Creak! Creak!
Saitama turned sideways and saw Sasori manipulating several puppets in battle with Mangetsu Hozuki. The two seemed to be locked in a stalemate.
Of course, this was largely because Sasori had not yet revealed his true trump cards.
With just these ordinary puppets, he already had Mangetsu completely helpless.
Although Sasori had used up a lot of chakra earlier, handling just one Mangetsu Hozuki was still no issue at all.
Seeing that Saitama had already gained the upper hand and was now looking in his direction, Mangetsu's expression shifted. He swiftly raised his weapon across his chest, instantly creating distance while eyeing Saitama warily.
"Since Yagura isn't coming, let's finish them quickly and get out of here!"
Sasori didn't chase after Mangetsu. With his chakra threads tightening, the puppets immediately returned to his side.
A trace of fatigue showed in his eyes—he wasn't as composed as he seemed.
"Understood."
Saitama caught the presence of others closing in from the shore and gave a brief nod.
He had come here for two reasons: to support Sasori and to have a "serendipitous meeting" with Yagura.
Now that he knew Yagura wouldn't be arriving here, there was no reason for him to stay any longer after assisting Sasori.
As for those approaching Mist ninja...
A flicker of coldness passed through Saitama's gaze—those who weren't comrades were enemies.
If they were enemies, there was no point in holding back.
His right hand tightened around the ninja sword, which crackled with white electric currents.
Saitama fixed his gaze firmly on Mangetsu Hozuki.
"Hmph? Damn it!"
Mangetsu's face paled again. Seeming to realize Saitama's intent, he rapidly moved toward Kisame.
Only by standing together could he feel even slightly safe.
Even though Kisame also couldn't defeat Saitama, at least together they had a sliver of hope.
Whoosh!
He pushed off the ground forcefully, instantly shifting position, Hiramekarei firmly grasped in his hand while chakra began gathering upon its surface.
Hiramekarei was among the more powerful ninja swords, similar to Samehada, both crafted from living creatures.
It was said to have been forged from a rare species of flatfish.
Retaining the original body shape of the flatfish, two holes resembling eyes were present on its surface.
At this moment, blue streams of chakra began flowing from those holes.
This was one form of [Hiramekarei's Chakra Release]—unleashing the chakra stored within the blade to deal massive damage to enemies.
As soon as Saitama finished speaking, he sprang into action. His speed far surpassed Mangetsu's, directly targeting the fleeing opponent.
Clang! Their weapons clashed. Saitama instantly overpowered Mangetsu, halting his momentum.
"It's been a long time. You don't seem to have improved much!"
Saitama's voice was extremely low, his crimson Sharingan locked onto Mangetsu like death itself.
"Tch!"
Mangetsu wasted no words, swinging Hiramekarei straight down toward Saitama.
His arm muscles tensed, visible blue veins popping out instantly.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
They kept clashing, blow after blow, neither willing to yield.
But in reality, every round Saitama Uchiha managed to leave a wound on Mangetsu Hozuki, while Mangetsu could only defend passively.
As for the Hydrification Technique that grants immunity to physical damage, when faced against Saitama Uchiha's Chidori Current, it could only say sorry!
Swoosh!
Once again, his blade clashed against Hiramekarei, sending Mangetsu flying backward and leaving a long cut across his thigh. At the same time, a gust of wind whistled past his head.
No need to think—it was obvious. Saitama Uchiha already knew who it was.
It was Kisame, who had previously been sent flying by him.
After recovering slightly on the ground, Kisame charged forward again and joined the attack.
Swoosh!
Turning around, Saitama Uchiha's left arm became wrapped in a white Chidori Current, glowing like dazzling lightning.
Bang!
His elbow smashed directly into Samehada.
"What kind of power is this?!"
Kisame's figure froze momentarily; the knuckles gripping Samehada turned pale while a reddish hue surfaced on his face.
Boom!
The lightning wrapped around his arm exploded, blasting Kisame away. Using this force, Saitama Uchiha once again closed the distance between himself and Mangetsu Hozuki.
"Water Release — Great Waterfall Technique!"
Still airborne, Kisame formed hand seals quickly, unleashing a ninjutsu.
At that moment, Saitama Uchiha had already reached Mangetsu.
Hōsuigan no Jutsu (Powerful Water Arm Technique)!
