Chapter Fourteen: Challenge

"You... you look familiar..."

The scientist, resembling a doctor, leaned closer to Moriyue. He had handled too many "volunteers (forced)" and a month had passed, making it difficult for him to recall who Moriyue was.

Yugito Nii stepped between him and Moriyue, shielding Moriyue behind her. Her eyes instantly became extremely dangerous. Without uttering any threats, she tossed the scroll in Moriyue's hand over.

"Take a look at this Forbidden Jutsu. Is there potential for cultivation? Can it be perfected? Tell me everything you know."

"Okay, okay, calm down first..." The man chuckled and reached out to take the scroll containing the technique.

"You're talking about this? Isn't this the Reverse Jutsu? A rather insane concept."

He seemed to know this technique well, or rather, those who studied Forbidden Jutsu were all familiar with it.

"This technique is basically impossible to succeed with. At the very least, for a normal ninja to cultivate it would be suicidal. Chakra reversal, do you know what that means? Everything would be overturned. The chakra pathways for current ninjas are already fixed, and how many ordinary people can control their chakra's flow?"

As he spoke, the man glanced at Moriyue. He remembered now. He had previously examined Moriyue's body and knew this kid's physique was peculiar. Fatal injuries seemed like child's play on him. He suspected Moriyue might have secretly practiced other Forbidden Jutsu, but he couldn't be sure.

"Does he have a chance of succeeding with this technique?" Yugito Nii's gaze remained icy. She held no good feelings for these madmen. If the higher-ups hadn't forbidden it, she would have already taken action.

"This guy, he's cultivated Burning Life. Whether he can live to see that day is another matter, but Burning Life has altered his body. To release the chakra within a normal human, his chakra pathways are not just chaotic; they're practically nonexistent. It's not entirely impossible to try."

"After all, the core of this Forbidden Jutsu is 'reversal.' Since everything is already a mess, perhaps reversing it will directly restore it." The man was clearly unsure himself and brushed it off. Who would know the outcome of something like this? It would be more accurate to let him experiment himself.

Receiving such an ambiguous answer, the two could only leave.

"Did you hear what he said?" Yugito Nii returned the scroll to Moriyue. What to do next was Moriyue's choice; she couldn't take away his right to choose.

Moriyue nodded. He wasn't going to die anyway, so why not try and see the results? What kind of damn scientist was he, not even knowing the effect of this jutsu?

Practice is the sole criterion for testing truth. Talking without action is useless. He, Moriyue, would be the vanguard of truth.

"It's fine. But can I go on missions now? I've troubled you for so long. Once I earn some money from a mission, I'll treat you to a good meal." Moriyue changed the subject, trying to lighten the mood.

"Don't you have money now? Why not treat me now?" Yugito Nii smiled faintly, no longer dwelling on the Forbidden Jutsu.

"But it wouldn't feel right spending money I haven't earned myself."

"..."

Moriyue had completed his training under Yugito Nii, which meant he now had to undertake missions. Even Darui had only given him a month for special training. During this month, the opinions and views of those around Moriyue had been considerable. Considering how he would risk his life at any moment, those people had become smarter. They simply wouldn't allow him to use Forbidden Jutsu during sparring matches.

They didn't believe Moriyue could make significant progress in just one month. Many people were eyeing his position. A horde of Chunin and Genin were desperately trying to get in. Now that they finally had an opportunity, they wouldn't let it pass.

Just on the way to find Darui, Moriyue sensed hostile glances from those around him. The Hidden Cloud Village valued strength above all else; one had to strive for what they wanted. The Raikage also encouraged this atmosphere. Healthy competition promoted progress. The various positions within the village were not fixed; whoever had the strength moved up. Even Darui's captain position wasn't permanent.

"Without demonstrating corresponding strength, these people won't acknowledge me as one of them. I must be cautious, but I cannot retreat at this moment."

Thus, Moriyue didn't hesitate to glare back. He cleared his throat, his voice deep and resonant, not at all like someone who had overdrawn their lifespan.

"Everyone, I know you have some opinions about me, believing my strength doesn't match my current position."

"So I won't waste words. Anyone who believes I'm not qualified to join Darui's squad can step forward now. If you defeat me, I will naturally withdraw."

At these words, all eyes focused on Moriyue. An opportunity! This kid must be getting arrogant. There should be a limit to his presumption. When did a mere practitioner of Forbidden Jutsu dare to be so presumptuous?

"I'll put you in your place!" A red-haired, dark-skinned girl drew her samurai sword and charged forward. She rushed headlong, appearing very casual, as if challenging Moriyue was merely out of interest.

"This girl is... Karui? A disciple of the Eight-Tails..." Moriyue looked at Karui, who seemed indifferent, unsure why she was stepping forward at this moment.

"She's one of Killer Bee's students..." Yugito Nii rubbed her forehead, feeling she knew why Karui was challenging Moriyue.

"Killer Bee and I are both Jinchuriki. Although my compatibility with the Two-Tails isn't as good as Killer Bee's with the Eight-Tails, I can still be considered a perfect Jinchuriki."

"Where there are people, there will be conflict. Killer Bee and I have special identities, and conflict is inevitable. With competition, different factions will emerge. Many people support Killer Bee, and his personality makes it easy for him to gain their approval."

Yugito Nii's voice was soft. She didn't continue. From the way people treated her and the details in the original story about her Jinchuriki being extracted prematurely, Moriyue could roughly infer that Yugito Nii didn't have good interpersonal relationships.

She could be ruthless towards enemies, but towards her own villagers, she truly had no good solutions. It was her nature, and she wouldn't blame others.

"Competition among Jinchuriki? Interesting. Alright, I accept your challenge." Moriyue's lips curved slightly upwards. He exhaled heavily, his pupils seemingly burning with flames.

"You're challenging on behalf of the Eight-Tails, aren't you? Although Yu..., cough cough, although she only trained me for a month, I can still be considered a disciple of the Two-Tails."

"Come on, show me your strength."

"Heh, I couldn't ask for more."