One of Konoha's Trump Cards

The battle in the arena was in full swing.

Everyone stared fixedly at the fight.

Facing Yue, Ryuzaki Hyuga had put on Konoha's best performance so far. With the Byakugan's advantage of having no blind spots in his vision, Ryuzaki had blocked all of Yue's attacks and had even managed to counterattack, forcing Yue to change moves or evade whenever he closed in.

However, judging by Ryuzaki's panting, his exertion had been tremendous.

It had not been easy.

After a moment, Ryuzaki stood where he was, spreading his arms into a stance. He panted heavily and did not rashly make a move.

After retreating, Yue began circling the Hyuga Clan member.

"Tricks like hidden weapons are completely useless against him..."

"Not only can he see attacks from any angle, those eyes can observe the movement of Chakra within my body. They can even give him advance warning when I activate ninjutsu. Not just ninjutsu—he can see my meridians and acupoints clearly as well... which lets him keenly catch every movement of my limbs."

"The most dangerous thing is still his Gentle Fist... Pure physical toughness cannot defend against a method that directly strikes Chakra into the enemy's body. To some extent, it practically ignores physical defense and comes with its own armor-piercing effect."

"Combined with those eyes of his, once he lands an attack, every move is deadly."

Yue analyzed as he curled his lips into a smile.

Sure enough... this Bloodline Limit, famous throughout the ninja world and suited for direct combat, was the most troublesome.

The situation seemed to have reached a stalemate.

From the looks of things, although Ryuzaki had expended a tremendous amount of stamina, Yue also seemed unwilling to attack recklessly for the moment.

But when the spectators saw the smile on Yue's face, a sense of unease immediately rose in their hearts.

Yue knew the Hyuga Clan too well.

Or rather, he knew the techniques of most Konoha clans inside and out.

The reason he had allowed the situation to stall was to create the illusion that he had analyzed his opponent's information on the spot. Otherwise, if he immediately crushed the Byakugan with a targeted advantage, outsiders would undoubtedly wonder why a person from Kusagakure knew the Hyuga Clan so well.

Yue did not want to reveal too much.

This Ryuzaki Hyuga was still quite weak. Though he had the support of his eye technique, his standards in every other aspect were far from adequate.

The best way to deal with the Hyuga Clan was to exploit the versatility of ninjutsu... use long-range methods to secure victory or restrain his ability to move.

But Yue intended to use the simplest and most straightforward method.

It was also the cruelest.

He would wear Ryuzaki Hyuga to death.

"Though you can block all my attacks, it seems... the pressure you're under isn't small at all." Yue suddenly stopped and gave Ryuzaki Hyuga an eerie smile.

Then he vanished from the spot in an instant.

"Behind you!"

Ryuzaki's pupils contracted as he violently turned his head and slashed a palm at Yue, who had flashed in.

Yue tilted his head slightly, letting the palm sweep past his cheek. Then he used his explosive power and speed to shift positions again.

A black shadow kept appearing around Ryuzaki Hyuga from every direction. Yue accelerated the frequency and rhythm of his attacks, his offensive like a raging storm. Striking his target was not Yue's main goal; he wanted Ryuzaki Hyuga to keep countering or defending. That way, Yue himself would expend very little energy.

He could also easily avoid his opponent's killing moves.

But as the rhythm of Yue's attacks quickened, Ryuzaki's exhaustion began to intensify.

Yue's experience and physical capabilities still surpassed Ryuzaki's by a huge margin.

Because he understood the Hyuga Clan, Yue could see Ryuzaki's current shortcomings even without belonging to the clan himself. There were far too many! The most obvious example was that whenever Ryuzaki tried to hurt him, nearly every counterattack with the Gentle Fist showed no thought of conserving Chakra. He seemed incapable of delicate control and always wanted to reverse the situation in one stroke.

Rather than preparing himself mentally for a prolonged fight and delivering effective attacks.

Even if he compressed the Chakra used in the Gentle Fist to a certain degree, the technique's effect would still remain. Yue still would not dare take it head-on.

So long as he landed an attack, Yue would still be injured.

If Ryuzaki could release that compressed Chakra the instant he confirmed he had struck his opponent, causing the Gentle Fist's power to surge in the blink of an eye, that would have been perfect.

Unfortunately, the current Ryuzaki lacked that level of Chakra control, as well as the skill and technique to execute such a Gentle Fist.

Yes... in Yue's mind, he had even put himself in Ryuzaki's position and simulated the best possible combat plan for him.

After several minutes of back-and-forth, the veins bulging around Ryuzaki's eyes finally subsided. He was drenched in sweat and could barely stand.

