Chapter 306: Women, Huh
The massive wave created by the Exploding Water Colliding Wave resembled an overwhelming tsunami, blotting out the sky.
Compared to this colossal surge, Mei Terumi's Lava Release: Dissolving Monster Jutsu looked like a mere splash. Despite its high temperature and corrosive nature, the lava technique couldn't even make a dent in the sheer volume of water.
Mei's expression shifted dramatically, unable to comprehend how Sasaki—who was really Tonari in disguise—could unleash such devastating power with just one ninjutsu.
Among the five elemental releases, Water Release (Suiton) is the most reliant on chakra volume and control precision. The more chakra one has, and the better they can manipulate it, the more formidable the water technique becomes.
Mei had witnessed powerful Exploding Water Colliding Wave techniques before, but never one executed with such ease and intensity.
At that moment, Mei finally acknowledged Sasaki's strength. He wasn't just a pretender who had earned his position through trickery—he genuinely had the power to back it up.
Still, her pride refused to let go so easily.
"Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall!"
Facing the overwhelming wave, Mei gritted her teeth and pressed her hands to the ground. A towering stone wall shot up from the earth, creating a formidable barrier. She poured every ounce of chakra into fortifying it, determined to withstand the torrent.
Standing atop the wave, Tonari glanced down at her attempt with an amused glint in his eye.
"Water Release: Water Severing Wave!"
Forming a hand seal, Tonari gathered dense water chakra in his mouth, compressing it to an extreme degree before unleashing a high-pressure jet of water. The razor-sharp stream slashed horizontally, slicing the stone wall in two.
The Earth-Style Wall Mei painstakingly constructed was instantly cut down by the Water Severing Wave, leaving her defenseless against the massive wave that followed.
Boom—!
The deluge crashed down, sweeping Mei into the flood.
When the water finally settled, the lake's surface area had doubled in size, and Tonari stood calmly on the water, his eyes scanning the now tranquil scene. The thick mist that had blanketed the area had long since dissipated, revealing the aftermath to any onlookers.
A crowd of Mist shinobi had gathered at a distance, witnessing the enormous wave and the display of raw power.
None of them dared to come closer, but they murmured among themselves in shock.
"Did Sasaki just overpower Terumi Mei?"
"That level of water release... it's no wonder he became a member of the Mizukage's guard."
The rumors that Sasaki lacked true strength had been thoroughly shattered.
But Tonari paid no mind to the gossip. His focus remained on the water's surface, knowing that someone like Mei Terumi wouldn't be defeated so easily.
Placing his hand on the water's surface, he spoke softly, "If you don't come out, I might have to use some unconventional means to get you."
The lake remained eerily still.
"Water Release: Five Feeding Sharks!"
Five water sharks burst from the surface, diving into the lake and circling Mei's submerged location. As long as Tonari's palm remained on the water, the sharks could regenerate endlessly, attacking repeatedly until the target was defeated.
Realizing the relentless nature of the technique, Mei responded with a quick hand sign.
"Boil Release: Giant Steam Technique!"
Boiling steam erupted from her body, heating the surrounding water to near boiling point. The intense temperature caused the water sharks to dissipate before they could reach her. Additionally, she released a series of scalding bubbles that popped and hissed, raising the lake's temperature even further.
Tonari scratched his head in mild frustration.
"A woman in a bad mood is really hard to handle…"
Since he was still maintaining his disguise as Sasaki, he couldn't use wood release, sharingan abilities, sage mode, or even the Eight Gates. He was limited to water release alone, which made dealing with Mei a bit tricky.
"Well, no choice then... Hope she doesn't get hurt."
With a single-handed tiger seal, Tonari activated another jutsu.
"Water Release: Hidden Mist Technique!"
Dense mist surged forth, covering the entire lake and its surroundings, cutting off the view from the gathered shinobi.
"Huh? What's going on?"
"Why did Sasaki use the Hidden Mist Technique?"
"Maybe he's going to finish her off...?"
Meanwhile, in the middle of the mist, Tonari formed another hand sign.
"Water Release: Hard Whirlpool Water Blade!"
The lake's surface erupted into a spiraling vortex, resembling a giant washing machine. The entire lake spun rapidly, pulling Mei into its turbulent embrace.
"Ah...!"
Despite her best efforts to resist, Mei found herself caught in the swirling current, unable to maintain control. The force of the water eventually overwhelmed her, and she lost consciousness.
Standing on the lake's surface, Tonari reached down and manipulated his chakra to form a large hand, pulling the drenched and unconscious Mei from the water.
Seeing her soaked form, her tight-fitting clothes clinging to every curve, Tonari couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
"A young woman developing like this... geez."
Sighing, he carried her back to his place, careful not to draw too much attention.
When they arrived, he gently placed her on the bed, wrapping her in blankets to keep her warm.
"Man... This is going to be a pain to explain later," he muttered, rubbing his forehead.
As Mei began to stir, she coughed violently, spitting up water from her lungs.
Catching her breath, she finally took in her surroundings, eyes widening as she realized where she was. She hastily checked her body and relaxed slightly when she saw her clothes still intact, though completely soaked.
Tonari, sitting nearby, gave her a sideways glance.
"You awake now? You should thank me for not leaving you to drown."
Realizing she was safe, Mei's face flushed with embarrassment and annoyance.
"W-what are you staring at?! Turn around!"
Tonari rolled his eyes and walked outside, muttering under his breath.
"Women... always making things complicated."
When he returned, Mei had composed herself, her clothes now dry thanks to a quick heat release technique. As she stepped outside, she spotted Tonari sitting with a white cat on his lap.
Her eyes lit up.
"Is that your cat? It's adorable!"
Tonari glanced down at the feline.
"It's called Little Six. Just a ninja cat I picked up."
Mei carefully reached out, and when Little Six didn't react negatively, she began petting its soft fur with a delighted expression.
"Little Six... So cute!"
Tonari smirked and teased her.
"You do know it understands everything you're saying, right?"
Mei froze, then nervously apologized to the cat.
Tonari couldn't help but chuckle.
With the tension easing, Mei suddenly bowed.
"Sasaki... I'm sorry. I misjudged your abilities. I never thought you had such power. Please forgive my earlier actions."
Tonari gave a half-hearted wave.
"It's fine. Just don't pick fights without knowing your opponent next time."
Mei's face turned slightly red, but she gave him a firm nod before leaving.
As he watched her go, Tonari shook his head.
"Women, huh... Always so troublesome."
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