Chapter 80: A Stunning Golden Harvest! Terumi Mei: Has He Fallen for Me?
Why are you bowing like that!?
Everyone was waiting for you to showcase the power of the Hidden Mist, and here you are bowing to the Anbu of Konoha instead?
What's with this private duel nonsense!?
At that moment, countless Hidden Mist ninjas felt their eyes widen in shock.
This situation was all wrong, esteemed Mizukage!
The strange gazes from his subordinates did not go unnoticed by the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura.
Yet, despite realizing it, he could only concede.
When the sky lit up with the lightning beast, he understood he was likely going to lose.
The intel he received stated that even the fully-tailed beast form of Killer Bee couldn't withstand this move!
If he took a direct hit from that lightning, it could very well mean instant death for him!
Life!
Wasn't it more important than the face?
Boom!
With one final thunderclap, the terrifying lightning spread across the sky, only to vanish as if it had never existed.
[You have collected 1,000 chakra points]
[You have collected 1,000 chakra points]
[You have collected 2,000 tailed beast power]
[You have collected 3,000 tailed beast power]
[You have collected 200 points of tailed beast orb experience]
[You have collected 300 points of tailed beast orb experience]
[Your tailed beast orb has leveled up, current level: lv3 (0/1000)]
[You have obtained the Bloodline Limit: Lava Release]
[You have obtained the Bloodline Limit: Shikotsumyaku (Corpse Bone Pulse)]
[You have collected 300 points of Shikotsumyaku talent]
[Your Shikotsumyaku has leveled up…]
[Your Shikotsumyaku has leveled up…]
[You have learned the ninjutsu: Shikotsumyaku - Eightfold Dance of the Fern]
[You have learned the ninjutsu: Shikotsumyaku - Early Fern Dance]
...
The golden light scattered across the battlefield, rapidly converging into Kazuya's body before he even had a chance to collect it.
A massive haul!
A tremendous explosion!
This rebellion from the Kaguya clan directly allowed Kazuya to collect nearly 100,000 chakra points and a full 30,000 points of tailed beast power!
Now, Kazuya's chakra and tailed beast power stood at:
[Tailed Beast Power: lv4 (47,000/100,000)]
[Chakra: lv5 (277,900/1,000,000)]
...
47,000 points of tailed beast power!
277,900 chakra points!
At this moment, Kazuya's chakra had reached a level that put him firmly among the elite of the super-shadow rank!
Perhaps, his chakra was gradually evolving into something even greater!
This is terrifying!
Moreover, after obtaining the Sharingan, Byakugan, and Wood Release, Kazuya now possessed two brand-new Bloodline Limits.
Shikotsumyaku!
Lava Release!
Both were highly practical Bloodline Limits!
While their upper limits might not be as high as he imagined, they would significantly enhance his combat prowess and diversify his strategies!
A tremendous boost in power!
Wow!
Thanks to the Kaguya clan for their sacrifices!
Offering the lives of hundreds of their clan members to provide more and better-quality chakra points, this self-sacrificial attitude is truly the Hidden Mist's version of the Will of Fire!
Burning themselves to light the path for others!
The ninjas of the Kaguya clan are saints!
Incredible!
They'll surely go to heaven after death!
Feeling the overwhelming power surging within him, Kazuya's heart raced, but his expression remained calm.
He stepped forward slowly, an expression of admiration on his face, and said, "Truly, you are the Mizukage of the Hidden Mist! Before coming here, Lord Hokage mentioned that the Fourth Mizukage of the Hidden Mist is a leader with great compassion and vision."
"I was initially skeptical, but after seeing it for myself today, I realize it's true!"
The Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, was taken aback by this unexpected flattery.
"Oh…"
Kazuya sighed and continued, "Everything is for the village, Mizukage! You don't need to apologize to me; I should be thanking you."
"If you hadn't called for a stop earlier, the lightning strike might have brought calamity upon us all. The consequences would have been unimaginable."
"Mizukage, you've shown me what true leadership is—putting the safety of the village and its people above everything else!"
Am I really that great?
Yagura shook off his confusion, quickly stepped forward, and firmly grasped Kazuya's right hand, exclaiming, "Everything is for the village! You understand me, Captain Kazuya!"
I understand you all too well!
In just a few years, you'll be a goner, short-lived one!
Kazuya suppressed his inner thoughts, maintaining a serious expression as he replied, "Yes, today I witnessed your responsibility, Mizukage! I can see a future where the friendship between Konoha and the Hidden Mist endures!"
"You are right! A friendship that lasts forever! Kazuya-kun, let's skip the formalities; you're just a few years younger than me. Just call me Yagura-senpai!"
