Not long after Boruto and Sarada finished strolling through the streets, a faint black mist began to spread through the air like drifting dust.
One by one, people collapsed without warning, clutching their bodies and crying out in pain.
Sarada's Sharingan flared scarlet. The spinning tomoe locked onto countless tiny particles suspended in the air, tracing them back to their source—falling from above.
"It looks like things are starting to get unstable here, too," Code said calmly. "Someone is making a move against Kirigakure. The same people who took your eyes."
"Should we interfere?" Sarada asked. "The life or death of Kirigakure has nothing to do with us."
"We don't even know who their target is," Code replied indifferently. "And it's none of our business. Let's go somewhere else."
With that, Code turned around without hesitation, preparing to leave the area already contaminated by the virus.
…
Almost immediately afterward, the Mizukage received the report.
Chōjūrō rushed out of the Mizukage Building.
Dark mist filled the streets, spreading continuously through the air. Groups of civilians lay collapsed on the ground, barely able to move, their cries intermittent and weak.
Only shinobi were still standing.
Even so, their condition was poor. Though their bodies were far stronger than ordinary people, their current state left them little better than civilians.
Chōjūrō frowned deeply as he observed the scene. Without understanding the enemy's methods, he didn't dare to approach recklessly.
"Could it be Kara?" one of the shinobi asked. "The gray-robed man who appeared last time called himself something else, but he should've died in that explosion."
"We don't know yet," another replied. "But this looks like some kind of virus. There haven't been any deaths so far, but it's already causing serious harm."
Chōjūrō's expression grew heavier.
The repeated attacks on Kirigakure felt like the calm before a storm.
"So what are you going to do?" Mei Terumi asked quietly as she stepped forward.
"For now, we can only wait for the medical-nin to develop a countermeasure," Chōjūrō said. "Seal off the area and stop the mist from spreading further."
Mei Terumi nodded slowly. "The spread is unusually fast. This feels like a diversion. Chōjūrō… you might be in danger."
The sea wind continued to blow.
Kirigakure was a coastal city, and the salty breeze constantly carried the mist farther.
If a cure wasn't found soon, the virus could spread through the entire village—perhaps even the whole Land of Water.
"There was no other choice," Chōjūrō said firmly. "If no one steps in, it won't just be my failure as Mizukage—it'll be the collapse of the Land of Water."
"Mizukage-sama, please let me go with you!" Kagura rushed forward, his expression earnest.
"Thank you," Chōjūrō said gently, "but the Mizukage Building is now even more dangerous. Someone must stay behind to guard it."
"…Lady Mei?" Kagura turned to the former Mizukage, unwilling to accept it.
Mei Terumi looked at him with a soft but resolute gaze. "Kagura is a good child. But this time, it may become another calamity for Kirigakure. Even I can no longer remain behind the scenes."
Her eyes focused on the distance.
The enemy's target was either the Mizukage… or Boruto.
Publicly revealing Boruto's strength to the entire ninja world was meant to select a leader for the new era. Naturally, enemies would seek to eliminate him before he fully matured.
If someone wanted to assassinate Boruto in his infancy, then the older generation could not stand by.
They had to protect the future of the ninja world.
Somewhere far away, a kunoichi from Konoha sneezed.
"But—" Kagura tried again.
"Kagura," Mei Terumi said softly, "Kirigakure has already suffered two disasters beyond precedent. Your future is still long. And… six of the Seven Ninja Swords have been destroyed."
"That loss alone is unbearable."
Chōjūrō placed a hand on Kagura's shoulder. He didn't say anything more, but the weight of farewell hung thick in the air.
Kagura felt an invisible pressure settle upon him, heavier than any mountain.
"…I understand," he said quietly.
Mei Terumi smiled gently. "Then the task of guarding the village is entrusted to you."
As Kagura left, Chōjūrō looked at Mei Terumi with guilt. "I'm sorry. This responsibility should have been mine. Yet I've dragged you—someone who should've retired—back into battle."
