C24 I Can Kill Ten of Them by Myself!

Mizunoki shook his head nonchalantly, unfazed.

As he spoke, his confidence was unmistakable.

"I'm aware you've trained under a great master and have been through the crucible of war, the life-and-death struggles that I haven't faced. But today, I've brought someone who's every bit your equal. Master Huo Xuan, it's your turn!"

Chu Koichi didn't argue against Mizunoki's claim; he knew it was true.

Both were Junior Ninjas, yet the difference between having seen battle and not was night and day.

They might have been equals in skill, but in actual combat, he feared he'd be dead in a heartbeat!

Master Huo Xuan, however, was a different story. A veteran of war with exceptional prowess and a master of Fire Escape, he was Mizunoki's nemesis.

"So you're Mizunoki? Leave now, and your life will be spared."

Master Huo Xuan let out a scoff and stepped forward to confront Mizunoki.

"Master Huo Xuan, I've heard of your renown. A Fire Escape expert from Grass Village, capable of holding your own against a Journeyman Ninja."

Mizunoki acknowledged Master Huo Xuan, which was unexpected.

But his demeanor quickly turned frosty, his voice icy.

"Still, you're no match for me. Maybe after you've risen to the rank of Journeyman Ninja we could have a real fight, but not yet."

"Arrogant!"

Master Huo Xuan's scoff echoed again.

"Arrogant or not, we'll see once we clash. If you stand with Chu Koichi, then you're my enemy!"

Mizunoki's response was cold, his disdain for Master Huo Xuan clear.

"Really?"

"Fire Escape: The Art of the Hao Fireball!"

With another sneer, Master Huo Xuan's hands flew into a seal.

Instantly, a fireball the size of a human head burst from his mouth, hurtling towards Mizunoki with ferocious speed and intensity.

"Somewhat impressive, but watch me shatter your Fire Escape."

"Water Escape: Water Wall!"

Mizunoki's sneer matched his opponent's as he too formed a seal, unleashing the Water Escape without yielding an inch.

In an instant, a towering wall of water surged up around him, effectively blocking the incoming fireball!

The collision between the fireball and the water vapor erupted into a thick cloud of steam, scattering intensely in every direction.

The steam enveloped a ten-meter radius, obscuring everything in a hazy mist.

In the dense forest, the thick foliage blocked the view, leaving him suddenly shrouded in white.

It was as though a dense fog had descended upon the jungle!

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

Then, the rustling of leaves was accompanied by the clanging of metal—Mizunoki and Master Huo Xuan were locked in combat.

But the clash was brief, lasting only seven breaths before silence reclaimed the forest.

"Is it over?"

"Who won?"

Chu Koichi's heart raced with anxiety.

Ten minutes later, the mist cleared, and visibility was restored.

Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting a golden glow. Chu Koichi squinted against the brightness, but the sight before him sent a chill down his spine.

There, in Mizunoki's grasp, was the severed head of Master Huo Xuan. The outcome was clear—Master Huo Xuan had been slain by Mizunoki, and the fight had been decisively short.

The two were simply not in the same league.

Now, Mizunoki stood before him, his gaze cold and ghost-like, utterly still.

Chu Koichi was petrified.

"I've told you before, even among Junior Ninjas, I am not like the rest of you. What of Master Huo Xuan? Despite his experience in countless battles, he's never been tested in the crucible of war, never endured the trials of life and death, nor has he been mentored by a great teacher. We operate on different levels. An opponent of his caliber? I could take down ten like him with ease," Mizunoki stated coolly, his eyes fixed on Chu Koichi.

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