Kagura removed Hiramekarei from his back, while the Mizukage picked up Kabutowari from the ground.
They slowly approached each other. There was some regret in the Mizukage's eyes, but Kagura was now filled with nothing but chilling killing intent.
Hebiichigo and Odomo Hassaku tried to step forward to help. After all, their companion had died, and they wanted to kill this bastard with their own hands.
But Kagura stopped them. He spoke coldly to Shishizune behind him, "This is a battle between the two of us."
"Fine." Shishizune merely smiled, signaling Hebiichigo and the other not to act rashly.
"Are we really going to let Kagura keep messing around? The Mizukage's reinforcements should be on their way too," Oniyuzu Ichirota reminded them, carrying Exploding Blade: Shibuki on his shoulder.
"If even the Mizukage dies, what reason would those Hidden Mist Village ninja have to raise their blades against us?" Shishizune countered.
"Before absolute strength, I believe they'll make the right choice."
"But the former Mizukage, Mei Terumi, should arrive as well. Her words still carry considerable weight among the Hidden Mist Village ninja."
"You have a point. Let Kagura fool around for now. Later, you can do this..."
On the field, Kagura and the Mizukage clashed weapons. Most of Kagura's swordsmanship had been taught by the Mizukage, so he was able to calmly receive Kagura's attacks.
Hiramekarei itself was heavy, making it less nimble than a longsword. The Mizukage held up Kabutowari's blade with one hand, deftly neutralizing Kagura's slashes.
He then wrapped Kabutowari's chain around Hiramekarei, trying to lock it down.
"Hah!!"
Kagura let out a low shout. A massive amount of Chakra immediately seeped from Hiramekarei's surface. With a fierce pull, he yanked the blade back, and the Chakra transformed into a blade aura that slashed toward the