Don't Mention It

discord.gg/q5KWmtQARF

Join my Discord!

**************

As the dust of the previous battle settled, Hayate's voice cut through the arena's charged atmosphere, announcing the next match: "Karui of Team Cloud vs Shino of Team 8." The crowd, still buzzing from the tactical display they had just witnessed, eagerly anticipated the upcoming clash between two distinct ninja styles.

Karui, with her vibrant red hair and confident stance, stepped into the arena, a sword strapped to her back, her eyes reflecting her readiness to use her Lightning Release techniques. Opposite her, Shino, calm and collected, adjusted his glasses, his mind already strategizing how to use his signature insects in this battle.

The terrain, still bearing the marks of the previous battles, presented a unique challenge. The uneven ground, the remnants of Kurotsuchi's earth structures, and the dried swamp areas created by Sasuke's fire jutsu offered both obstacles and opportunities for the combatants.

The battle began with Karui taking the initiative. She unsheathed her sword and charged at Shino, her movements swift and precise. As she closed in, she executed a series of hand signs, "Lightning Release: Thunderclap Slash!" A surge of lightning energy enveloped her sword, aiming to overpower Shino with a combination of kenjutsu and ninjutsu.

Shino released a swarm of his insects, directing them towards Karui to disrupt her charge. The insects, however, struggled against the intense energy of the Lightning Release, forcing Shino to quickly adapt his strategy.

Karui, pushing through the swarm, swung her electrified blade in a wide arc, aiming to catch Shino off-guard. Shino, however, used the terrain to his advantage, leaping back onto one of the higher earth structures left by Kurotsuchi, narrowly avoiding the strike.

The battle continued with Karui relentlessly pursuing Shino across the arena. Her sword strikes, combined with bursts of Lightning Release, created a dazzling and dangerous display. Shino, in turn, skillfully maneuvered around the obstacles, using the pits and uneven ground to evade Karui's aggressive attacks.

Shino then deployed a more strategic use of his insects. "Hidden Jutsu: Insect Sphere!" he announced, as a large sphere of insects engulfed Karui, attempting to bind her movements. Karui, surrounded, unleashed a burst of lightning chakra, dispersing the insects with a shockwave.

Shino knew he had to find a way to counter Karui's lightning, which easily decimated his insects. As he dodged another electrifying strike, he recalled the technique Horyu had shown him, the "Insect-Beast Fusion." This technique, though new and not yet mastered, was his best chance against Karui's relentless assault.

Karui, sensing a shift in Shino's demeanor, intensified her attacks. She executed another series of hand signs, "Lightning Release: Electrified Field!" The ground around Shino crackled with electricity, limiting his mobility.

Shino, however, remained focused. He called upon his insects, this time not as a direct attack but as a medium for his new technique. Concentrating, he began to channel his chakra, melding it with his insects' natural abilities. The insects began to glow faintly, a subtle indication of the fusion of chakra.

Karui, intrigued but undeterred, continued her assault, her sword a blur of lightning and steel. Shino, now ready, unleashed his new technique. "Secret Technique: Electrostatic Insect Swarm!" The insects, now charged with static electricity, swarmed towards Karui. Unlike before, they were not easily dispelled by her Lightning Release. Instead, they created a buzzing cloud around her, hindering her movements and sword swings.

Karui, now battling both Shino and the swarm, gritted her teeth and pushed through. She leaped onto one of the raised earth platforms, gaining a momentary respite from the insects. From her elevated position, she launched a focused lightning strike, "Lightning Release: Piercing Thunder!" aiming directly at Shino.

Shino, utilizing the uneven terrain to his advantage, quickly dodged the strike, moving behind one of the dried swamp areas. The battle had become a test of endurance and adaptability, with both ninjas using the arena's altered landscape to their advantage.

