126-130

Chapter 126: Not Accepting the Enemy's Surrender (Please Subscribe!)

Touji coldly looked at Qing.

At that moment, Qing pulled out a laser sword with one hand. The white blade had a distinct Jedi-like feel.

With his other hand, Qing aimed at Touji.

*Bang!*

Qing’s fingertip shot toward Touji like a bullet, faster than a kunai.

The bullet hit Touji directly, but instead of stopping, it passed right through his body.

"A clone technique? No, there's no sign of chakra flow... It’s just pure speed!" Qing stared at Touji in disbelief. He never expected Touji to be that fast.

Then Qing let out a cold laugh and swung the laser sword behind him.

*Clang!*

The spot Qing attacked was precisely where Touji had been.

Fortunately, Touji had already predicted this and blocked with his kunai.

"Not bad speed, but I have the Byakugan. All your movements are in my sight!"

Touji frowned.

That’s the power of the Byakugan.

Though it lacks powerful ninjutsu, its 360-degree vision is enough on its own.

If you have the Byakugan, sneak attacks are no longer a threat.

Any hidden ninjutsu becomes a joke in front of the Byakugan.

And the only way to counter it is simple: overpower your opponent with raw strength.

Touji snorted coldly, and suddenly, a chilling aura surrounded him. Numerous ice needles appeared above Qing’s head.

"Ice Release: Thousand Killing Water Spikes!"

In an instant, the ice needles fell toward Qing like raindrops. Even with the Byakugan, there was no way Qing could block such an overwhelming attack.

"Ice Release... impressive. But to me, your attacks are no more than a light scratch!" Qing smirked, unconcerned.

But he didn’t laugh for long before realizing something was wrong.

The ice needles that hit him seemed to have been aimed with precision, targeting his key pressure points.

With his points sealed, Qing’s chakra flow slowed down.

"Looks like you don’t understand the true use of the Byakugan—it's for finding your enemy's weak spots and attacking."

As Touji spoke, he wiped his hand across his face, revealing snow-white eyes.

Qing trembled at the sight.

Qing had gotten his Byakugan during the Third Great Ninja War by killing a member of the Hyuga Clan. It earned him the title of Byakugan Hunter.

But while Qing had gone through countless struggles for a single Byakugan, Touji had a pair that seemed perfectly synchronized with his body.

"Damn it! Why does this kid get all the good stuff?!"

Qing roared in frustration, quickly forming hand seals.

Immediately, the water in the air grew denser, and countless splashes rose from beneath Qing's feet.

"In such an open space, let’s see where you can hide! Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique!"

The water surged toward Touji like a tsunami.

Water might be soft, but that didn’t mean it couldn't cause harm.

The Great Waterfall Technique Qing unleashed could break bones if it hit, and there was no high ground nearby for Touji to escape to.

Yet Touji’s face showed no panic. He simply threw a kunai.

The kunai moved through the air as if it had a life of its own, spinning continuously.

Touji immediately jumped onto the kunai, standing in mid-air.

“He’s flying! How is that possible?!” Qing stared at Touji in disbelief.

There were indeed ninjutsu techniques in the ninja world that allowed for flight.

For example, by mastering the Light-Weight Boulder Technique, one could fly by controlling their own weight.

But Touji wasn’t showing any significant chakra flow. The only visible connection was a thread-like thing attached to his foot.

“He’s standing on a kunai in mid-air. What kind of ninjutsu is this?!”

Qing gazed at Touji intently. This move was beyond Qing’s understanding, and it completely dodged the Great Waterfall Technique.

Qing quickly formed hand seals again, and a massive water dragon rose from the ground, rushing toward Touji.

Seeing the Water Dragon Bullet, Touji quickly jumped off the kunai.

Though the kunai could carry him while flying, the speed was too slow, making him an easy target.

After a short time in the air, Touji’s head felt like it was about to explode.

If he continued, he feared he’d pass out.

“Now’s my chance! Die!”

Qing's face lit up with excitement. It was hard to adjust one's position in mid-air, and he immediately sent the water dragon to attack Touji.

Touji shook his head slightly.

It was clear now that Qing wanted him dead.

Obviously, Qing harbored resentment over Touji’s relationship with Mei Terumi and was trying to find a way to eliminate him.

Since Qing’s killing intent was so strong, Touji saw no need to hold back.

As the water dragon opened its jaws to devour Touji, it suddenly froze in place, turning into a block of ice.

