C70 You Are Not Worthy of Being My Opponent

Miyasame Ayaka let out a thunderous shout.

He had seemingly anticipated Mizushiro Tsubasa's use of the Body Replacement Technique to create distance between them, so he wasn't taken aback. With a swift strike, he shattered the wooden decoy and, rather than slowing down, he picked up speed.

In an instant, he merged with his blade, his essence, energy, and spirit fusing into one. The blade was him, and he was the blade, transforming into a streak of pure bladelight, charging at Mizushiro Tsubasa with unstoppable force.

"Water Release: Turbulent Wave!"

Now with some distance between them, Mizushiro Tsubasa had the chance to form hand seals, his fingers weaving through the motions with the dexterity of a magician.

Abruptly, a whirlpool of water coalesced around him, rising and steaming into the air, before violently morphing into a slender, powerful water wave that shot skyward.

The steam billowed and then, with a downward force, clashed with Miyasame Ayaka's oncoming slash, unleashing a fierce torrent of water.

The force of the water was relentless and powerful.

The entire banquet hall was soon permeated with the scent of the sea.

It was fortunate that the Grass Kage acted quickly, clapping hands to the earth to erect twin walls of soil, effectively diverting the water's flow away from the magnate.

Otherwise, in that moment, the assembly would have been overwhelmed by the deluge!

The power of Ninja Technique was on full display!

"Quick Draw Slash!"

Before awe could set in, Miyasame Ayaka faced the descending water wave as if he were Kawabata Nozomu, serenely seated before a cascading waterfall, and unleashed a fierce slash.

The blade light, like a ribbon of silk, soared upwards, cleaving the water wave in two from beneath.

The speed was astonishing, the blade light spreading rapidly, tracing the path of the water wave!

The momentum of the blade was unceasing, and in a flash, it reached Mizushiro Tsubasa.

But in that critical moment, he came to an abrupt halt, his long blade poised at Mizushiro Tsubasa's forehead, unable to penetrate further.

A sphere of water had ensnared him. Although the blade's force shattered the watery prison, he remained immobilized.

The prison of water then expanded, encapsulating both the man and his blade, creating a sculpture within the water.

"Water Release: Water Prison Jutsu!"

Mizushiro Tsubasa's hands ceased their motion, and he was suddenly drenched in a cold sweat.

It had been a hair's breadth from disaster; he nearly met his end.

Thankfully, he had managed to catch up just in time!

The onlookers, witnessing the scene, found themselves nearly breathless.

The combatants' speed was blinding—one, an elite Journeyman Ninja, and the other, a master swordsman, the foremost disciple of Chidzuru Koichi, Kawabata Nozomu's apprentice.

In the blink of an eye, the victor was decided!

Grass Kage let out a relieved breath.

Mizushiro Tsubasa was his indispensable lieutenant; losing him would have been a devastating blow.

"Mizushiro Tsubasa is victorious!"

Chidzuru Koichi declared the outcome.

A sword then soared through the air, its icy gleam shattering the water prison around Origami Shou in an instant!

The water, formless and fluid, was cleaved by a single stroke without harming the captive within—a testament to the swordsman's formidable skill.

And all the more astonishing as no one had seen his technique in action!

The crowd was astounded by the display.

"This swordsman's prowess is becoming increasingly formidable," Mizushiro Tsubasa silently acknowledged.

He then rejoined his team.

"For the second match, I'll take the stage myself. Grass Kage, you may choose to step forward or select another to do so."

Having suffered defeat, Kawabata Nozomu rose to challenge.

"Lord Grass Kage, allow me the honor of testing Master Kawabata's swordsmanship," a middle-aged ninja stepped forward without waiting for a response.

Grass Kage gave a nod of approval.

"Exercise caution. Kawabata's blade is exceptionally swift, unlike any other's."

"Understood!"

With Grass Kage's blessing, the Grass Ninja promptly took his position.

"I am Thousand Pine Snow. It is an honor to meet you, Master Kawabata!"

"You are not fit to be my adversary!"

Kawabata Nozomu dismissed Thousand Pine Snow with a glance, his attention fixed on Grass Kage.

"Hmm?"

Grass Kage's frown conveyed his displeasure, though he remained silent.