Somewhere in the sea off the Land of Rivers, bursts of explosions rang out one after another.
A battered cruise ship struggled to stay afloat on the ocean surface. Nearby, over a dozen ninjas used various ninjutsu to launch an assault from the water.
Flashing bolts of lightning, giant beasts made of seawater, and whistling fireballs rained down upon the vessel continuously.
A white-haired youth suddenly charged out from the ship—it was Mori Shiraishi.
He soared high like an osprey. Two massive Koukaku suddenly sprouted from his shoulders, merging in front of him into a solid shield to block the oncoming fireball.
Immediately following this, a centipede-like Bikaku thrust out like a spear, piercing through a water beast. The terrifying force caused the creature to burst instantly.
"It's that monster-like ability again..."
The attacking ninjas looked grim. If not for the village's orders, none of them would want to face such a freak.
Despite Mori Shiraishi's best efforts, he could not block every attack alone. Under the barrage of ninjutsu, the cruise ship took heavy damage and teetered on the verge of sinking.
Mori Shiraishi landed back on the deck with a dark expression.
Initially, they had chosen this ship as a base to avoid being hunted by ninjas on land. However, they had underestimated the capabilities of shinobi. Almost all ninjas could walk on water and launch long-range ninjutsu attacks.
This realization made the decision to use the ship as a base look like a joke.
On the sea, the Ghouls were unable to take the initiative. They were forced to play a defensive game, only able to counterattack once the ninjas boarded or drew close to the ship.
This highlighted the vital importance of intelligence.
If he had known that ninjas possessed such maritime combat capabilities, Mori Shiraishi never would have made that choice. This error had forced the Ghouls into a massive disadvantage.
Fortunately, they were not far from land now.
"Everyone, get ready! Helmsman, steer us straight for the shore. We're crashing into the land!"
Mori Shiraishi issued the command calmly.
Several months had passed since he became the leader of this group. During this time, he had established sufficient authority. After all, he had personally repelled multiple attacks from the Hidden Steam Village ninjas.
Therefore, the moment he gave the order, his subordinates executed it immediately!
The helmsman spun the wheel. Everyone braced themselves as the massive cruise ship charged toward the shore like a fierce sea beast.
The ninjas, however, were not about to let them reach the shore so easily.
"They want to move the battlefield to land! Stop them quickly!"
A Water Style user in the group gathered his chakra and performed a flurry of hand signs. He slammed both palms onto the ocean surface.
His chakra rippled outward rapidly.
"I'll be out of chakra after this move," the ninja said through gritted teeth. "The rest is up to you guys."
"Water Style: Water Vortex Jutsu!"
Under the influence of massive chakra, the sea ahead was manipulated by a mysterious force, violently twisting into a giant whirlpool!
The powerful suction began to drag the ship. Despite the engine's efforts, the vessel was pulled further away from the land instead of closer. The ship's frame, already teetering on collapse, emitted an unbearable creaking sound.
"The ship is going to break apart at this rate!" one Ghoul cried out anxiously.
Mori Shiraishi's expression remained unchanged. "Full power to the engines. Leave the whirlpool to me."
With that, he leapt from the ship once more. The Kakuhou on his back bulged as if boiling.
Finally, a pair of massive, grayish-white wings burst from his body. The crimson patterns on them looked like a pair of bloodthirsty eyes.
Mori Shiraishi took flight. The airflow from his wings pushed the seawater aside. He accelerated to his maximum speed and charged toward the ninja maintaining the technique.
"Stop him!"
The ninjas fell into a panic and hurriedly released their ninjutsu.
"Fire Style: Flame Bullet!"
"Lightning Style: Thunder Roar!"
"Water Style: Water Pillar!"
Facing the variety of jutsu, Mori Shiraishi maneuvered his wings nimbly to dodge, looking like a dancing moth.
"Die."
Amidst the flickering flames and electrical arcs, Mori Shiraishi finally reached the group. His massive wings gave a powerful flap, generating a gale as strong as a Wind Style jutsu that blinded the ninjas.
Following this, his swift Rinkaku pierced the air like lightning, effortlessly killing the Water Style user!
Without the supply of chakra, the whirlpool vanished. The ship, at full throttle, crashed toward the shore.
Having completed his task, Mori Shiraishi flapped his wings again, preparing to retreat. However, the ninjas participating in this mission were elites from the Hidden Steam Village. They would not let him leave so easily.
"Water Style: Water Binding Jutsu!"
Several streams of water shot out from the sea, binding Mori Shiraishi's wings like tentacles.
Immediately after, a middle-aged ninja surfaced from the water.
"Heh, monster. I've been waiting for you."
Massive chakra surged around him as his hands flew through signs. It was a trap—a trap set using the life of his own comrade as bait.
"Let's see you dodge this!"
The Hidden Steam ninja's long-charged jutsu was finally ready.
"Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu!"
The turbulent water converged into a ferocious water dragon. With a thunderous roar, it slammed heavily into Mori Shiraishi's body.
The force shattered the water tentacles binding him, sending him flying high into the air.
Mori Shiraishi turned pale. His white hair whipped in the wind as thick blood poured uncontrollably from his mouth.
The power of this move was too great!
Even though he had used his Koukaku for defense, the direct hit caused severe internal damage. His Koukaku was completely shattered, and his flesh felt like it had been turned to pulp.
He couldn't let it end like this!
Several Rinkaku shot out from his back, tightly wrapping around the water dragon before erupting with all his strength.
"Boom!"
The water dragon finally collapsed under the pressure of the Rinkaku. By now, Mori Shiraishi was heavily injured and exhausted.
Using his final ounce of strength, he spread his wings and used the air currents to glide toward the shore.
The ninja who had cast the Water Dragon Jutsu frowned. "After him! Don't let him escape!"
"Yes!"
The ninjas immediately rushed toward the shore.
The middle-aged ninja sighed with regret. "If only the hand signs for the Water Dragon Jutsu were fewer..."