Bab 48: Chapter 48 : Ready
As Kazuhiko and Kiyoshi strolled through the area, the crowd instinctively made way for them. Every gaze in the vicinity followed Kazuhiko's every move.
Finally, a young child couldn't contain their excitement and shouted, "Kazuhiko-sama, you've got this!"
In response, everyone on their path began chanting, "Kazuhiko-sama, you've got this!"
"Go for it, Kazuhiko-sama!"
"Keep it up!"
Kazuhiko was touched by this display, his eyes slightly misting. He nodded at the crowd as he walked, acknowledging their support.
Once they had passed through the crowd, Kazuhiko turned to address those who watched them from behind. "Please, everyone, return to safety. We're still in a state of war, so be cautious. Don't worry about me!"
With those words, Kazuhiko turned and departed with Kiyoshi and their entourage. He didn't want to stay longer; otherwise, he might not be able to hold back his tears, which would have been embarrassing.
As they moved further along the path, only Kiyoshi and the elder members of the clan remained with Kazuhiko. The other Uzumaki clan members were already waiting for them at the dueling forest.
Some clan members, after observing Kazuhiko's determined stride, felt compelled to offer their advice.
"Kazuhiko, if, I mean, if it looks like you can't win, don't hesitate to surrender," one of them said. "Just as you told everyone earlier, don't act impulsively. We only care about your safety."
"Don't feel ashamed," added another. "Admitting defeat when you can't win is normal. Even in my youth, I lost several duels and had to admit defeat."
Kiyoshi, with a serious expression, shared a story of his own youthful surrender. The elders, who had been silent until now, chimed in as well.
"Yes, yes, Kazuhiko-sama, there's no shame in admitting defeat," they said in unison. "You're still young. If you can't win, simply concede. Your safety is our top priority."
Kazuhiko listened with a smile, appreciating their concern for his well-being. He knew they were worried that his strength might lead him to take unnecessary risks during the duel.
To reassure them, he said, "Don't worry, clan leader and elders. I'll adapt accordingly, and you can trust me."
However, in his heart, Kazuhiko was determined to win.
Meanwhile, on the coast, aboard the Mizukage's fleet, the elders of the Mist Shinobi had mobilized their entire force. Even those who were stationed outside the Land of the Whirlpool had rushed back.
They had great confidence in their Mizukage's abilities. They were facing a mere teenager, possibly just a Genin.
The Mizukage's assistant elder looked at the Third Mizukage and said, "Mizukage-sama, if you get the chance, don't let it slip away.
While we've decided to withdraw from the Land of the Whirlpool for now, we must avenge our fallen comrades. They killed many of our own, and this revenge must be exacted."
The assistant elder's eyes bore a deep grudge against the Land of the Whirlpool, as he knew his grandson had been in the forest during the explosion, and his fate remained unknown.
"If you have the opportunity, eliminate him without hesitation. They won't have a leg to stand on."
The Third Mizukage, with a calm demeanor, nodded in agreement. He knew that revenge was essential, especially considering the loss of their comrades.
"Hahaha, Mizukage, I can't wait!" came the hearty laughter of the Third Raikage, who was part of the group resting nearby.
"Why not let me handle this one, Mizukage? I'm itching for a challenge!"
"I'll take on that kid first to gauge his skills. When the time comes, we'll know his strengths and weaknesses."
The Third Raikage grinned at the Mizukage's proposal, appearing like an older brother eager to spar. However, his underlying message was clear: he believed he was stronger than the Mizukage.
He didn't know Kazuhiko's true strength, but he was confident in his abilities. The Mizukage, on the other hand, was a different story.
The Mizukage responded calmly, "There's no need for that, Third Raikage. We'll handle it ourselves. What matters most for a ninja is their own strength. If anyone wants to test their skills, we can spar after the battle. As for Kazuhiko, he may not even be able to stand by the end of it."
The Mizukage's words were a clear rejection of the Third Raikage's offer. He had been provoking the Mizukage for some time now, and it was evident that the Mizukage wanted to prove his superiority.
The Third Raikage understood the Mizukage's intent but feigned innocence, patting his head, and saying, "Alright, Mizukage. Just be careful not to lose to that Kazuhiko. I might have to challenge him myself!"
With that, they continued their preparations for the upcoming battle, each leader determined to prove their strength.
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