In no time, a crystal-clear ice dragon stood tall on the ground.

Qing broke into a cold sweat.

He hadn't expected Touji to be this strong, able to instantly freeze the water dragon. Now, Qing finally understood why Mei Terumi was drawn to Touji.

“The Byakugan can indeed track targets in 360 degrees, but what if I attack like this?”

As Touji finished speaking, he disappeared from sight.

Qing hurriedly scanned his surroundings, but no matter how hard he searched, he couldn’t find Touji.

Even if someone is fast, Qing should at least be able to see an afterimage.

But this time, there was nothing!

Suddenly, Qing sensed a chakra fluctuation behind him and instinctively tried to dodge.

In that moment, Touji reappeared, driving a kunai straight into Qing’s body.

Luckily, Qing had managed to avoid a critical hit, or he would’ve died on the spot.

“I get it now! It’s space-time ninjutsu! No wonder I couldn’t see you! Alright, I su—”

Qing had lost the will to fight. Continuing would only drain him further, and the outcome was uncertain.

It would be better to inform Yagura. The Anbu wouldn’t dare act without confirmation of Touji’s identity, but if they were certain, even Mei Terumi wouldn’t be able to protect him.

However, before Qing could finish speaking, Touji disappeared again, reappearing behind him in an instant.

“Sorry, but I don’t accept surrender from my enemies. So die.”

Touji took a deep breath and exhaled a thick mist, enveloping Qing.

As soon as the mist touched Qing, he let out a few agonized cries before falling silent.

*Ding! You have killed Qing! You can choose one item or ninjutsu from his body!*

“Byakugan!”

*Ding! You have successfully obtained the Byakugan!*

*Ding! As you already possess the Byakugan, it has been upgraded to a higher level!*

Touji felt a warmth in his eyes. His previously white pupils now had a faint blue tint.

He originally thought Qing only had one Byakugan, so at most, his right eye would be enhanced.

But instead, the Byakugan was absorbed as experience, equally distributed to both eyes.

“It seems I might have a chance at attaining the Tenseigan!”

(End of chapter)

---

Chapter 127: Relocation (Please Subscribe!)

Terumi Mei looked at Touji with a puzzled expression.

The technique Touji had just used was undoubtedly Boil Release, with vapor capable of instantly melting metal. Let alone Ao, whose body was flesh and blood.

At this point, Touji already possessed Byakugan and Ice Release as two kekkei genkai. Adding Boil Release made it three.

A ninja with three kekkei genkai was something Terumi Mei had never seen before.

However, for some reason, Terumi Mei inexplicably trusted and depended on Touji. No matter how many secrets he had, weren’t they all still part of the same family?

Chōjūrō, on the other hand, wasn’t as calm as Terumi Mei.

He wore a terrified expression. If the Boil Release had been used on him, there’d be no chance of escape.

Moreover, Touji’s speed was the fastest Chōjūrō had ever seen in a ninja.

Without Byakugan, it was impossible to keep up with Touji’s speed — it was just a fantasy.

“I won, but I didn’t control my strength well and accidentally killed Ao,” Touji said as if it were an insignificant matter.

Chōjūrō twitched.

Ao had clearly been about to beg for mercy, but before he could speak, he was killed.

“There was no choice. In battle, accidents happen. No one wants to see such things,” Chōjūrō said, his face growing serious. “But there are Anbu monitoring us outside. If Ao doesn’t come out soon, they’ll definitely suspect something.”

Terumi Mei frowned as well.

While the Anbu feared her, Yagura had no such fear. As soon as he sensed something wrong on her side, others might not dare to come, but Yagura would surely come in person!

“This is troublesome. Should we go out and kill all the Anbu?” Terumi Mei sneered.

Touji smiled helplessly.

Ever since Terumi Mei’s affection for him had reached 145 points, her intelligence seemed to vanish whenever something concerned Touji.

If they killed the monitoring Anbu, it would be the same as confessing, and Yagura would come regardless.

Thinking about this, Touji touched his right eye.

If Yagura really came in person, Touji would have no choice but to use Kotoamatsukami. At least that would achieve his purpose for being here.

Chōjūrō thought for a moment, then said, “We could say that Ao had improper thoughts about Terumi Mei and was killed by Boil Release! But Touji, you’ll need to leave here temporarily and find a place to hide!”

