Killer Bee had heard of it—there was a clan in the Land of Water that inherited the rare Ice Release, a combination of Wind and Water Style. However, due to the brutal nature of the Water Country's history, most of these ninjas had disappeared.
But this guy—this Morkel—how was he using Ice Release?
Possessing two bloodline limits simultaneously?!
Unheard of!
Killer Bee wasn't the only one stunned. Omoi and Karui were equally dumbfounded.
"How is this possible?!" Karui exclaimed. "He not only has Wood Style but also Ice Style?!"
Omoi shook his head in disbelief. "What kind of lineage does he have? Senju? Uzumaki? A hybrid with Water Country ninjas?!"
On the boat, Naruto jabbed Sasuke's arm. "Hey, Sasuke, do you know what's going on? How can Morkel use Ice Release?"
Sasuke frowned. "How should I know? Something about this doesn't feel right..."
As for how Morkel had mastered Ice Release? That was a result of his prior training.
Jiraiya had once mentioned that, although rare, some Kekkei Genkai could be learned through sheer effort. The perfect example was the Third Tsuchikage, Ohnoki, who had mastered his predecessor's Dust Release despite not being related by blood.
If it was possible to learn such techniques, Morkel wouldn't miss that chance.
The moment Morkel touched the sea, the surrounding water—stretching several thousand meters—solidified into thick ice beneath his feet.
"Uncle, you'll be the first to experience my new jutsu," Morkel said with a smirk. "Let me know how it feels afterward so I can improve it."
Killer Bee raised both middle fingers. "Yo, yo, you're too arrogant, I'll teach you a lesson! One, two hits, and you'll be gone!"
Morkel blinked. "This uncle is a bit... eccentric."
Killer Bee, standing on the ice, pulled out his seven swords, gripping them with his elbows, shoulders, knees, and mouth in a unique stance.
Naruto frowned. "Why doesn't he hold his swords normally?"
Sasuke, more informed, recognized it immediately. "This is the 'Aragami Falchion' style. It's Killer Bee's signature swordsmanship—an unpredictable, fluid form of combat where each strike is a lethal threat."
"That sounds awesome!" Naruto said, scratching his head. "Wait, who is Killer Bee again?"
Killer Bee's expression darkened. "This kid doesn't know me?! Omoi, Karui, handle him!"
"Yes, Master!" the duo responded in unison.
Naruto gaped. "Come on, isn't that a bit extreme?!"
Meanwhile, Morkel, holding the Thunder Blade, introduced Killer Bee. "He's the Raikage's adopted brother and the perfect Jinchūriki of the Eight Tails. Jiraiya-sensei told me you're pretty strong."
Killer Bee grinned. "You got that right! So, ready to admit defeat?"
Morkel shook his head. "Not happening, Uncle. In fact, why don't you bring out Eight Tails? Let's see what it's like in battle."
Morkel had been preparing for this. Since learning that Naruto housed the Nine Tails, he'd researched how to combat tailed beasts. He had studied the First Hokage's techniques and learned everything useful within two days.
Killer Bee scowled. "You're underestimating me, kid! Time to show you real swordsmanship!"
With a knife in his mouth, he charged forward, spinning like a whirlwind.
Morkel's expression turned serious. Killer Bee wasn't an opponent to take lightly.
"Sixth Gate—Open!" Morkel roared as green smoke burst from his body.
Killer Bee hesitated. "You know the Eight Inner Gates too?!"
He had thought the reports about Morkel's skills were exaggerated. How could someone excel in both ninjutsu and taijutsu? Did he even need sleep?!
Morkel, now enhanced by the Sixth Gate, clashed with Killer Bee's swords in a flurry of sparks.
"Kang!"
Morkel's power broke through Killer Bee's defenses, leaving an opening.
Seizing the moment, Morkel drew his short sword and struck at Killer Bee's weak spot.
But Killer Bee countered with a blade held between his teeth, his elbow blade slashing toward Morkel's face.
"KANG!!"
Morkel blocked with his left sword, while his right hand abandoned his Thunder Blade to form a one-handed seal.
Killer Bee's eyes widened. "One-handed seals?!"
Most ninjas wouldn't attempt jutsu during close combat—it left them open. But Morkel was no ordinary ninja.
Realizing the danger, Killer Bee aimed a downward strike.
"Swish!"
His attack missed.
Killer Bee's heart sank. "Damn it, I forgot he has Flying Thunder God!"
Twenty meters away, Morkel reappeared near a pre-marked location.
At the same time, his Wood Clone on the ship completed its seal.
"Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet!"
"Ice Release: Ice Dragon Flight!"
A swirling vortex of water erupted beneath Killer Bee, trapping him in a spiraling current.
Above, Morkel summoned a massive ice dragon, its crystalline body glinting in the sun.
The frozen beast lunged forward, striking Killer Bee in the whirlpool.
"Damn it! I fell for his trap!" Killer Bee cursed.
Inside his mind, he reached out to Gyūki.
"It's your turn, partner!"
The Eight Tails roared. "Got it!"
The water and ice exploded outward as Killer Bee transformed, his body swelling with crimson chakra. Two horns sprouted from his head, and eight long tails whipped around violently.
Morkel's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "So this is a Tailed Beast…"
Half-beast Killer Bee launched forward, electricity crackling around his body. He formed a Lariat with his left elbow, bone protruding from his arm.
"Wood Style: All-Encompassing Binding!"
The ice beneath Morkel shattered as massive wooden hands shot up, grabbing Killer Bee mid-charge.
Inside, Gyūki grimaced. "Not Wood Style again… This reminds me of the First Hokage…"
Killer Bee reassured him. "Don't worry, this guy's no Hashirama."
"Really?" Gyūki asked skeptically.
"Of course! When have I ever lied to you?" Killer Bee smirked. "Besides, this is a chance to break free from Wood Style's history. Let's fight!"
With that, he handed control over to Gyūki.
Killer Bee's body expanded, transforming into the full form of the Eight Tails—a towering, bull-headed octopus.
Morkel observed calmly. "The second Tailed Beast I've faced… Shukaku was crazier, but Gyūki seems more stable."
However, even at full power, Gyūki found itself still restrained.
"If you're so confident, let's fight properly!" Gyūki roared.
Morkel shrugged. "Alright."
As soon as he released the Wood Bindings, Gyūki prepared a Tailed Beast Bomb.
Morkel swiftly formed another seal. "Sage Art: Tailed Beast Archway!"
Giant wooden torii gates slammed onto Gyūki, pinning him to the ground and interrupting his attack.
Onlookers were in awe.
Omoi muttered, "Karui, our master lost… Should we surrender?"
Karui clenched her fists. "Don't be a coward!"
Despite his defiance, even Killer Bee had to acknowledge defeat. He turned and ran, Omoi and Karui scrambling after him.
Morkel smirked. "Not so fast."
A quick Wood Style binding wrapped them up neatly.
Naruto gasped. "Wait, what about the race?! Did we lose?!"
Morkel smiled. "Don't worry. I set Flying Thunder God marks along the way. We'll intercept Mustard's team."
In the end, the Wasabi family won, securing the management rights of Deka Port.
The Mustard family leader stormed up. "You cheated! Where's our contestant?!"
Morkel's gaze turned icy. He raised a hand.
"Crack!"
Frost spread, freezing the man's outstretched finger.
Morkel grinned. "I have no idea."
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