Bang!
He was too fast! The Sharingan had barely predicted his path before the blow struck!
Sen only had time to cross his arms in defense before the sheer force sent him flying.
He got to his feet and spat out a mouthful of blood. His eyes, though, blazed with excitement. "Speed even the Sharingan can barely track!
Might Duy, you've earned my respect! I, Uchiha Sen, name you the strongest in Taijutsu!"
With that, he dropped Samehada from his back, drew his short sword, pushed his Sharingan to its limit, and charged!
"Show me what a genius forged through hard work can do!"
Figures blurred across the sand as fists and blade clashed again and again!
The spectators could no longer follow Might Duy's movements. All they could see was Sen struggling to dodge and counterattack within the green storm, guided by his uncanny Sharingan.
"Gulp." One spectator swallowed. "I made fun of Might Duy before... Now I can't even see how fast he moves."
The person beside him watched the fight intently and replied, "Even the Three Tomoe Sharingan can only help Sen dodge. Just how fast is he? If Might Duy had a weapon, wouldn't he cut down any other ninja in a single strike?
His name's Might Duy, right? He's incredible!"
"Might Duy! Might Duy! Might Duy..."
At the edge of the crowd, the two ninja Sen had kicked away stared at the godlike figure in the arena, cold sweat pouring down their faces.
Was this really the "worthless" man they had mocked for years?
Sen had already taken several punches. Only his Uzumaki Clan physique kept him standing. Another fist slammed into his chest, but he felt neither worry nor anger. He was thrilled by the fight!
As Duy pulled back his fist, Sen lunged after him with several slashes and shouted, "Might Duy! Do you hear that? Everyone's cheering your name! You're not a nobody anymore!"
Duy dodged the blade. "That's the sound of youth calling! Youth lives forever!"
"...Could you stop bringing up youth in every sentence?" Sen immediately felt his excitement deflate.
Of course. Nobody without a simple mind could endure the grueling practice of Taijutsu.
Just then, Duy's movements faltered for an instant. The Eight Inner Gates were clearly taking a heavy toll on his body.
Now!
Sen seized the fleeting opening and said with a smile, "I know a way you can have the Sharingan too."
"What way?" Curious, Duy met Sen's eyes.
"Inside a Genjutsu."
Sharingan Genjutsu!
The unexpected answer caught Duy completely off guard, and the Genjutsu took hold.
Sen walked over, released him from the Genjutsu, and used Medical Ninjutsu to treat his strained muscles. "Looks like that technique of yours carries quite a risk."
"Thank you." Duy spent one second disappointed by his defeat, then his fighting spirit flared again. He roared excitedly,
"Damn it! I'll find a way to win without looking into my opponent's eyes!
Uchiha Sen, you may be younger than me, but I hope you'll be my rival for life. Let's keep our youth forever!"
Duy's voice brimmed with hope and excitement.
The spectators sighed. They hadn't expected the fight to end like this. A moment ago, they had been praising how useful the Sharingan was; Duy's words left them speechless.
They were starting to wonder whether this "youth" of his was something indecent and addictive!
Sen stared at him blankly. For someone so strong, Duy somehow looked like a born Genin.
Your son can go find Kakashi Hatake when the time comes. You should go find Sakumo Hatake.
Sen had ended the fight early because he had seen Duy's muscles straining. Now, though, he just wanted to escape this prison of youth!
"Might Duy, hurry up and concede."
Duy hesitated, unsure why Sen had suddenly changed his mind. "...Oh, right. I concede."
[Defeated Might Duy. Choose an attribute to absorb: Eight Gates, Physique +2, Chakra +1]
Sen immediately chose the Eight Gates and took off running.
"Hey, you were almost done healing me! Couldn't you finish before leaving? Treating wounds is part of youth too!"
"Minato's about to give birth! I'm going back to see whether it's a son or a father! Leave your little injury to the medical corps!"
Sen grabbed Kushina, and the two vanished from the sand.
That left the other ninja crowding around Might Duy. Someone with that much fighting power was well worth getting to know!
Two mornings later.
Sen lay limp on the beach, staring at the system prompt.
[Defeated Namikaze Minato. Choose an attribute to absorb: Physique +1, Physique +1, Physique +1]
He looked up at Minato, who had eagerly run off to practice his reflexes with Jiraiya, and sighed helplessly.
Minato, can you do any better? Why are your rewards so lousy every time?
It's always Physique +1. If you don't give me better reflexes, how am I supposed to teach you the Flying Thunder God later?
I'd be better off sparring with Uchiha clan members and copying some Mental Power. Mine's only at 117, more than a hundred points behind my other attributes. At this rate, I won't even be able to awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan!
And when are the reinforcements coming? Once this mission's over, I'd better keep my distance from Might Duy. He follows me around every day. Just hearing the word "youth" makes me sick now.
As his thoughts wandered, several clear birdcalls rang out overhead.
Jiraiya waved. "Gather up! The reinforcements are here. Time for a strategy meeting!"
The three of them quickly packed their gear and assembled at the base.
Inside the command tent, Sen spotted Orochimaru and dozens of reinforcements. By his rough count, there were over sixty, and half looked exhausted. They must have just arrived.
An Anbu member stepped forward and spoke quietly with Orochimaru. Then Orochimaru addressed the group:
"Everyone's here. I'll go over the plan for the day after tomorrow. That night, we'll launch surprise attacks on several of Kirigakure's islands. Any suggestions?"
Sen was a little surprised. He hadn't expected Orochimaru to ask everyone for input. It wasn't like him at all.
Unfortunately, most of the ninja there were Genin or Chunin. They had precious little experience even fighting enemies, let alone commanding an operation. Naturally, no one had any suggestions.
When no one spoke, Orochimaru continued, "In that case, get plenty of rest over the next two days. Dismissed. Jonin Leaders, stay to receive your squads' assignments."
Sen was about to leave with Minato and the others when Orochimaru spoke again:
"Oh, and Uchiha Sen, stay behind. There are two things I need to discuss with you alone."
Before you continue