“I think that’s a good idea, but Touji-kun will have to put on quite a performance to make it believable!” Terumi Mei teased with a mischievous smile, getting closer to Touji.

Touji flinched and quickly distanced himself from her.

Chōjūrō’s suggestion was indeed the safest, and Yagura wouldn’t have any reason to accuse them.

Besides, Touji didn’t want to keep living in Terumi Mei’s house.

He feared that one night, Terumi Mei might make a move on him while he slept.

“That sounds good, but where should I go?”

Touji had just arrived in Kirigakure and wasn’t familiar with the place. He had no idea where to go.

“The Yuki Clan’s old estate!” Chōjūrō suggested with a smile.

Since the Yuki Clan’s rebellion, their vast estate had been left unused.

It was quite safe.

Hearing Chōjūrō’s suggestion, Touji immediately nodded in agreement.

He couldn’t wait to leave.

Terumi Mei looked at Touji with a pitiful expression, but before long, she seemed to come to terms with it and smiled.

“Touji-kun, you go first. I’ll come find you tonight!”

Touji stumbled and nearly fell to the ground, then quickly ran off.

Led by Chōjūrō, the two finally arrived at the Yuki Clan’s old estate.

The place was covered in dust and cobwebs, a sign of how long it had been abandoned.

But judging by the decorations, it was clear how powerful the Yuki Clan had once been.

As Touji began cleaning out a room, Chōjūrō suddenly stood behind him, coldly.

“Who are you, and what is your purpose in Kirigakure?”

Chōjūrō gripped Hiramekarei tightly, ready to attack if Touji showed any sign of hostility.

Touji stopped what he was doing and turned to face Chōjūrō.

“To help Kirigakure!”

“Help Kirigakure? But I remember Konoha and Kirigakure being bitter enemies, Touji-kun, the Shadow of Instant!”

Touji’s expression grew serious.

He hadn’t expected Chōjūrō to guess his identity, but he didn’t intend to hide it either.

Shrugging, Touji smiled. “You’re right. I am Konoha’s Shadow of Instant, but that doesn’t stop me from helping Kirigakure, does it?”

Chōjūrō tightened his grip on Hiramekarei, his body crouching low, his killing intent rising.

“Kirigakure can’t withstand another village’s schemes. If you’re here to destroy it, I’ll give my life to kill you! But if you truly want to help Kirigakure, then my life is yours!”

Touji dropped his defensive stance.

Chōjūrō truly cared about Kirigakure.

Kirigakure was on the verge of collapse. If it faced more interference from other villages, it would be utterly finished.

Chōjūrō had to be cautious for the village’s sake.

Now Touji understood why someone as seemingly weak as Chōjūrō could become the Sixth Mizukage.

“You can monitor me at all times. You don’t have to fully follow my plans. And once Kirigakure’s situation is resolved, I’ll leave.”

Chōjūrō’s expression softened, and he lowered Hiramekarei.

His face was filled with guilt.

“Sorry, I had to act for the village.”

[Ding! Chōjūrō’s favorability increased by 5 points! Current favorability: 60 points! You can sign in!]

“Sign in to Chōjūrō!”

[Ding! Signed in successfully to Chōjūrō! Acquired Kirigakure Swordsmanship! Favorability increased by 4 points! Current favorability: 64 points!]

Touji was pleased.

Using a sword was still the most convenient for killing. However, in Kirigakure, using Hatake Swordsmanship or Crescent Moon Dance would be too obvious.

Now that he had Kirigakure Swordsmanship, Touji could better conceal his identity.

Plus, he’d just picked up a lightsaber from Ao, which would be perfect to use.

“Besides rescuing Zabuza, do we have any other objectives?”

Zabuza had once attempted to assassinate Yagura, though he’d failed. Still, many Kirigakure ninjas remembered him.

If they were to rescue Zabuza, quite a few Kirigakure ninjas would willingly join the cause.

“Expand our strength. If possible, I’d like you to take me to meet the Six-Tails Jinchūriki.”

Touji’s main goals in coming to Kirigakure were to gain favor and increase his strength, as well as to thwart the Akatsuki’s plans.

Naturally, the Six-Tails Jinchūriki was part of that goal.

Chōjūrō hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

“Alright, I’ll take you there tomorrow!”

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 128: Winning Over the Jinchuriki (Subscribe!)*

Early the next morning, Touji slowly opened his eyes.

Although Touji was already half awake, it felt like his body was being crushed by a mountain, making even breathing difficult.

