**The Five Mountains Valley**, once a majestic sanctuary in the ninja world, had transformed into an infernal battleground. The five mountains, which once represented serenity and grandeur, now stood as silent witnesses to the destruction unfolding at their base. The battle between the Second Mizukage and the Second Tsuchikage was one of the most ruthless and bloody since the founding of the villages.
**The Second Mizukage**, Gengetsu Hōzuki, advanced onto the battlefield surrounded by his elite team: ten jōnin specializing in water techniques and genjutsu, and twenty loyal Ambu from his squad. His presence on the battlefield was imposing, his cloak billowing in the breeze as his chakra emanated an aura of danger and skill. Beside him, Hisame Hoshigaki, a rising prodigy, watched with determination.
**The Second Tsuchikage**, with his team of fifteen jōnin and twenty-five Ambu experts in earth techniques and explosive techniques, was also prepared for the clash. Among them stood Ōnoki, a revered ninja known for his dust release and particle techniques. The air was thick with palpable tension, each of the leaders wrapped in their traditional Kage garments, symbols of their power and authority.
The battle erupted with brutal intensity. The **Second Mizukage** unleashed his fearsome "Jutsu: Demon Mirror Vapors," creating a thick mist that shrouded the battlefield in a veil of confusion. Visibility was reduced to almost nothing, and the enemies of the Mist Village were trapped in a labyrinth of shadows and deceptions. The **Second Tsuchikage** responded with his devastating "Jutsu: Jiton: Ishiki Yoton: Jidanda," a colossal stone mace that rose as a towering threat, ready to crush his opponent.
The confrontation became a deadly dance of skills and strategies. Ninjas from both sides leaped into combat, their jutsus creating explosions of earth and water that turned the valley into a field of ruins. Craters and debris scattered across the terrain as combatants unleashed lethal techniques with inhuman ferocity.
The **Second Mizukage** used his mastery of genjutsu to sow chaos among the ranks of Iwagakure. The illusions confused his adversaries, causing them to attack each other while he, hidden in the mist, launched water blades and sharp stakes. However, the **Second Tsuchikage** did not lag behind, using his dust release to create devastating explosions that tore through the terrain and shattered the Mizukage's defenses.
The battle intensified as both leaders fought with relentless fervor. Shinobi on both sides fought valiantly, but time and exhaustion began to take their toll. The **Second Mizukage** started to show signs of weakness, his energy waning under the relentless assault of the **Second Tsuchikage**.
At a critical moment, the **Second Tsuchikage** delivered a devastating blow that left the Mizukage gravely wounded. "It seems your defeat is inevitable, Gengetsu Hōzuki," declared the Tsuchikage firmly. "We will finally end your existence."
Gengetsu Hōzuki, despite his critical state, rose with unbreakable determination. His injured and bleeding body did not bend his spirit. "Do not underestimate my will to fight. Even though I am wounded, I will not surrender to you," he said with a defiant smile.
But before the Tsuchikage could deliver the final blow, a hooded figure emerged from the shadows. With lethal speed, the figure pierced the Second Tsuchikage's chest with a sharp sword. "How…?" the Tsuchikage stammered before being lifted from behind and split in two, his parts scattering several meters away.
The surprise was palpable. The figure, clad in black robes and holding a bloodied sword, dropped the lifeless body of the Tsuchikage. "I cannot allow you to die, Gengetsu Hōzuki," said the figure with a cold voice. "You are needed for my plans."
"What the hell did you do?" shouted Ōnoki, charging at the intruder only to be intercepted and knocked down with brutal force. The hooded figure, Katahara, remained calm as he observed the confusion he had sown.
"Kuza, Dabi, take care of the Iwagakure shinobi," ordered Katahara. Kuzan, with his mastery over ice, and Dabi, with black flames erupting from his hands, began to execute the orders with lethal efficiency.
Dabi nodded with a sinister smile. "It will be a pleasure, my lord."
Katahara turned his attention back to Gengetsu Hōzuki, his gaze calm and steady. "I am Metsudo Katahara, leader of the Metsudo clan. My intervention is not mere chance, but part of a larger plan."
Gengetsu looked at Dabi with astonishment and caution. "You have a real demon under your command, Katahara. But that does not answer my question. What benefit do you gain by saving me?"
"You don't even need to know," Katahara replied coldly, unleashing a powerful murderous intent that paralyzed all the Kirigakure shinobi. "Now, let's see how you handle this."
The air suddenly froze as Kuzan unleashed his ability to manipulate ice. With a single movement, he froze everything around him, including the Kirigakure shinobi, who were trapped in imposing blocks of ice.
"So why don't you look me in the eyes, Gengetsu Hōzuki?" said Katahara, activating Tsukuyomi. The powerful illusion plunged Gengetsu into an endless mental torment, a torture that seemed to last years in the imaginary world.
Kuzan and Dabi took care of the remaining shinobi while Katahara continued his work. "I suppose you put him under your control," Kuzan remarked.
"Yes, and I will also alter some memories, not just his but everyone's," said Katahara, pointing at the Kirigakure shinobi.
After a few minutes, Hisame Hoshigaki was released from Tsukuyomi. Katahara, with a satisfied smile, turned to Gengetsu. "Now that everything is settled, let's head to Kirigakure. Gengetsu, guide us."
Although the Mizukage was visibly affected by the tortures, he nodded with difficulty and stood up. "As you wish, my lord."
Katahara looked at Dabi. "Go find Momo and his guards, and join us on the way."
Dabi disappeared in a blink, his speed barely perceptible. The war had left its mark on the valley, and the fate of the leaders and their villages was intertwined in a complex game of power and betrayal.
5 Stones of Power: A Free Chapter"