C69 This Room Yang

"Thank you, esteemed magnate!"

As Hiraga Kodai expressed his gratitude, Kawabata Nozomu chuckled heartily and offered a fist-and-palm salute in thanks.

He then rose to his feet, his gaze settling on Grass Kage with a chilling intensity.

"Lord Grass Kage, your men have slain my disciple, Mizunoki. I demand an explanation!"

"An explanation? He trespassed into the alert perimeter of my village without authorization. That I spared his life is a courtesy to you. What more do you seek?"

Kawabata Nozomu bristled at the immediate confrontation, but Grass Kage met his aggression with a cold sneer, standing his ground without yielding an inch.

"The man is dead, and without a witness, you're free to make any claim. However, I've called upon the great magnate today to ensure justice is served, not to quibble over details with you. 'An eye for an eye, a debt repaid'—it's only right. We are all servants of the magnate, and incidents among our ranks are to be expected. But such actions could displease the magnate and damage our camaraderie. That's why I've asked you here—to resolve this issue once and for all at this banquet."

Kawabata Nozomu nodded, choosing not to prolong the standoff with Grass Kage.

"Fine. What's your proposal for resolution?"

Grass Kage nodded back, fixing his eyes on Kawabata Nozomu.

"It matters not which of your underlings is responsible. If we're to settle this, let strength determine the outcome. I'll send three of my best, you'll send three of yours. We'll face off, and the victor dictates the terms. With the magnate, Lord Thousand Crane, and the esteemed ministers presiding as judges, does that suit you?"

Kawabata Nozomu put forth his suggestion.

"Agreed!"

Grass Kage responded with a single, decisive word.

"Mizushiro Tsubasa, I've heard you're the top warrior under Lord Grass Kage of Grass Village. I'm the foremost expert under my own master. Shall I be the one to challenge you?"

No sooner had they reached an agreement than a man in a white samurai garb, long sword at his side, leaped forward from behind Kawabata Nozomu. He pointed directly at Mizushiro Tsubasa, throwing down the gauntlet for a challenge!

"Mizushiro, this individual is Kawabata Nozomu's top disciple. Do you feel up to the challenge?"

Grass Kage inquired, his gaze fixed on Mizushiro Tsubasa.

"Absolutely. Unless Kawabata Nozomu himself steps in, I fear no one. I've reached the elite Journeyman Ninja level and am well-prepared for close combat with any warrior."

Mizushiro Tsubasa affirmed with a nod before leaping into the fray with remarkable agility, showcasing the prowess of a true Ninja.

"Mizushiro Tsubasa, I've been eager to test my skills against you. Let's find out whether your ninja techniques or my swordplay is superior," Iji Yang taunted with a sneer, his long saber at the ready.

"I'm curious about the extent of your mastery over the renowned Saber Drawing Slash of Kawabata Nozomu," Mizushiro Tsubasa retorted, undaunted, gathering his Chakra as they stood at a distance.

"Very well!"

Iji Yang exclaimed, and in an instant, he and his saber became one, transforming into a dazzling arc of light that surged towards Mizushiro Tsubasa with the force of a tempest.

In a mere moment, he closed the gap, appearing directly before Mizushiro Tsubasa. His blade descended in a flash, its brilliance engulfing him, the sheer intensity of the blade's will nearly suffocating.

The might of a true warrior was evident in his strike.

"Hmph!"

Mizushiro Tsubasa grunted, unfazed and ready. His hands swiftly formed seals, and as the saber's light struck, he was replaced by a log of wood—his successful execution of the Body Replacement Technique to evade the attack.

"Strike again!"