He turned his head and found Terumi Mei gazing at him tenderly.

"Touji-kun, you're awake! Do you want to eat first, wash your face, or..."

"Eat first!" Touji quickly pushed Terumi Mei away and dashed outside.

At that moment, Chojuro was already sitting in the living room, holding a teacup from who knows where, sipping tea.

"Good morning, Touji-kun."

Touji stumbled, almost falling. Seeing Touji's exaggerated reaction, Chojuro looked confused.

"Isn't 'good morning' how you people from Konoha greet each other?"

Touji's face twitched uncontrollably.

He never thought the phrase "good morning" would have made its way to the Land of Water. While not yet widespread, it was only a matter of time.

"Yeah, it's just... no one has greeted me like that in a long time. I'm not used to it."

At that moment, Terumi Mei ran over and wrapped her arms around Touji's neck.

"No worries, I'll greet you like that every day from now on. Good morning, Touji-kun!"

Touji's face twitched again.

Chojuro finished his tea and stood up, saying, "I've found the Six-Tails Jinchuriki. If you want to find him, you'd better hurry. He could leave at any moment."

Touji nodded slightly.

The Hidden Mist Village was in its "Bloody Mist" phase, with countless shinobi sacrificing their lives. Many couldn't stand the situation and chose to flee the village.

The Six-Tails Jinchuriki was among those trying to escape.

As one of the Mist's secret weapons, even the Six-Tails Jinchuriki wanted to leave, which made Touji feel sad for the village.

Touji followed Chojuro to a small house outside the Hidden Mist Village.

As they approached, several Anbu agents jumped out.

Touji quickly drew his lightsaber, ready to fight.

"Touji-kun, calm down. These are our people," Chojuro hurriedly stopped him.

Touji had killed Ao before, so these Anbu were no match for him.

"Master Utakata is inside, and he's getting more restless by the minute. I'm afraid he might leave at any time."

"Given the village's current state, it's understandable he'd want to leave," Chojuro said, with a bitter expression.

As people begin to flee, it signals that the village is on the brink of collapse.

Without a significant morale boost, the Hidden Mist Village wouldn't last long.

"Go stand guard outside. Don't let anyone approach!"

"Yes!"

Touji and Chojuro entered the house, where they saw a man sitting by the window, holding a smoking pipe, lost in thought.

What was strange were the numerous bubbles floating around the room.

The bubbles didn't move with the wind or show any signs of popping; they just stayed in place.

Upon hearing someone enter, Utakata turned and sized up the two men.

"Chojuro, are you here to convince me to stay?" Utakata asked, taking another puff from his pipe and blowing out more bubbles.

"Yes, but he's the one who really wants to talk to you," Chojuro said, turning to Touji.

Touji's expression grew serious, his sharp eyes making Utakata feel uneasy, as if under a genjutsu.

"I want to talk to you about a plan to save the Hidden Mist Village."

Hearing this, Utakata was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter.

"I'm a Jinchuriki. Jinchuriki means destruction. And you want me to save the Hidden Mist?"

Touji laughed awkwardly.

Apart from Killer Bee, the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki from the Land of Lightning, most Jinchuriki suffered tragic fates.

Their purpose wasn’t protection, but destruction.

If a Tailed Beast was released, no human power could control it. To stop a Tailed Beast, countless shinobi would have to sacrifice their lives to seal it away.

Thus, the way villages used Jinchuriki was often to send them into enemy territory and release the beast.

So how could Utakata, who held a grudge against the village, be willing to save it?

"Come on, the Hidden Mist is the place where you were born and raised. Can you really just watch it be destroyed?"

Utakata smiled bitterly and shook his head.

"The world doesn't stop for anyone. What's the loss of a single village or country?"

Before he could finish speaking, a bolt of lightning shot toward him.

Utakata's eyes widened as he quickly blew a bubble around himself.

The fierce lightning struck the bubble but didn't pop it—it was absorbed entirely.

At that moment, a figure walked in, sneering, dragging a corpse—clearly one of the Anbu.

"I heard Master Utakata was planning to leave, so I came to give my regards," Ringo Ameyuri said with a cold smile.

But when she saw Touji through the window, her body trembled.

Her expression immediately darkened.

"So, this is where you've been hiding! No wonder the guards wouldn’t let me in!" she said, her tone growing cautious.

Yesterday, Touji had defeated her, and her wounds hadn’t fully healed yet.