Karui, frustrated by the persistent swarm and Shino's evasive maneuvers, decided to change her tactics. She channeled her Lightning Release into the ground, electrifying the earth structures around Shino. The terrain itself became a weapon, forcing Shino to constantly move to avoid electrocution.

Suddenly, a swarm of insects burrowed out of the ground behind Karui, attacking her from every side. Karui, caught off guard, was too slow to react. "How?!" she exclaimed in panic.

Shino, maintaining his calm demeanor, replied, "Lightning triumphs Earth." Karui's eyes widened in realization. Lightning element was indeed strong against the Earth element, and she had unwittingly assisted Shino's strategy by electrifying the earth structures around them.

"This is impossible," she whispered, finally understanding the depth of Shino's tactics. In the audience, members of the Aburame Clan and even the Kages were taken aback. "This is the lost technique," some murmured. They recalled the legend of such a technique. By fusing a user's chakra with insects, an Aburame Shinobi could make the insects absorb the dominant element in the battlefield and use it against their opponent. It was a versatile and potent technique used in the warring era by the Aburame Clan but had been lost over time.

Shino had ingeniously used this technique against Karui, allowing his insects not only to gain a small resistance against Lightning but also to use it against her. The insects, now infused with the absorbed lightning element, were not just a mere nuisance but a significant threat.

Karui, surrounded and overwhelmed by the electrified swarm, found herself unable to effectively use her sword or Lightning Release techniques. Each movement she made seemed to draw more insects to her, their buzzing intensified by the absorbed lightning chakra.

Hayate, observing the situation, stepped forward. He had seen enough to make his decision. Approaching the two combatants, he declared, "Winner, Shino of Team 8." The crowd erupted into applause, impressed by the display of strategy and adaptability from both ninjas, especially Shino's innovative use of his clan's ancient technique.

At the balcony where Horyu was waiting, a system notification appeared in front of his vision;

[System Notificiation: The Pending Quests completed.

-Path 3: Train with Hinata and Shino - Subquest 3: "The Mentor's Challenge"

Status: Completed

Reward: ...]

Horyu waved his hand, 'Later.' He uttered, as he looked at the stage.

Karui, although defeated, had fought valiantly, showcasing her skill with both her sword and Lightning Release. However, it was Shino's ability to adapt and use the altered terrain, combined with his strategic mind and the rediscovery of a legendary technique, that had ultimately secured his victory.

Shino walked towards the stairs to climb towards the waiting area, while a defeated Karui walked towards the audience where Atsui and Omoi were waiting. Hayate then announced, "Last battle of the first round, Horyu of Team 8 vs Temari of Team Sand."

As Shino ascended the stairs, he paused upon seeing Horyu. "Thank you for the technique," he said sincerely. Horyu returned a smile, replying, "Don't mention it." He added with a serious tone, "Seriously, don't mention anyone you got it from me." Shino solemnly nodded, "I swear on my name, I shall not reveal the source of this technique. I saw the faces of my clansmen and the Kages." Horyu patted his shoulder reassuringly. "Can I share it?" Shino inquired. Horyu waved his hand nonchalantly as he walked by, "It is yours, do whatever you want with it."

Horyu then made his way to the arena, his steps measured and purposeful. The anticipation in the air was palpable as he entered, the crowd buzzing with excitement for the upcoming match.

Temari, a formidable kunoichi from Team Sand, stood at the ready, her giant fan a testament to her combat prowess. Horyu, with his newly enhanced abilities and a calm, calculating demeanor, faced her, unflinching.

He opened up the system to check the quest;

--Stage 4: Final Round - The Test of Mastery

Objective: Compete in multiple rounds, demonstrating your versatility and skill.

-Sub-Quest: "The Unyielding"

Objective: Win a battle after overcoming a significant disadvantage or injury.

Reward: "Phoenix's Endurance" Perk (Enhances natural healing and resilience, reducing recovery time after battles), +500 XP.

-Sub-Quest: "Master of Elements"

Objective: Win a match using advanced elemental jutsu effectively.

