"I've said everything I need to! Don't underestimate people so much!!"
His fury was gone, replaced by cold determination. "Besides… I haven't lost yet!"
"…Yeah."
Wayne collapsed onto the ground and muttered with a bored expression, "You've completely thrown off my rhythm. Looks like I won't be able to sleep either. Fine—I'll play with you. One last chance."
"Bastard!!!"
The contempt in Wayne's tone pierced his opponent's pride like a kunai to the chest.
"Let me show you my new technique!"
He flew through a rapid set of hand seals.
"Water Style: Great Waterfall Technique!" A massive torrent of water burst from his mouth, forming a roaring cascade aimed directly at Wayne.
But Wayne simply shook his head and copied the same hand seals.
"Sea Release: Ocean Surge Jutsu!!"
He opened his mouth—and an entire ocean came crashing out.
The opponent's waterfall looked like a leaky faucet in comparison.
Wayne… carried the Pacific Ocean on his back.
A massive wall of water, over twenty meters high, surged forward, swallowing everything in its path.
No wonder it's called Sea Release—Wayne didn't just counter… he summoned a tsunami.
BOOM BOOM BOOM!!!
The two water techniques collided violently—but Wayne's was overwhelmingly superior. The enemy was engulfed in the crashing waves.
"Ughhh!!"
The opponent screamed as the water turned red. Pain twisted across his face—he was being bitten.
Underwater, dozens of black shadows swarmed him.
Rows of jagged teeth emerged from the darkness.
"Sharks?! Sharks?! Sharks—SHARKS?!"
Ka ka ka… ka ka ka…
As the sea surged outward, Wayne's technique flooded the area, even reaching the borders of Kirigakure. Buildings crumbled beneath the pressure.
"Uh-oh… I might've overdone it."
Wayne tilted his head, scratching behind his ear.
"But technically… that was self-defense."
Somewhere else, the Fourth Mizukage smashed his fist against a table.
"Calling that self-defense?! You drowned the whole damn village!"
Wayne stretched and yawned. "Guess I can go back to sleep now."
The next morning, Kirigakure was still under water.
Casualties unknown.
People blamed it on a natural disaster—after all, no one had ever heard of a Water Style powerful enough to drown a village.
After washing up, Wayne stepped outside.
"Cousin! I'm so glad you're okay!"
He turned toward the familiar voice—Terumi Mei stood on a boat, waving.
Wayne smiled wryly. She had come by boat.
"I might've gone too far," he muttered, rubbing his head. The truth? He had actually held back the Sea Release technique.
Terumi Mei rushed to his side, scanning him head to toe.
"I'm relieved you're fine… but the village suffered badly last night."
She patted her chest, sighing in relief.
"Hehe~"
Wayne grinned, but stayed quiet. Everyone probably knew he was the culprit. If they found out for sure, they'd probably flay him alive.
As for his opponent… possibly dead. He hadn't even gotten his Executioner's Blade yet.
That sword was currently in the hands of Zabuza's predecessor—Loquat Shizang.
"Things are a mess lately. There's war outside and chaos inside. Why don't you come stay with me for a few days?" Mei asked sweetly.
"Absolutely not."
Wayne declined immediately.
"Why not?!"
"With a brocon like you around, I'd only be in more danger."
"Ungrateful brat! A gorgeous woman like me living with you is a blessing from your past eight lifetimes!"
Just then—
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Several figures dashed across the water, skimming the surface like dragonflies.
"Look at them—then look at you. So basic," Wayne scoffed.
"I'm walking on water too, stupid brother!" Mei huffed, puffing out her chest.
But her eyes turned serious. The chakra aura from the newcomers was powerful.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Three figures landed before them.
Members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.
Wayne's gaze sharpened.
"Loquat Shizang, Kurosuki Raiga, and the Pufferfish—Kisame's predecessor, Mangetsu Hōzuki."
Mei stiffened. These guys weren't here for fun.
She rushed forward, but Wayne suddenly stepped in front of her, grabbing her wrist and tucking her behind him.
"…Huh?"
Her mind short-circuited.
Was her stupid little brother protecting her?!
"…Oh no, he's… he's being cool."
She leaned in and whispered in his ear, "Stinky brother~ You know how to protect your sister now?"
"What are you doing?!"
Wayne shot her a glare. "They're still right in front of us!"
"I'm not scared." Mei winked playfully. "My idiot brother will protect me, right?"
"You're the worst," Wayne groaned.