That single slash was still fresh in Ringo’s memory.

As one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen and a trusted aide to the Mizukage, there was no way she could be swayed to their side.

Without a word, Touji vanished from sight.

Ringo’s pupils contracted as she pulled out a whistle and blew it hard.

"Not good! That whistle will call the nearby Anbu here within a minute! Damn it!" Chojuro cursed, drawing his sword.

Ringo, holding her Thunder Swords, stood on high alert.

Touji’s speed was extraordinary. A single misstep, and she could be killed in an instant.

"Why am I so unlucky?" she cursed, her body glowing with lightning as arcs of electricity began to form an armor-like shield around her.

"Using lightning as armor, huh? Interesting, but it won't stop my blade!" Touji smirked, appearing behind her and slashing lightly.

The lightning armor split open, and even Ringo's skin was cut, leaving a bloody mark.

"Impossible! You can cut through lightning?!" Ringo stared in disbelief, feeling a deep chill in her heart.

"There are many things you can't understand, like this!"

Electricity crackled around Touji's hand, the sound resembling a thousand birds chirping.

"Chidori!"

End of Chapter 128.

Chapter 129: Rescue Zabuza (Please Subscribe!)

Ringo Ameyuri’s pupils constricted sharply.

She had no idea that Touji could also use lightning techniques. And this particular lightning technique seemed quite powerful.

Touji let out a cold snort.

Touji had learned Chidori from the beginning, but without the Sharingan's insight to lock onto targets, he rarely used it.

Touji's hand pushed through the gaping hole, directly touching Ringo Ameyuri’s heart.

Before Ringo Ameyuri had time to feel fear, her whole body convulsed, and her consciousness gradually faded away.

Chojuro stared at Touji in shock.

Although he knew Ringo Ameyuri wasn’t a match for Touji, he never expected her to be defeated in a single move.

Chojuro himself was also one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. If they were to fight, he feared he too would only last a single blow.

However, Chojuro wasn’t discouraged. Instead, he became unusually excited.

The stronger Touji was, the better their chances of saving Kirigakure.

Foam, however, looked at Touji with a heavy gaze.

To cut through defenses in one strike and take a life with such fluidity and precision—it was clear that this man was immensely powerful.

There was no way he could compete—unless he unleashed the Tailed Beast!

"Touji-kun, I have a bold idea: let’s move directly to rescue Zabuza!"

Chojuro had long planned to rescue Momochi Zabuza, but now that Ringo Ameyuri had been killed, Kirigakure would certainly increase its security.

They had to act before the news spread widely. Otherwise, the chance of success would shrink.

"Alright, let's go now!" Touji agreed.

Just as Touji and Chojuro were about to leave, Foam approached them.

"Please take me with you!"

Touji was momentarily stunned.

Foam, who had been so resistant earlier, had suddenly changed his mind.

But bringing Foam along would certainly increase their chances of success.

The three of them arrived at the ANBU’s hidden base.

Since it was early in the morning and the location was secret, there weren’t many guards from the ANBU.

However, even the slightest disturbance would bring the ANBU reinforcements from nearby bases immediately.

"There are two ANBU members; we need to take them out instantly. If they send out a distress signal, we’ll have to retreat immediately," Chojuro whispered.

"Taking down two ANBU in an instant? That's too difficult. Maybe we should reconsider?" Foam frowned.

"There’s no time. This might be our last chance."

"I'll handle it," Touji said, stepping forward and slowly walking toward the two ANBU.

The two ANBU noticed Touji’s approach, their hands moving toward the alarm trigger, ready to press it at the slightest hint of danger.

"Who are you, kid?!" one of them shouted.

Chojuro and Foam’s faces turned pale.

When Touji said he’d handle it, they assumed he would quickly take out the two ANBU, just like he did with Ringo Ameyuri.

Who would’ve guessed that Touji would walk over slowly?

"Damn it, we’ve lost our chance! Run!" Chojuro yelled.

"We could’ve had some fun, but it seems you two are actually crazy," Foam sneered, a disappointed expression on his face.

At that moment, both ANBU members suddenly slumped over, snoring softly.

The alarm trigger was dropped to the side, completely forgotten.

"How did you do that?"

Just a moment ago, any slight movement would have caused the guards to hit the alarm, taking only 0.1 seconds.

Touji had subdued both ANBU in less than that time, proving his immense power.

"Just a little genjutsu."

