"Water Release: Multiple Water Dragon Bullets!"
Three water dragons shot from Mei Terumi's mouth, each moving with an apparent consciousness towards the Taketori clan leader and his two right-hand men. The water dragons were swift, but to Mei's surprise, the three men were even swifter.
"Humph! Don't underestimate the Dance of the Clematis from the Taketori Clan!" the clan leader exclaimed.
The three easily dodged the initial attack, smirking in satisfaction, but then they heard the roaring sound of the dragons behind them.
"!!!"
They turned to see the dragons twisting back towards them, controlled by Mei's chakra.
The Water Dragon Bullet Technique was not rare among Kirigakure's jonin, but the ability to summon and control three dragons simultaneously, especially in a waterless environment, demonstrated a level of mastery not common among shinobi.
Mei's display of power forced the Taketori clan leader to reassess her capabilities.
"Humph! No wonder those old fools pushed for you to become the Fifth Mizukage. You do have some skill! But don't think you can belittle the Taketori Clan!"
The water dragons relentlessly pursued the trio, and the leader grew weary of dodging.
"This isn't working. We need to take a stand," the clan leader said, exchanging a look of understanding with his men. They stopped running and stood their ground, preparing to endure the attack with their bodies.
"Focus all your chakra on your bones! Increase the calcium concentration to its maximum!" the clan leader ordered.
"Yes!" the two men replied in unison.
The dragons crashed down like tidal waves, smashing into the three men with immense force.
"Arghhh!!!" they screamed in agony, the impact overwhelming.
Within seconds, the leader's two men, unable to withstand the pressure, were shattered into pieces, leaving no trace behind.
"Damn it! Useless fools!" the clan leader spat.
As the water receded, Mei stood opposite the lone surviving clan leader. His body was battered, flesh torn, and bones exposed, yet he remained standing.
Mei frowned, her tone carrying a hint of respect, "Impressive. You truly have strong bones, Taketori clan leader. Return with me. If you surrender now, I promise Kirigakure will pardon your clan."
The clan leader panted heavily, his body trembling. Though still alive, he looked like a walking corpse, with half his face missing, revealing the stark white bone beneath. After a moment, he laughed bitterly.
"Pardon us? Mei Terumi, the situation between us and Kirigakure is your fault! Do you think a few kind words can erase the hatred for our fallen kin?"
Mei sighed deeply, "I admit, the previous Kirigakure regime committed unforgivable acts against our people, but that was because the Fourth Mizukage was under a genjutsu. We should unite to find the true culprit behind this manipulation rather than fighting each other. It's the only way to prevent falling into the enemy's trap."
The clan leader sneered, "Hah! How many times must I hear this fairy tale? Do you really expect me or my clan to believe that anyone could control the Fourth Mizukage with genjutsu? We know his strength!"
Mei maintained her composure, "Whether you believe it or not, it's the truth. There are powerful forces in this world, far stronger than we might imagine. Just because you haven't encountered them doesn't mean they don't exist."
"Please, reconsider. Kirigakure cannot afford this internal conflict. My goal isn't to kill you. The Taketori Clan is a valuable asset. We don't want to lose you," Mei pleaded.
The clan leader's eyes burned with rage and defiance. "No more words! Mei Terumi, you think I'm doing this just for revenge? No, I seek to rule this land! No, this world! The weak-minded elders can't lead this country. Especially you, the disgrace who married a foreign daimyo for protection. You are the shame of the Water Country!"
Hearing this, Mei's eyes darkened, her expression turning cold as killing intent radiated from her body.
Since returning to her homeland, she had hesitated to annihilate the Taketori Clan, not because of a lack of ability, but because she did not want to eradicate their bloodline.
But now, she realized that some people, born with a rebellious nature, couldn't be reasoned with.
If spared today, they would undoubtedly rebel again in the future.
"It ends now."
"Taketori Clan Leader, since you've made your choice, the bond between your clan and Kirigakure ends today," Mei declared solemnly.
"Boom!"
A terrifying wave of killing intent surged from her, enveloping the battlefield. The pressure was so intense that even distant combatants paused, their gazes fixed on Mei.
"Is the Mizukage going all out now?" one whispered.
"Yes, this war is finally coming to an end," another responded.
Mei brought her hands together in front of her chest, her eyes gleaming fiercely. "Everyone, listen up!"
"Release your full power. Eliminate every member of the Taketori Clan. Leave no survivors!"
"Yes!!" the Kirigakure shinobi responded eagerly.
Before the war, they had been ordered by Mei to hold back against the rebels to preserve Kirigakure's overall strength. Though reluctant, they had followed her strict orders.
But now, after days of restrained combat, they could finally unleash their full might.
"Hahaha! Time to show these bone freaks what we're really made of! Die!" a shinobi yelled, charging forward.