Baki's voice echoed across the empty training ground, cold and hard like metal. "The first round of probing is over. Now, let's begin the live-fire test. New rule: Provided that no permanent injury is caused, if a clear and effective 'lethal attack' opportunity arises, the attacked party loses and is immediately eliminated."
" Shira, your goal is to create and seize as many opportunities as possible while we five are surrounding you, or to hold out until the end."
His gaze swept over the other four Jonin, finally settling on Shira: "You can use any means necessary, and so will we. Begin!"
Before the words were even finished, the air in the arena instantly became thick. Unlike the probing pressure of the first round, this time, the auras of the five Jonin rose and intertwined without reservation, forming an invisible net that enveloped Shira with a tangible killing intent.
Shira stood still, feeling the combined aura that stung his skin. He slowly exhaled a long breath, and a certain rhythm within his body subtly changed.
Seven Heavens Breathing Method - First Activation Open!
A gentle and lasting warmth spreads throughout the body, muscles tense slightly and then quickly relax to their optimal state, the five senses become more acute, and the heart beats strongly and steadily.
His aura noticeably intensified, and subtle ripples appeared in the air around him.
"Oh? Only activate the First Activation?"
Yosuzume light laugh drifted over, tinged with amusement, "Little handsome boy, are you underestimating me? Those few moves weren't enough for you."
She joked, but her fingers flicked out swiftly, and three ninja tools arranged in a triangular shape, with colorful feathers at the end, shot silently toward Shira's upper, middle, and lower body. They were twice as fast as before, and their trajectories were even more unpredictable.
Yan let out a low roar, but instead of charging forward immediately, he slammed his fists heavily into the ground!
" Earth Release · Rock Slab Coffin!"
Boom! Three thick rock walls suddenly rose up from the ground beneath Shira's feet and on both sides, rapidly closing in to trap him inside!
Rock's tactics have changed; they are no longer simply about overwhelming force, but about using the terrain to create limitations.
Just as the rock face closed in, Shira moved. His speed under his First Activation was incredible. He didn't leap upwards, as that would make him a target, but instead rushed to the left front—towards the last gap before the rock face closed in!
As he sprinted, he threw a short, powerful hook punch from below, striking the air in front of him.
Bang! A muffled explosion of air. The solid wind from his fist, like an invisible air cannonball, slammed into the colorful ninja tool that was fired directly in front of him.
The ninja tool was struck on the side by the force of the punch, its trajectory instantly skewed, and it flew out at an angle, embedding itself in the rock wall next to it with a "thud," its tail feathers trembling violently.
Meanwhile, Shira's figure had already "slid" out like a ghost from the crevice in the closing rock wall.
"Did you miss the ' Feather Dart ' with the force of your punch?"
On the high platform, an Anbu leader whispered to a young Chunin beside him, "Look closely, this isn't Ninjutsu. It's the impact generated by compressing air and unleashing physical strength to its limit."
"This requires extremely precise control over the timing and angle of force application. Too little force and it won't move; too much force might prematurely detonate the mechanism above. I never imagined that Shira's control over her physical strength had reached this level."
As Shira emerged from the Rock Slab Coffin, a blur appeared before her eyes, and I Fūgetsu's figure seemed to seep out from the shadows, appearing without warning three steps to her side.
I Fūgetsu didn't Hand Seals, but her eyes suddenly turned deep and dark. A strong sense of dizziness and disorientation suddenly seized Shira's senses—it was a high-level Genjutsu of the Dōjutsu type, which was faster and more concealed!
However, Shira's eyes only glazed over for less than a fraction of a second before regaining their clarity. Four years of training under Qinglin against the onslaught of Natural Energy, along with the extraordinary control over his own essence, energy, and spirit brought about by the Wind Xun Breathing Method he had learned, had given him an extremely strong resistance to this kind of direct mental interference.