Touji now had a pair of Mangekyo Sharingan, and using genjutsu on an ordinary ninja was a piece of cake.

"A little genjutsu?" Chojuro’s mouth twitched.

Casting genjutsu without hand signs and instantly taking down two ninja showed just how formidable Touji was.

The three of them entered the hidden base, enveloped in darkness. But this kind of darkness was nothing for Touji’s Byakugan.

As Touji looked around, he saw that, since the guards hadn’t been alerted, several ninjas were already lying on the ground, sound asleep.

Next to each of them lay a long sword, ready to kill at any moment in the dark.

Touji let out a cold laugh, pulled out three shurikens, and threw them. The targets didn’t even make a sound before falling silent.

Even Chojuro and Foam, who were right behind him, didn’t notice.

As they moved through the dark corridor, they came upon a row of cells.

Inside, numerous ninjas with weary expressions were imprisoned. At the end of the corridor, several guards were whipping Zabuza.

"There are thirteen guard ninjas. While not all may have alarms, we can’t afford to take that risk," Touji said seriously.

In such a confined space, if the ANBU blocked the entrance, it would be a death trap, with little hope of escape.

But facing thirteen ninjas, even Touji wasn’t confident he could take them all down at once.

Fortunately, these ninjas weren’t very alert, with most resting while others conducted interrogations.

Touji put on an ANBU mask and strode confidently inside.

The guards saw Touji but didn’t seem particularly suspicious, continuing with their duties.

Suddenly, bubbles floated through the air, trapping the guards, and Touji swiftly dispatched them with a kunai.

Chojuro looked at Touji in disbelief.

Such a heavily guarded facility had been breached so easily.

No wonder the Byakugan was considered one of the Three Great Dojutsu.

When it came to surveillance and sneak attacks, it gave an overwhelming advantage.

Foam laughed, glancing around at the prisoners.

Many of them were people he knew—once honest and upright, now reduced to prisoners.

This stirred a flicker of anger in Foam, usually so calm.

"I’ve made up my mind. I’ll help you save Kirigakure!"

"Save Kirigakure? Isn’t Kirigakure doing just fine now? Or do you have some complaints about me?"

A voice suddenly echoed through the corridor. A figure about Touji’s age appeared, holding a cane, followed by a dozen ninjas.

Chojuro’s body trembled, his face turning pale with despair.

"Yagura..."

"How dare you address the Mizukage by name!" one of the ninjas growled.

Touji frowned, turning his head. Despite their caution, the ANBU had discovered them.

Now that they’d been found, there was no choice but to fight.

"Chojuro, go rescue Zabuza and Haku. Foam, free the prisoners!"

Though they only faced a dozen enemies, Yagura was not to be underestimated.

The longer this dragged on, the more ANBU reinforcements would arrive, putting them at a greater disadvantage.

"Still refusing to surrender? Then I’ll crush all of you!" Yagura sneered as the dozen ANBU charged at Touji.

(End of Chapter)

---

*Chapter 130: Trapped Underground*

Touji frowned.

In such a confined space, his speed advantage couldn't be fully utilized.

With so many ninjas charging at once, the room for Touji to evade became even smaller.

But Touji was not someone who gave up easily. He drew Lin Kyo Amayuri's Thunder Blade and coldly glanced at the group. The chill emanating from him grew more intense, almost freezing the entire room.

"The Mizunotsuki Clan, huh? No wonder you're trying to kill me," Kageokitsu Yagura sneered, sitting back in his chair, calmly observing Touji.

Lightning flashed constantly in the air. Touji's sword techniques, combining both the Hatake Swordsmanship and the Mist Swordsmanship, had completely surpassed Lin Kyo Amayuri.

In such a narrow passageway, it was a world of fists and feet.

However, if the space were a bit larger, then it would become a battlefield for cold weapons.

In such a small area, no one dared to use ninjutsu. If someone used Water Release to flood the room, combined with Touji's Ice Release, no one would escape.

Thus, everyone only dared to charge forward with kunai.

Touji suddenly turned into a flash of light, accompanied by two arcs of electricity. Several ninjas widened their eyes in shock before falling to the ground.

Upon closer inspection, there was a thin cut on each of their necks.

"So fast!"

"Isn't this kid from the Mizunotsuki Clan? How can he be this quick?"

"Wait, it seems like he can predict our attacks!"

"Damn! Everyone, advance together! Don’t let him sneak attack us!"