Yue knew the time had come.

He bent forward and closed in instantly, like an agile cheetah baring its fangs at its prey.

A simple jab drove into Ryuzaki's lower abdomen.

With a twist of his wrist.

The flesh of Ryuzaki's abdomen twisted along with it.

His entire back arched upward.

Then his legs gave out, and he dropped directly to his knees before Yue.

"Next."

Yue slowly straightened his back and repeated himself.

"He lost again..."

Someone murmured.

The relay battle continued. The next to step forward was a member of the Inuzuka Clan, the clan that had defeated Ryuga.

Though their clan's secret techniques looked powerful, techniques such as the Four Legs Technique, Beast Human Transformation, or Piercing Fang were actually far easier for Yue to handle than a Bloodline Limit like the Byakugan. Ninjutsu such as Piercing Fang might have great power and speed... but it lacked variation. As long as he seized the right opportunity, he could break it.

Therefore, Yue did not need much time to win.

"Next."

This one was from the Nara Clan, named Shiobi Nara.

During the fight, it was clear that this man was quite clever... and he had used a few little tricks.

But there was no helping it. A loss was still a loss.

He left the field even faster than the Inuzuka Clan member.

Because... he surrendered outright.

He was also the only person so far to raise his hand in surrender. He had discovered that Yue was extremely guarded against the shadow secret techniques and had constantly been looking for opportunities to close the distance, creating overwhelming pressure.

He did not leave Shiobi any chance at all.

After weighing things in his heart and personally testing Yue's abilities, Shiobi Nara concluded that he had no hope of winning whatsoever, so he simply surrendered.

It saved him from having to be carried away by the medical team like the others.

"Next."

"Next."

As time slowly passed, Yue's harsh and indifferent voice continued echoing through the silent venue.

One Konoha Rookie after another was "sent away" from the arena.

Even Obito Uchiha had shut his mouth.

The Kusagakure jonin had become numb as well...

He had no idea when Yue would stop this "brutality" against the Konoha Rookies.

It truly was brutality... because up to this point, the level Yue had displayed was utterly dominant over Konoha's generation.

The ones who had lasted the longest against him were Ryuzaki Hyuga and the member of the Aburame Clan.

It should also be mentioned that the Aburame Clan member had fought Yue the longest, for a full quarter of an hour. He was also the only opponent who had forced Yue to use Fire Release ninjutsu. The Aburame Clan's secret techniques were simply too strange and difficult to guard against. Whether in close combat or at range, Yue had needed to be extremely cautious.

If he did not burn away those insects... they would be too dangerous.

The Aburame Clan member was also the only one who had forced Yue to reveal even a little of his methods.

Of course, Yue did not forget to show off some "acting" during his winning streak.

He made it seem as though he had acquired and analyzed the information on several secret techniques and Bloodline Limits during battle, then adopted different offensive strategies accordingly... rather than knowing everything from the beginning.

Otherwise, Konoha's people would inevitably notice something suspicious.

He was merely a Genin from Kusagakure, and a child at that... Yue was not afraid that people like Hiruzen Sarutobi and Minato would develop any ill intentions, but if word spread and someone like Danzo learned of it, that would be another matter.

"What do you think?"

Minato Namikaze leaned beside Kakashi and asked softly.

"Very strong. His on-the-spot reactions and combat thinking are astonishing."

"He seems able to find the answer to victory against every opponent in an extremely short time."

"He quickly analyzes and summarizes every ability his enemies display."

"His strength is not merely external. He has the mind to match it."

Kakashi's expression was grave.

"He hasn't gotten serious yet..."

Suddenly, Minato smiled.

"From what I know of him—although we've only met once before—Yue has only used the most basic or support-type ninjutsu up to now. Apart from revealing some Fire Release against the Aburame Clan, he has mostly won through powerful Taijutsu, combat experience, and tactical thinking. Haven't you noticed? Even now, his breathing is still steady, and he does not show the slightest sign of fatigue. That means his physical vitality—whether his recovery, energy, or willpower—is far too strong compared to people of his generation."

"He belongs to the Fuma Clan, so I believe using Taijutsu bare-handed is relatively amateurish for him. What he truly excels at should be ninja tools... at the very least, when I saw him serious, he was holding a blade."

"His Chakra reserves are also astonishing."

"With an opponent who is outstanding in every aspect, do you think... his attainments in ninjutsu and the techniques he has trained in would be weak?"

"You make him sound too perfect... like he's a perfect ninja without any weaknesses."

Kakashi was still only a child at this point, and he was somewhat unconvinced.

