The answer was self-evident.
As ninja cats specializing in Yin Release, the stark contrast in their spiritual power was enough to expose the deception.
The so-called "weakest" cat, with its faint chakra presence, was actually the most dangerous illusionist. The one with the strongest presence was merely a distraction, and the last, a Yang Release user, was the genuine physical combatant.
It was a textbook example of intelligence warfare—manipulating perception to dictate the battlefield.
Mizuki Ryosuke's eyes flashed with understanding.
"Takeda, you're up next."
He turned to Takeda Yoichi.
"Me?"
Takeda Yoichi's eyes widened in shock. He hadn't expected Ryosuke to send him into battle first. He thought Mizuki Mitsuhiko or even Terumi Mei would go before him, given their superior abilities.
This reaction was natural—Takeda Yoichi was just an ordinary Chūnin, lacking the strategic insight of a commander like Ryosuke. The difference in perspective between an elite shinobi and a standard fighter was evident.
"Takeda," Ryosuke said calmly. "Use what you're best at. Don't hold back."
Takeda Yoichi nodded. He understood what Ryosuke meant.
His greatest strength was Fire Style.
A glimmer of realization crossed his face.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped onto the battlefield with firm resolve.
The moment both sides were in position, the elder cat serving as the referee raised his paw and declared:
"Begin!"
Takeda Yoichi didn't waste time. He immediately threw shuriken and kunai as a feint, forcing the three-colored ninja cat to react.
Taking advantage of the opening, he started weaving hand seals—long and complex, a clear sign of an advanced technique.
But at that moment, Mizuki Ryosuke's eyes narrowed.
"He's already lost."
The moment Takeda began weaving seals, his fate was sealed.
"Rat → Boar → Ox → Tiger → Hare…"
Takeda Yoichi's fingers moved swiftly, forming over dozens of signs in under thirty seconds—the fastest he'd ever performed.
Finally, he took a deep breath.
"Fire Style: Fire Dragon Bullet Jutsu!"
A massive dragon-shaped inferno burst from his mouth, spiraling toward the ninja cat.
The crowd of ninja cats instinctively recoiled—a natural reaction, as fire was the greatest weakness of their kind.
A deafening boom echoed as flames engulfed the Colosseum.
Takeda Yoichi stood there, panting, his body trembling with exhaustion.
"Did I… win?"
But before he could process his thoughts—
Cold steel pressed against his throat.
Takeda's eyes widened.
He looked down.
A sharp, gleaming claw was gently resting on his neck.
"I… lost?"
His voice was filled with disbelief.
The three-colored ninja cat, supposedly dead in the fire, stood right behind him.
The Power of Illusion: Yin Release's Trap
It was a flawless deception.
Yin Release—the power of the mind—was the foundation of genjutsu.
Most shinobi skilled in Yin Release had an advantage in illusions.
This three-colored ninja cat was a master illusionist.
From the very beginning, the cat had already trapped Takeda Yoichi in a genjutsu.
The "terrified" cat he saw in front of him? An illusion.
The moment the battle started, the ninja cat was already casting its spell.
Takeda Yoichi never noticed.
He had no counter, no awareness, no resistance.
So while he was busy launching his fire jutsu at a fake opponent, the real ninja cat had already circled behind him.
His greatest attack had completely missed its target.
A Moment of Reflection
Even so, the ninja cats had felt the pressure.
Had Takeda Yoichi's attack connected, the outcome would have been different.
But power meant nothing if you couldn't land a hit.
Mizuki Ryosuke remained calm.
Among all three teams participating in this assessment, his was the only one that possessed Fire Release.
Mizuki Hidero's team consisted entirely of Mizuki clan members—all of whom specialized in Wind and Water Release.
Ghost Lantern Mangetsu's team was similar—none of his members had Fire Release either.
Mangetsu himself, with his Hydrification Technique, was even less likely to possess it.
In the Land of Water, surrounded by seas and lakes, Water Release dominated.
Fire Release was rare.
This was why Mizuki Ryosuke had sent Takeda Yoichi.
Even in defeat, they had exposed a weakness in the ninja cats.
And that information was invaluable.
Strategic Dilemma: The Next Move
Takeda Yoichi stepped down from the battlefield, his expression filled with regret.
Mizuki Ryosuke patted him on the shoulder.
"Don't be discouraged."
Takeda smiled bitterly.
Now, it was the Ryosuke team's turn to send a fighter first.
Ryosuke quickly assessed the situation.
So far, the fight had played out like a Tian Ji's horse race:
• Takeda Yoichi (Low-tier) vs. The Strongest Illusionist (High-tier) → Loss
• Mizuki Mitsuhiko (High-tier) remains, alongside Terumi Mei (Mid-tier).
• The opponents have one Mid-tier (Yang Release) and one Low-tier (Yin Release) cat left.
They had lost the initiative.
If Ryosuke sent Mizuki Mitsuhiko, the enemy could counter with their weaker Yin Release cat, saving their stronger fighter for last.
If he sent Terumi Mei, the enemy could mirror the move, forcing a close fight where victory was uncertain.
A 2-2 tie was possible—but not guaranteed.
Ryosuke made his decision.
"Mitsuhiko, you're up."
His voice was firm.
"Win quickly."
Unlike Takeda Yoichi, Mizuki Mitsuhiko would not be given room for error.
"Yes, Master," Mitsuhiko responded, his tone filled with confidence.
Ryosuke nodded in satisfaction.
As Mizuki Mitsuhiko stepped forward, the ninja cats quickly chose their challenger.
The next battle was about to begin.
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