With a swift movement, Sasuke's figure vanished and reappeared behind Tsuchioi like a ghost.
“Katon: Goukakyuu no Jutsu (Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique)”
In an instant, Sasuke formed the necessary hand signs and unleashed a massive fireball from his mouth, aiming directly at Tsuchioi.
“This is bad…”
By the time Tsuchioi realized the fireball was coming, it was too late. The fireball engulfed his entire body, roaring towards him.
“Boom!”
Accompanied by a thunderous explosion, the fireball detonated, sending waves of flames cascading over the area where Tsuchioi stood.
...
While Sasuke and Tsuchioi clashed fiercely, Tatsu and Hoshimizu were also engaged in battle.
After several minutes of fighting, Tatsu had figured out some of Hoshimizu's abilities and began planning her counterattack.
Lightly stepping on the water, leaving ripples behind, Tatsu leaped into the air.
Steadying herself mid-air, she drew five kunai tied with explosive tags and hurled them towards Hoshimizu.
“Attacks like this won't kill me.”
Seeing the kunai flying towards him, Hoshimizu smiled inwardly and raised two fingers to the sky, forming a water barrier that shielded him completely.
“Boom!”
The kunai struck the water barrier and exploded, creating a series of water columns shooting into the sky, showering down like a torrential rain.
“Is it over?”
Landing lightly on the water, Tatsu ignored the downpour and looked for Hoshimizu's figure. She mumbled to herself.
Just as she did, a column of water suddenly shot up, striking her violently.
Hit by the water column, Tatsu felt like she had been struck by lightning, her body freezing mid-air, half-conscious.
Although she was only stunned for a moment, in a ninja battle, a few seconds could determine life or death.
Regaining her senses, Tatsu realized the danger she was in. If she lost focus now, she would pay dearly.
Her instincts were correct. As soon as she hesitated, Hoshimizu's figure appeared above her, like a ghost.
Wielding a large sword, Hoshimizu struck down without hesitation.
The blade's edge, imbued with a sharp aura, sliced through the air with a whistling sound. Tatsu, aware of the deadly threat, had no choice but to defend herself.
However, the thought of dodging passed quickly. She knew she had to act fast.
Tatsu twisted her body, using a kunai to deflect the attack. Although she avoided a fatal blow, the blade still left a long, bloody gash on her back.
“Ha ha, give up. With the water surrounding us, you can't win.”
Standing on the water column, Hoshimizu looked down at Tatsu's struggling form, laughing heartily.
“Even if I die, I won't let you get away with it.”
Coldly staring at Hoshimizu, Tatsu quickly formed hand signs.
“Katon: Onidōrō (Fire Release: Demon Lantern)”
With a shout, several fireballs the size of heads appeared around Tatsu. At her command, they flew towards Hoshimizu.
Ignoring the incoming fireballs, Hoshimizu raised his sword. A five-meter-high wave of water rose from the lake to intercept the fireballs.
“Sizzle”
The water extinguished the fireballs, producing a cloud of steam.
“Fool! You know water beats fire, yet you still use Fire Release ninjutsu.”
Though he couldn't see through the steam, Hoshimizu knew the fireballs had been neutralized. He laughed disdainfully.
“Whoosh”
But before he could finish laughing, ten kunai shot through the steam, aiming for him.
“Kunai!?”
The sudden attack caught Hoshimizu off guard, his smirk freezing.
“It's a trap!”
Realizing too late that the fireballs were a distraction, Hoshimizu frantically swung his heavy sword to deflect the kunai.
While Hoshimizu was occupied, Tatsu silently approached from behind.
“Die!”
With a fierce shout, Tatsu struck Hoshimizu's back with her fist.
Hoshimizu, unable to dodge, was hit squarely. Pain exploded through his body as Tatsu's relentless punches drove him to the ground, spitting blood.
Seeing Hoshimizu heavily injured but not defeated, Tatsu knew she couldn't stop. If he survived, she would be the one to die.
Eyes flashing coldly, Tatsu dashed towards Hoshimizu with her ninja sword drawn.
“Not happening.”
Realizing Tatsu's intent, Hoshimizu mustered his remaining strength. He gathered all his chakra, preparing for one last defense.
“Die!”
Reaching Hoshimizu, Tatsu thrust her sword towards his heart.
“Splash!~~~”
The sword pierced through, but instead of blood, Hoshimizu's body turned into water, dissolving into a puddle.
“A water clone?”
Stunned by the sight, Tatsu realized she had been deceived. She quickly scanned her surroundings for the real Hoshimizu.
At that moment, a water-formed sword pierced her chest.
... . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .... . .. . .. . . .