"Hua La La!"
The azure-blue water surged violently, forming a massive, menacing whirlpool around Jinin Akebino. The swirling currents seemed alive, binding the Mist swordsman in a relentless grip, rendering him immobile. Escape was impossible; the vortex held him in a deadly embrace.
"What… what is this!?"
Jinin Akebino's expression twisted in horror as recognition dawned upon him. His trembling voice broke the tension.
"This is… the Water Style ninjutsu of the Second Hokage!"
His panic was evident as his wide eyes darted toward Nawaki, whose outstretched hands controlled the whirlpool.
At that moment, water began to condense in Nawaki's palm, taking shape as it spun rapidly. Within seconds, the liquid formed into a crystalline, spear-like javelin of water. Layers of spinning currents spiraled around the weapon, each flowing in a different direction.
Despite the elegance of the technique, Nawaki's face betrayed his exhaustion. His pale complexion revealed the price he had paid in chakra to execute this advanced ninjutsu.
Meanwhile, Jinin Akebino struggled fiercely within the vortex, his strength proving futile against the overwhelming force of the S-rank jutsu. He had recognized it immediately—an elite technique known to be the signature of the Second Hokage.
Minato had once said that Nawaki possessed the potential to inherit the legacy of the Second Hokage's Water Style. And now, Nawaki was proving those words true.
With a determined leap, Nawaki hurled the water javelin.
"Whoosh!"
The projectile streaked through the air like a blue comet. Jinin Akebino, desperate to survive, finally broke free from the whirlpool's hold and raised his blunt sword, Dontō, in defense.
"Boom!"
The impact echoed like thunder, sending Jinin Akebino skidding backward several meters. His sword trembled violently, cracks webbing out across its surface.
As he staggered, the water javelin found its mark. It pierced a small gap in his collar, the force tearing through his armor and severing his right arm. Blood spattered across the ground as the javelin continued, embedding itself into the earth and leaving a deep crater.
"Damn it! It's not strong enough!"
Nawaki's frustration was evident. Though his technique had caused significant damage, it fell short of finishing his opponent. His depleted chakra reserves had diminished the jutsu's full potential.
Jinin Akebino clutched his bleeding shoulder, pain etched across his face. He understood how close he had come to death. If Nawaki had been at full strength, he wouldn't have survived.
Swish!
Without hesitation, Nawaki lunged forward, kunai in hand. Though drained, his recovery had improved slightly thanks to the antidote, and he was determined to press the advantage.
The objective was clear: eliminate one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. Victory required dismantling Kirigakure's strongest assets.
If Konoha could secure a decisive victory here, it would break the stalemate across other battlefronts, paving the way for triumph in the Land of Rain. With all four major ninja nations nearing exhaustion, this was Konoha's best chance to turn the tide of the war.
Jinin Akebino, realizing his precarious position, retreated. His primary goal now was survival, not combat.
Meanwhile, elsewhere on the battlefield, Kushimaru Kuriarare was faring no better. Uchiha Yoruki's relentless pursuit left him battered and desperate.
Swish!
The crimson light of the Rekka no Ken descended again, slicing through Kushimaru's defenses. He twisted his body to avoid a fatal blow, but the sword still cut into his left shoulder, leaving his arm dangling by threads of muscle and skin.
Cold sweat drenched his face, but the pain forced him to continue moving. There was no time to stop—no time to hesitate.
Uchiha Yoruki, however, wasn't unscathed. Bright red blood dripped from his left eye, and his vision blurred once again. He realized the strain of the Mangekyō Sharingan was taking its toll.
After a brief hesitation, he allowed the fiery patterns in his eyes to fade, reverting to the familiar three magatama. Clarity returned to his vision, and flames erupted along the length of his sword.
Though the Mangekyō Sharingan granted immense power, Yoruki understood the cost. His inability to fully master it forced him to rely on more conventional means for now.
Despite this limitation, Yoruki's accomplishments were undeniable. Two of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen—Biwa Juzo and Jinpachi Munashi—had already fallen by his hand. With Konoha's fortunes improving, he focused on maintaining the upper hand.
Swish!
Yoruki's figure blurred as he closed the distance to Kushimaru, who, weakened and injured, could no longer escape.
Kushimaru spun around, swinging his remaining Thunder Fang sword in desperation.
"Clang!"
The weapons collided, sparks flying as fire and lightning intertwined. But with only one sword remaining, Kushimaru's strength was no match for Yoruki's unrelenting assault.
Yoruki flipped his wrist, delivering a devastating slash.
"Pshh!"
Kushimaru's hand was severed, his weapon clattering to the ground. Before he could react, Yoruki struck again.
This time, the blow was swift and precise, leaving only a faint red line across Kushimaru's neck. The life drained from his eyes as his body fell to the ground.
Another member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen was dead.
From a distance, Terumi Ryuunosuke, engaged in combat with Fugaku, witnessed the demise of his comrade. His expression twisted with disbelief and rage as his remaining forces crumbled before his eyes.
Uchiha Yoruki's gaze locked onto Terumi Ryuunosuke, his scarlet Sharingan glowing with lethal intent. A sharp smirk curved across Yoruki's lips, cutting into Terumi's confidence like a blade.
Terumi's heart pounded as he glanced toward Nawaki. The Senju had cornered Jinin Akebino, his kunai poised to strike.
"Pshh!"
With a swift motion, Nawaki's kunai pierced Tongcao's chest, ending his struggle. Blood pooled beneath the Mist swordsman as his life ebbed away.
Terumi's eyes filled with rage and desperation. His clenched teeth dripped with blood as he barked a single, guttural command:
"Retreat!"
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