responsibility, he placed the blame on others and never acknowledged his own mistakes, firmly believing that it was the fault of the  Land of Whirlpools.

Mizukage's incompetence was the root cause, he thought. "Hmph, the  Land of Whirlpools, the Uzumaki clan, Kazuhiko, I won't just let this go!"

He cast a bitter glance at the celebrating Uzumaki clan members and waved his hand. "Let's go!"

With that, they departed from the forest, carrying the injured and unconscious Third Mizukage.

Kazuhiko glanced at the departing Mist Shinobi, noticing their last malicious glares. He paid them no mind; these people were mere puppets as long as they were powerful enough. They would forever lurk in the shadows and never dare to show their faces.

On the side, the Third Raikage watched as Kazuhiko was surrounded by the excited Uzumaki clan members. After some thought, he stepped forward.

"Kazuhiko, watching your intense battle with Mizukage has left me itching for a fight! How about a sparring match?"

The Third Raikage straightforwardly made his request.

The Uzumaki clan members who had been cheering were left stunned, staring blankly at the Third Raikage and Kazuhiko.

"This..."

Only Kazuhiko was momentarily taken aback, but he quickly responded, "Of course! Since the previous battle with Mizukage depleted both of our chakras, and I'm not one to back down from a challenge, let's have a friendly bout..."

With that, the Raikage interrupted and looked at everyone present.

The people from the  Land of Whirlpools finally snapped back to reality. Although their expressions improved upon hearing the word "friendly," they were still hesitant.

Why was the Raikage challenging Kazuhiko right after his battle with Mizukage?

The Cloud Shinobi, however, seemed to have anticipated the Raikage's intentions, and their expressions confirmed it.

Kazuhiko anticipated what was coming next. Before he could nod, the Third Raikage continued, his voice filled with determination:

"You and Mizukage placed big bets earlier. It wouldn't be right for me to leave empty-handed now. If you accept this challenge, regardless of the outcome, I'll give you a thousand of cattles and 50 barrels of sake from the Land of Thunder. How does that sound?"

Kazuhiko's eyes gleamed with excitement. The Raikage was offering them something!

The Uzumaki clan members were left in shock. They hadn't expected the Raikage to be so generous.

Kazuhiko wouldn't pass up such an offer. He also understood why the Raikage was being so generous – it was an opportunity to provide the Land of the Whirlpools with the Thunder Land's specialty products, beef and sake, almost for free.

"Alright! Since Raikage is so eager to spar, I can't decline such a gracious offer."

Kazuhiko's response was quick, and he slowly stepped out of the clan area.

The Uzumaki clan and Cloud Shinobi retreated, creating a large open space, all eyes fixated on the two combatants.

The Raikage turned to the spectators. "We're almost ready!"

With that, the Third Raikage became serious, his tiger-like eyes locked onto Kazuhiko.

"Even though this is just a friendly match, it won't be easy. You'll have to give it your all, or else you'll end up like Mizukage – seriously injured."

The Third Raikage was confident in his strength, often referred to as "the strongest spear" and "the strongest shield."

"Let's use four fingers!"

Suddenly, a surge of blue chakra concentrated on the four fingers of the Raikage's right hand. He enveloped himself in chakra, showcasing his exceptional control.

"Kazuhiko, do your best! I won't hold back!"

With those words, the Raikage charged forward.

Kazuhiko couldn't afford to be careless, knowing the immense power of the Third Raikage. 

"My Armament Haki, it's time to shine! Let's see how you handle this! Harden!"

In an instant, an invisible film enveloped Kazuhiko's body, making him as tough as steel. Even when faced with the charging Third Raikage, he was confident in his ability to hold his ground.

As the Third Raikage approached, Kazuhiko let go of all other thoughts and struck back.

"Allow me to show you the true power of 'the strongest spear' and 'the strongest shield'!"

"Four Fingers Unleashed!"

"Flash Kick!"

*BOOM!*

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