Fuguki clutched his wound, questioning in pain.
He couldn't understand what Kisame would gain by betraying him.
"Betrayal? To me, when you betrayed your comrades from the same village to gain the Hidden Cloud's trust, you were no longer the goal I believed in. What do you think I joined your ranks for?"
Kisame nonchalantly retorted.
"Is that so? I understand now, the matter with the Hidden Cloud, you leaked it to Yagura, didn't you?"
Fuguki realized something, all the things he didn't understand suddenly became clear.
A hateful and vicious gaze, as if he wanted to devour Kisame alive.
The biggest traitor was right by his side, something Fuguki never anticipated.
But thinking carefully, it was also logical.
Because Kisame was one of the few confidants who knew of his conspiracy with the Hidden Cloud, once he chose to betray, the consequences were obvious.
Kisame remained silent, whether in acknowledgment or simply unwilling to argue over such matters.
But Fuguki seemed convinced, laughing heartily, coughing up blood as he sneered:
"However, using my head as a token of allegiance, that's quite something, Kisame. You're more capable than I imagined, I really didn't misjudge your abilities. But don't forget, scum like you who sells out for glory will never gain anyone's trust! Haha... ugh!"
Despite being breathless, Fuguki was still laughing heartily.
His words, like a venomous curse, deeply pierced Kisame's heart, tightening his fists.
Yes, regardless of the reason, he was Fuguki's subordinate; betraying his superior in the Ninja Realm was indeed disgraceful.
And someone like him had no right to earn anyone's trust.
An ugly and ridiculous traitor!
Now that he had betrayed Fuguki, he might betray others in the future.
No one could guarantee he wouldn't do similar things later on.
Noticing Ringo Ameyuri's wary gaze, Kisame bitterly smiled inside.
Indeed, he was being suspected.
It was only natural for someone who betrayed their superior to be viewed with caution and disdain.
This was probably a form of torture as well.
But Kisame felt no regret; if he had to do it again, he would choose the same path.
He was a Hidden Mist ninja, and what Fuguki did had exceeded his limits of tolerance.
"I don't long for anyone's trust, spending the rest of my life in prison... I've prepared for that!"
Kisame replied.
"What a pathetic traitor, still hoping for unrealistic fantasies. But even so, don't think I'll die at Yagura's hands! Only I can kill myself!"
Fuguki knew the situation was set, and he couldn't change it.
Kisame had deliberately avoided vital points, only severely injuring him without killing, clearly intending to capture him alive.
However, under no circumstances could he allow himself to fall into Yagura's hands and be executed by a political adversary.
In that case, he would truly die without peace, more disgraceful than death.
An unexpected resolve glinted in Fuguki's eyes as he drew the blade from his body.
Blood gushed from the wound, covering the ground.
To him, death was no longer to be feared.
His face twitched from pain.
With both hands gripping the hilt tightly, he unhesitatingly stabbed it toward his own throat.
With blood coughing from his mouth and a strange smile, Fuguki stared at the shocked Kisame, falling to the ground, his lips weakly moving, seemingly saying, 'I'll be waiting for you below.'
◎
Water flowed over the Tailed Beast Ball, sealing it again.
But as a result, the Third Mizukage began to feel exhausted, his Chakra reduced to less than a third of its original amount.
In contrast, Yagura, supported by the Three-tailed Beast within, continuously unleashed Ninja Techniques with seemingly endless Chakra and energy.
Yagura's strategy at this moment was to deplete the Third Mizukage's strength and Chakra.
Only by doing this could he ensure absolute victory over the Third Mizukage.
The Third Mizukage knew this couldn't go on, so he used Water Instant Body immediately, rushing at Yagura, attempting to close the distance for combat.
However, Yagura didn't intend to give the Third Mizukage this chance.
At their level of strength, closing the distance wasn't that easy.
The Third Mizukage understood this too, but it was the only way to turn the tide.
If he continued to be held at a distance, worn out by the Tailed Beast Ball, he truly had no chance of victory.
"Water Style: Water Mirror Jutsu!"
Yagura raised the staff before him, and from the mirror emerged a figure identical to the Third Mizukage, simultaneously opening its mouth to spray a torrent, colliding in the air.
The power of the Water Dragon Slash was negated, resulting in a stalemate.
Yagura was able to perfectly replicate everything about the enemy, including Ninja Techniques, Illusion Techniques, and Taijutsu, with equal power. Given the right conditions, Kekkeigenkai and Jinchuriki states could be fully mimicked.
Once in close range, Yagura used this technique to counter the Third Mizukage's attacks.
Then swiftly leaping back, he widened the gap, deploying a large-scale Water Style as a feint, creating a favorable opportunity, secretly beginning to condense a Tailed Beast Ball.
The Third Mizukage's energy was visibly depleting rapidly, leaving him breathless.
There was no time to delay, it must be settled quickly! The determination in the Third Mizukage's eyes was unwavering.