Touji smirked slightly. With his Byakugan, no matter how tight the defense was, he could always spot a flaw.

After merging Ao's Byakugan, Touji's own Byakugan had evolved.

It wasn't just his vision and range that improved but a far more extraordinary ability—time.

As long as Touji activated the Byakugan rapidly, he could foresee his enemy’s next move.

And what he saw wasn't just a prediction of position—it was an acceleration of time by one second.

In other words, Touji could see the future.

That was the true power of the Byakugan!

However, this ability consumed an enormous amount of chakra. The chakra within Touji's body was quickly depleting.

With his current chakra levels, he could only maintain it for a few minutes.

Touji dashed forward, simulating several attack patterns before charging into the crowd, felling several ninjas in one swift move.

Kageokitsu Yagura frowned.

"There's something wrong with those eyes. Seems I’ll need to handle this myself!"

Yagura scoffed, striking the ground with his staff. Suddenly, a water-made mirror appeared on the floor.

A ninja slowly emerged from the mirror, and to Touji’s surprise, it was a perfect replica of himself.

"Mirror Flower Water Moon!"

Touji's brow furrowed.

This technique was terrifying because it could completely replicate an enemy’s abilities, including ninjutsu and strength!

Although the jutsu surely had limits, no one had ever reached its boundary.

Touji hesitated for a split second, and the clone dashed towards him with lightning speed. If Touji hadn’t activated his Byakugan, he would’ve been struck down.

"You can mimic everything, but can you mimic rules?"

The moment the words left his mouth, Touji vanished and reappeared behind the clone, slashing toward its neck.

Just as the Thunder Blade was about to hit, the clone raised its weapon, blocking the strike.

Touji stared in disbelief.

At such high speeds, most ninjas would have died by now.

Yet the clone blocked the attack effortlessly.

However, Touji noticed something.

The clone wasn’t actually keeping up with his speed; it was merely intercepting based on an intimate knowledge of Touji’s moves.

Touji’s expression turned cold.

It seemed the one who knew him best was himself.

Predicting every move—how much more overpowered could that get?

But then, a slight smile appeared on Touji’s lips.

No matter how powerful the clone was, it was still just water.

And what water could never mimic was Ice Release!

If the clone dared to use it, the first thing to freeze would be itself.

With that thought, the cold air around Touji intensified, becoming even more frigid.

The once-speedy clone began to form patches of ice on its surface. As the ice spread, the clone's movements slowed until its entire body was frozen solid.

Yagura’s frown deepened, showing clear dissatisfaction.

"Ice Release really is a hassle, but let's see how you handle this next!"

Yagura’s hands formed a rapid series of seals.

Seeing the sequence, Touji’s heart sank.

Water Release! And a very powerful one at that.

The hideout was underground—if attacked by a Water Release jutsu, the entire area would flood instantly.

Yagura wouldn’t even need to lift another finger. Everyone would drown.

"No! Everyone, get out! The place is about to flood!"

Touji shouted to the others behind him.

A wave of panic washed over them.

Though they were all ninjas from the Hidden Mist Village and excellent swimmers, it didn’t mean they could survive underwater for long.

Moreover, most of them had just escaped prison and were in no condition to withstand such a Water Release attack.

Desperation fueled their charge towards Yagura.

"Too late, I'm afraid!"

Suddenly, a water column surged, filling the narrow room and sending the charging ninjas flying back.

Touji quickly formed hand seals.

A wall carved with the face of a dog rose swiftly, blocking the incoming water.

Without more water to reinforce it, the flood quickly receded to ankle level.

But Touji wasn’t relieved.

The Earth-Style Wall could hold for a while, but not forever. Sooner or later, it would break.

Even if the wall held, they couldn’t stay in this small room forever.

Starvation would eventually claim them.

While Touji was deep in thought, the recently freed ninjas began to grumble.

"Why did you come here? We were fine down here, and now we’re all going to die!"

"Yeah! If you wanted to save people, save them. Why drag us into this?"

All eyes turned on Touji, with every insult thrown at him. They couldn’t fight Touji, but they could certainly out-argue him!

"Shut up!" Zabuza roared.

"Zabuza, this is all your fault! If you hadn’t tried to assassinate the Mizukage, we wouldn’t have been captured!"

"Yeah! You didn’t even have the strength to pull it off!"

Zabuza frowned, lifting his massive sword. With one swift motion, a few heads rolled.

"I said shut up!"