bubblegum princess

chapter forty two

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the end of the beginning:
MISCALCULATION 
ON ITS FINEST !
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"CALM YOURSELF, Boruto." The voice cut through the tension like a blade, drawing every gaze as the mist behind them began to disperse, revealing the imposing figure of the Sixth Mizukage, Chojuro. His presence commanded attention, and everyone instinctively straightened, the weight of his authority settling over the gathering.

"But he is right," Chojuro continued, seriousness etched deeply into his features. His eyes narrowed, reflecting the gravity of the situation. "You won't get away so easily." He sighed, a hint of frustration breaking through his otherwise stoic demeanor. "But since you insist..." He paused, glancing toward Seiren, whose wide eyes glistened with unshed tears, her body trembling under the harsh grip of Kyoho's hold. The sight of her distress tugged at something deep within him. "It's just a fight amongst kids," he murmured, his voice softening slightly.

Turning his attention back to Kyoho, Chojuro's expression hardened. "But I do say this—have a bit of restraint on the child, Kyoho." His tone left no room for argument, and Kyoho faltered, momentarily taken aback by the Mizukage's command.

With a deliberate motion, Chojuro sheathed his katana, the metallic sound echoing in the heavy air, signaling his intent to defuse the situation. "A fight between kids... I just happened to be here to stop it."

Seiren turned her gaze to Sarada, who wore a grim expression filled with worry. Their eyes locked for a fleeting moment, and Seiren's nod was filled with urgency. She communicated a silent plea for help, her heart racing as she felt the panic rising within her.

With a slight tilt of her head, Seiren subtly directed Sarada's gaze toward Kyoho, who was still gripping her hair tightly, oblivious to their silent exchange. In that intense moment, Seiren conveyed urgency, her eyes widening slightly as if to say, I need to create a distraction.

Then, with a brief glance toward the kunai in Sarada's hand, she focused her thoughts. Throw me the kunai, she urged silently, her expression fierce with determination. Sarada's brow furrowed as she caught the urgency in Seiren's plea, realizing the plan that had formed in her sister's mind.

Seiren drew in a deep breath, her resolve hardening. She would have to strike Kyoho first to gain the upper hand. With a flick of her eyes back to Sarada, she communicated the next part of her plan: Once I punch him, throw the kunai my way.

Sarada nodded, understanding the silent command.

Then hell broke loose. With a sudden surge of determination, Seiren snapped the rope binding her wrists, ignoring the sharp pain that shot through her skin as the fibers tore away. The unexpected movement drew alarming gasps from the swordsmen, their expressions a mixture of surprise and anger. In a fluid motion, she twisted her body, hissing in discomfort as Kyoho's fingers tangled in her hair, pulling her back.

But she wouldn't be stopped. Channeling all her chakra into her fist, she shouted, "Cha!" The words burst from her lips as she propelled her fist toward Kyoho's stomach with all her might.

The impact was brutal. Kyoho gasped, his eyes widening in shock as the force of her blow sent him flying backward. He stumbled, the wind knocked out of him, and doubled over, spitting blood onto the ground as he struggled to catch his breath. The pain was unbearable; he knelt there, gasping as if he couldn't draw in air.

"You brat!" Buntan snarled, fury etched across her face. In that moment of chaos, Sarada seized the opportunity. She quickly threw her kunai toward Seiren, her voice a fierce command, "Sei!"