Although Yukimura was currently unconscious, that was not much of a problem.
The curse mark on the boy's body stirred once more, crimson-black runes spreading out and instantly covering his entire body.
Yukimura, radiating purple-black chakra, had his eyelids twitch a few times before he opened his eyes without hesitation and sprang nimbly to his feet.
"First awakening. Feels pretty good!"
Though the voice was the same, the attitude clearly belonged to someone else.
"I thought I'd never get a chance to show my face. Didn't expect I'd actually come in handy!"
The Heaven Curse Mark on Yukimura's body undoubtedly carried Mizuki's spiritual will. It had been left as a contingency measure in case something went wrong, allowing it to handle trouble in his stead. Unexpectedly, it had proven useful at this moment.
"What should I call you... Forget it, I'll still call you Yukimura!"
"Whatever. Unlike those entity clones with independent wills, I'm merely an incarnation of your mental obsession. I can't be considered a complete soul!"
Mizuki nodded.
"Then let's begin. Time is precious—we need to finish this before Kaguya Otsutsuki and Team 7 decide the victor."
Yukimura said no more and directly activated the curse mark to its fullest extent. Natural energy surged into his body as purple, long-serpent-like phantoms coiled around him.
"So this is Snake Sage Art... Nothing special!"
It was not particularly remarkable. Its energy activity was decent, and it greatly enhanced the power of ordinary ninjutsu, but it was of little use to Mizuki. It was not as comprehensive as his self-created Sage Mode.
"After all, it's a method of another species. It's still somewhat incompatible with humans!"
Mizuki chuckled softly and used the power of the Tenseigan to repel the ever-approaching flames of the soul.
"Izunome... A Kekkei Genkai that might be