"Oh?" Mei Terumi laughed lightly, covering her lips. "I am still a Mizukage of Kirigakure. Fighting for the village until the end is the duty of a Kage."
Where mist gathers, water flows endlessly.
This is the Will of Water of Kirigakure.
The two stood side by side, reaffirming their resolve. Perhaps this would be their last conversation.
Mei Terumi had always been gentle toward Chōjūrō.
After all, he was the Mizukage she herself had raised.
"Heh heh heh… is this the resolve of the Mizukage?"
A shrill laugh suddenly pierced their minds.
"They already know they're going to die, so they're exchanging final words?"
Delta descended from above, her gaze locking onto the two women.
Since the jinchūriki wasn't present, everything was simple.
This would be a one-sided battle.
"Destructive Laser!"
Purple light gathered in Delta's eyes as thrusters ignited from her legs, suspending her in midair. She looked down at them like insects.
A refined beam of purple light shot forward.
"Water Release: Water Pillar!"
Mei Terumi reacted instantly, forming seals without hesitation. A massive torrent of water erupted upward, colliding directly with the beam.
Swoosh—!
Even Delta was momentarily surprised.
That laser could pierce boulders with ease.
The water surged upward, pressing toward her position.
But Delta's right eye absorbed the ninjutsu effortlessly.
Mei Terumi's expression turned cold.
This was no ordinary enemy.
"Boil Release: Skilled Mist Technique!"
Scalding mist burst forth, surging into the sky. Before it even reached her, Delta could feel the searing heat.
And yet—
It was completely absorbed.
Chōjūrō knew better than anyone that this attack could melt even Susanoo.
"Be careful," Mei Terumi warned.
Chōjūrō drew Hiramekarei—the only Seven Ninja Sword left intact. Massive chakra flooded into the blade as he slashed repeatedly.
Blue chakra blades tore through the mist, racing toward Delta.
"Water Release: Mist Concealment Technique!"
Mei Terumi layered the battlefield in thick fog, completely erasing visibility.
A level of interference that could affect even the Rinnegan.
The attacks didn't injure Delta, as expected. Using the water pillars beneath his feet, Chōjūrō launched himself upward like a fountain.
Hidden within the mist, he closed the distance.
Hiramekarei swung violently.
Clang—!!
Delta blocked the strike with her leg.
Chōjūrō's eyes widened.
Even Might Guy wouldn't dare take such a blow head-on.
Delta countered immediately, swinging her other leg horizontally.
Chōjūrō retreated instantly, deflecting as he fell back to the ground.
"Did it work?" Mei Terumi asked.
Chōjūrō shook his head. "Her body has undergone special modifications. She can withstand blade attacks barehanded."
"I see…" Mei Terumi thought. So that's Kara.
Another purple beam locked onto Mei Terumi.
Chōjūrō stepped in front, blocking it with Hiramekarei. The blade's chakra dimmed noticeably, partially eroded.
"Be careful," he warned. "That laser suppresses chakra itself."
They split apart, attacking from two directions.
Delta's thrusters flickered as she dropped from the air.
"Lava Release: Lava Monster Technique!"
Mei Terumi completed her seals, spewing a massive pool of corrosive lava downward.
At the same time, Chōjūrō amplified Hiramekarei again, flame-like chakra engulfing the blade as he slashed upward.
Delta's legs transformed instantly, twisting into bizarre shapes as she smashed straight into the blade.
Clang—!!
The impact numbed Chōjūrō's arms, tearing open his palms. Blood spilled, yet he tightened his grip and swung midair.
The goal—
To force Delta into the falling lava.
But Delta's legs reformed, thrusters igniting as she twisted away at the last moment.
The lava rained down.
As Chōjūrō prepared to retreat, a purple beam halted him mid-step, forcing him to raise his sword to block—
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