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The "world of two" shared by Igawa and Fuguki was soon disrupted.
The first to arrive was Mangetsu Hōzuki.
He greeted Fuguki first. Both were members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, so they often spoke and at least maintained superficial politeness. However, when Mangetsu noticed Igawa, he froze.
"Deputy Chief Igawa, Chief Ōgaki Yū is busy assigning personnel right now. Isn't it inappropriate for you to be slacking off here?"
"Slacking off? I'm observing the contestants. Some might even qualify for the Anbu," Igawa retorted irritably.
The grudge between Mangetsu and Igawa had long been established. Out of consideration for Yagura's face, their relationship hadn't completely shattered, but every time Mangetsu saw him, he couldn't resist making a few cutting remarks.
Before, Igawa had tolerated it—after all, he was the one at fault. But now that he harbored ambitions of controlling Kirigakure, he could still endure, though he made sure to note down every person or clan with grievances against him in a little book.
Laugh all you want now. Sooner or later, I'll settle the score.
Someone as arrogant as Mangetsu Hōzuki was definitely on that list. When the time came, the first major clan to be dealt with would be the Hōzuki family.
"Aren't the shinobi qualified for the Anbu already eliminated? The ones left now are potential candidates for the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. Right, Lord Fuguki?" Mangetsu took a seat and crossed his legs.
"Not necessarily. There are still those who haven't been selected," Kisame replied with a smile.
Igawa's expression darkened instantly, and he fell silent. Just then, the door opened again, and a shinobi with long green hair stepped in, glancing at the three of them in mild surprise.
"What are you all doing here?"
Igawa turned away, his face growing even more unpleasant.
Raiga Kurosuki!
What was going on today? Why were all the Seven Ninja Swordsmen showing up?
He was the odd one out among them.
No, I need to keep a lower profile. If these three gang up on me, I won't stand a chance.
"Oh? You're here too?" Mangetsu was equally surprised.
"Ameyuri Ringo is a lightning-style prodigy. Since I specialize in lightning release as well, I naturally have an interest in her," Raiga said, smirking. "Wouldn't it be fun if there were two lightning users in the Seven Ninja Swordsmen?"
"So, you're betting on Ameyuri Ringo?" Fuguki countered.
"Huh? Don't tell me someone actually supports that medical-nin?" Raiga asked in disbelief.
"How about this? I'll wager on Midorima Asachi. If I lose, I'll give you ten million ryō. If I win, you give me ten million," Mangetsu interjected.
"Get lost. I'm not even worth that much. Just rob me outright," Raiga snapped, kicking Mangetsu lightly. "You really think that medical-nin stands a chance?"
"Maybe. This match was supposed to be in the third round—no idea why it got moved up. But whether it's early or late, if someone aims to join the Seven, they should be able to defeat any opponent."
Raiga grew anxious. He genuinely believed in Ameyuri's strength.
"You know him?"
"Sort of," Mangetsu said.
"Is he strong?"
"We fought once before. He was still green. But…"
"But?"
"Lately, Zabuza's been having headaches because of him."
Raiga took a deep breath. It seemed Ameyuri might not have an easy victory after all.
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Midorima endured an agonizing wait of over an hour in the rest area before a staff member finally notified him that the second match was about to begin.
Ninjatō, kunai, shuriken, explosive tags…
After a thorough inspection, Midorima equipped himself with these essential tools.
The reason he prepared so extensively this time was that his opponent was far stronger than any he had faced in a one-on-one battle before. There were too many uncertainties.
Of course, Midorima couldn't suddenly boost his chakra reserves or unleash high-level jutsu he had never used before. So, these preparations were more about mental readiness and strategy.
Following the staff member, Midorima stepped into the arena through the contestant tunnel. Sparse cheers rose from the spectator stands.
"Kid, I've bet my entire fortune on you. Don't let me down."
That was a gambling addict.
But since he was a nobody in the shinobi world, it was natural that few took him seriously. Only those looking for a long shot would pin their hopes on him.
Midorima was used to being overlooked.
Ameyuri Ringo's entrance, however, was met with thunderous applause and roaring cheers that echoed throughout the stadium—though the content was equally shallow. Things like, "Ameyuri, I love you!" or "Ameyuri, crush that guy!"
"You're quite popular," Midorima remarked as Ameyuri stepped onto the platform.
"They're all idiots," Ameyuri replied bluntly.
"You mean Kisame and Zabuza?" Midorima pressed.
Ameyuri's eyes curved into crescents. "They never showed up for previous matches. So, you're the one who dragged them here. By the way, what did you do with that apple yesterday?"
"That apple? I ate it."
Well, technically, the Third Mizukage ate it.
"Good. That was a fine apple—I don't get to enjoy them often," Ameyuri said with a faint smile.
"Saving the best for last?"
"Yes." She nodded. "But it looks like I'll have to make an exception this time."
"Not necessarily. What if this is your last match?" Midorima grinned.
Ameyuri paused. "You've got guts."
"No, if I really had guts, I wouldn't have said 'what if.'"
"Now that I think about it, eating the good stuff early might not be so bad. It's good to try new things." Ameyuri's gaze turned icy.
Midorima hadn't expected Ameyuri to take a liking to him anyway. His fingers rested lightly on his ninjatō.
Against Ameyuri, the opening move was crucial.
If he allowed himself to be suppressed early, finding an opportunity to counterattack would be far harder than in previous matches.
Ameyuri isn't Ruri. She won't give me that many chances!
Water swirled around Midorima's feet as he glided across its surface, closing the distance rapidly.
Ameyuri had watched Midorima's last match.
Ruri was weaker than Midorima, but by seizing the initiative early, she had maintained control of the battle.
If there was no significant gap in strength, early advantages could snowball, eventually turning into victory.
As Midorima launched his assault with "Wave Riding Strike," several lightning orbs materialized around Ameyuri and shot toward him.
She didn't expect these orbs to repel Midorima, so she drew her sword and followed right behind them. The moment Midorima dodged the lightning, she appeared before him.
According to Ameyuri's plan, her slash would force Midorima back, after which she'd unleash "Violent Thunder" and press her advantage with a relentless assault.
That way, she'd hold the reins of the battle from the start.
But to her shock, instead of retreating, Midorima accelerated further. Ameyuri had no time to evade—her blade pierced Midorima's abdomen, while his sword simultaneously ran through hers.
You—!
Ameyuri's eyes widened in disbelief.
She never imagined someone would actually fight without regard for their life.
Before she could react, Midorima kicked her away, sending her crashing back as blood splattered across the arena.