He continued walking without stopping, seemingly unaffected, charging straight at I Fūgetsu. His left hand, fingers pointed like a sword, pierced the opponent's Jianjing acupoint with lightning speed.
A look of surprise flashed in I Fūgetsu's eyes, as if she hadn't expected her Genjutsu to be broken almost instantly.
He retreated rapidly, simultaneously waving his hands, unleashing countless tiny black shadows that rained down, covering all of Shira's forward path.
He abandoned his Genjutsu, which aimed to instantly defeat the enemy, and instead used a barrage of physical attacks to delay them and look for another opportunity.
Undeterred by the onslaught of hidden weapons, Shira took a deep breath, his body trembling slightly at high speed with a strange rhythm. He transformed his hands into palms, creating a dazzling display of palm shadows in front of him.
Each palm strike landed precisely on a specific point in the air, creating gusts of wind with varying directions and forces.
Whew! Whew! Whew!
A dense series of whooshing sounds filled the air as the seemingly chaotic yet exquisite palm strike scattered the rain of hidden weapons. Most of them collided and fell, while the few that slipped through were easily dodged by Shira with a slight turn of her body and a tilt of her head.
He seemed to stroll leisurely through the gale, and in the blink of an eye, he had already closed in on the retreating I Fūgetsu.
"This is..."
On the high platform, Ebizo narrowed his eyes. "Using the wind generated by the attack to create a chaotic airflow barrier in front of him? Not a bad idea, but the requirements for palm strength, eyesight, and calculation ability are ridiculously high. This kid has taken Taijutsu to an art form."
I Fūgetsu was somewhat embarrassed by Shira's unbelievable way of breaking the hidden weapon, and Shira's fingers were about to touch his shoulder.
Just then, a cold, highly concentrated sword intent, like a venomous snake that had been lurking for a long time, suddenly attacked from Shira's blind spot!
It was Kenmei again! He seized the moment when Shira was fully focused on pursuing I Fūgetsu and her movement technique was exhausted, and struck with his sword!
The sword's edge tore through the air, yet only emitted a faint hissing sound, aiming directly at Shira's back!
If you are stabbed, although it will not be fatal, it will definitely be considered an "effective fatal attack"!
Kenmei's timing was impeccable. Shira charged forward to pursue the enemy, but her strength was almost exhausted, leaving her wide open and seemingly unable to escape.
However, just before the sword tip was about to touch her, Shira's body, which was rushing forward, suddenly shifted half a foot to the left without warning!
Are you kidding me?!
Shira wasn't a jump or a step; it was more like the ground beneath his feet suddenly slipped, carrying him sideways.
At the same time, while his left hand remained in the same direction as he pursued I Fūgetsu, his right elbow slammed backward as if he had foreseen it!
"Clang!!!"
With a crisp clang of metal against metal, Shira's elbow, imbued with immense power and condensed "qi," struck Kenmei's incoming sword with perfect accuracy!
Kenmei felt a force as heavy as a mountain, yet carrying a strange tremor, coming from the sword. The sword was knocked upwards, and the thrusting trajectory was completely deviated.
"What?!"
Kenmei Ming was shocked. Not only had his opponent narrowly avoided the inevitable strike, but he had also managed to deflect it with a precise elbow strike to the flat surface of the blade at the last possible moment?
What terrifying combat instincts and body control does that require?
Shira knocked the longsword aside, and the fingers of his left hand finally touched the retreating I Fūgetsu's shoulder. But he did not stab hard, but only pressed lightly, and the "qi" energy was slightly released from his fingertips.
I Fūgetsu's body stiffened, and a strong tingling and numbness instantly shot through his left shoulder and arm. Although it was immediately dispelled by his powerful Chakra, his movements were already sluggish.
If Shira wanted to kill him, there were at least three ways she could have done so in that instant.
" I Fūgetsu, exit." Baki's calm voice rang out.
I Fūgetsu gave a wry smile, stretched her shoulders which had regained sensation, gave Shira a deep look, and then decisively retreated to the sidelines.
