Darkness surrounded Raizo.


    His body felt heavy. His vision blurred. His breath came in ragged gasps.


    "Damn it… This genjutsu…"


    Zadara’s technique was powerful—too powerful. Raizo knew he had to break free, or he’d be trapped forever.


    Then—


    A whisper echoed in his mind.


    "Master… wake up…"


    It was Izuki’s voice.


    Raizo''s eyes snapped open.


    "Enough of this!"


    A surge of raw energy exploded from his body, shaking the entire battlefield.


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    The darkness cracked like fragile glass.


    Then—


    BOOM!


    A shockwave erupted as Raizo shattered the genjutsu.


    Zadara, standing nearby, staggered backward, shielding his face from the blinding energy.


    When the light faded, Raizo stood tall, his eyes burning with power.


    His gaze locked onto Zadara.


    "You thought a genjutsu would stop me?" Raizo’s voice was cold, deadly.


    Zadara chuckled, wiping a trickle of blood from his lip.


    "Tch… I guess I shouldn’t have underestimated you, Master."


    Then—


    Zadara’s body began to flicker.


    A portal of dark energy swirled around him.


    Raizo’s fists clenched. "Running away?"


    Zadara smirked.


    As his body faded into the portal, he raised a hand in farewell.


    "See you later, Master."


    WHOOSH!


    In an instant—


    Zadara was gone.


    The battlefield fell into silence.


    Raizo exhaled, his muscles tense.


    Kenzo and Izuki rushed to his side.


    "Master! Are you alright?" Izuki asked.


    Raizo didn’t answer immediately. His mind was focused on one thing—


    Shinsei.


    They were stronger than he thought.


    And now—war was inevitable.