Kaelen's lungs burned. Sweat dripped from his brow as Kurota's twin blades whistled past him, cutting through the mist and striking trees with a force that sent splinters flying. Every strike carried the weight of a Jōnin's experience — and Kaelen's clones were gone. Exhaustion clawed at him.
I can't… I can't lose… He landed hard, sliding across the forest floor, dirt scraping his palms. If I fail here… my friends… my team…
Kurota smirked, stepping closer, blades humming with crimson energy. "Come on, kid. That's all you've got?"
No… not all. There's more. I just need to remember…
Kaelen gritted his teeth, recalling Fukasaku's words:
"Still your heart. Let the world breathe through you."
Still your heart… let the world breathe… He closed his eyes for a fraction of a second, feeling the wind, the trees, the pulse of the forest around him. The world's energy wasn't attacking him — it was waiting, flowing through him.
A surge of nature chakra coursed into him, wrapping his wooden sword in a faint, shimmering blue aura. His vision sharpened. Colors were brighter, sounds deeper, and every movement of the forest seemed alive — every leaf, every gust of wind, every heartbeat.
Kaelen opened his eyes. The pupils had changed — the telltale orange and black pattern of Sage Mode. He exhaled slowly, letting the chakra harmonize with his own.
This… this is it. I can feel everything.
Kurota's grin faltered slightly. "What…? You… you're glowing?"
Kaelen didn't answer. He didn't need to. Movement became instinct — the wind bending around his sword, amplifying every strike. He dashed forward.
"Sword Technique: Gale Cyclone!"
The blade sliced through the mist, leaving streaks of blue light. Kurota barely blocked in time, stumbling back. The forest seemed to react to Kaelen's presence, leaves swirling in his wake like a living aura.
Kurota growled, slashing fiercely. But Kaelen moved with preternatural speed, parrying every strike with precise wind-enhanced movements. Shadow clones flickered into existence, confusing Kurota, though they were weaker than the real Kaelen.
I can do this… I can protect everyone… I am a Genin, but I am not powerless…
Kurota's smirk returned, but it carried a hint of respect. "Hah… clever… but let's see how you handle this!"
With a sudden leap, Kurota spun, blades striking like lightning. Kaelen barely blocked, sparks of chakra flying from their clash. Pain lanced up his arm, but he didn't falter. The forest itself seemed to bend to his awareness — wind gusting in precise flows, amplifying his strikes, shielding his body.
This is… Sage Mode. I can fight… I can survive.
Kaelen's sword hummed, glimmering brighter with each swing. He struck again and again, moving faster than Kurota could anticipate.
"Mountain Slash!" he shouted. The blade cleaved through the air, creating a sharp wind that slammed Kurota backward into a thick tree. The rogue staggered, blood trickling from a shallow cut.
Kaelen's chest heaved. He could feel the strain — Sage Mode was powerful, but taxing. Every second drained his stamina. I can't push too far…
Kurota blinked, suddenly grinning again. "Not bad, kid. Not bad at all. But I'm not finished yet."
With a casual flick, Kurota vanished into the mist. Kaelen's eyes narrowed. He knew the rogue wasn't defeated — just delayed.
He'll come back… stronger… and he'll bring others…
Kaelen stumbled back, the Sage chakra fading, his breathing heavy. His friends rushed to his side, faces etched with worry.
"K-Kaelen!" Riku shouted, grabbing his shoulder.
"I'm… fine," Kaelen panted, gripping his sword tightly. I've survived… and I'll grow stronger.
Kiran-sensei approached, voice calm but firm. "You did well, Kaelen. But remember — strength without control will kill you before your enemies do."
Kaelen nodded, wiping sweat from his brow, the faint blue aura of his sword pulsing softly.
This is just the beginning… I won't fail again. No matter who comes next.
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