Mercy

*BOOM*

The ground shook as an ice boulder descended from the sky and nearly crushed Pakura. The battle continued fiercely with both of them showing no signs of fatigue from immense chakra usage.

"Scorch Release, Raging Twin Dragon Tornado!"

"Blizzard!"

The cold wind filled with small pieces of ice countered the flaming tornado coming her way.

"Scorch Release, Searing Prison!"

A prison of scorching fire surrounded Rize. She quickly raised a barrier of ice around herself and created a path for her to escape the prison from. She had everything under control, with these eyes of hers, she could see anything.

Pakura was frustrated, nothing was working against Rize. Although the same could be said for Rize, Pakura's chakra release seemed like the perfect counter for her.

If it was anyone else, the enemy would've been dead already. Pakura's abilities were no joke, there was a reason she was a famed kunoichi of Sunagakure. She excelled in all aspects. Kenjutsu, Ninjutus, Taijutsu, she could do it all.

But against Rize, everything she learned seemed to be useless. What was worse was those eyes that Rize possessed, she could tell Rize was reading her every move. Moreover, she didn't seem strained from using her clan's eyes for so long.

"These damn Uchihas are too troublesome to deal with." Pakura said as she formed a wall of scorching fire.

Pakura was about to perform another jutsu when Rize suddenly dashed through the scorching hot fire wall. She could see the visible burns on Rize's arm but no pain showed in her eyes, only excitement.

"You crazy girl!"

Rize brought her palm up, sharp icicles started to burst up from the ground forcing Pakura to dodge them. However, she couldn't keep up with the speed the icicles were coming at her.

As a result, Pakura suffered a deep gash near her elbow. She hissed in flame before throwing fire onto the ground to help herself onto the branch of a tree.

"It's not over yet, Pakura."

"What?"

Pakura watched as Rize started pulling a rope, however, there was no rope. She was just in the motion of pulling something. That's when she felt it, her instincts screamed of danger, and she moved away as quickly as possible.

*SHING*

Pakura turned around and widened her eyes, a huge arrow had pierced through the tree, and completely destroyed it. If she was struck by that, Pakura's body would've been gone.

"You dodged that, your senses really are amazing."

"Scorch Release, Scorching Rain!"

Hundreds of fireballs appeared above Rize, her eyes glistening at the sight before glancing at Pakura.

"You were hiding this the entire time?"

"Die!"

Rize immediately formed different layers of ice around herself. The scorching fireballs pierced through the first layer, but as the layers were breaking, the ones that were deeper were more sturdy.

Pakura found this chance to imprison Rize.

"Scorch Release, Searing Prison!"

"Too bad, I already saw it all."

Pakura turned around quickly and widened her eyes. Before she could react, she felt a foot on her stomach, and she was kicked away.

"Umph!" Pakura clutched her stomach in pain and she spat out blood. "How did you escape?"

"You were too focused on one thing that you weren't able to see what was happening around you. Remember, there are always spots where the naked eye cannot see." Rize said as she towered over Pakura. "Now then, what should I do with you?"

"If you're going to kill me, then hurry up, and do it." Pakura said.

Rize smiled at Pakura and kneeled down to face Pakura.

"I won't kill you. Instead, I'll let you go. I want you to return to your village and tell whoever the leader of your village is about me. They should fear me." Rize said.

No matter what, Pakura couldn't read the intentions of Rize. One moment she was doing everything to kill her, but when she finally had the chance, she decided to spare her, and let her go.

"What do you want?" Pakura spat.

"Hmm, a favor I guess. Since I let you go, naturally you owe me for sparing your life, right?" Rize said with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"So that was what you were aiming for…that means you're confident we'll meet again." Pakura said.

"Of course." Rize replied as she stood up. "Our villages are enemies of each other. Battles between each other are inevitable. So if I'm ever about to die, you better save me."

"No promises." Pakura said.

Rize shrugged, "It's your choice, if I find out you won't hold up to your words. I'll personally come over to your village and massacre civilians in their sleep."

The words of Rize struck Pakura as she immediately dashed forward and pressed the kunai against Rize's neck. However, the latter didn't flinch at all.

"Do that and you're dead."

"I won't have to do it if you keep your promise."

Rize backed up and walked away from Pakura who was still clutching her stomach in pain. She had admiration for her, to be able to move that quick despite suffering a heavy blow, it was applaudable.

But she had gotten what she came for, the sun had already set, and the night sky was starting to take over. She had forgotten how pretty the stars were, they shone with sparkles as if they were guiding her back home.

Rize chuckled, "I know the way."

Rize glanced over her injuries, although she said she was going to come back without a scratch, it seemed that wasn't going to be the case. There were several cuts all over her arm and burn marks that were worse than she thought.

She remembered the look of surprise when she jumped through the fire. It was quite funny seeing Pakura flabbergasted at such an action. But when adrenaline was running throughout your body, not even the heaviest injuries could be felt.

After all, adrenaline was one of the most powerful drugs.

Rize picked up the case and took a glance inside it. They were filled with contents of military warfare tactics that piqued her interest. There were numerous books contained with strategies that she recognized.

She placed everything back inside the case and started walking back home.

"What a day."