The torrent raged beneath their feet, the flooded arena now transformed into a battlefield of flowing water.
Chojuro couldn't hide his amazement at Shigure's power.
Even though the Mizukage had already warned him—this boy possessed the long-lost Ice Release bloodline and his strength was not to be underestimated—facing Shigure in person was different.
Chojuro could feel it clearly: the sheer weight of his opponent's ninjutsu and the terrifying precision behind it.
"How is it?" Shigure asked lightly. "Fighting in a place like this should feel more natural for you, right?"
Chojuro blinked, startled. When he looked up, he was met not with mockery, but with Shigure's calm and steady gaze.
And then he understood.
Shigure hadn't reshaped the arena just for his own advantage. He'd created an environment familiar to a shinobi of the Mist, hoping Chojuro could fight at his best without being paralyzed by nerves.
For a moment, Chojuro felt warmth in his chest. Shigure was… considerate.
But that same kindness also made him uncomfortable. It felt like he was being pitied.
"I-It doesn't matter… what kind of battlefield it is!" Chojuro stammered, face flushed. "I… I'm strong too!"
Shigure sighed inwardly. This kid is far too shy.
"Very well," he said simply.
With a smooth motion, Shigure reached behind his waist and drew his blade.
The weapon sang as it left the sheath, gleaming with cold power.
"The sword you carry is one of the famed blades of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, isn't it?" Shigure asked.
Chojuro stiffened, surprised. "You… how do you know that?"
Shigure smiled faintly. "I'm confident in my kenjutsu. Naturally, I've studied the Seven Swords of the Mist." His gaze sharpened. "Your weapon is famous, yes… but don't underestimate mine."
He tilted his blade, letting its edge catch the light.
"This was forged by one of Konoha's most skilled weapon smiths, from a rare and precious metal. Its name—" he paused, glancing briefly toward Tenten in the stands, "—is Zangetsu."
Clang!
The black blade gleamed as if alive, faint blue light rippling across its surface.
From the first glance, it was clear—this was no ordinary blade.
"What a fine sword…" Chojuro muttered, relief flickering in his eyes. If his opponent also carried a weapon worthy of respect, then at least this duel would be fair.
In the stands, Tenten's eyes lit up with excitement.
"Shigure-kun said I'm a famous ninja tool forger in Konoha!" she whispered to herself. "I'm… not really famous yet, but…!"
Despite her denial, the proud smile tugging at her lips betrayed her true feelings.
"Enough talk," Shigure said, his voice steady. "Let's begin."
With a step forward, he launched himself at Chojuro.
His speed was explosive—so fast that the air itself seemed to ripple around him. His blade traced sharp arcs, like twin flower petals blooming on either side of his opponent.
Swish!
Clang!
Chojuro managed to intercept the strike with his great sword Hiramekarei, the bandaged weapon trembling in his grip. The force behind Shigure's single-handed slash made his face flush red—his arms nearly buckled under the pressure.
Shigure stood calm, his left hand tucked behind his back while his right pressed down relentlessly. One hand… against both of Chojuro's.
The crowd murmured in astonishment.
Might Guy narrowed his eyes. "That strength… impressive."
Asuma exhaled smoke. "His taijutsu alone seems on par with Rock Lee."
Guy nodded reluctantly, a flicker of frustration crossing his face. For once, Kakashi wasn't the only one with exceptional students.
Kurenai leaned forward, watching intently. "He hasn't even used his other hand yet…"
Suddenly, Shigure shifted the angle of his blade and swept Chojuro aside.
Thud!
Chojuro crashed back, skidding across the soaked arena floor before regaining his footing. Without hesitation, he lunged forward again. Against a shinobi like Shigure, retreat meant certain defeat—he had to press forward.
Swish!
Shigure deflected the strike easily, blade twisting with elegant precision. Chojuro adapted quickly, chaining another strike mid-air, but Shigure was already there—reading his intent, countering with minimal effort.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The two swords rang in rapid succession, Hiramekarei slamming again and again against Shigure's single-handed Zangetsu. Though Chojuro's attacks were relentless, each blow was stopped cold.
And each of Shigure's counters forced Chojuro a step back.
It wasn't just raw strength—his swordsmanship was refined, practiced, and mercilessly sharp.
From the stands, Terumi Mei's eyes narrowed.
Impossible… Chojuro is the heir to the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. He's the most gifted swordsman of his generation in the Mist. And yet… this boy from Konoha is suppressing him effortlessly.
Her lips curved into a faint smile despite herself. This one… he's a born swordsman.
In the arena, Chojuro overextended with a powerful strike, leaving a glaring opening.
Shigure's eyes gleamed.
"…Now, my turn."
Zangetsu cut through the air in a sweeping arc, a black flash trailing blue sparks. Before Chojuro could react, the blade was already upon him.
Swish!!
The sharp whistle of steel tearing wind filled the arena. Chojuro desperately brought Hiramekarei up to block—
Clang!
The black blade scraped across the Mist sword's surface, sparks exploding outward. For an instant, Chojuro thought he had managed to stop it—
But then—
Crack!
Shigure unleashed a sudden burst of force. The shockwave blasted through Hiramekarei, hurling Chojuro bodily across the arena.
Boom!
He smashed into the far wall, water spraying violently in every direction.
The entire stadium fell silent. The exchange had happened so fast, most hadn't even seen it clearly.
"…What just happened? The Mist's prodigy—was blown away in an instant?"
Rock Lee clenched his fists. "Shigure's strength is incredible…"
"Foolish boy." Guy's tone was sharp, but his eyes gleamed with admiration.
"That wasn't mere strength. At the instant of impact, Shigure fused raw power with flawless technique. The force of sword and body as one—that is why Chojuro was sent flying."
He folded his arms, smiling with uncharacteristic seriousness.
"This kid… his physical power already surpasses Chojuro's. But with swordsmanship this refined… it's no wonder he could create his own style."
...
TN:
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