"Hiramekarei — Release!"
Mangetsu gritted his teeth, knowing he was now in great danger. Uchiha Saitama seemed determined to eliminate him first.
If he didn't give it his all, today might be his last day.
Thus, he started with the Hydrification Technique, enhanced his strength with Hōsuigan no Jutsu, and finally used the ultimate technique of Hiramekarei.
His right arm instantly expanded, the muscles swelling like balloons inflating, followed by a layer of chakra wrapping around Hiramekarei, continuously glowing brighter.
"Don't underestimate me, Saitama Uchiha! I'm one of the Seven Swordsmen!"
Tensing his waist muscles, Mangetsu swung his weapon in a full circle.
A chakra-infused beam shot forth from Hiramekarei, speeding toward Saitama Uchiha.
In front was Mangetsu Hozuki, behind was Kisame. Within that second, Saitama Uchiha found himself trapped between two enemies' techniques, completely surrounded.
Yet, Saitama Uchiha showed no panic at all. He ignored the jutsu coming from Kisame behind him.
[Sage Art - Lightning Release Chidori Current!]
Eyes narrowing, white electric currents began swirling over Saitama Uchiha's left hand.
Similarly, an even stronger glow emerged from his blade in the right.
Swoosh!
Zzzzt!
Lifting his right hand swiftly, he placed it against the incoming chakra sphere from Hiramekarei.
Then, with a swift motion from his left, the chakra ball was cleanly sliced along a smooth trajectory.
Daa!
Without losing momentum, Saitama Uchiha continued charging toward Mangetsu Hozuki.
Seemingly unprepared for how easily his ultimate move had just been broken through, Mangetsu briefly lost his composure.
"This... How is this possible!"
He stared at Saitama Uchiha, frozen mid-motion with his right hand raised partway toward his chest, when suddenly a blinding white light engulfed him!
His expression froze at that instant—stunned, shocked, and regretful.
Zzzzt!
Saitama's blade pierced through Mangetsu's body, though the latter instantly activated his Hydrification Technique.
But lightning countered his water-based technique perfectly. As the sword entered his body, Mangetsu could no longer maintain his liquid state.
"Huh!"
Mangetsu stared at Saitama, confusion flashing in his eyes. He hadn't expected his life to end so simply on this task!
He had departed full of ambition, yet now regretted acting so recklessly—separating prematurely from Terumi Mei and the others to accompany Kisame and arrive here earlier than planned.
Swish!
The blade still embedded in Mangetsu's body, Saitama didn't pull it out. Instead, he grabbed the other man's shoulder, swapped positions with him, and instantly leapt away from his original spot.
Boom!
Exactly where Saitama had stood moments before, a jet of water erupted onto the ground.
Tap!
Meanwhile, Sasori used chakra threads to latch onto the wooden cocoon once containing Ephemeral, pulling himself free from the crater created by the Tailed Beast Ball, landing on its edge.
Splash, splash, splash!
Inside the deep crater, water gushed forth like a lake, rapidly flooding the entire chamber.
"Damn bastard! I underestimated you after all!"
Kisame's expression darkened as he gripped Samehada, one end of it dipping into the water.
"No Tailed Beast, yet chakra reserves like that? Impressive."
Standing atop the water's surface, Saitama observed how Kisame had completely filled the tens-of-meters-wide crater with just one jutsu, a slight look of surprise appearing on his face.
Though he already knew Kisame possessed astonishing chakra reserves—and had seen it many times through past-life memories—actually witnessing it firsthand was still somewhat shocking.
With chakra reserves like that, even most Kage-level experts might not match him.
Although Saitama himself could certainly accomplish the same, he probably wouldn't manage it as easily as Kisame did—after all, water-type ninjutsu wasn't exactly his specialty.
"Just kill me already!"
At this point, Mangetsu hadn't fully lost consciousness. Under Saitama's control, his chest bore a ninja blade constantly discharging arcs of electricity.
Coming from the Hozuki clan, considered an elder family within Kiri, his lineage not only controlled seven of Kiri's ninja swords but had also produced a former Mizukage.
Even now captured by Saitama, family pride forbade him from showing submission.
Pfssk!
Meeting such a request, Saitama saw no reason to refuse.
He withdrew his sword with his right hand.
As it slid free, blood immediately gushed outward.