First "kill" achieved!
Without catching her breath, Shira used her right elbow, which had knocked away Kenmei's longsword, to retract it smoothly. Using the momentum, she spun around, facing the solemn-faced Kenmei and the Yosuzume that was attacking again from the flank.
Iwa regrouped and attacked from the other side. Baki continued to provide support from a distance, but his hand Hand Seals seemed to move even faster.
"Be careful, his speed and reaction time are even faster than before!"
Yosuzume reminded him, while continuously firing out his ninja tools. Various arcs, refractions, collisions, and deflections of the tools intertwined to form a net of death, enveloping Shira, aiming to severely restrict his space of movement and create opportunities for Kenmei and Iwa.
Instead of using wide-range Earth Release, Yan concentrated his Chakra on his body, forming a layer of rock armor that shimmered with metallic luster. He became like an iron fortress, and with simple yet powerful punches and kicks that sealed off the area, he pressed forward step by step, compressing Shira's movement.
Kenmei's sword is like a leech, specifically targeting the slightest openings that Shira makes when dodging ninja tools and rock attacks.
His sword seemed to be imbued with condensed wind-attribute Chakra; wherever the blade passed, the air was silently sliced apart, its sharpness unparalleled.
Shira found herself in the most dangerous situation since the start of the war. Yosuzume's ninja tool net restricted space, Yan's frontal pressure distracted her, Kenmei's deadly sword was waiting for an opportunity, and Baki's long-range Wind Release posed a constant threat.
His gaze was calm as he pushed his First Activation perception and physical abilities to the limit. He weaved through the gaps in the ninja tool net, treading the edge of the rock's fist wind, avoiding the greatest risks with minimal movement.
His hands sometimes formed palms, striking out with a powerful gust of wind to disrupt the trajectory of the ninja tools; sometimes they formed fists, skillfully clashing with the Rock Fist of the rocks, using their force to retreat; sometimes they joined their fingers together, precisely targeting the spine or blunt part of the longsword that Kenmei was thrusting at, deflecting the attack.
Shira's steps were unpredictable, sometimes as swift as the wind, sometimes as fleeting as sand, always managing to find a glimmer of hope in the most critical moments.
Several times, Kenmei's sword tip almost grazed his throat and heart, but he managed to avoid it at the last second.
"His movements seem to predict attacks?" A young woman on the high platform couldn't help but exclaim.
"It's not entirely prediction," Granny Chiyo finally spoke, her voice hoarse. "It's perception. He's frighteningly sensitive to changes in the surrounding airflow. The way Yosuzume's ninja tools cut through the air, the wind generated by Kenmei's fist, the sharp Chakra aura on the Sword of Light."
"To him, everything is as bright as a light in the dark. Add to that his inhuman reaction speed... Hmph, he's got a bit of White Fang's style back in the day, but in a completely different way."
The pressure intensified. Yosuzume's ninja tools seemed inexhaustible, and smoke bombs began to appear in their mix.
Yan's attacks grew increasingly ferocious, forcing Shira to repeatedly parry and borrow force, her arms growing numb.
Kenmei's sword moved faster and faster, its momentum continuous, like a sudden storm.
Shira knew that relying solely on his First Activation was no longer enough to simultaneously deal with the increasingly coordinated attacks of the three and the threat posed by Baki in the distance. A glint flashed in his eyes.
breathe--
The rhythm has changed, becoming deeper and more violent.
Seven Heavens Breathing Method - Second Activation, Activation!
Boom! An aura several times stronger than before erupted from Shira's body!
A low hum emanated from the air around him, his skin flushed, his body temperature soared, and white steam rose from his pores. His speed and strength suddenly surged!
"It's finally here!" Yan roared, not surprised but delighted. His entire rock armor shone brightly, and he threw a punch. The wind from his punch was as solid as a substance. He was going to meet the challenge head-on!
