Facing a secret technique of such terrifying power, Mei Terumī didn't panic. She took another step forward, locking eyes with Mangetsu Hōzuki.
"Enough!" she barked. "Those five Hunter-nin... you let us kill them on purpose, didn't you?!"
She pointed at the cooling corpses on the floor. "When I used the Exploding Water Colliding Wave, you had the power to end this instantly. Tate Eboshi requires massive amounts of water—water I provided for you. But you waited. You waited for your own subordinates to fall. Cold-blooded as ever... truly a Hunter-nin with the blood of comrades on his hands."
Mangetsu remained silent under her scrutiny. Mei continued, her voice growing more certain. "Ren was right. You are a demon craving to overthrow the Mist and murder your own master!"
A flicker of irritation crossed Mangetsu's face. "And so what?" he asked coldly. "As Hunter-nin, we are executioners. Being killed only proves they weren't fit for the job. It proves nothing else."
"Then what if you were sent to assassinate the Third Mizukage?" Mei challenged. "How far would you go?"
Mangetsu's gaze wavered for a split second before hardening. "End these useless tests, Mei. You live in a curated sunlight. Stay in your greenhouse and be a pretty vase. Now, tell me... what is Yagura really planning?"
Mei felt a wave of relief. Ren's wild theories and provocations had finally forced Mangetsu to show his cards. "Yagura has gathered evidence to topple the Third Mizukage," she declared. "A new era is coming. We—Yagura, Elder Genji, and the Bloodline Clans—will unite to abolish these bloody policies. No more Hunter-nin. No more sin of killing comrades. And you... you can lead the next generation of the Seven Swordsmen under a true Mizukage."
"Is that so?" Mangetsu mused. "Then take me to Yagura. If he's not fit to be the Fourth... I'll kill him myself."
Mei hesitated, then nodded. "Fine. But you must accept a sealing formula once we arrive."
"Whatever." Mangetsu turned his gaze toward Ren Uchiha. His teeth bared in a shark-like grin. "But first... the Uchiha brat doesn't belong in Mist business."
He bit his thumb and slammed his hand onto the Seven Ninja Swords Scroll.
Boar - Dog - Bird - Monkey - Ram!
POP! POP! POP! Seven clouds of smoke erupted. The seven legendary blades lined up atop the massive water monster. Mangetsu drew a Thunder Sword: Kiba, spinning it with lethal grace as he pointed it at Ren.
"Uchiha brat, let's finish this!"
Ren took a deep breath. He had expected this. He stepped past Mei, gripping his sword with both hands. His crimson Sharingan locked onto the giant standing ten meters above him. He suppressed the primal fear of the massive creature, his legs bracing for the charge.
"Mangetsu! What are you doing?!" Mei screamed in shock.
"He knows too much about the Mist," Mangetsu replied indifferently. "Don't worry, I'm just sending him on his way. Whether he dies by that monster in the lava caves or by my hand, it makes no difference."
Mangetsu drew the Blunt Sword: Kabutowari and the Great Sword: Samehada, strapping them to his back. His killing intent soared!
Ren looked up at the "Mist Prodigy" atop the Water Gundam. He let out a savage laugh. "You think you can kill me? THEN COME AT ME!"
Ren instantly activated Secret Technique: Earth Grudge Fear! Black threads surged from his wrists, binding his hands to the hilt and spiraling up the blade. Then, he triggered his final use of the forbidden Physical Reincarnation! His muscles rippled as the technique squeezed the last drops of chakra from his exhausted body. He poured every ounce of it into a Water Style: Water Fang Blade.
The spiraling water blade surged to nearly six feet in length. Ren added Sword Technique: Chakra Flow for extra sharpness. Lifting his ultimate, peak-level strike, Ren pointed the screeching spiral blade at Mangetsu.
"You think I'm afraid?" Ren's smile grew wild and reckless. "COME ON! MEET ME IN THE LAND OF THE DEAD!"
To Mei's utter disbelief, the boy didn't wait. He charged headlong toward the giant.