Fat ninja Chūki, hailing from the same clan as the Mizukage, also possesses the kekkei genkai Dark Release. However, unlike the Mizukage, his Dark Release is limited to sensory purposes and cannot absorb chakra in the astounding manner the Mizukage can.
The reason is simple: kekkei genkai is merely a foundation, and its potential depends entirely on individual talent. It's like awakening the Sharingan—some people unlock two tomoe in an instant after seeing their best friend hurt, while others witness their entire clan being slaughtered, rewatch it multiple times, collapse mentally, and then grudgingly awaken a single tomoe. Still, whether it's one or two tomoe, it's an accomplishment. The truly pitiful ones are those who never awaken it at all.
Back to the fight.
The soaring Earth Release technique wasn't just powerful—it covered an enormous area. Kakuzu leapt back with all his might, repeatedly hopping across the water's surface until he finally dissipated the force of the attack. The mudslide transformed into a vast swamp, merging slowly with the water.
Just as Kakuzu steadied himself on the water, the sound of rushing wind filled his ears.
"Youngster, is that all you've got?"
The Mizukage appeared behind Kakuzu with a single body flicker, a mocking grin on his face. As one of the leaders who had ended the Warring States era, the Mizukage carried his own pride.
Kakuzu didn't reply to the taunt. Instead, he spun around sharply, his arm lashing out like a whip as he aimed a punch straight at the Mizukage's head. His hardened skin shimmered ominously as the
Earth Release: Hardening Technique activated.
"Hmph."
The Mizukage snorted dismissively and raised his right hand.
Smack!
The clash of fist and palm echoed across the lake. But the expected explosion of power didn't come.
Kakuzu's sharp eyes noticed something—chakra was rapidly flowing from his hardened arm into the Mizukage's palm. The black luster of his hardened skin gradually faded, transferring to the Mizukage's hand.
"So this is the feeling of an Earth Release: Hardened punch?" The Mizukage chuckled, withdrawing his arm and transforming his palm into a fist.
"Haah!"
With a shout, the Mizukage launched a counter-punch.
Splash!
Kakuzu was sent skidding backward, water spraying in all directions. He finally stopped after retreating dozens of meters, lowering the arms he had raised to shield himself.
Across the lake, the Mizukage stood unfazed, his scarred face radiating an air of disdainful amusement.
"I don't know what connection you have to Konoha," the Mizukage said coldly, "but I don't mind capturing you first and using you as leverage in negotiations. If you turn out to be worthless, then coming to Kirigakure and spouting nonsense will be a decision you regret for the rest of your life."
The weight of his words, combined with the oppressive aura he exuded, made the tension on the battlefield palpable.
Kakuzu straightened up, a self-deprecating smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
Everyone knows the First Hokage was hailed as the God of Shinobi, the strongest in the ninja world. Yet people often overlook the other founders—each Kage who created a village during the Warring States era wasn't weak. They wouldn't have survived otherwise.
Looking at the Mizukage's confident demeanor, it was clear he was underestimating Kakuzu.
"Looks like you're taking me lightly."
Kakuzu gripped his coat with his left hand and yanked it off.
Whoosh!
The coat fluttered through the air before settling on the water.
"Youngster, can't hold back anymore, huh? Show this old man what you're truly capable of!"
The Mizukage, already in his sixties, found no issue in addressing Kakuzu as a young man. Spreading his feet slightly, he readied himself for a full-power confrontation.
"You're a man who bears the title of 'Kage.' Anything less than your best would be an insult," Kakuzu replied calmly.
Shedding his coat revealed Kakuzu's body, his muscles rippling with barely contained power. It had been a long time since he had unleashed his full strength. Today seemed like the perfect opportunity.
Crack! Crack!
The threads within Kakuzu's body began to snap, revealing gaping fissures in his skin.
Whoosh!
The black threads that had been dormant surged out, spreading rapidly across his body. He was about to unveil the ultimate form of his Earth Grudge Fear.
Unlike in the original timeline, Kakuzu now controlled six hearts. The design of his form had been modified to suit his personal taste.
As his fully transformed state took shape, the Mizukage's expression grew serious. His body lowered slightly, his stance becoming more stable as he braced himself.
The form before him was terrifying. Black threads formed two massive wings extending from Kakuzu's back, each wing adorned with five differently colored masks. The life force emanating from the masks was unmistakable.
Including Kakuzu himself, six sets of eyes locked onto the Mizukage with deadly intent.
"Youngster, it seems you're no ordinary man," the Mizukage muttered, the mockery gone from his voice, replaced by solemnity.
Kakuzu smirked, casting a sidelong glance at his wings. He wasn't sure if the design looked impressive, but it was undoubtedly functional.
Shifting his weight slightly, Kakuzu prepared to strike.
A kunai appeared in his hand. With a casual flick, it was hurled toward the Mizukage, slicing through the air like a sharp blade. At the same time, Kakuzu's hands formed seals, completing his technique.
"Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Swish—swish—swish!
The kunai in the air multiplied, one becoming two, two becoming four, four becoming eight… Within a second, a total of sixty-four kunai were launched toward the Mizukage like a deadly storm. But it didn't stop there.
The five masks on Kakuzu's shoulders opened their mouths simultaneously.
"Fire Style: Flame!"
"Wind Style: Pressure Damage!"
Violent flames erupted, merging with fierce gusts of wind.
Whoosh!
The fire, fueled by the wind, raged like a wild lion, opening its massive jaws and surging toward Mizukage Byakuren with overwhelming force.
Meanwhile, another mask unleashed its power.
"Lightning Style: False Darkness!"
"Water Style: Water Severing Wave!"
A colossal lightning beast charged through the air, its thunderous roar accompanied by a blade of slicing water that cut through everything in its path. When combined, the result was a massive, unstoppable water blade, sharp enough to pierce anything.
Finally, from the lake's surface, a head-shaped earthen construct emerged.
"Earth Release: Earth Dragon Bullet!"
Countless clumps of mud shot out like a torrential rainstorm.
Six different chakra natures were unleashed at once, creating a devastating barrage of attacks. From a bird's-eye view, the combined ninjutsu blanketed nearly half of the lake's surface in destructive energy.
As this catastrophic moment unfolded, the previously clear skies of the Land of Water became shrouded in dark clouds. The once-bright day suddenly turned dim, as though the heavens themselves were responding to the chaos.
Faced with such an expansive onslaught, most ordinary shinobi would find themselves with no way to escape—nowhere to run, nowhere to hide.
The Mizukage's eyes reflected the kaleidoscope of elemental destruction heading his way. For a brief moment, the scar beneath his eye twitched involuntarily.
To be honest, he was starting to panic.
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