Reward: "Elemental Harmony" Perk (Boosts the effectiveness and control of all elemental jutsu used), +500 XP.

-Sub-Quest: "The Illusionist"

Objective: Successfully use genjutsu to gain the upper hand in a match.

Reward: "Mind Weaver" Perk (Strengthens genjutsu potency and resistance to mental manipulation), +500 XP.

-Sub-Quest: "Kinjutsu User"

Objective: Use a forbidden technique to secure victory in a critical situation.

Reward: "Forbidden Knowledge" Perk (Grants deeper understanding and safer usage of forbidden techniques), +500 XP.

-Sub-Quest: "Indomitable Spirit"

Objective: Win the final match of the tournament.

Reward: "Champion's Spirit" Perk (Provides a significant boost in all stats during high-stakes battles and crucial moments), +1000 XP.

Elimination Condition: Losing a match.

Horyu looked at the subquests and thought, "Temari won't be able to force me to a corner, so the first subquest is out. I can use Fire against her wind for the second subquest. Or the third by using Genjutsu. I can also complete them both, but I don't want to give away too much of my abilities, especially not this early. There is also another issue, winning quickly is not clever. This stage is to show off. The more you show off, the more you get recognition. I will use Genjutsu for now, that should please Shisui but not the audience, they won't see anything. In later stages, I will use more flashy moves."

The arena bristled with anticipation as Horyu and Temari prepared to face each other. Temari, wielding her giant fan with the expertise of a seasoned kunoichi, represented the Sand Village's formidable wind techniques. Horyu, calm and focused, represented the Uchiha clan's prowess and the Hidden Leaf's strategic mind.

As the match began, Temari swiftly opened her fan, sending a powerful gust of wind towards Horyu. The audience watched in awe as Horyu, with a slight smirk, effortlessly dodged the attack, his movements fluid and calculated. He had anticipated this and was prepared.

Temari, not deterred, launched a series of wind-based attacks, each more powerful than the last. Horyu, however, seemed to predict and evade each one with ease. His eyes, sharp and observant, were focused on Temari, analyzing her every move.

The crowd murmured, impressed by Horyu's agility and strategic planning. He was not only avoiding Temari's attacks but also subtly guiding the flow of the battle. He maneuvered around the arena, positioning himself strategically, always staying one step ahead.

Temari, realizing that her usual tactics were ineffective, decided to change her strategy. She began to use her fan to manipulate the terrain, creating whirlwinds and updrafts to disorient Horyu. The arena became a vortex of wind and debris, challenging Horyu's ability to navigate and predict her movements.

Horyu, undeterred by the chaotic environment, closed his eyes for a moment, focusing his chakra. When he opened them again, the Sharingan was activated, its red iris and black tomoe spinning hypnotically. He began to weave through the wind and debris with even greater precision, his movements almost a blur.

The audience gasped as Horyu suddenly disappeared from sight, reappearing behind Temari in an instant. Before she could react, he whispered, "Genjutsu: Sharingan." Temari's eyes widened as she was suddenly enveloped in an illusion, her surroundings morphing into a nightmarish landscape.

In the illusion, Temari found herself trapped in a relentless storm, her own wind techniques turning against her, creating a sense of panic and disorientation. Outside the illusion, the crowd watched as Temari swung her fan wildly, attacking phantoms only she could see.

Horyu, standing calmly behind her, waited for the right moment. As Temari, caught in the genjutsu, began to falter, he gently touched her shoulder, signaling the end of the illusion and the match.

Hayate, having observed the match, stepped forward and announced, "Winner, Horyu Uchiha of Team 8." The crowd erupted in applause, amazed by the display of Horyu's genjutsu and strategic prowess.

--

It is the start of the new week. Please support me with Power Stones! Much appreciated!

-----

To Read up to 50 advance Chapters (25 for each novel) and support me...

patreon.com/thefanficgod1

Please drop a comment and like the chapter!