Mangetsu Hozuki's face relaxed slightly, relief flickering within his gaze.
[The Demon Reincarnated], he represented the hopes of the Hozuki clan, carrying boundless dreams—his ultimate goal being to reclaim the position of Mizukage.
Yet achieving these ambitions had cost him dearly.
Still, he knew compared to many within his village, he seemed somehow lacking—even dryly recognizing that Hoshigaki Kisame could crush him effortlessly in terms of sheer strength.
If death came now, he'd finally be free from relentless pressure to restore his family's glory.
He'd done his best. But their enemy was far too strong—far beyond his reach!
"I leave everything to you!"
Closing his eyes slowly, a single image flashed across Mangetsu's mind.
Suigetsu Hozuki—the younger brother he carried affection for. A rather amusing kid—one he truly cared for.
Boom!
Lifting his sword, Saitama's expression remained unchanged as he slashed at Mangetsu's throat, then kicked him hard in the stomach, sending him flying toward Kisame who stood there with a dark look.
Plip! Plap! Plip!
Mangetsu flipped several times across the water surface like a stone thrown by Saitama, skipping across the waves.
Plop!
His body finally stopped at Kisame's feet, face down and completely motionless.
Red liquid gradually spread from his body, staining the surrounding waters crimson.
Kisame didn't move. He only glanced briefly at Mangetsu before fixing his gaze back on Saitama.
He had already determined that Mangetsu had no chance of survival, so there was no need to check on him.
Right now, his main priority was to hold out against Saitama until Terumi Mei and the others arrived!
With Terumi Mei and two other members of the Seven Swordsmen joining the battle, maybe the situation would change!
"You seem somewhat afraid. Even if you're an artificial being, do you really feel emotions like this?"
Saitama looked at Kisame. He clearly noticed the immense caution and fear radiating from him.
Gurgle!
Mangetsu Hozuki's body sank beneath the water surface, and in the next instant, Saitama moved as well, charging toward Kisame.
He had sheathed his blade. His hands were drawn back slightly at his sides, ready to strike.
Crackle!
Electric sparks flickered as a white chakra manifestation formed around his body. As he charged forward, even the air trembled slightly.
"Here he comes!"
Smack!
Kisame clasped both hands together, eyes locked firmly on Saitama, while Samehada floated above the water surface as if it had its own will.
[Water Release - Thousand Shark Feeding Frenzy!]
Crouching slightly, he pressed his palm onto the previously calm water surface.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
The tranquil water suddenly surged violently, with the dorsal fins of sharks appearing above the surface.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Swoosh!
There were countless sharks, densely packed all around Kisame.
And Kisame let out a faint, cold smile.
The moment the sharks emerged, they shot rapidly toward Saitama, exposing their sharp teeth!
"Hehe! Just stalling for time!"
Saitama didn't slow down but actually accelerated midway.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
His arms swung in a blur, cutting through one or more sharks with each effortless strike.
The two Chidori Currents formed into chakra blades and became lethal shark slayers, harvesting the lives of the sharks without mercy!
Drip!
Closing in on Kisame, Saitama stomped hard on the water surface. For a brief moment, the water went still, then exploded outward, creating a massive gap in the flowing current.
Accompanying this was Saitama's soaring figure leaping high into the air.
Swoosh!
He rocketed toward Kisame, the white electrical currents swirling around his body resembling a suit of armor.
[Water Release - Giant Shark Projectile!]
Standing firm in place, Kisame formed hand seals and launched the ninjutsu directly at Saitama.
A flash of red light appeared in Saitama's Sharingan eye, instantly copying the technique.
Without making any hand seals himself, Saitama immediately manifested a jutsu much larger than Kisame's, firing it straight back.
Boom!
Two jutsu collided and neutralized each other instantly, but Saitama kept charging toward Kisame.
Pfss!
One hand pressed against Samehada, while the other swept across Kisame's chest, leaving a thin crimson line across his muscular torso.
"Hmph!"
Kisame snorted coldly, yanked back Samehada, and twisted midair, slicing counter-against Saitama.
Ding!
Saitama blocked it with both hands, using his jutsu as a shield.
Zzzap! Chidori Current flashed briefly. An electric surge extended from Saitama's right hand, striking Kisame's chest in an instant.
Pfss!
This time, the technique pierced straight through Kisame's chest, exiting out his back.
