The vast size difference between Shukaku and Mizuki made using an Air Bullet against him like swatting a mosquito with a giant fan—dramatic, but ultimately ineffective. Thanks to Sage Mode, Mizuki could easily dodge those overly exaggerated Wind Release attacks with his enhanced speed. However, the stray Air Bullets flying around were extremely dangerous, especially for the lower-ranked genin. If one so much as grazed them, it meant certain death—absolutely no chance to evade.
Fortunately, since Mizuki had drawn Shukaku's hatred, he now bore most of the tailed beast's attacks. This also gave Mizuki a chance to steer where Shukaku aimed his assaults.
At this point, Mizuki had already realized that engaging in direct jutsu battles with a tailed beast was exhausting and inefficient.
In the face of absolute power disparity, elemental advantages mattered little—overwhelming force was unbeatable. Though Mizuki's Fire Release techniques effectively countered Wind Release, even when his searing flames engulfed Shukaku's body, they only caused it to howl in pain. After all, Shukaku's sand body wouldn't be easily destroyed by simple fire techniques.
Provoked further by Mizuki's attack and now furious, Shukaku effortlessly gathered massive chakra and spat out two more Air Bullets from its mouth.
"The power keeps increasing…"
As time went on, Shukaku gained better control over its sand form, making its techniques more devastating.
Seeing Shukaku's completely unreasonable fighting style, Mizuki abandoned the idea of matching it in chakra consumption. He'd rather wrestle the beast up close than waste energy pointlessly.
"Therefore, against these tailed beasts with no actual combat experience, acting purely on instinct… brute force won't get us anywhere here. In fact, maybe we can turn this to our advantage…"
Now with a plan in mind, Mizuki stopped trying to suppress the tailed beast through sheer might.
Instead, relying on his agility, Mizuki deftly dodged Shukaku's attacks. Besides avoiding the large-scale Wind Release Air Bullets and their resulting shockwaves, he also carefully evaded numerous traps formed from manipulated sand. While dangerous for Mizuki alone, the situation wasn't too bad—as long as Shukaku kept focusing on him, everyone else remained relatively safe.
Later, realizing he had some breathing room, Mizuki glanced around and noticed that Aoba Yamashiro, Neji Hyuga, and Shino Aburame were nowhere nearby—he knew they'd already retreated to safety—and thus felt ready to proceed.
"Since your goal is the tailed beast, none of you should remain idle spectators…"
Resolved, Mizuki seized his chance, narrowly dodging another attack before swiftly rushing toward Kakuzu, who was preparing to take action.
"The deadliest game in history is about to begin... We could at least use a few more players..."
Meanwhile, Kakuzu and Hidan were preparing to move against their current mission target.
...
"Kakuzu, it seems like that guy Sasori is actually dead. What unfortunate luck," Hidan said mockingly, showing no respect for the fallen comrade they once fought alongside. "I mean, there's no way he's really dead, right? Didn't he have all sorts of tricks to save his life?"
"If he's dead, then he's dead. There are plenty of candidates who can become full Akatsuki members. When we have time, there might even be a newcomer by the time we return next. Let the Leader deal with those problems," Kakuzu replied indifferently. He had witnessed countless partner deaths; losing one more member meant nothing to him.
"Hm. Kakuzu, now that Sasori's dead, who do you think will become Deidara's new partner? I remember we don't really have enough manpower to spare right now. Are we going to pull from the backup members again?"
"What? You look down on the backup members?" Kakuzu explained calmly what he knew. "If your predecessor hadn't died unexpectedly, you would've had to wait longer before becoming a full member."
"Tch, Kakuzu, stop reminding me every time like my position here is just something you gave out of pity."
"That's exactly what it is. To be honest, Hidan, I think Tobi is actually better than you. If it weren't for the fact that you're immortal—which I must admit I appreciate—you wouldn't be standing here in his place." Kakuzu continued speaking matter-of-factly, clearly irritating Hidan. "And another important thing: we don't even know if Deidara can be rescued yet. Plus..."
Kakuzu suddenly changed topics. "Since when have you cared so much about whether others live or die? The Akatsuki doesn't usually have people who get worked up over other teams' affairs."
"I'm just curious," Hidan replied. "Even though I haven't been here long, it's strange that an organization capable of establishing its own powerful ninja village would remain hidden in the shadows without making a sound, and now tries to capture the tailed beasts. It doesn't make any sense..."
"The Leader will tell you eventually. Stop talking and get to work."
"Tch, you money-obsessed bastard. Don't you even wonder where all the money you collect ends up? Shouldn't you care at least a little about how the Leader uses it?"
"Hm?" Kakuzu paused—money always caught his attention. "That's none of your concern. Look over there... The one who killed Sasori is coming. Get ready..."
"So another good sacrifice is coming this way?" Hidan said excitedly as a powerful opponent approached. "Today must be my lucky day! So many ninjas to offer properly to Jashin-sama..."
"Idiot. Hurry up and move out of the way..."
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