The Mizukage Is Strong But Overly Cautious

Now, it was time for the hunt.

Since the previous Jōnin's death had been too silent, the remaining six Rock Shinobi searching the forest were unaware of the looming danger.

Soon, two Chūnin caught sight of a thin figure moving ahead of them.

Exchanging a quick glance, one ninja gave the other a sharp nod before rushing forward, while his comrade veered off to the side to flank the target.

At last, the two Rock Shinobi encircled the seemingly frail girl.

Unlike the Jōnin before them, they were far more cautious. Without hesitation, both launched their attacks in unison.

"Earth Style: Rock Missile!"

"Earth Style: Tearing Earth Rising Spears!"

Jagged stones and rock spikes shot toward Mizuki Ryosuke—who was still disguised as Terumi Mei—but their caution was ultimately futile. The gap in strength was simply insurmountable.

Weaving effortlessly between the incoming attacks, an ice-blue blur flashed.

"Pfft!"

Two heads shot into the air. Even in their final moments, the Rock Shinobi couldn't comprehend how a mere girl could possess such overwhelming power.

With a single hand seal, Mizuki Ryosuke exhaled a massive fireball.

"Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"

The bodies of the fallen Chūnin were instantly incinerated, leaving nothing but smoldering ash.

The cycle continued—lure the enemy, eliminate them, cremate the remains…

By the time the last of the seven Rock Shinobi fell, the jungle had become a graveyard of ice and fire.

Two hours later.

The remaining Rock Shinobi had finally realized something was wrong.

The two Jōnin and three Chūnin who had stayed behind frantically attempted to reach their comrades using sensory techniques—but no matter what they tried, there was no response.

Something had gone terribly wrong.

As an Elite Jōnin, Kari was seasoned enough to recognize danger immediately. His mind rapidly replayed the events leading up to this point—the enemy's movements, their behavior before entering the forest, every minor detail.

Then, one memory surfaced.

Mizuki Ryosuke's brief pause before stepping into the trap.

Kari's eyes widened in realization.

A substitution? No… A clone switch.

That hesitation had likely been the moment when the real Mizuki Ryosuke swapped places with a Water Clone.

Which meant…

Hunter's expression darkened.

His fingers clenched into fists, veins pulsing with anger.

"Something happened. Prepare for battle."

His voice was ice-cold, devoid of hesitation.

"We cannot allow any of them to leave here alive."

The other Rock Shinobi, realizing the gravity of the situation, nodded solemnly. This mission was an S-rank operation. If word of their presence leaked back to the Mist, it could destroy all of Rock Shinobi's careful planning.

Unlike their fallen comrades, this time, the Rock Shinobi moved with complete vigilance. Fully armed and alert, they stepped into the dark forest, their every movement calculated.

Yet, unbeknownst to them, every step they took was already within Mizuki Ryosuke's field of vision.

Watching closely, Mizuki Ryosuke finally caught sight of the enemy leader's face.

His brows lifted slightly.

"…Him?"

Recognition flashed in his mind.

Hunter—the elite of the Demolition Corps.

A formidable Jōnin from Iwagakure, he had been resurrected by Kabuto Yakushi during the Fourth Great Ninja War through Impure World Reincarnation. He had fought alongside Pakura of Sunagakure and Zabuza Momochi of Kirigakure—proof enough of his strength.

A small smirk formed on Mizuki Ryosuke's lips.

"Troublesome…"

Hunter's presence dropped his calculated odds of victory—from 90% to 98%.

Still within acceptable range.

Summoning several kunai of pure ice, Mizuki Ryosuke flung them toward Hunter without hesitation.

The weapons weren't meant to kill—just to catch his attention.

"Whoosh! Whoosh!"

Hearing the whistling sound of projectiles cutting through the air, Hunter reacted instantly.

With a swift motion, he flicked his wrist—two kunai spun from his grasp, colliding midair with the incoming ice blades.

"There!"

Hunter's voice was sharp as a blade, eyes locking onto the direction of the attack.

In that instant, two pairs of eyes met.

One filled with burning rage.

The other—calm, detached, and utterly indifferent.

For Hunter, it was a moment of shock, then fury.

For Mizuki Ryosuke, it was nothing more than another step in his plan.

Without a second thought, he turned and dashed deeper into the forest.

"Chase him!"

Hunter spat the order through gritted teeth, surging forward with relentless speed.

Yet no matter how fast they pursued, Mizuki Ryosuke maintained an unreachable distance.

Finally, he stopped.

A clearing lay ahead, bathed in pale moonlight.

Turning back, Mizuki Ryosuke faced his pursuers.

Hunter.

Two Jōnin.

Three Chūnin.

Six Rock Shinobi in total.

A cruel smile tugged at Hunter's lips as he glared at his prey.

"You wretched Mist shinobi… I'll crush you completely."

He took a step forward, fingers forming a seal—

"Boom!!!"

Suddenly, three colossal ice walls erupted from the ground, sealing off the battlefield from three sides.

Hunter's eyes widened.

From atop the icy barriers, Mizuki Ryosuke's lips curled into a satisfied smirk.

Looks like the three little ones had done their part.