At this moment, Juzo Biwa had a clever idea. He activated the Kirigakure no Jutsu (Hiding in Mist Technique), enveloping the area in a dense fog, hoping to block Kaito's sight and make an escape. The mist quickly spread, covering hundreds of meters. Supporting Itachi, Juzo fled deeper into the forest.
"This won't be enough to stop me," Kaito muttered in disappointment, shaking his head.
Even while bound by his promise to use only kenjutsu (sword techniques), the fog posed no obstacle for Kaito. With Sennin Mōdo (Sage Mode), he could perceive everything within dozens of kilometres. His Kanseijutsu (Sensory Techniques) also allowed him to detect hostility, making Itachi and Juzo's intent futile.
Kaito raised his sword, the blade glowing with a sharp blue Fūton Chakra (Wind Release Chakra). With a single swing, he sent an arc of energy slicing through the fog.
"His honour binds him to his promise, so he won't use ninjutsu to disperse the fog," Juzo said, trying to convince himself. "We might escape!"
"Don't be so sure," Itachi warned. "Kaito's abilities surpass ordinary understanding. The fog may not hinder him."
Before Juzo could respond, a faint kirikiri (cutting sound) reached them. Acting on instinct, the two leaped apart. A blue arc of sword energy slashed between them.
Thanks to his reactivated Mangekyō Sharingan, Itachi narrowly dodged.
"Too close!" Itachi thought, relieved.
Juzo wasn't as fortunate. The sword energy severed his right arm, causing him to stagger and cry out in pain.
"Itachi! Leave me and run!" Juzo shouted. "I'm slowing you down!"
"But—"
"No buts! Go, report back to the Akatsuki!" Juzo barked, shoving Itachi away. "Fight for our cause!"
Reluctantly, Itachi fled, vowing, "I'll avenge you!"
Juzo leaned against a tree, reflecting on his life.
He remembered the early days in Kirigakure, where he had trained rigorously under the watchful eyes of his mentors. The village was known for its brutal training regimens, and Juzo had fought tooth and nail to survive and rise through the ranks. He recalled the many missions he undertook, the battles that forged his strength, and the camaraderie he shared with his fellow shinobi.
One memory stood out: the day he met Itachi Uchiha. Juzo had been wary of the young prodigy at first, but they had formed a bond of mutual respect over time. He admired Itachi's prowess and determination; together, they had accomplished impossible missions. They had laughed, fought, and bled together, forging a connection beyond mere comradeship.
"Old friends, we escaped together once, but now I'll join you."
The sound of approaching footsteps grew louder. Kaito emerged from the mist.
"You didn't have to die," Kaito said solemnly.
With a faint smile, Juzo murmured, "If you're Mizukage now, bring peace to this cursed land."
"I will," Kaito said, ending Juzo's life with a clean stroke of his blade.
***
Itachi dashed through the thinning fog, the cliff edge ahead promising escape. But his hope faded as he saw a lone figure waiting for him.
"Did you really think you could flee?" Kaito asked, turning to face him.
"Always worth trying," Itachi replied, drawing kunai and shuriken.
"Let's finish this," Kaito said, unsheathing his sword.
Their clash was ferocious. Steel met steel as sparks lit the air. Itachi fought valiantly but was quickly outmatched. Exhausted and injured, he resorted to Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu (Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique).
Kaito countered with Suiton: Suijinheki (Water Style: Water Wall), extinguishing the fire effortlessly. Their elemental clash left the surroundings in ruins.
As Kaito approached, Itachi's voice rang out: "It's not over yet!"
In a burst of chakra, a massive crimson skeletal figure formed around him—Susanoo.
"Impressive," Kaito said with a smirk. "But this game ends now."
Itachi's newfound power clashed with Kaito's overwhelming strength, setting the stage for their ultimate battle.
However, Uchiha Itachi didn't care about Kaito's words. His resolve burned as he roared, pouring the remnants of his chakra and Mangekyō Sharingan's power into his Susanoo!
In an instant, Itachi's Susanoo evolved into its third form.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk," Kaito smirked. "This Susanoo is truly luxurious!"
"Your current chakra level, while only mid-Kage rank, lets you unleash power comparable to the peak of super-Kage level." Kaito chuckled. "If you're willing to risk everything, you might even take me down with you."
Panting heavily, Itachi glared at him. "Then let's see if I can bring you down with my life!"
Kaito shook his head. "If you can manage to hit me, perhaps. But I won't give you the chance!"
With that, Kaito summoned his own Susanoo, instantly activating its complete form. A colossal golden warrior, towering over 100 meters, loomed over Itachi's 10-meter-tall Susanoo.
"This ends now!" Kaito declared, unleashing his peak power. The massive blade of his Susanoo, enhanced with Bijū chakra and Senjutsu (Sage Techniques), cleaved through the battlefield.
Itachi roared as he hurled the Yasaka Magatama in desperation, but it was effortlessly deflected. He raised the Yata Mirror, hoping to block Kaito's attack, but the sheer force of Kaito's blow shattered his defences.