Crackle crackle crackle! The electricity seared the surrounding flesh, making strange sizzling noises.
"Crap!"
Kisame's eyes narrowed even further, and his cheek markings trembled rapidly several times.
Da!
Planting the tip of his foot on the water's surface again, Saitama closed in on Kisame without giving him even a moment to breathe.
"No matter who you are, people often don't truly understand themselves until their final moments arrive. It's only when facing death that they realize who they really are. How about you, Kisame?"
Saitama stared at Kisame, whose expression showed signs of weakness, speaking in a cold tone.
Upon hearing these words, Kisame's eyes narrowed.
Back in Kiri, the role he had played was always that of the killer!
Before becoming one of the Seven Swordsmen, most of the people he had killed were from his own village.
As a subordinate of Fuguki Suikazan, he did countless dirty deeds for his superior officer.
Killing for missions—this was the singular obsession he always held onto.
"I realized this long ago, from the very first comrade I killed. When a ninja of Mist must kill fellow Mist-nin, what exactly am I—a friend or foe? What is my goal, my position, where am I heading, and where can I find peace? The only thing I could truly feel was my own falsehood."
Kisame glared wide-eyed yet calmly at Saitama before him.
But soon, accompanied by a sharp sound like piercing flesh, his expression shifted slightly.
"But that was only up until now! From this moment on, I fight for my village. When this very false self begins to change, then the falsehood itself no longer exists!"
"I—Kisame Hoshigaki!—am simply a ninja of the Hidden Mist, fighting to protect the Mist and safeguard the weak!"
Bloodshot eyes locked onto Saitama as Kisame spoke each word deliberately.
"Is that so? I originally thought someone like you would never understand such truth!"
Instantly, Saitama retreated backward, flipping through the air several times on the water's surface before skidding away.
The moment he left Kisame's front unguarded, several massive sharks launched upward from beneath the water, their jagged teeth flashing cold light under the sun.
Schlck!
Kisame half-kneeled on the water's surface, clutching his chest as drops of blood dripped steadily into the water below.
"That's how people are—the powerless always talk the loudest."
"But I don't expect praise from the mission giver! Compared to praise, I prefer keeping my mission completion rate perfect!"
Kisame spat, blood slowly trickling from the corner of his mouth. Yet strangely, he wore a smile like someone who'd finally figured out the meaning of life.
"Is that right..."
Hands clasped behind his back, Saitama stared at Kisame, puzzling over what was going through his mind.
Kisame had probably deviated from the original storyline for reasons exactly like these.
Every ninja must follow their own *Ninja Way*.
Maybe Kisame's *Ninja Way* was precisely this—fighting desperately to preserve his flawless mission record?
"It's because someone has lived through darkness that they yearn for the light of dawn all the more."
Saitama spoke slowly, his gaze fixed on the sharks swirling relentlessly around Kisame.
[Whoosh!]
In the next instant, a clear space appeared on the water's surface and rapidly stretched toward Kisame, as Saitama dashed straight through it toward him.
[Zzzzt!]
In the blink of an eye, Saitama reappeared before Kisame. With several swift strikes, he eliminated the sharks and pointed his blade at Kisame.
[Samehada – Chakra Transfer!]
Before Saitama could attack, Kisame placed his hand on Samehada and activated a carefully prepared ninjutsu.
This technique not only replenished his chakra but also removed fatigue, quickly healing every wound, large or small.
[Tsk tsk!]
Smirking coldly, Kisame's chest and body wounds vanished one after another, as if his cells were accelerating their growth. The injuries gradually healed until his body was completely restored.
[Swish!]
Wielding a short spear formed from condensed Chidori Current, Saitama lunged one-handed toward Kisame.
[Boom!]
Unfazed, Kisame swung Samehada in retaliation.
The water churned violently, like a sea with huge waves.
[Clang!]
Saitama's jutsu collided with Samehada.
[Samehada – Annihilation Slash!]
Still with blood streaking his lips, Kisame gripped Samehada tightly with both hands and slashed toward Saitama.
[Whoosh!]
The strike was incredibly fast. Saitama immediately leaped upward while locking his Sharingan onto Kisame, tracking his next move.
[Slash!]
Dodging Samehada, Saitama watched it miss. The blade sliced empty air, releasing a sharp sonic boom into the atmosphere.
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