The Mist Ninja who had been shouting threats finally made their move. Everyone except Juzo Biwa and Kisame charged at once.
Each wanted the credit. Whoever got lucky enough to kill Ao would claim the greatest share.
Juzo Biwa and Kisame were happy to stay out of it.
If they joined in, they would undoubtedly take most of the credit.
The other Mist Ninja took their inaction to mean they already had Ninja Blades and saw no need to compete for the reward.
But they never imagined Juzo Biwa was holding back not to leave them the credit, but to let them bunch together so he could kill them all.
When every Mist Ninja had rushed forward and gathered in one place, a cold, savage smile spread across Juzo Biwa's face.
In a flash, Juzo Biwa moved after the others yet arrived first, appearing behind the Mist Ninja.
His blade traced a dazzling arc through the air.
Schlk.
A muffled sound rang out. Deep slashes opened across the chests of the unsuspecting Mist Ninja, and blood sprayed everywhere.
His keen-edged blade had cut through who knew how many of them in an instant.
Countless Mist Ninja died on the spot.
Only two or three managed to raise their Ninja Blades at the last moment and block Juzo Biwa's attack.
Just as I thought!
Understanding dawned on Kisame's face. It was exactly what he had expected.
Ao looked stunned for a moment, then seized the opening and fled as fast as he could.
Kisame, Juzo Biwa, and the three surviving Mist Ninja stayed where they were. None gave chase.
"Juzo Biwa, what are you doing?" the three survivors shouted in terror.
Had they been on guard, Juzo Biwa would have been lucky to wound three or four of them with that