C71 A Blade to Split a Corpse
In any contest of skill, it's essential to extend at least a modicum of respect to your opponent, regardless of their prowess.
Kawabata Nozomu's remark was nothing short of a blatant affront.
"Master Kawabata, aren't you a bit too confident?"
Upon hearing this, Thousand Pine Snow's face soured instantly.
After all, he was a leading general under the Grass Kage, on par with Mizushiro Tsubasa, and an elite Journeyman Ninja in his own right. Specializing in wind techniques, he was renowned for his speed, earning him the moniker "Wind Surge."
But no matter how formidable Kawabata Nozomu was, he was still merely a warrior.
A warrior from a bygone era, no longer basking in the glory of old.
"Really?"
Kawabata Nozomu responded with a dismissive smile, unfazed by the comment.
At his level, such trivialities were beneath his concern.
"My apologies!"
Acknowledging the tension, Thousand Pine Snow bowed respectfully, fists clenched. Then, with a burst of Chakra, he transformed into a whirlwind, charging forward!
Wind-style ninjas were already a rarity, and his explosive release of Chakra, combined with his wind techniques, made him resemble an actual gust, bearing down on Kawabata Nozomu!
Like lightning, fierce and unseen.
The crowd could only catch a fleeting glimpse as Thousand Pine Snow appeared behind Kawabata Nozomu, kunai in hand, his speed ghostly.
"Whoosh!"
Yet, quicker still was the sudden flash of bright blade light that erupted around Kawabata Nozomu. It vanished as quickly as it appeared, with Kawabata Nozomu remaining seemingly motionless.
But Thousand Pine Snow, having nearly reached Kawabata Nozomu's back, came to an abrupt halt.
His face twisted in horror, eyes bulging with blood.
A crimson line erupted across his visage, followed by his body violently splitting in two!
He had been cleaved apart!
A gruesome end!
From start to finish, not a soul had witnessed Kawabata Nozomu's strike!
The crowd was left in utter disbelief!
They gasped in shock!
"What?!"
Mizushiro Tsubasa leaped to his feet, turning to face the Grass Kage with alarm.
The Grass Kage's complexion was a ghastly pale, and he remained utterly silent.
Just because others were blind to it didn't mean he was. His solemnity stemmed from seeing the truth!
"Kawabata Nozomu's swordsmanship rivals that of Chidzuru Koichi. That last stroke was absolutely stunning!"
Aside from the Grass Kage, there were a few others who had witnessed it and were thoroughly astounded.
"Indeed!"
In that moment, the magnate, witnessing the spectacle, murmured in a voice only he could hear, clearly very pleased with Kawabata Nozomu's performance.
Chidzuru Koichi kept a poker face. As the referee, he was impartial to all.
Without delay, he declared,
"Second match, Kawabata Nozomu wins!"
"Maharu Kaneshiro, stop sending fodder to their doom. Come forth, I've honed my skills for years just for this moment with you!"
Kawabata Nozomu didn't leave the stage; instead, he locked eyes with the Grass Kage, Maharu Kaneshiro, and challenged him with an air of defiance.
"Very well!"
The Grass Kage nodded, rising to his full height.
With Masanori Snow felled by a single slash, he had to step in; otherwise, no one would match this adversary!
This banquet was designed for him, after all. If he didn't show, the Grass Ninja would lose all standing!
"The Grass Kage is done for!"
A well-informed minister couldn't help but sigh at the unfolding scene.
"How so?" inquired those around him, bewildered.
"Let's be clear, this banquet was orchestrated for the Grass Kage. The Grass Ninja's recent surge in power hints at a push for autonomy. The magnate, with his formidable influence and having the likes of Chidzuru Koichi at his side, would never tolerate the Grass Kage's presence. This event was a calculated move against the Grass Ninja, and it was bound to happen," explained the minister.
"We've surmised as much about the magnate's intentions, given our close association with him. But the Grass Kage is no easy target. Why do you believe he's finished?"