Facing Yan's full-force punch, Shira neither dodged nor evaded. The muscles in his right leg instantly bulged, and a faint flow of energy gathered inward—he guided more "qi" to his right leg! Immediately, he delivered a simple, straightforward front kick towards Yan's fist!
Fists and feet clashed!
"Bang!!!"
A deafening roar, like a muffled thunderclap, exploded across the training ground! A ring of air, carrying sand and gravel, rippled outwards!
Yan's massive body staggered back three large steps, each step leaving deep footprints in the ground. Fine cracks appeared on the rock armor covering his fists, and his face was filled with disbelief.
hoh?
Shira was also pushed backward several meters by the recoil, but her body remained as steady as a rock.
Using the force of the recoil, his body floated backward as if weightless, just barely avoiding the three consecutive Kenmei strikes that Jianming had taken the opportunity to stab. At the same time, his hands swept across his body like butterflies flitting among flowers, and the powerful palm wind he generated blew the dozen Senbon Yosuzume had taken the opportunity to shoot at him all over the place.
Activating her Second Activation, Shira instantly reversed the passive situation, displaying overwhelming power and speed!
"Such explosive power! Pure physical strength was enough to directly repel Yan, who used ' Heavy Fist Technique ' and ' Hardening '!" An elder on the high platform exclaimed.
"It's not just about power," Baki's voice came from the arena, having already completed his Hand Seals sometime earlier, "It's also about the control over the concentration and explosive point of power. He released all his power completely at the moment of contact, without wasting a single drop. Rock, be careful!"
Shira repelled Yan, evaded Kenmei and Yosuzume's pursuit, and locked her gaze on Baki was guiding a large-scale Ninjutsu in the distance.
He had to interrupt Baki's spellcasting, otherwise, even with his Second Activation, he would still be at risk of serious injury if hit by Wind Release of that level.
He pushed off with his feet, the ground cracked, and his figure transformed into a straight streak of light, rushing straight at Baki with a speed surpassing any he had ever achieved before!
The air along the way was torn apart, emitting a sharp whistling sound.
"Don't even think about it!" Kenmei and Yosuzume moved simultaneously. Kenmei became one with his sword, transforming into a beam of sword light to intercept. Yosuzume, on the other hand, threw out all the remaining Feather Dart and Kunai in his hand at once, creating a death zone between Shira Kazuma.
Despite the interception, Shira's sprinting speed did not decrease at all. Just as he was about to collide with the sword light, his upper body suddenly leaned back, almost parallel to the ground, and the Kenmei light grazed the tip of his nose.
At the same time, using the momentum of his backward-falling body, his legs kicked upwards like a storm!
A variant of Konoha Whirlwind?
No, faster, fiercer, and more continuous! In an instant, dozens of leg shadows enveloped Kenmei!
Kenmei wielded his longsword rapidly, creating a series of dense, rain-like clangs that deflected most of the leg shadows. However, Shira's leg strength was simply too great, and her speed too fast. With each kick he parried, his arms grew numb and sore, and his feet involuntarily retreated.
The final, heavy downward kick sent him staggering backward, sword and all.
The instant he kicked Kenmei away, Shira's body, which had been lying on its back, sprang back up as if springy. Facing the death zone created by Yosuzume, which was now almost within reach, he took a deep breath, his chest heaving, and then—
"Ha!!!"
A short, thunderous roar erupted! A condensed stream of white energy shot from his mouth, like an invisible drill, slamming into the net of ninja tools! The immense power and Second Activation force contained within the energy instantly churned the air in that area!
Bang bang bang! Sizzle sizzle sizzle!
The sounds of ninja tools colliding, deflecting, and even exploding in mid-air filled the air.
That forbidden zone of death was actually blasted open with a brief gap by Shira's " Bursting Qi Roar "!
Shira's figure passed through the gap without stopping, stopping ten steps in front of Baki!
Meanwhile, Baki's technique was complete.
