Loquat Shizang and the others had already noticed the subtle exchange between the two.
The trio's eyes flicked back and forth — as if they were being ignored?
"Tch… really now."
It was Loquat Shizang who spoke. He was lean and stood half a head taller than Wayne. He asked in a slightly probing tone, "The flood began last night. You were nearby. Did you see anything strange?"
"Nothing at all."
Wayne responded calmly, without hesitation.
"Really nothing… or pretending?!"
The Watermelon Mountain Pufferfish asked aggressively, "Lie, and you'll be fed to the sea beasts!"
As he spoke, he gave Samehada a threatening shake on his back.
"Who the hell are you trying to scare, fatty? No wonder Kisame later guts you."
Wayne sneered inwardly but said evenly, "I already said no. Don't believe me? Look for yourself."
"By the way, Anbu's Momochi Zabuza was ordered to find you last night. He hasn't returned and can't be contacted."
Kurohō Leiya stared at Wayne meaningfully, his tone nearly accusing.
"Who knows."
Wayne shrugged, then added sarcastically, "There was a tsunami last night. Maybe he got washed out and became shark food."
"How can you say that?!"
Terumi Mei glanced at Wayne with feigned anger. How could he speak so callously of a fellow villager?
But the sly curve on her fair face made it clear she wasn't truly angry. In fact, this composed younger brother of hers impressed her. To face off with the Seven Ninja Swordsmen and still remain unfazed — this wasn't a trait of some ordinary kid.
"Hmph, little brat, you're only this bold because of me!"
Terumi Mei inwardly scolded herself. She'd forgotten — she was Wayne's backing.
"As I recall, you and Zabuza had a long-standing grudge. It dates back to the academy, doesn't it? Did something happen between you two last night?"
Loquat Shizang's voice turned icy as his gaze sharpened. Wayne met his stare without blinking.
"If I say nothing happened, then nothing did. If you've got proof, show it. Otherwise, stop spewing garbage. Makes you look like a gossiping old woman."
Wayne's irritation flared. Shameless pigs.
"YOU DARE!!!"
Loquat Shizang's pupils flashed with killing intent. In a blur, he slashed with the beheading sword.
Shkkt!!
Wayne's face was sliced open — half of his cheek was cleaved off.
"You've gone too far!!!"
Terumi Mei's chakra surged in fury, her hands already forming seals — but something unexpected happened.
Splash!
Wayne's body collapsed into water.
"Water Clone?!"
Everyone was startled. When had he cast it?
"Water Style: Water Blade!!"
The sound of slicing wind followed. Loquat Shizang's gaze snapped to the left — five crescent-shaped water blades were slicing toward him.
"Child's play."
He planted the beheading sword in front of him with disdain.
Boom boom boom!!
The blades struck, but his stance held firm, unmoved, the massive blade absorbing the brunt.
"Brat, you think you can cut steel with water?"
Loquat Shizang laughed wickedly, lips curled in mockery.
"You think too highly of yourself."
The voice was like ice. Loquat Shizang suddenly felt an oppressive gaze — cold, suffocating — as if death had come knocking.
"Terumi Mei?"
He froze slightly. He could ignore Wayne, but not this woman. She already had both Boil and Lava Release — a dual Kekkei Genkai wielder. Even among the elite of Kirigakure, she was top tier.
"Terumi Mei, if Loquat Shizang is already targeting me now, he'll just keep doing it even if you stop him once."
Wayne's voice remained calm. "Stupid turtle. You've never seen water slice through steel, huh? Don't worry. You will."
"Brat, you've got guts."
Loquat Shizang grit his teeth. To him, Wayne was just an ant. Were it not for Terumi Mei's presence, he'd have crushed him already. The kid didn't kneel. Didn't beg. Didn't even flinch.
Was it arrogance or lunacy?
Was his reputation as a Swordsman not intimidating enough?
The more he thought, the more furious he became, his breath growing heavier.
"Water Style won't cut it. But I'm best when water turns to ocean."
Wayne formed seals once more — same as before.
But this time, it wasn't just water — it was the boiling heart of the sea.
"Sea Style: Blade of the Ocean!!!"
His lips parted, and once again, a seemingly plain water crescent flew out.
Loquat Shizang didn't flinch. He raised the beheading sword, hiding his body behind the thick iron.
"Foolish child."
Watermelon Mountain and Leiya both sighed. The Seven Ninja Swordsmen weren't Kage-level perhaps, but they weren't someone a simple Water Blade could harm.
It was naive — as if a C-rank ninjutsu could pierce a fortress.
Terumi Mei's chakra surged subtly. She was prepared to act.
Looking at Wayne's pale skin and slim frame, she felt a surge of protective instinct. These thugs were too much — bullying her cute little brother like this.
Shrrrip!!
A clean slicing noise rang out. Loquat Shizang suddenly felt his sword lighten.
Looking down — only half of the blade remained!
Shkkt!!
Blood spurted, pain tearing through his shoulder.
"Wh-what… how?!"
Loquat Shizang let out a roar, panic and fear dancing in his voice.
Not only had the beheading blade been cut — his left arm was now useless.