It's a shame that, despite their fierce momentum, these Kirigakure shinobi were nothing more than ants in Kazama's eyes.
So, Kazama couldn't be bothered to deal with them himself. He simply let Zabuza and Haku handle the group charging at him.
With Zabuza and Haku's exceptional skills, it only took a few rounds to send the attackers retreating in defeat.
"Stop!"
At that moment, Kirigakure's elder, Genshi, arrived with Terumi Mei and others in tow, putting an end to the skirmish.
At this point, Terumi Mei had not yet become the Fifth Mizukage.
The real power in Kirigakure still rested in Elder Genshi's hands.
Spotting Zabuza and Haku in front of Kazama, Genshi felt a flicker of recognition at their techniques.
But since the two had disguised themselves and altered their weapons, Genshi didn't realize who they were.
"The leader of Otogakure sure is cocky, sending just the three of you to challenge Kirigakure in a battle?"
Genshi had no idea Kazama was the true leader of Otogakure, so he didn't take him seriously at all.
"It's not three. I'm the only one fighting you today!"
"What did you say?!"
Kazama's words left Genshi, Terumi Mei, and the others stunned.
"I said, I'm the only one taking part in this battle. These two just escorted me here and will leave once we're done!"
Kazama shot a glance at Zabuza and Haku, signaling them to slip away.
Their mission was to sneak off and search Kirigakure for traces of the Five-Tails Jinchuriki.
Zabuza and Haku quickly took the hint and withdrew.
"Hmph! What a joke. You need escorts just to come to Kirigakure? What kind of skills do you even have to compete in this battle?"
The crowd burst into mocking laughter at Kazama.
Since Kazama hadn't shown his strength, they all assumed he was a nobody.
"Since you're representing Otogakure, we won't let your trip be in vain. The rules are simple: three rounds, best of two. You'll face three of Kirigakure's shinobi in a gauntlet. If you beat two of them, you win. Don't complain about us bullying you—blame Otogakure for only sending one guy!"
"Sounds good. I love a gauntlet!"
"Hmph! Big talk for a kid. You'll be crying soon enough!"
Genshi turned to Terumi Mei with instructions.
"Set up the shinobi to face this kid. Knock him out of the ring, but don't kill him. We don't want people saying we're picking on the weak."
"Don't worry, Elder!"
Terumi Mei was confident Kirigakure would win this fight.
Little did she know, Kirigakure was about to face despair.
"Chojuro, you're up!"
"What? Me… Can I do this?"
Chojuro hesitated at Terumi Mei's words.
"Of course you can! Don't forget, you're one of Kirigakure's Seven Ninja Swordsmen. Show this Otogakure punk the power of your Hiramekarei!"
"Alright!"
Encouraged by Terumi Mei, Chojuro mustered his courage and stepped onto the battlefield.
"The future Sixth Mizukage, huh?"
Seeing his first opponent was Chojuro, Kazama gave him a knowing smile and a nod.