"Sure, Yagura-senpai."
"Kazuya-kun!"
"For the sake of friendship!"
"Exactly, for the sake of friendship!"
Tears welled up in Yagura's eyes.
At that moment, the Hidden Mist ninjas finally realized that their Mizukage's earlier concession was motivated by his desire to protect the village and them!
Of course!
As a perfect jinchūriki, how could Mizukage possibly be unable to withstand a lightning attack?
He was doing it all for the village!
If that terrifying lightning had struck, it's likely that apart from Mizukage, no one else would have survived!
Oh no!
How could we have misunderstood Mizukage?
What a shame!
We misjudged him!
Feeling embarrassed, even the intelligence chief, Kisame Hoshigaki, lowered his head.
Amid the gathering, a heartfelt atmosphere of genuine emotions began to spread.
Beside them, Itachi Uchiha also felt deeply moved.
His body wrapped in bandages, he looked up at Kazuya with a face full of admiration and respect.
Indeed!
Whose sacrifice isn't for the village?
Perhaps…
No!
In this world, only Kazuya-dono is truly worthy of saying such words!!!
At this moment, Kazuya observed everything with a calm demeanor.
Hmm…
This Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, seems a bit dull-witted. Just a few flattering words, and he believes them wholeheartedly.
And he's acting like it's all for the village…
What a shameless claim!
If it weren't for wanting to level up a bit more, I would have taken you out with one lightning strike!
However…
This not-so-bright Fourth Mizukage is surprisingly easy to manipulate.
I'm sure I can brush up on some more good things from him without any issues!
...
In the following days, the Hidden Mist village busily mobilized its forces to eradicate the Kaguya clan.
Nearly a thousand members of the Kaguya clan, both ninjas and civilians, were all executed and displayed as a warning to others.
For quite some time now, the air in Kirigakure was filled with the scent of blood.
Moreover, the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, had seemingly taken Kazuya's words to heart.
While he ruthlessly dealt with the remnants of the rogue ninjas, he also arranged for the Jonin, Terumi Mei, and Ao, to ensure the safety of the three individuals involved.
In his spare moments, Yagura would deliberately come to discuss the profound truths of life with Kazuya.
Of course, Kazuya wasn't particularly interested in this.
He casually made up some excuse and took Yagura out to the sea beyond Kirigakure.
Why?
To absorb the power of the tailed beasts, of course!
The previous remarks, which had been dismissed as nonsense, had had an effect.
Feeling somewhat indebted, Yagura was eager to oblige.
The two would often engage in friendly sparring sessions.
After all, Yagura viewed Kazuya as a kindred spirit—someone who shared his desire for peace and had the makings of a great ninja!
Moreover, Kazuya had saved him from a tight spot during a critical moment!
A small favor should be repaid with great kindness!
Thus, Yagura put in great effort during their sparring sessions.
He showcased various techniques, including Coral Palm, Tailed Beast Bomb, and Water Release ninjutsu, using nearly every skill in his arsenal.
After a few days, Kazuya managed to absorb over 50,000 points of tailed beast power from Yagura, allowing him to upgrade his tailed beast power!
Now, his tailed beast power stood at Tailed Beast Power: LV5 (0/1,000,000)
He had reached LV5!
This was roughly equivalent to the level of a Super Shadow in terms of chakra!
Moreover, Kazuya's tailed beast power was particularly formidable.
Unlike regular jinchuriki, he could maintain his tailed beast form indefinitely!
That kind of combat strength was terrifyingly powerful!
"Not bad…" Kazuya nodded in satisfaction.
The quality of the energy he absorbed from Yagura was quite high; however, it was a pity that this Mizukage had such a lackluster bloodline limit.
It was somewhat disappointing.
It's worth noting that during this time, Kazuya's relationship with Terumi Mei had seen remarkable improvement.
At the very least, their relationship had evolved from adversaries to fairly good friends.
To be honest, Kazuya felt a bit sympathetic toward Terumi Mei; the male ninjas in Kirigakure all looked rather bizarre.
Not to mention Sasuke and Kakashi; even the likes of Moonlight Gale and Shimura Danzo could contend for the title of the village's most handsome.
It was just that absurd!
Kazuya sighed.
Being born in Kirigakure was indeed a hardship for someone as aesthetically inclined as Terumi Mei!
Meanwhile…
As Terumi Mei gazed at Kazuya's handsome face, her thoughts drifted elsewhere.
He had spared her in the Land of Fire and had now saved her life again.
Despite being adversaries, he treated her so well.
Kazuya…
This handsome man was perhaps moved and wanting to fall in love with her!?