The net of hundreds of ninja tools, each wrapped in wind and fire, enveloped Kushimaru Kuriarare, Jinpachi Munashi, and Ameyuri Ringo. The sheer scale of the combined attack had drawn the attention of every ninja on the battlefield.
"Not good!"
Fuguki Suikazan and Jinin Akebino, who had been reveling in the slaughter, immediately realized the dire situation. Their faces twisted in shock, and they rushed toward the battlefield where Uchiha Yoruki faced off against Kushimaru Kuriarare and the others.
Even for the skilled members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, this attack could spell disaster. If all three were to fall at Uchiha Yoruki's hands, the entire battle would shift dramatically.
There was also no certainty regarding Yoruki's current state—had he exhausted his strength with such a massive attack?
Regardless, losing three of their strongest fighters would cripple their forces, and the consequences back in Kirigakure would be severe. Even though the Seven Ninja Swordsmen had little personal loyalty to one another, losing comrades in the first battle would not sit well with the Third Mizukage.
"Damn it!" Terumi Ryuunosuke muttered as she fought Uchiha Fugaku, his gaze shifting toward the chaotic scene. Her expression was grim.
Fugaku, who had been fighting her, allowed himself a slight smile, the Sharingan in his eyes glinting with confidence.
"Water Style: Water Wall!"
Inside the blazing net of ninja tools, Kushimaru Kuriarare and Jinpachi Munashi both formed hand seals with practiced speed. In unison, they erected water walls around themselves, forming a defensive perimeter, shielding Ameyuri Ringo who stood at the center.
Ameyuri Ringo raised her head, drawing in a deep breath before expelling a raging torrent of water in the form of a dragon.
"Water Style: Water Dragon!"
"Shhh!"
The flame-covered shurikens collided with the erected water walls, and steam rose as water met fire. Each shuriken struck the walls with a metallic clang, sending splashes of water flying in all directions. The powerful Water Dragon managed to disperse some of the flames, but it evaporated just as quickly in the searing heat.
Despite the elemental advantage of water over fire, Uchiha Yoruki's combined Fire and Wind Style was so potent that only exceptionally strong water techniques could hope to suppress it.
"Can't hold it!" Kushimaru Kuriarare shouted as their water walls began to buckle under the pressure. The walls of water had reached their limit, and, with a resounding explosion, the defenses shattered.
The three ninja, already exhausted from their desperate defense, had no time to react.
"Ding ding ding!"
The continuous sound of metal striking metal filled the air. Outside of the flaming net, Uchiha Yoruki lowered his hands, his muscles aching from exertion. His eyes flicked sideways, noticing two more opponents closing in—Fuguki and Jinin were rushing toward him, their intent clear.
But it was too late.
Yoruki's eyes penetrated the thinning veil of fire and ninja tools, the glow of his scarlet Sharingan unwavering. His focus was absolute; despite the strain, he knew he still had enough chakra left for a decisive strike.
"Boom!"
Suddenly, the air trembled from a powerful explosion on a different part of the battlefield. The thick mist shrouding the area shook, and from within the fog, the enormous figure of Choza emerged, his body expanding rapidly, far beyond the coverage of the mist.
His colossal fist fell like a meteor, the sheer force of his punch dissipating much of the fog.
"Boom boom!"
The ground shook, and two figures were sent hurtling out from the mist, barely escaping Choza's devastating strike. They looked up at the giant with fear etched across their faces. One solid hit from that attack could mean certain death.
But as Choza's size began to shrink, it became clear that maintaining such a massive form for too long was impractical. It drained too much chakra, and his large form increased the risk of hitting his own allies in the ongoing chaos of the battlefield.
"Hurry! Attack that boy now!" Jinin's shout rang through the chaos, his voice carrying over to Biwa Juzo and Mangetsu Hozuki.
The two of them were momentarily stunned, but they quickly understood the urgency. Turning, they saw three battered figures emerging from the blazing net of ninja tools, while Uchiha Yoruki stood ready, katana in hand, his eyes burning with murderous intent.
"How did it come to this?" Biwa Juzo muttered, shock etched on his face. He hadn't expected three of his comrades to end up in such dire straits.
Although they were closer than Fuguki , they knew they wouldn't reach Yoruki in time. The two ninja exchanged glances, and without hesitation, Biwa Juzo began forming hand seals.
Beside him, Hōzuki Mangetsu temporarily set down his weapon. His body began to dissolve, transforming into a rushing stream of water.
"Crash!"
The transformed water stream surged toward Biwa Juzo, merging with the high-pressure water stream that Juzo then spat out from his mouth.
"Water Style: Water Wave Technique!"
The combination of Biwa Juzo's jutsu and the living water form of his comrade created a high-speed torrent that shot towards Uchiha Yoruki like a pressurized cannon.
"What's going on with that guy?" Shikaku's eyes widened, his pupils shrinking at the sight. He hadn't imagined that a living person could turn into water and become part of a ninjutsu attack.
He quickly formed hand seals, extending a shadow from his feet, but the lingering fog still obstructed the shadow's reach.
"Damn it, the fog's too thick!" Shikaku cursed, frustrated at the lack of visibility. Biwa Juzo's Mist Hiding Technique still cloaked much of the battlefield, hindering his attempts.
Inoichi and Choza also readied themselves, but it was already too late.
Uchiha Yoruki, standing before the remains of the blazing net, raised his flaming katana, his eyes locked onto Kushimaru Kuriarare, who had barely escaped the earlier attack. With a flash of determination, he brought the blade down.
Just as the katana was about to strike, a stream of water shot towards Yoruki from behind. The water transformed mid-air, taking the shape of a human, kunai in hand, ready to strike.
Yoruki's lips curled in a disdainful sneer. He ignored the attack from behind, his hands unhesitating as the blade continued downward.
"Ding ding!"
The defenses of Jinpachi Munashi and Ameyuri Ringo crumbled under Yoruki's relentless assault. He was about to bring the blade down onto Kushimaru Kuriarare's shoulder, fire blazing along its edge.
"Argh!"
Kushimaru Kuriarare's shoulder was struck, the blade slicing through and leaving charred flesh behind. The flames burned fiercely, searing his wound.
"It's still not enough," Yoruki sighed, his eyes narrowing. At the last moment, he withdrew the blade and dodged to the side.
A split second later, the figure formed from water lunged at his previous position, missing him entirely.
Seeing this, Biwa Juzo ceased his water technique, and the transformed ninja separated from the stream, regaining his original form.
Kushimaru Kuriarare barely acknowledged the pain in his scorched shoulder. His eyes were filled with fear. The closeness of death—the near certainty of it—had shaken him to his core. Just a moment later, and he would have been cut down where he stood.
Uchiha Yoruki turned his gaze toward the seven figures that had turned from water to human form, his expression cold and detached.
"What a troublesome ability," he muttered, irritation clear in his tone.
At this point, Fuguki , Jinin, and Biwa Juzo—had all paused in their advance. They knew that there was no possibility of successfully encircling Yoruki. His speed was simply too great; he would escape before they could even close in.
Uchiha Fugaku, who had been watching the unfolding events, let out a sigh of regret. His gaze shifted to Terumi Ryuunosuke.
"I didn't expect that among these seven, there would be a member of the Hozuki Clan who has mastered the Water Transformation Technique."
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