Uchiha Akihito's expression truly was a little stunned.
He had expected Kakuzu to unleash something truly terrifying.
And yet—
This was it?
He had tanked the Fourth Raikage A's Liger Bomb, and even endured the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki Killer B's Tailed Beast Bomb head-on.
Compared to those ultimate techniques, Kakuzu's triple-element fusion was nothing.
By Akihito's estimate, this attack was at best on par with Yugito Nii's Fire Rat Jade.
Against his Fire Release Chakra Mode, it posed no threat whatsoever.
Once he reached that conclusion—
Akihito lost interest.
Kakuzu was fine as a sparring partner for Kakashi and the others.
But as his opponent?
Not qualified.
He smirked mockingly.
"Wind, fire, water all mixed together?"
"Aren't you afraid you'll extinguish yourself?"
Kakuzu's eyes darkened.
Though he knew Akihito was taunting him—
The risk was real.
Normally, he balanced such fusion attacks with Lightning and Earth Release.
But he had already lost those two hearts.
The thought made his fury surge.
Two hearts destroyed.
Zero profit.
He had never run a losing business like this before.
Money was his.
Hearts were his.
None of them would escape!
"Earth Grudge Fear—Final Shot!"
The triple-element chakra cannon roared forth like a raging ocean, swallowing Akihito whole.
Kakuzu sneered.
No dodge?
That's it?
Big talk, pathetic result.
Even Pain wouldn't walk away unscathed from that.
Before he could savor the moment—
Akihito's calm voice cut through the smoke.
"That your trump card?"
"Warm and damp. Feels like a hot spring."
Kakuzu's eyes bulged.
Unharmed?!
Impossible!
Then realization struck.
"…You're the 'Flame Oni of Konoha.' Uchiha Akihito."
Akihito nodded lightly.
"Not very strong—but decent eyesight."
Kakuzu's expression shifted.
Akihito's reputation was no secret.
Third Shinobi War veteran.
Young Uchiha clan head.
Defeated Yugito Nii and the A-B duo.
Crushed Danzō in Konoha's internal struggle.
A prodigy hailed as the brightest of the new generation.
Even Kakashi paled in comparison.
Three elite Jonin were already troublesome.
Add Akihito?
This could end badly.
Money was tempting—
But only if you lived to spend it.
Kakuzu made his decision.
Live first. Earn later.
He tossed a smoke bomb and fled.
Selling Out His Partner
Kakashi and Kurenai gave chase.
Kakuzu ran straight toward Guy.
Were they regrouping?
Akihito shook his head.
Kakuzu saving a teammate?
Only if that teammate were a billionaire.
Sure enough—
Kakuzu bypassed Guy entirely.
Then—
He unleashed a massive indiscriminate attack backward.
Including his wounded partner in the blast.
Cold. Ruthless. Efficient.
When the dust settled—
Kakuzu was gone.
The "North Star" of Akatsuki had escaped.
His partner lay dead—killed by friendly fire.
Akihito felt mild regret.
They hadn't captured a living Akatsuki member.
But the Yamanaka clan could extract memories from the dead.
Mission complete.
They prepared to leave—
When dozens of figures dropped around them.
ANBU.
Mist ANBU.
Kakashi's face changed.
"Hunter-nin…"
Akihito remained calm.
"If you've come—show yourself."
A small figure stepped forward.
"Uchiha Akihito. Advisor to the Hokage."
"What brings you into the Land of Water?"
Fourth Mizukage—Yagura.
Kakashi and Kurenai were stunned.
The Mizukage himself?
Akihito replied evenly.
"By order of the Hokage, investigating a rogue organization."
"I crossed without notice. My apologies."
Acknowledging fault.
But not bowing.
Strength dictated tone.
Yagura's eyes narrowed.
"A light apology to erase border violation?"
"Arrogant."
Tension thickened.
Such incidents could spark war—
Or be brushed aside.
Akihito smiled faintly.
Yagura bristled.
He would not start a war.
But he could teach this arrogant youth a lesson.
And truthfully—
He wanted to test him.
"Then don't blame me."
"Gladly."
Weapons drawn.
ANBU and Jonin retreated.
Kage-level combat was beyond them.
The First Exchange
Yagura moved first.
Wind-assisted burst—
Coral staff thrust for Akihito's throat.
Akihito drew his blade.
A flying slash.
"Crack!"
Yagura split in two—
Water.
Water clone.
Even Kakashi hadn't seen when it formed.
Impressive.
Yagura appeared behind Akihito.
"You're caught."
The coral staff pierced—
Akihito burst into flame.
A clone.
Akihito reappeared, blade at Yagura's throat.
"Your tricks don't work on me."
"Over."
Mist ANBU stared in shock.
But—
Yagura laughed.
"Who's trapped… isn't certain yet."
He dissolved into water again.
The real Yagura struck from behind—
Now cloaked in red chakra.
"Secret Art: Coral Palm!"
Akihito didn't even turn.
"Uchiha Style: Flame-Leaping Blade!"
The coral shattered before forming.
The flying slash forced even a perfect Three-Tails Jinchūriki back.
Yagura landed awkwardly.
Akihito smiled.
"I told you."
"Doesn't work."
Yagura stiffened.
Infuriating brat.
Against the Sharingan—
Ambush was nearly impossible.
Fine.
Then brute force.
He formed rapid seals.
As a perfect Jinchūriki—
His chakra reserves rivaled beasts.
He could afford to burn through it.
If subtlety failed—
He would crush Akihito head-on.
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