After Mizuki Hidero's crushing defeat, the battles that followed felt lackluster in comparison.
In the next match against Hōzuki Mangetsu, the Cat Boss no longer displayed his monstrous fifteen-meter transformation. Instead, he remained in his normal form, approaching the fight with a composed and restrained demeanor. Clearly, after witnessing Mizuki Ryosuke's overwhelming strength, the Cat Boss had realized that not every shinobi could match such terrifying power.
As a result, his battle with Hōzuki Mangetsu felt more like an exhibition than a true clash.
Mizuki Hidero had, unintentionally, sacrificed himself to serve as a benchmark, allowing the Cat Boss to gauge his next opponent.
Moreover, Mangetsu's use of the Hydrification Technique, a signature ability of the Hōzuki Clan, allowed him to counter the Cat Boss' taijutsu-heavy fighting style to some extent. This resulted in a prolonged bout, dragging on for over half an hour. In the end, the match concluded in a draw, fulfilling the conditions of the trial.
Thus, after three battles, the final results were clear:
• Ryosuke Mizuki vs. Elder Lynx → Ryosuke's overwhelming victory.
• Mizuki Hidero vs. Cat Boss → Mizuki Hidero's complete defeat.
• Hōzuki Mangetsu vs. Cat Boss → A declared draw.
With Elder Lynx critically injured, leadership of the final assessment was now handed over to the Cat Boss. Under his command, the two victorious teams were to proceed and meet the ruler of the feline domain—Elvis.
Before departing, Mizuki Mitsuhiko glanced back at the defeated Mizuki Hidero. His gaze was calm, devoid of resentment or attachment.
Through this trial, Mitsuhiko had come to understand a simple truth: Mizuki Hidero was merely a small figure in the vast shinobi world.
Compared to the towering giants that truly ruled the battlefield, Mizuki Hidero was insignificant.
From now on, Mitsuhiko no longer needed to concern himself with rivalries of the past. As long as he followed Ryosuke, he would walk toward a far greater future.
The mountain of doubt and frustration that had once loomed over his heart had now crumbled completely.
"Let's go, Mitsuhiko."
A calm voice called out to him.
"Yes, Master."
With a respectful nod, Mitsuhiko turned away. From the beginning, Mizuki Ryosuke had never considered Mizuki Hidero a true opponent. This outcome was inevitable.
Journey to the Peak
Led by the Cat Boss, the two teams—eight shinobi in total—began their ascent up the mountain.
Along the way, members of the feline clan stood guard at strategic points, their sharp eyes constantly scanning the surroundings. Upon seeing the Cat Boss approach, they immediately bowed their heads in deference to the respected elder.
After an arduous climb, the group finally arrived at the peak, where a magnificent palace loomed before them.
At the palace gates, several large and imposing ninja cats stood as sentries, their expressions disciplined and unreadable.
"Elder."
The guards immediately straightened and saluted upon recognizing the Cat Boss. After a brief exchange, the guards stepped aside, allowing passage.
Upon entering, it became apparent that the palace was far more vast than expected.
The halls stretched endlessly, flanked by traditional architecture built along the mountain slopes. Layer upon layer of structures cascaded upward, culminating in a grand palace at the highest point—one that shimmered with a golden radiance.
After passing through three successive checkpoints, the group finally arrived at the throne hall.
Mizuki Ryosuke's gaze fell upon the grand entrance.
"The Great Hall…"
The four imposing kanji etched into the palace plaque felt oddly familiar. The structure itself evoked the grandeur of the imperial gardens of ancient China from his past life.
Shaking off stray thoughts, Ryosuke refocused on the task ahead.
At the final checkpoint, a guard stepped forward and addressed the Cat Boss.
"Elder, by order of the King—"
"You may only bring two individuals inside."
There was no need for discussion. Mizuki Ryosuke and Hōzuki Mangetsu were the ones chosen.
The remaining team members stayed behind as the three figures entered the palace.
The Throne Room
Mizuki Ryosuke had expected a regal scene—perhaps an elegant king seated on a grand throne, flanked by ministers and guards, exuding an aura of dominion.
Instead, what greeted him was a starkly different reality.
The vast hall was monochromatic, its walls alternating between shifting shades of black and white, as if alive with an eerie, flowing energy.
At the center stood a massive black-and-white throne.
Seated upon it was an incredibly rotund feline figure, reclining with a lazy, almost careless posture.
There were no ministers. No guards. No elaborate court.
Nothing except this massive feline monarch.
"Your Majesty, I have brought the challengers," the Cat Boss said, immediately kneeling on one knee with unwavering respect.
A deep, slow voice responded:
"Hmm… humans from Kirigakure?"
The enormous feline figure yawned, rubbing his droopy eyes before lazily stretching his arms. Clearly, he had been asleep moments before.
This, without a doubt, was the ruler of the cat kingdom—Elvis.
Mizuki Ryosuke studied him closely.
Elvis bore a striking resemblance to Nyotaro, the cat Ryosuke had encountered in the cave. His fur was a brilliant shade of orange, living up to the feline proverb: "Ten fat cats, nine of them are orange."
At first glance, Elvis seemed as large as the burly Cat Boss, but the similarities ended there.
While the Cat Boss' body radiated power and muscle, Elvis' form was entirely composed of thick layers of fat—a living embodiment of gluttony and indulgence.
However, the most striking feature was neither his size nor his posture.
It was his eight arms.
Eight short yet sturdy limbs sprouted from his back, resembling the appendages of a mythical Rakshasa. The visual contrast was both comical and unsettling.
"Elder, you may leave now," Elvis muttered after shaking off his drowsiness.
The Cat Boss hesitated momentarily, but soon complied, bowing respectfully before exiting the throne room.
Now, only three figures remained.
Mizuki Ryosuke.
Hōzuki Mangetsu.
And Elvis—the ruler of the feline kingdom.
The room fell into silence.
Then, Elvis spoke.
"I have already heard about what transpired in the caves."
His voice carried neither urgency nor anger—only a sluggish amusement.
"I must admit, you handled the situation quite well. You resolved a major concern for our clan."
His massive body shifted slightly, a glimmer of interest flickering in his drowsy golden eyes.
"So, tell me."
"What is it that you desire?"
Elvis let out a deep chuckle, tapping one of his eight hands against the throne.
"I will grant you a favor on behalf of the feline clan."
His voice grew even more indulgent.
"If you wish, I can even make the Cat Boss your Summoning Beast."
At those words, a glint appeared in Ryosuke's eyes.
The true test had begun.
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