Among the shinobi world's five great nations, Fire Country possessed the most fertile lands, was where Ashura and Indra chakra reincarnations entangled for countless years.
Lightning Country possessed Six Paths ninja tools plus Six Paths bloodline descendants Kinkaku and Ginkaku. From known content, Cloud Village's entanglement degree with the Sage of Six Paths seemingly ranked only second to Konoha.
These days, Shuji's wood clone continuously operated among mountain forests near Cloud Village, also achieving some gains. Several never-before-seen cold-resistant tree species samples had been recorded.
Shuji gazed toward deeper areas shrouded by thin mist. Vegetation there appeared more dense. Perhaps different discoveries existed.
He moved carefully, footsteps extremely light, trying not leaving traces. Even though already using Transformation Technique changing form, being cautious never proved wrong.
Just when stepping onto one rock covered by thick moss, his sole transmitted barely perceptible sensations differing from ordinary rock or soil.
This was a barrier formula?
The instant this thought flashed, the wood clone showed no hesitation. His body immediately bounced backward. After leaving that area at safe distances, the clone unhesitatingly self-dispersed.
Shuji, present within the Chūnin Exam venue outside Cloud Village, swept his gaze across the Raikage's location.
That formula was deployed by Cloud Village? If so, later Cloud Village should react. What was there worth Cloud Village deploying barriers?
Returning vision to the venue interior, today was the team competition's final match. Opposing sides were Konoha Ninth Squad versus Cloud Village First Squad, meaning results he expected.
These two people, Gekkō Hayate and Uzuki Yūgao, proved strong not only in games. On such competition stages, both cooperating so far proved overwhelming victories, easily winning.
Their opponents, Cloud Village First Squad, besides known Darui and Xi, included one shinobi named Yukai whose strength likewise could not be underestimated. This squad's upper and lower limits obviously both exceeded Konoha Ninth Squad.
"Team finals, Cloud Village First Squad versus Konoha Ninth Squad! Begin!"
Following the referee's loud announcement, battle erupted.
Gekkō Hayate and Uzuki Yūgao's figures moved simultaneously. Sword light flashed. Both movements coordinated as one. Sword paths complemented offense and defense, displaying skilled cooperation that even Cloud Village audiences noticed approvingly.
These two's combat methods, Darui already witnessed in recent days. Forcibly confronting opponents' strengths was no wise move.
"Water Release: Water Formation Wall!"
Surging water sprayed from his mouth, forming one barrier. Immediately afterward, his hand seals changed again.
"Lightning Release: Grateful Wave!"
Lightning merged into water flows. Water waves jumping with dangerous electric arcs surged toward the three Konoha members.
"Retreat!"
This reminder targeted Iruka.
As currently the only ordinary participant present, Iruka immediately leaped backward upon hearing, simultaneously throwing several shuriken attempting interference. However, before water waves fused with Lightning Release, this proved futile.
Water flows Darui released surged larger again, continuously surging forward. Seeing this, the ANBU duo tacitly leaped upward simultaneously, attempting breakthrough from above.
At this moment, Xi, who had been standing quietly behind, moved. He instantly stepped forward to the squad's forefront, hands clasped together.
Lightning Release Genjutsu: Lightning Illusion Flash of Lightning Pillar!
Instantly, centered on Xi, dazzlingly blinding light erupted outward.
Gekkō Hayate and Uzuki Yūgao, airborne without leverage points, were stabbed by this intense light. They instinctively closed eyes. Movements involuntarily stalled.
Following closely was Darui seizing timing to launch heavy strikes.
Both were struck down, falling into water domains jumping with electric arcs below. Intense paralysis instantly spread throughout their bodies, momentarily making them unable to move.
Iruka also could not escape, being easily struck down by Yukai while attempting support.
He lay on the ground, watching sky divided by rock walls atop the venue, bitterness rising in his heart. After this competition, he nearly lost confidence even reaching chūnin rank.
Whether two peers or opposing Cloud Village shinobi, all proved opponents he could not reach.
"Victory decided. Winner, Cloud Village First Squad!"
The referee's voice sounded. The venue erupted with enthusiastic cheers, especially Cloud Village audiences who proved extremely excited.
"See! Konoha guys are merely this much!"
"Well done! Darui!"
"This is our Cloud Village's power!"
Such voices continuously sounded. Shuji calmly stood. His face showed no emotions. Similar scenes, last year at Konoha when Itachi won with absolute superiority, he also witnessed. Home field advantages, victory's joy, roughly this nature.
As for Gekkō Hayate's unused Transparent Escape... under circumstances where both sides' strength differences proved obvious, whether exposing or not, results would not greatly change.
Ninth Squad already proved Konoha's strength in previous competitions. This sufficed.
He watched the three people on field supporting each other standing before turning and departing spectator seats.
Inside temporary rest areas, atmosphere proved somewhat gloomy.
Defeated Ninth Squad's three sat in corners. Iruka lowered his head, expression dejected. Though Gekkō Hayate and Uzuki Yūgao did not externally show emotions, tightly pressed lips also revealed some unwillingness.
Other Konoha genin also mostly stayed silent. Cloud Village audiences' enthusiastic cheers seemingly still echoed nearby. By comparison, quietness here appeared somewhat oppressive.
Shuji walked inside, gaze sweeping across everyone.
As squad leader, he seemingly should say something. However, at this moment, words proved meaningless.
Therefore, Shuji merely simply confirmed Hayate's trio's injuries proved not serious before speaking. "Let's go. Return to lodging."
Tone flat, no blame or encouragement could be heard.
Everyone silently stood, beginning organizing personal belongings. At this time, footsteps and somewhat noisy conversation sounds came from rest area entrances.
Cloud Village people. They seemingly planned returning to the village.
"Darui-aniki! That move just now proved truly amazing! Super passionate!" Samui's lively-natured brother Atsui surrounded Darui, face filled with worship.
Darui's face showed no excited expressions, merely lazily scratching hair. Even though Fourth Raikage already informed him that this Konoha squad likewise proved specially arranged opponents, he felt victories of this degree proved natural. Feeling excited about this truly proved meaningless.
Xi likewise maintained composure, only occasionally sweeping gazes toward directions where Konoha people were located.
"What's regrettable is not seeing Darui-aniki use sword techniques for one passionate competition! If only I could participate. In that case..."
"Atsui." Samui's cool voice came, interrupting her brother's cheerful chatter.
Cloud Village people noticed Konoha shinobi preparing to depart.
Darui's gaze crossed crowds, falling on that young Konoha squad leader.
"Take that guy as your goal, Darui." Fourth Raikage's solemn expression when speaking seemed still before his eyes. "Regardless of whatever environments, he can calmly secure maximum benefits for his own village."
Someone both Dodai-san and the Boss praised.
He now already served as jōnin, representing Konoha, capable of conversing with the Boss who was Kage. Yet himself, though entrusted with high expectations, ultimately still bore genin titles, participating in this level exams.
A subtle emotion rose in Darui's heart. He proactively spoke.
"Shuji-san."
Shuji stopped footsteps, turning around, calmly looking toward him.
Darui met those black eyes briefly before continuing. "Very regrettable that you already became jōnin long ago."
Shuji's face still showed no expressions, merely flatly replying:
"Is that so."
"Then, probably quite regrettable."
Chapters in advance there: patreon.com/Thaniel_a_goodchild