Chapter 54: Chapter 54 : Result
Kazuhiko and the Third Mizukage clashed fiercely in the forest, with the Raikage serving as the referee.
The Uzumaki clan and the Mist Shinobi were at odds, while the Cloud Shinobi tried their best to mediate.
Gradually, they began exchanging words about each other's parents and grandparents.
The elders on both sides and some of the more level-headed ninjas maintained composure.
Those hidden in the background didn't seem to care about revealing their identities, perhaps thinking, "Well, why not? No one can see me anyway!"
The war of words extended beyond the battle between the Whirlpool and Kirigakure, involving not only Kazuhiko and the Third Mizukage but also various taunts, accusations, and the resurrection of past grievances. Some even invoked historical records and documents.
The Cloud Shinobi on the sidelines were both amazed and anxious. They feared that the escalating tensions would lead to a direct conflict, requiring ninjutsu intervention, which would be challenging to contain.
Fortunately, both sides knew their limits, and the quarreling remained verbal. However, the frequent loud noises from the forest made them lose interest in their dispute.
Among the Uzumaki clan members, concern centered on Kazuhiko.
"This battle is intense!"
"Kazuhiko-sama needs to be careful!"
"He'll be fine; I believe in him!"
These hushed conversations served as mutual encouragement for their young leader.
The Mist Shinobi crowd also fell silent, as the intensity of the battle surpassed their expectations.
"I never expected that kid to be so formidable..."
"By the way, what's the name of the Uzumaki clan's heir?"
"It's Kazuhiko, yes, that's his name..."
"So strong, so young, so talented..."
Mist Shinobi began to hear about Kazuhiko, and his strength left a profound impression on them. In the world of ninjas, strength was the ultimate currency.
The stronger you were, the more respect you commanded, even among hostile nations. Only the strong earned respect; others were mere background noise.
The earlier dispute with the Land of Whirlpools had failed to impress the Mist Shinobi, no matter how much the Land of Whirlpools boasted.
However, the battle between Kazuhiko and the Third Mizukage left a lasting impression, despite them not witnessing the fight firsthand.
The explosions and thunderous roars were enough to convey the battle's intensity.
Even the initially relaxed Mist Shinobi grew serious. Although they couldn't see the battle clearly, they could discern signs of the conflict.
"That's it! That's Kazuhiko-sama's technique! I recognize it!"
"Ice Needles! It's the Ice Release - Mizukage's Secret Technique: Ice Style Crystal Needle! Did Mizukage-sama use this technique?"
Both sides watched the forest intently, exclaiming occasionally.
Finally, a flash of lightning streaked across the sky, catching everyone's attention.
"That's Lord Raikage's Lightning Style signal!"
Cloud Shinobi, recognizing the signal as their Raikage's handiwork, immediately rushed towards the source, closely followed by the Uzumaki clan and the Mist Shinobi.
The Uzumaki members were anxious about Kazuhiko's well-being, worried about whether he had won or lost, and if he had sustained injuries.
The previously confident Mist Shinobi were now feeling less certain about the outcome.
The fate of the tailed beast alliance hung in the balance.
As they arrived at the forest, they were greeted by a transformed landscape. Water puddles and shattered ice were scattered everywhere.
In one direction, the earth had been torn apart, with the remnants of burned and evaporated matter filling the air. It was a place of stark contrast, with cold and scorching heat coexisting.
No one had time to take notice as they gazed at the battleground's condition, which only intensified their anxiety.
Finally, at the forest's center, they saw Kazuhiko standing alone.
With his right hand resting on his sword, his fiery red hair shimmered like a brilliant flame. Kazuhiko stood before them, basking in the radiant light.
The battle had left its mark; ice fragments littered the ground, and pools of water covered the earth. The ground bore crescent-shaped scars, as if clawed by a massive beast.
In this moment, Kazuhiko seemed like a beacon of light, dispelling the uncertainty that had weighed on the Uzumaki clan.
"Kazuhiko, are you alright?"
"Kazuhiko, how are you feeling?"
The Uzumaki clan members surrounded him, checking every inch of his body, fearing they might find something amiss.
On the other side, the Mist Shinobi's faces grew graver as they hurried towards their fallen Third Mizukage, who was under the watchful eye of the Raikage.
"Mizukage-sama!"
"Lord Third Mizukage!"
They approached cautiously, relieved to find that he was still breathing.
If the worst had happened, they would have to find a new Mizukage.
Over the years, Third Mizukage had managed to maintain a delicate balance of power among the various factions in Kirigakure.
His replacement could disrupt this balance, leading to political turmoil and undoing the progress made by Mist Shinobi.
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