The Mizukage Is Strong But Overly Cautious

Ice Release: Celestial Phenomenon – Second Stage: Ice Dragon King Form.

There was no doubt that this technique was an original secret art created by Mizuki Ryosuke. However, summoning the Ice Dragon King required exceptionally harsh conditions—ones that only he could fulfill. There was no way that Yagura, even as a perfect Jinchūriki, had summoned a true replica of the Ice Dragon King. Even if it appeared identical on the surface, something was undoubtedly wrong.

Mizuki Ryosuke recalled Yagura's Water Mirror Technique from the original records of Kirigakure's battle archives. This technique had been showcased in the past—using water to form a reflective mirror, which then created an exact duplicate of the opponent, capable of using the same jutsu with equal power. But Mizuki Ryosuke had never imagined that Yagura's Water Mirror Technique could replicate his Ice Dragon King so perfectly.

"Where is the flaw?"

Frowning in deep thought, Mizuki Ryosuke's mind raced for an answer. Suddenly, realization struck him like a bolt of lightning.

Secret Art: Extreme Cold Nerves!

In an instant, Ryosuke forced his body to adapt to the freezing cold, allowing the sudden drop in temperature to stimulate his nerves and purge all illusions.

"As expected…"

When he reopened his eyes, the battlefield before him had transformed. The so-called "Ice Dragon King" that had been clashing with his summon wasn't an Ice Dragon at all—it was just a massive Water Dragon molded to mimic its shape. Although the resemblance was uncanny, the imitation lacked the true essence of Ice Release.

The realization hit hard—Yagura's Water Mirror Technique wasn't merely a replication technique. It incorporated a subtle genjutsu effect. The moment an enemy locked eyes with the Water Mirror's reflection, they would unknowingly fall under an illusion, tricked into believing that their techniques had been perfectly copied.

But in reality, Yagura was merely manipulating water to create an illusion of equality.

Now, with the genjutsu dispelled, Mizuki Ryosuke could clearly see the massive flaws in the imitation. Unlike the true Ice Dragon King, this water-based copy was fragile. Its body was constantly being torn apart by the real Ice Dragon King's razor-sharp fangs and barbed tail. However, thanks to Yagura's precise chakra control, the water dragon's form would immediately regenerate, creating the illusion of an evenly matched battle.

But now that Ryosuke had seen through the deception, he knew exactly how to counter it.

"If indirect attacks allow the water dragon to recover…"

"Then I just need a single, decisive strike to annihilate it."

With that thought, Ryosuke formed a one-handed seal, preparing to unleash his Ice Dragon King's strongest offensive move.

Meanwhile, Yagura, still on the lake's surface, had begun to sense that something was wrong.

With time passing, snowflakes continued to fall, and the temperature was dropping at an alarming rate. A thin layer of ice had even started forming over the lake's surface.

"Not underwater. Not on land."

"The enemy must remain within a certain range to control his summon."

"Then there's only one possible location left."

Realizing this, Yagura snapped his gaze upward toward the sky.

Unfortunately, the thick cloud cover obstructed his view.

"Then I'll just clear it out."

Wind Release: Passing Typhoon!

The same technique he had previously used to disperse the Hidden Mist Jutsu was now repurposed. A powerful gust of wind howled through the battlefield, tearing apart the veil of clouds.

And there, floating above on the back of a massive ice bird, stood Mizuki Ryosuke.

Bathed in the sunlight now piercing through the dissipated clouds, his figure appeared divine, as if he were some celestial being overseeing the battlefield.

"The mane of the falling sun—

Let the footprints left on the thin ice gradually disappear—

Don't be afraid of being deceived—

Because the world is built on deception—"

For some reason, those words suddenly surfaced in Yagura's mind.

Then, his gaze locked onto Ryosuke's forming hand sign, and a terrifying premonition surged through his heart.

"ROAR!!!"

A deafening dragon's cry shattered the battlefield's silence.

Yagura turned back toward the lake—only to witness the Ice Dragon King breaking free from its engagement. With an awe-inspiring motion, the dragon ascended high into the sky.

Cold air gathered at an overwhelming rate, concentrating along its massive, barbed tail.

Ice Release: Celestial Phenomenon – Second Stage: Ice Dragon King's Tail!

With an earth-shattering sweep, the Ice Dragon King's colossal tail whipped through the air and struck the water dragon head-on.

The instant the icy appendage made contact, the water dragon's body froze solid, transforming into a massive block of ice—before shattering into countless fragments, cascading into the lake like a frozen avalanche.

"Discovered!"

A single thought filled Yagura's mind, but he had no time to react.

Seeing the Ice Dragon King plummeting toward him at breakneck speed, Yagura slammed his hands onto the ground.

Summoning Jutsu: Overlord Coral!

With a puff of smoke, an enormous five-story-high coral mass erupted from the battlefield. This strange, sentient coral began rapidly expanding, its branches growing at an astonishing rate to create an impregnable defense around Yagura.

If anyone with trypophobia were present, they would have fainted at the sheer sight of its grotesque, ever-multiplying formations. Even Mizuki Ryosuke, watching from above, couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine.

"BOOM!!!"

The moment of impact shook the battlefield.

The lake's surface shattered instantly, sending enormous chunks of ice and water splashing into the air. The overwhelming cold from the collision spread outwards, freezing everything in its vicinity, forming an immense glacier-like mass at the center of the battlefield.

And within that ice—trapped like an insect in amber—was Yagura.

Standing before the frozen mass, Mizuki Ryosuke couldn't sense even the faintest trace of life.

"Crack."

He snapped his fingers.

The ice sculpture shattered instantly, reducing both Yagura and his summoned coral to nothing but a fine, icy powder.

And thus, the tyrannical rule of Fourth Mizukage Yagura, the mastermind behind the Bloody Mist, came to a fittingly frigid end.

Meanwhile, a desperate battle continued on another side of the battlefield.

The mysterious Anbu fought furiously against Ghost Lantern Mangetsu, who wielded the legendary Thunder Swords, Kiba.

But the Anbu's mind was elsewhere—his attention constantly flickering toward Yagura's frozen remains.

"Minister!"

Seeing his leader's demise, the Anbu's willpower collapsed.

"Perfect opportunity."

A glint of ruthless precision flashed in Mangetsu's eyes.

Lightning Release: Avalanche Thunder Fang!

Pale lightning surged through Kiba's twin blades, forming a cascading current resembling a devastating avalanche.

With a single, decisive strike, Mangetsu cleaved through the Anbu's blade—his electric-charged swords slicing straight through flesh.

The Anbu's body convulsed violently as the searing heat of the lightning roasted him from the inside.

"Minister… I'll follow you soon."

With his final strength, the Anbu performed a Reverse Summoning.

A frail, unconscious woman appeared.

Mangetsu's eyes widened.

But before he could react—before he could stop it—

The Anbu pressed his hand against the woman's stomach.

A chakra seal unraveled.

And at that moment, Mangetsu understood.

It was already too late.

The woman's eyes snapped open—filled with indescribable agony.

Then, she screamed.

And the world shattered.

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