Looking at it this way, Hōzuki Zanyue is exactly like the youthful version of the Second Mizukage.
Not only that, but when the Second Mizukage used the Jōki Bōi (Steamed Danger Roar), he would temporarily hide afterward because the technique left the user very weak.
The principle behind the Jōki Bōi is as follows: the user extracts the oils and moisture from their body to form a child-shaped clone.
So this clone isn’t energy, but rather a cluster of biological oils and water taken from the body.
Since such a large amount of oil and water is drawn from within, it’s no wonder Hōzuki Zanyue’s chakra consumption drops by one-third immediately.
But surprisingly, Zanyue does not appear weakened; he can still use Water Cannon Air Practice Bursts to attack Su Xiao from a distance.
“Seems about right now,” he said, exhaling deeply.
His cheeks were noticeably sunken—an aftereffect from the rapid water loss in such a short time.
“This isn’t good,” Su Xiao muttered, turning and rushing away.