" Wind Release · Vacuum Great Sphere Continuous Bullets!"
Baki pushed his hands forward, unleashing more than ten head-sized, highly compressed, pale blue vacuum shells that bombarded Shira, who was standing right next to him, with a barrage of bullets!
At such close range, with such dense coverage, there was almost no way to avoid it!
On the stage, Rasa's fingers suddenly tightened.
Just as Shira was about to be swallowed by the terrifying vacuum barrage, at that very last moment, Shira eyes became incredibly deep and calm.
The "qi" flowing within his body like a volcano suddenly underwent an extremely subtle yet earth-shattering change, leading to a deeper and more violent level.
Seven Heavens Breathing Method - Third Activation, Activated!
Instead of an impressive outward display of power, it was an extreme restraint. Centered on Shira, the air within a radius of several meters suddenly "sinks" towards him, as if gripped and compressed by an invisible force.
The cyan-gold veins beneath his skin flashed slightly before disappearing. He exuded a terrifying aura, as deep and still as a bottomless ocean, yet containing the power to destroy the world.
Faced with the Vacuum Great Sphere that was now right in front of her, Shira neither dodged nor used any fancy techniques.
He simply threw a punch.
This punch was straight, yet it seemed to carry the power of the entire earth.
In front of the fist, the air was compressed to an extreme degree, forming a semi-transparent, slightly distorted, thick wall of air.
The first Vacuum Great Sphere struck the air wall with a dull thud, and then—it shattered! Like an egg hitting a rock, it broke into chaotic air currents.
The second one, the third one... they crashed into each other and shattered one after another!
Shira's fist, along with the invisible wall of energy in front of her, slowly but unstoppably crushed all the incoming Vacuum Great Sphere, and with overwhelming power, it struck Baki's chest!
Before the fist even arrived, the solid, iron-like pressure of the fist caused Baki's protective Chakra to fluctuate violently, making it difficult for him to breathe.
Baki's pupils contracted sharply; he knew he couldn't take the punch or dodge it.
At the moment when Shira broke through all the interceptions and directly confronted his strongest Wind Release, she created and seized this unique and decisive "attack opportunity".
The fist stopped abruptly just an inch from Baki's chest.
The violent force of the punches made Baki's clothes cling to his body, fluttering loudly.
The scene was deathly silent.
Yosuzume's ninja tool hovered in mid-air, forgotten to be thrown. Iwa steadied himself, his eyes wide. Kenmei's hand holding the sword trembled slightly.
On the high platform, everyone, including Rasa, Chiyo, and Ebizo, held their breath.
Shira slowly withdrew her fist, and the suffocating, oppressive aura around her receded like a tide, while the redness and steam on her skin quickly dissipated.
His breathing was slightly rapid, and he bowed slightly to Baki, whose expression was complicated.
Ma Ji looked at this young man who was several heads shorter than himself but already possessed such terrifying strength. He was silent for a full three seconds before slowly exhaling. His voice returned to its usual calmness, but with a hint of emotion that was difficult to conceal, he declared clearly:
"Test complete. Shira, you pass."
He turned to the high platform, his voice rising to resound throughout the training ground. "After verification by the entire assessment committee, Shira has fully met the qualifications of Jonin in all aspects, including personal strength, tactical acumen, decision-making ability, and mental fortitude. Her abilities are unique, and her combat prowess is outstanding. It is recommended that she be promoted exceptionally and awarded the title of Jonin!"
The silence was broken, and low gasps and whispers arose from the high platform.
Rasa slowly stood up, his gaze sharp as lightning, sweeping over the upright young man in the arena, then over all the high-ranking officials present, and finally, he spoke in a deep voice, making the final decision:
"Allow."
"Effective immediately, Zilu is promoted to Jonin of Sunagakure."
The sound echoed through the empty underground training grounds, announcing the birth of the first legend in Sunagakure's history to break conventions and rise to the top solely through Taijutsu power!!!