CHAPTER 128
After Elder Lynx introduced the situation, the three teams fell into silence.
Hozuki Mangetsu smirked as he studied Elder Lynx, unable to discern the true motive behind this so-called "assessment." Despite analyzing every available detail, he couldn't understand why the Ninja Cat Clan would propose such an obviously unfair test.
The Hozuki Squad lacked key information, leaving Mangetsu's judgment of the situation ambiguous at best. Any perceptive shinobi could see that being the first to fight was a clear disadvantage. Even though he had previously challenged Mizuki Ryosuke, that didn't mean he would recklessly take the lead now.
Mangetsu knew better.
With the full strength of the two elders still unknown, the best strategy was to delay, allowing someone else to reveal their abilities first. That was the most logical course of action.
So, Hozuki Mangetsu remained silent, waiting for an opportunity.
Elder Lynx, still wearing his smirk, surveyed the three squads.
"Well?" he asked. "Have you made your decision?"
When his gaze fell on Mizuki Hidero, there was an unmistakable glint of expectation in his eyes.
As Ryosuke anticipated, the arrangement between Elder Lynx and Mizuki Hidero was carefully planned. In this unfair three-on-two battle, no one would willingly go first and expose themselves to an unknown threat.
That was precisely when Mizuki Hidero was supposed to step forward, playing the role of the "fearless challenger." With Elder Lynx as his ally, Hidero would secure his victory while the elder purposely held back, keeping his full power hidden. This deception would bait Ryosuke and Mangetsu into underestimating him for the next round. Then, when the time was right, Elder Lynx could unleash his full strength, potentially eliminating one of them.
It was a well-calculated strategy.
To make it seem more natural, Hidero feigned hesitation, glancing at the others as if debating his decision.
In reality, he was thrilled. With both Ryosuke and Mangetsu remaining silent, Hidero believed his plan was unfolding perfectly.
Just as he was about to speak—
"I'll go first," Mizuki Ryosuke said calmly, a slight smile on his face.
The entire arena fell silent.
Hozuki Mangetsu turned to Ryosuke, surprised. He couldn't immediately grasp Ryosuke's reasoning, but knowing him, Ryosuke must have seen through something.
On the other side, Mizuki Hidero's excitement and confidence were instantly replaced by panic. His expression twisted in shock, disbelief, and finally, uncontained fury. His face darkened.
Why now?
Did Ryosuke see through the plan?
Even Elder Lynx momentarily stiffened, his smirk faltering for the first time.
The Cat Boss, who had been silently observing, narrowed his eyes, his gaze shifting between Mizuki Hidero and Elder Lynx. He wasn't ignorant—he could sense something was off.
But Elder Lynx was quick to recover.
"Hahaha!" he laughed loudly, masking his displeasure. "Of course! Please, step forward!"
His cheerful demeanor was betrayed by the cold glint in his eyes.
For a brief second, Elder Lynx and Mizuki Hidero exchanged a glance. The fury in their eyes was undeniable.
Ryosuke, still smiling, turned to Mizuki Hidero.
"Mizuki Hidero Jōnin," he said with feigned sincerity, "allow me to test Elder Lynx's strength for you. Watch carefully."
His voice was calm, almost kind, yet his words cut like a blade.
Hidero's face twitched as he struggled to contain his anger. He had no choice but to play along. If he openly contested Ryosuke's decision, it would raise suspicion.
Forcing a stiff smile, he responded through gritted teeth, "Thank you, Mizuki Ryosuke Jōnin. I appreciate your… kindness. Please, be careful."
His words sounded polite, but the venom in his tone was impossible to miss.
Ryosuke chuckled. "That's the spirit."
He turned and strode toward the center of the Colosseum.
Behind him, Mizuki Hidero clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug into his palms.
Hozuki Mangetsu, who had been watching quietly, finally understood—Ryosuke had completely ruined Hidero's plan.
Even without knowing the details, it was clear that Ryosuke's move had thrown Hidero into disarray.
Mangetsu smirked. He was more than happy to sit back and enjoy the show.
As Ryosuke reached the center of the Colosseum, his smile didn't waver.
By stepping in first, he had effectively "cut off" Mizuki Hidero's hidden advantage. If he could defeat Elder Lynx here and now, the elder would lose his combat effectiveness.
That would leave Mizuki Hidero to face the Cat Boss directly.
Without Elder Lynx's assistance, Hidero's secretive schemes would crumble. If Ryosuke played his cards right, he could eliminate Hidero from the competition entirely.
The battlefield had been reset.
The Colosseum, once altered for the previous matches, had been restored by the ninja cats. The arena was now cleared, leaving only Ryosuke and Elder Lynx standing in the vast space.
A deafening roar erupted from the stands.
It wasn't often that an elder personally participated in battle, making this a rare spectacle.
Ryosuke kept his eyes locked on Elder Lynx, wondering what kind of secret techniques the elder specialized in.
But before he could dwell on the thought, Elder Lynx suddenly moved.
Without warning, the elder launched a probing attack, signaling the true start of their battle.
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