Mizuki Ryosuke did not panic. His hands moved with blinding speed, forming three seals in rapid succession, his fingers leaving afterimages in the air.
Since his priority was to buy time rather than engage in an all-out battle, Ryosuke avoided directly clashing with Hanzō of the Salamander. In the eerie silence of Amegakure, even their breathing slowed to avoid detection.
Beneath the cover of his Demonic Ice Mirror Technique, both Ryosuke and Tsunade had a rare moment to catch their breath.
As long as the Eight Inner Gates remained closed, Hanzō's Taijutsu prowess alone was enough to dominate the ninja world.
Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation!
"Boom!"
A fireball, over fifty meters in diameter and blazing like a meteor, erupted from Hanzō's mouth, its intense heat distorting the air.
Secret Art: Ice Mirror Mirage!
The fireball met a spiraling storm of cold mist midair, triggering a violent explosion that sent flames and molten mud flying.
Despite his formidable Ice Armor, Ryosuke could do little but endure the force behind Hanzō's relentless offense. While he wasn't at risk of immediate defeat, the battle had turned into an uphill struggle.
Tsunade, still clutching Ryosuke's back, murmured under her breath, her golden eyes filled with mixed emotions.
Now that Ryosuke had identified the Magic Mirror Ice Crystals' flaw—how rainfall could expose it due to sound vibrations—he adjusted accordingly. He positioned them away from direct rainfall, ensuring the technique's effectiveness.
Hanzō's mastery of Iai Slash was unparalleled, blending agility, strength, and lethal precision. His control over his scythe was as instinctive as breathing, and his close-quarters combat was nearly impossible to counter.
At the moment Ryosuke unleashed Great Fire Annihilation, Hanzō inhaled deeply and retaliated with a colossal earth-infused mud projectile.
Summoning Jutsu: Sanshōuo - Mud Iron Bullet!
"Boom!!!"
The collision of fire and earth caused another explosion, sending fiery debris and mud splattering in all directions.
Despite the chaos, Hoshigaki Kisame watched from the shadows, awaiting his commander's signal. Had it not been for Ryosuke's prior orders, Kisame would have already engaged the Rain Shinobi in combat.
For a brief moment, Ryosuke and Tsunade locked eyes, a silent understanding passing between them. Neither spoke, yet they both recognized the gravity of the situation.
Tsunade's cheeks turned slightly red before she shifted her gaze away, composing herself.
Hanzō's mud bullets weren't simple projectiles. Unlike conventional Doton (Earth Style) jutsu, they possessed a unique hybrid property, carrying both the weight of Earth Release and the fluidity of Water Release, making them difficult to counter.
Rather than continue his scythe assault, Hanzō weaved hand seals with near-indiscernible speed.
Despite Ryosuke's enhanced physical abilities, granted by his Ice Armor and Chakra-enhanced Strength, he knew that in pure Taijutsu, he was outmatched against legends like Might Duy or Third Raikage.
A sinister green mist slowly began to spread throughout the battlefield.
Ryosuke's eyes narrowed—he immediately recognized the source.
This wasn't just any poison. This was Sanshōuo's Deadly Toxin, a lethal venom that could paralyze enemies within moments.
Without hesitation, Ryosuke telepathically relayed an order to Kisame:
"Retreat."
Over time, the Salamander Sanshōuo had adapted to spewing mud projectiles, making it a formidable summoning.
Hanzō, determined to force Ryosuke out of his defensive state, continued his relentless assault, attempting to corner him into a Taijutsu exchange.
Perfect Ice Mirror Camouflage!
The moment Ryosuke activated his Demonic Ice Mirrors, he and Tsunade vanished into thin air.
This sudden disappearance only fueled Hanzō's battle hunger.
He hadn't faced an opponent of this caliber in years, and for the first time in a long while, his blood boiled with excitement.
Meanwhile, Ryosuke carried Tsunade across the rooftops of Amegakure, his mind racing.
From the beginning, his strategy had been to avoid close combat, utilizing a hit-and-run approach to create distance.
Even without explanation, Tsunade immediately grasped the mechanics of the Demonic Ice Mirrors—a testament to her brilliance as a medical-nin and strategist.
Through years of battle, Ryosuke had memorized every detail of Hanzō's fighting style.
Twenty-four Ice Mirrors materialized in a perfect formation, disguising Mizuki Ryosuke within a crystalline labyrinth.
Tsunade, momentarily mesmerized, traced her fingers over the smooth ice.
Ryosuke turned his head slightly, his gaze locking onto her sapphire-blue eyes.
For a fleeting moment, an unspoken connection passed between them.
Hanzō, unfazed, suddenly ripped off his mask, exposing his bare face to the toxic air.
This was the true terror of Hanzō of the Salamander.
His body had developed complete immunity to the Deadly Toxin, allowing him to use the poison as a battlefield equalizer against even the strongest foes.
Tsunade's expression tensed.
She knew—this was no ordinary battle.
In a world absent of Six Paths-tier powerhouses, Ryosuke stood at the pinnacle of modern ninja strength.
Yet, even with all his abilities, this battle would be far from easy.
The two warriors stood in eerie silence, watching each other, waiting for the decisive moment to strike.
Seconds passed like hours.
Both knew that the next move would determine the fate of the battle.
Even without using their ultimate techniques, the sheer intensity of the fight had escalated to an unprecedented level.
Whether it was through Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, or Genjutsu, Ryosuke knew he was among the elite.
But Hanzō…
Hanzō was a legend.
A long-forgotten force that once singlehandedly fought the entire trio of the Sannin to a standstill.
The battlefield fell silent.
Time slowed.
And then—
The next attack was unleashed.
JOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCE 150+ CHAPTERS
Patreon.com/Kora_1