Hanzō of the Salamander's cold gaze lingered on Mizuki Ryosuke after answering his question. Then, with measured curiosity, he posed one of his own.
"I have little knowledge of Kirigakure's 'Fourth Generation' project. What purpose does your visit to Amegakure serve?"
His words carried both suspicion and subtle provocation, testing the waters. Hanzō had encountered his fair share of deceit in the shinobi world, but the young man before him Mizuki Ryosuke was different. The newly ascended Fourth Mizukage, a prodigy of the Mizuki Clan, stood before him, exuding an aura of absolute composure.
In the next instant, Hanzō's scythe shot forward with deadly precision, aiming for Hoshigaki Kisame, who stood three meters away. The speed of his strike was beyond ordinary perception, an execution of Iai, a technique that had all but disappeared in the ninja world. However, in the snow-covered Land of Iron, where the samurai still thrived, such techniques were revered.
To steal a ninja's weapon was not uncommon in battle, but for one to wield Samehada, the legendary sentient blade of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, required more than simple theft.
Kisame, ever alert, instantly unsheathed Samehada. The bandages unraveled slightly, revealing the grotesque, scale-like blade beneath.
"Yes and no."
Ryosuke's voice was steady, unaffected by Hanzō's sudden hostility. It was not so much an answer as it was an acknowledgment of something inevitable.
The "Demi-God" of Amegakure studied Ryosuke, his expression unreadable. With a flicker of movement, Hanmang's silver gleam streaked through the air, set to carve into Ryosuke's form
But before it could land, a transparent wall of ice suddenly materialized, blocking the strike.
Kisame, acting instinctively, shifted into a defensive stance, raising Samehada to absorb the force of any follow-up attack.
"Fast!"
Hanzō's pupils narrowed. Mizuki Ryosuke's smile remained unchanged, his silence carrying an almost disruptive confidence.
Moments ago, Hanzō had regarded Kisame as merely "adequate", but now he reconsidered. Ryosuke this youth who had mastered Ice Release, a rarity even within Kirigakure, was something else entirely.
CLANG!
Steel met ice. Hanzō's blade struck Ryosuke's barrier, leaving a mere shallow mark before dissipating. The hardness was far beyond expectation, surpassing even tempered steel.
Ryosuke remained still, his calm demeanor reflecting absolute certainty in his power. Kisame, however, found himself forced back several meters, overwhelmed by the sheer pressure of Hanzō's strikes.
The seven wielders of the Seven Ninja Swords, combined with the Mizuki Clan's feared Hyōton (Ice Release), were a force to be reckoned with.
Yet, Hanzō showed no hesitation.
His Feilian, a single-edged blade with a hook and chain, spun with terrifying speed, each slash aimed with precise lethality. The attacks came relentlessly, forcing Kisame into full defensive retreat.
Ryosuke observed closely.
A battle against the pinnacle of Hanzō's strength this was an opportunity for Kisame.
Kisame gritted his teeth. He was being crushed in all aspects speed, technique, and raw strength. Every impact sent violent tremors through his arms, his grip on Samehada numbing with each strike.
Sparks erupted as scythe met blade.
Then, Hanzō inhaled deeply.
"This is the power of a 'Demi-God'…" Kisame muttered, sweat forming at his brow.
Hanzō's next strike came like lightning, a cold, cutting edge that sliced through the air toward Kisame.
For the first time, Ryosuke's expression shifted, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Kisame's pupils shrank.
Hanzō moved again, his speed near-invisible, his scythe carving through the battlefield with predatory precision.
"Not good!"
Kisame's instincts screamed, but his hands were too slow. His earlier injuries his numbed grip left him unable to counter.
Yet, at the last second, Hanzō halted.
"Bass!!"
The scythe came to a stop, its tip hovering mere inches from Kisame's throat.
Then, in an unexpected motion, Hanzō withdrew his weapon.
His eyes flickered with intrigue.
For the first time in the battle, he regarded the two before him with genuine interest.
"The riot in Kirigakure… was it your doing?"
His voice carried a quiet, dangerous weight.
The ice wall that Ryosuke had conjured a mere casual defense spoke volumes.
Ryosuke's ability was beyond mere ninjutsu. His Hyōton (Ice Release) mastery exhibited a level of control that only a Mizuki clan prodigy could possess.
Hanzō had known that Kirigakure underwent a shift in power two years prior. And now, standing before him, was one of the leading figures of that shift.
Kisame, despite his exhaustion, grinned.
Ryosuke nodded.
And then, he shook his head.
The battle had revealed everything.
Hanzō understood.
"Samehada…"
His voice dropped into a near whisper.
"So, you truly are from Kirigakure."
With that, he had his answer.
Kirigakure's new regime had extended its hand toward Amegakure.
And Hanzō knew that he had just crossed paths with a force that could reshape the shinobi world.
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