The Hyūga and Uchiha clans had dispatched a significant number of shinobi to the battlefield in the Land of Water. Therefore, within the Konoha camp, special zones were allocated for these two clans to avoid conflicts with other shinobi.
The Hyūga Clan's Encampment
Hyūga Suzuki, the person in charge of all matters concerning the Hyūga clan on the battlefield in the Land of Water, was also one of the clan elders who had persistently advocated for the assassination of Mitarashi Kai.
"Damn Mitarashi Kai! And Mitarashi Shishio! Damn them all! They all deserve to die!"
Hyūga Suzuki raged furiously inside his tent, which was now devoid of any intact items, a clear indication of his extreme anger.
"Hyūga Suzuki, it seems you despise that little brat Mitarashi Kai as much as I do."
Suddenly, a voice interrupted. Hyūga Suzuki stopped his actions, adjusted his robe, and turned to face the visitor.
"Uchiha Renzan, what are you doing in the Hyūga camp?"
Hyūga Suzuki's tone was hostile, his demeanor arrogant.
It was well-known throughout the shinobi world that the Hyūga and Uchiha clans were in constant rivalry, vying for the title of Konoha's foremost clan. Their relationship was akin to fire and water.
Suppressing the displeasure in his eyes, Uchiha Renzan forced a stiff smile and said,
"Hyūga Suzuki, I believe your Hyūga clan also wants to get rid of Mitarashi Kai. That brat, with his Kagura Mind's Eye, is a severe blow to the Hyūga clan's Byakugan. Every shinobi in the village now knows that in terms of reconnaissance, the Kagura Mind's Eye far surpasses the Byakugan. Heh heh heh."
"Get to the point," Hyūga Suzuki said, his face growing darker.
"Let's join forces—our two clans—to eliminate Mitarashi Kai and Mitarashi Shishio!" Uchiha Renzan proposed directly.
Hearing this, Hyūga Suzuki's eyes widened. "But Mitarashi Shishio is the head of the Anbu. If the Third Hokage finds out..."
Uchiha Renzan cut him off, "Hmph, do you think Mitarashi Shishio will spare us if we take action against Mitarashi Kai? Once he returns to the village and regains control of the Anbu, he will undoubtedly retaliate against us with vengeance."
"What does the Uchiha clan want?" Hyūga Suzuki asked, staring at Uchiha Renzan. After all, the Uchiha clan did not have as deep a grudge against Mitarashi Kai.
A sly smile appeared on Uchiha Renzan's lips. "Once the deed is done, the Hyūga clan must support the Uchiha clan in gaining a foothold in the Anbu. At the very least, we want a position at the squad captain level."
The Uchiha clan lacked an opportunity to infiltrate the Anbu. With the support of the Hyūga clan, the combined influence of the two clans would force the Third Hokage to comply, even if reluctantly.
Uchiha Renzan was well aware that the Third Hokage would never allow an Uchiha to become the head of the Anbu. However, gaining a foothold in the Anbu was already a significant step forward.
Hyūga Suzuki's expression shifted unpredictably. After a long pause, he gritted his teeth and said, "Fine. How do we proceed?"
Uchiha Renzan was not surprised by Hyūga Suzuki's decision. He chuckled darkly and said, "Heh heh heh, it's simple..."
On the Battlefield
"Shikaku, Chōza, Inoichi, the three of you will handle the Six-Tails Jinchūriki. The Three-Tails Jinchūriki is mine. Kai, your task is to swiftly eliminate Fuguki Suikazan and the elite jōnin of Kirigakure, then assist Shikaku and the others. Understood?"
Mitarashi Shishio stood facing the distant Kirigakure army, his expression stern as he issued commands.
After years of war, the coordination between the Ino-Shika-Chō trio had reached near perfection. Even an average Kage-level shinobi would find it difficult to defeat them when they worked together. Holding off a Jinchūriki for a while was well within their capabilities.
"Alright, prepare for battle."
With that, Mitarashi Shishio charged forward, leading the way. The Ino-Shika-Chō trio moved to engage the Six-Tails Jinchūriki.
Mitarashi Kai scanned the Kirigakure forces and spotted a towering figure with dark brown hair, standing over 2.4 meters tall, wielding a massive, barbed sword.
It was none other than the current wielder of the Samehada—Fuguki Suikazan!
As Fuguki Suikazan raised his sword to strike a Konoha shinobi, he suddenly felt a powerful force. His raised sword was kicked away, and he stumbled backward, nearly losing his balance.
"Indeed, it can absorb chakra. But this sword is truly hideous," Kai remarked after briefly touching the Samehada, sensing a slight drain on his chakra.
"Heh heh heh, brat, Samehada tells me it likes your chakra. So, prepare to die!" With that, Fuguki Suikazan charged at Kai, wielding the Samehada.
A cold gleam flashed in Kai's eyes. "Let's see if you have the ability to make that happen."
Ninja Art: Needle Senbon!
Fuguki Suikazan's hair stood on end, shooting a barrage of senbon at Kai. However, compared to Jiraiya's Sage Art: Hair Needle Senbon, it was far inferior.
Kai vanished from Fuguki Suikazan's sight, reappearing above him and delivering a powerful kick downward.
As a former member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, Fuguki Suikazan had some skill. At the last moment, he raised the Samehada to block Kai's heavy kick.
"Heh heh heh, brat, let me tell you—chakra absorbed by the Samehada is directly transferred to me, its wielder. As the battle drags on, you'll grow weaker, while I'll only grow stronger," Fuguki Suikazan taunted, laughing arrogantly.
Kai's expression darkened. "Seeing your smug face is really annoying. Looks like I'll have to get serious."
As a renowned member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, Fuguki Suikazan had never been so belittled. His face twisted with anger. "Hmph, brat, this battlefield is no place for empty boasts!"
"Is that so?" Kai's voice, filled with mockery, suddenly sounded behind Fuguki Suikazan.
Fuguki Suikazan's body froze. Slowly lowering his head, he saw a molten fist piercing through his chest. "Who... who are you?"
"Mitarashi Kai," Kai replied coldly.
Hearing the name, Fuguki Suikazan's eyes widened. "The Reaper of Konoha! Why are you here..." Before he could finish, the light in his eyes faded.
With this, Kirigakure lost another member of the "Seven Ninja Swordsmen."
"Boil Release: Skilled Mist Technique!"
A seductive yet crisp voice suddenly rang out, followed by a stream of yellowish liquid surging toward Kai.
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