"In our eyes, or in the eyes of those stronger than him, he is full of weaknesses," Minato replied. "But to you, he is nearly all-rounded. Naturally, he has weaknesses too. It just depends on whether you can discover and exploit them."

"He still has far too many abilities he hasn't shown..."

At this point, the smile vanished from Minato's face. He calmly looked at Yue below. "You sensed it too, didn't you, Kakashi? The reason I did not let you go first and persuaded the Hokage to invite Yue to Konoha was to warn all of you that becoming an outstanding ninja is not as simple as you think."

"The ninja world... is the same."

"Though you lost, this has been a complete opportunity for growth."

"I respect your father deeply. Though the village has always had endless criticism of him, I respect him... He was an outstanding ninja. Truly outstanding. There are quite a few people who feel the same way I do."

"He gave you this Chakra short sword because he hoped that one day, you would surpass him. Do you understand?"

"He believes you can do it. Not just him—I believe it too... and so does the Hokage."

"Walk out from beneath the shadow of his death... You need to look ahead, inherit his will, and prove it to everyone and to the village. That is what he would want to see!" Minato suddenly patted Kakashi's head and smiled faintly. "Otherwise, if you drag things out for too long, it won't be good... Look at the opponent you're about to face. Look at Yue. Be careful not to fall too far behind, or you may find it difficult to catch up in the future."

"Kakashi..."

Minato took a deep breath and stared at Yue.

"Though it may be inappropriate to say this, my instincts tell me that if your generation does not work hard, then at least in the ninja world after you have all grown up, this Fuma Yue will remain above your heads."

Suddenly, Minato smiled again, and his serious tone became lighter. "Actually, not just you all. Looking at Yue, even I feel a little pressure..."

"..."

Kakashi's eyes trembled, and he fell silent.

This was the first time Minato had said such things to him.

And it truly stirred something within him.

Kakashi turned his stiff neck and looked toward Fuma Yue, who still stood proudly alone in the arena.

Then he lowered his head to look at the Chakra short sword in his hand, the keepsake his father had left him.

His thoughts drifted to the moments when his father had still been alive.

As well as some of the things his father had once said to him.

Though his father's death had been connected to the village, his father's devotion to Konoha had been genuine.

At the height of the Konoha White Fang's fame, even the Sannin had to give way.

Back then, Hatake Sakumo had been the genuine killing god of Konoha on the battlefield.

Inside the arena, as he watched the medical team carry away another person, Yue's gaze shifted toward Minato and Kakashi.

He saw their exchange.

As well as the gazes they cast toward him.

"Father, can I go now?!"

"It's time, Guy. I believe in you! Go, defeat your opponent and have a hearty battle between men with him."

"This is the collision of friendship and passion between hot-blooded men!"

"It is the finest proof of youth and burning blood!"

"Whether you win or lose, as long as you give it everything and leave no regrets! Your future self will thank you for who you are today and remember this wonderful moment!"

"Yes, Father!"

Yue's gaze was still on Minato and Kakashi when he suddenly heard two booming voices from afar. He instinctively closed his eyes and frowned.

He found them a little noisy.

With an indifferent expression, he looked toward the source of the voices.

It was none other than the father-and-son pair, Might Duy and Might Guy, shouting as though they had been injected with stimulants.

In truth, Yue had noticed Might Guy long ago. After all, aside from Kakashi, Yue considered Guy the greatest threat.

He might even... have already surpassed Kakashi.

Guy's current level was unknown to Yue.

It was difficult to judge.

However, from the very beginning, the father and son had been exercising in place without stopping, as though they had hyperactivity.

One moment they were doing frantic sit-ups, the next push-ups, or else handstands.

They were extremely "distinctive."

And somewhat out of place among everyone else and in this setting.

"Oy!"

Guy let out a strange cry, as though his series of warm-ups and exercises had pushed his condition to its peak.

He leaped into the air, flipped his body midair, and landed steadily.

It was clear that he was feeling exceptionally good right now.

Even after Yue had defeated all of his companions, it seemed to have had no effect on him whatsoever.

His eyes were brimming with confidence, and he wore a smile.

Across from him, Yue's expression was cold, but for once, it also carried a trace of disdain.

He had actually liked Guy and Little Lee before, but after truly meeting someone like this in reality, he discovered... people like them could be quite annoying sometimes.

His selfishness, regardless of the occasion, and his complete lack of tact.

Mostly because he was too noisy... always shouting.

Maybe when he grew up, he would be a little better, with a bit more composure.

But when he was little, he was no different from a loudspeaker.

Little Lee might be much better off, after all, his personality still differed somewhat from Might Guy's.

But Might Guy...

He really was...