What incredible perception… and what astonishing speed!
Internally, Gengetsu Hozuki marveled as he realized that Hui's sensory abilities were not reliant on sight.
The mirages from the giant clam had absolutely no effect on him and Hui had locked onto Gengetsu's true location in an instant.
Moreover, Hui's speed reminded Gengetsu of the full-powered Second Raikage, a shinobi he had once considered one of the fastest alive, second only to Tobirama Senju.
Yet now, Hui's speed appeared to rival—even surpass—that legendary level.
As Hui closed the distance, Gengetsu countered with a swift kick aimed at the approaching shinobi.
Bang!
Hui effortlessly raised his arm to block, absorbing the attack without the slightest sign of injury.
By contrast, the force of the collision left Gengetsu's leg momentarily numb.
Gengetsu's eyes narrowed in shock. Hui's physical strength was monstrous, far beyond what he had anticipated, even exceeding that of the Second Raikage.
Bang!
Before Gengetsu could process his astonishment, Hui delivered a overwhelming punch, sending Gengetsu flying backward.
The impact made it clear why Hui had been so dominant on the battlefield, forcing Kumogakure to surrender during the Land of Moon campaign.
"So… strong," Gengetsu muttered, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth as he stood.
His mind raced as he considered how to either defeat this prodigy or find a way to retreat safely.
"You're pretty tough," Hui remarked, his voice calm but tinged with dry amusement. The offhand compliment only deepened Gengetsu's frustration.
"Strong as you are for your age, your arrogance is still infuriating," Gengetsu replied, quickly forming hand seals.
As a Mizukage, his specialty lay in Water Release techniques.
However, Hui had no intention of engaging in a battle of ninjutsu.
Unsheathing his sword, he channeled chakra into the blade and swung it with precision, slicing through the incoming water-based attack.
Then, with a burst of speed, Hui launched himself toward Gengetsu, shattering the giant clam's shell in the process.
His target was clear.
Forced to abandon close combat, Gengetsu retreated rapidly. His experience had already shown him that he couldn't match Hui's overwhelming strength in melee combat.
Even his Hydrification Technique, which rendered him immune to physical attacks, felt inadequate against Hui's diverse abilities.
Gengetsu vividly recalled the report of Hui's victory over the Second Raikage.
Known as one of the greatest masters of Lightning Release, the Raikage had still fallen to Hui's superior lightning techniques.
This was particularly alarming because the Hydrification Technique's primary weakness was lightning.
Seeing Gengetsu avoid direct confrontation, Hui unleashed a series of long-range slashes, sending waves of chakra-infused sword energy toward his opponent.
The blade's energy carved through the air, sealing off Gengetsu's escape routes.
Surprisingly, Gengetsu showed no concern. The sword energy passed harmlessly through his liquid body.
"Quite the Interesting technique you have there," Hui said, interested in the similarity between the Hydrification Technique and the Last resort sandification used by Shamon.
He was already planning to study and acquire its secrets someday.
After creating more distance between himself and Hui, Gengetsu raised his hands in a gesture resembling a gun.
Water Release: Water Cannon Bullets!
Jets of high-pressure water shot from Gengetsu's fingertips, each resembling a bullet in speed and power.
The barrage of water bullets targeted Hui, who deflected each shot with precise sword strikes while continuing his advance.
Gengetsu's attacks were without pause, yet Hui's flawless swordsmanship cut through every projectile with uncanny ease.
The Mizukage felt a mix of admiration and frustration. Despite Hui's youth, his power and composure created an oppressive presence that was hard to ignore.
Gengetsu's usual jovial personality gave way to a cold and calculated demeanor as he analyzed the situation, launching attacks and assessing openings.
Yet no matter what strategy he adapted, Hui closed the distance with ruthless efficiency.
Shhhk!
Hui's blade finally reached him.
Gengetsu tried to dodge, but Hui's speed was simply too great.
The sword slashed through his body—though thanks to the Hydrification Technique, the blow caused no real harm.
Hui paused, observing as Gengetsu's liquid form reconstituted itself. He frowned slightly but didn't press the attack.
Gengetsu used the opportunity to create more distance. Relief flickered in his mind, but he couldn't let his guard down.
Hui's pause felt deliberate, clearly he had noticed something.
Hui's sharp senses had detected the presence of several approaching shinobi—both Konoha and Kirigakure forces. Among the Kirigakure reinforcements were several elite Jonin.
"Perhaps today will be the day this war ends," Hui muttered to himself, a faint smile appearing on his lips.
The growing crowd didn't intimidate him, not in the slightest. On the contrary, he was all too eager to welcome them with open arms.
The more opponents gathered, the more decisive the resolution could be.
If possible, he wanted every Kirigakure ninja present.
Ending the war in one decisive battle was his goal.
Gengetsu, meanwhile, was relieved that Hui had momentarily ceased his assault. As he regained his composure, he debated whether to use his ultimate technique, Steaming Danger Tyranny.
This technique involved creating explosive water clones, but it came with a significant drawback: after each explosion, Gengetsu's real body would experience a brief period of vulnerability.
Considering Hui's exceptional perception, Gengetsu couldn't risk exposing himself during the technique's cooldown. The cost of failure was too high.
"Perhaps we should leave this battle for another day. Let's settle this on the main battlefield," Gengetsu suggested, his voice calm but his intent clear—he wanted to retreat.
"Leave? No," Hui replied, his lips curling into a confident smile. "The real show is just beginning."
This was a rare opportunity to end the war in one swift battle, and Hui wasn't about to let it slip away.
Gengetsu's heart sank as he realized Hui wouldn't let him escape.
Still, the Mizukage's eyes flickered to Tsunade, Jiraiya, and the unconscious Orochimaru, who were watching from the sidelines.
A sudden idea struck him; a potential opportunity to turn the tide.
His eyes lit up.
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