He had not explicitly said it was a product of Wood Release, but the term "living building materials" alone was enough to shock everyone present. They had heard of infusing buildings with chakra, but infusing them with "life" was beyond anything they understood.
Shikamaru's brow furrowed even deeper. Toru Kujyo had gained yet another mystery.
Passing through the gardens, the group arrived at the broad, circular clearing between the two main buildings.
"Bro Toru, what's this clearing for? It's so big. Do you use it to air out blankets?" Choji asked between bites of potato chips.
Toru Kujyo gave a mysterious smile without answering, merely willing something to happen.
A faint whir of machinery sounded, and the hard alloy ground suddenly split down the middle, slowly retracting outward. Then a regulation circular arena rose from underground with a rumble! A translucent blue barrier instantly unfurled around its edges, enclosing the entire arena.
"Whoaaaa!"
Everyone gaped at the sudden sight. Naruto's eyes positively shone, as though he had just discovered the most entertaining toy in the world.
"It's... it's an arena! A private battle arena!" he shouted excitedly, the first to leap onto it. He bounced twice on the springy surface. "This is awesome! Seriously awesome!"
His fighting spirit ignited instantly. Turning around, he beckoned to Kiba Inuzuka below the arena. "Hey! Kiba! Got the guts to come up and spar with me? Let me show you what I've learned these past two months!"
"Hah! Like I'm scared of you!" Kiba Inuzuka could never resist a challenge. With a supportive bark from Akamaru beside him, he leaped onto the arena as well.
Toru Kujyo smiled at the others. "The barrier is sturdy. Don't worry about anything spilling outside. Let them have some fun."
"Go, Naruto!" Sakura called out halfheartedly.
"Kiba, show