Chapter 17

The best outcome would, of course, be to encounter a strong Jonin who refuses to hold back.

But to handle the situation at hand, Mizunuki Ryosuke had long since calculated every possibility that might arise in his mind.

And he had already prepared various response plans.

This included how to provoke the fighting spirit of an opponent if he were to encounter a Jonin from the Mizunuki or Mizukage factions.

What to do if he encountered a neutral ninja who held back due to the Mizukage's prestige.

Or methods for how to fight reasonably if he encountered a "water-goods" Jonin whose strength was too poor, and so on.

He just hadn't expected that the result would hit Mizunuki Ryosuke's preference right from the start.

Kaguya Yuta! A genius of the Kaguya, an existence who ascended to Jonin at sixteen!

After several years of accumulation, his strength was far beyond what an ordinary Jonin could reach, not to mention that the opponent possessed the terrifying Shikotsumyaku.

His strength was absolutely terrifying!

Coupled with the deep-seated feud between the Kaguya and the Mizunuki, there was absolutely no possibility of Kaguya Yuta holding back!

Facing such an enemy, Mizunuki Ryosuke could even reveal a little bit of his strength, forge the illusion of being "evenly matched," and finally be defeated by "a single move."

Perfect! Plan successful!

This would both preserve the Mizukage's face and reasonably demonstrate his own strength.

Before long, this matter would be like a pebble falling into a lake, and it would soon calm down.

Besides, what Jonin would keep such a small matter in mind every day?

After some time, when people mentioned the name "Mizunuki Ryosuke," they would only say: "Oh, you mean him? The one who sparred with Kaguya Yuta? His strength is alright, I suppose."

Such a result perfectly fit Mizunuki Ryosuke's "Way of the Golden Mean."

On the surface, Mizunuki Ryosuke looked gloomy and unpleasant, but inside, he was already blooming with joy.

(Begging for flowers and votes. If you lords think it's okay, please support this struggling author. Many thanks.) ===== CHAPTER 19 =====