Kisame Hoshigaki stood atop the churning waves, veins bulging across his face.
He looked at Suikazan Fuguki lying unconscious in the mud, his sharp teeth grinding together.
The Seven Ninja Swordsmen's reputation had been trampled into the dirt by this band of black-armored brutes who had appeared out of nowhere.
"Even Lord Fuguki has been beaten into this sorry state by you people."
"You Hidden Leaf thugs in iron shells really think you can dominate the Ninja World with hand-to-hand combat?"
Kisame's hands flew through Hand Seals, Chakra pouring from his body as though he had an endless supply.
Water surged upward all around him, rising beneath his feet into the air.
Orochimaru clutched his broken ribs and shouted urgently:
"Qian Ye, get back!"
"That brat Kisame has a monstrous Chakra reserve!"
"With this much moisture in the marsh, Water Release will be twice as powerful!"
Minato Namikaze didn't even stop to wipe the muddy blood from his face. He hurled a specially made Kunai.
"Qian Ye, grab my Kunai!"
"I'll use what Chakra I have left to pull you clear of the wave!"
Minato shouted, trying to give Qian Ye a way out.
But Qian Ye stood on the water without moving an inch.
He even took a moment to straighten the windblown collar of his coat.
"Minato, don't waste your strength throwing scrap metal."
"And Teacher Orochimaru, stop shouting. You've broken three ribs, so get some rest."
Qian Ye glanced back and waved at Bullet.
"Big guy, take a couple of steps back."
"Wouldn't want the spray to dirty your leather pants."
Bullet spat out his toothpick, folded his arms, and retreated several yards.
"Kid, don't push your luck."
"That's one hell of a wave."
The killing intent in Kisame's eyes turned almost tangible. His hands abruptly stopped