Across the sea's surface, the Fifth Mizukage, Mei Terumi, led a squad of Mist Village ninja in a rapid dash.
The Land of Water had "water" in its very name, so naturally, its people excelled at running across the sea. Mist ninja were especially skilled at marching over water, attaching Water Style Chakra to the soles of their feet. They moved faster than ordinary ninja using the Water-Walking Technique, each step seeming to glide over the surface without a sound, leaving behind only the faintest ripples.
And clearly, Zabuza Momochi, the former Mist Village "Demon" who had been on the run for years, as well as the Ice Release youth following at his side, were even more proficient in such ways of water.
"With Lord Mizukage personally leading the operation this time, Zabuza definitely won't get away," one of the younger Mist ninja said. "That guy actually dared to kill Lord Fourth Mizukage—"
"Silence!" Ao coldly cut him off. "Chojuro, we're still in the middle of a mission. Don't say useless things."
The other Mist ninja all glanced over. While racing across the water, they looked at the young ninja who had just been scolded for talking to himself. The short-haired boy named Chojuro carried a pair of twin blades on his back. His attire was neat and capable, but his expression was somewhat timid.
After being scolded, Chojuro looked as though he wanted to say something but held it back. Mei Terumi, the young Fifth Mizukage running at the front, smiled. "That's enough, Ao. Don't be so harsh on young people. The Demon's reputation is enough to make anyone nervous—it's only natural—"
"No!" Ao suddenly spoke.
Beneath the eyepatch over his right eye, veins bulged as the Byakugan activated! The sea offered an unobstructed view, and they could see