Chakra Wizard
Active member
Awards
It comes down to this! lol The result shouldn’t be too surprising, but the way it comes to that point should spark interest*_* Anyways, enjoy
Here’s my previous chapters, for those who missed any:
Chapter 076: The Challenge
Two years had passed since Naruto returned to the Leaf village with a young Nakama clutching his robes, during which she stayed in his and Hinata’s personal care. Having already made friends with Airon shortly after her arrival, it wasn’t long before she was introduced to Manako, as well, who also took an immediate interest in her unique powers. Within only a few weeks, she had become a regular in their frequent bouts at the Third Training Ground as either a referee or a sparring partner, her control over earth providing a highly efficient means to test their speed and reflexes. These sessions would normally last an hour at most, but Airon’s recently piqued interest in Manako’s Mangekyō Sharingan prompted one such bout to carry on past their usual deadline, though Nakama didn’t seem to mind as she leaned against the tallest of the site’s three wooden posts and watched them fight.
Manako: Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!
Airon: Water Style: Raging Waves!
The collision of the two techniques covered the immediate vicinity in a thick veil of steam, hiding them from their confused spectator’s view.
Nakama: (Where did they go?)
Seeking the simplest solution to this dilemma, her hair began fluttering about as her powers activated in the air, pushing it back towards the tree line along with the steam. The moment her vision became unclouded again, though, her eyes suddenly expanded in panic upon seeing Airon hovering over a seemingly unaware Manako, a large Rasengan spinning in his hand.
Nakama: Manako, look out!!
Having apparently forgotten that his Mangekyō Sharingan was active, she heaved a sigh of relief as Manako effortlessly glided out from underneath Airon as his Rasengan collided with the ground, turning to face Nakama with a smirk as rubble flew in various directions.
Manako: I thought you knew me well enough by now-
Distracted for just the briefest moment, he didn’t realized until it was almost too late that Airon had pulled out three kunai and chucked them in his direction, arranged in such a pattern that ducking or leaping up or to the side was senseless. Nakama opened her mouth to call out to him again, but before the words left her lips, a large ribcage shrouded in a black aura suddenly enveloped his body, summoned by a sudden impulse in his left Mangekyō Sharingan. As the three kunai fell to the ground upon impact, Manako quickly pressed his hand against his eye as pain began surging through it, while Nakama stared at the menacing new technique in fear and wonder.
Nakama: What…
Airon: (Standing back up from within the shallow crater formed by his Rasengan, he gazed up at Manako with a conniving grin.) Huhh…hehe, I thought I’d never get you to use that.
Manako was less than surprised by Airon’s intentions, his curiosity having piqued ever since he told him of Susanoo and the Mangekyō Sharingan’s other unique abilities. But, no less so was he disturbed that he would go to such lengths to force him to use those eyes despite knowing his resentment towards them. He kept silent for nearly a minute on end as this troubledness contorted into anger.
Manako: This is what you wanted, Airon?
Airon: (His grin gradually grew smaller as he gazed up at Manako’s now menacing stare.) From the very beginning.
Manako: (He looked away for a moment in a failed attempt to control himself as his hands curled into fists.) Alright…then don’t cry when I use it to beat you into the ground!!
Airon: (He flinched at the intensity of his declaration, though he couldn’t help but smirk arrogantly at the words themselves.) Hm, since when have I ever-
Before he had time to complete his retort, a long arm branched out from between two of Susanoo’s ribs, making a rapid sweeping motion that knocked Airon on his back before either he or Nakama could react.
Nakama: Airon!!
Manako: …Recently.
The damage inflicted by the assault was by no means serious, nor painfully visible for that matter, but as Airon lifted himself up and opened his mouth to denounce Manako’s claim, he found it too difficult to ignore the handful of tears that involuntarily leaked from his eyes. He was quick to wipe them away, but to Manako’s surprise, he followed them up with an almost menacing chuckle.
Airon: Heh…hehehehehe, you really wanna get nasty with me, cuz?
Manako: (Despite being put off moments ago, he still met his glare and false grin head-on.) You toyed with my emotions, “cuz”. You wanna try and get even, come at me. You wanna make amends, quit treating me like a naïve child!!
Airon: (His smile disappeared upon hearing this, at which point, he reached into his pouch to retrieve two more kunai.) I don’t get even, Manako. I’m still on top. Always have been.
As he finished, he channeled chakra through his weapons – wind-enhanced and lightning-enhanced, respectively – and chucked them at the ribcage encasing his foe, finding to his disappointment that they had no effect as he leapt from the crater to avoid Susanoo’s arm. He repeated his tactic with the other three nature affinities at his disposal, resorting to building up chakra in his partially closed fist when none of them left even a scratch. Within seconds, he had a fully formed Chidori, but as he moved in to use it, he cut it off by the lingering arm once again. He decided to face it head-on, however, plunging the orb of pulsating chakra through the center of its palm and finding, to his satisfaction, that Manako’s mastery over Susanoo was not strong enough to keep the arm from dispersing on contact. Before he had time to celebrate, though, one more arm emerged on either side of the ribcage to replace their predecessor, prompting him to begin charging up another Chidori as Nakama called out to them from the sidelines.
Nakama: Guys, please stop!! You shouldn’t fight like this!
Manako: You stay out of it!!
Airon: Don’t talk to Nakama like that!!
Manako: Oh!? Why so concerned about her, Airon!?
Airon: Rrrgh, shut up!!
In his rage, Airon held his arms out on either side of him, building up chakra in both until he had formed dual Chidori. Grinning arrogantly at his ever watchful opponent, he held both out in front of him and began bending their shape until they became long beams of light, which collided with Susanoo’s arms before they could penetrate its ribcage. In their defeat, the technique’s fourth and final arm on its left side, which Airon took note of as he charged forward with a large Rasengan slowly forming in his hand. With a well-timed boost of chakra, he easily avoided the three quick swipes of the arm that followed before leaping into the air and directly behind Susanoo as Manako looked on in shock.
Airon: GIANT RASENGAN!!!
With its enhanced size, breaking through Susanoo’s notoriously durable bones proved less than a difficult task, Manako’s current inexperience in harnessing the technique only adding to its effectiveness. With his first line of defense now gone, Manako immediately leapt to safety, staring back at Airon’s haughty smirk with gritted teeth and fury in his eyes. What followed was a strict hand-to-hand confrontation, evened out by Manako’s still developing reflexes, their tempers building and their kicks and punches becoming more and more brutal with every minute the fight dragged on. They were pulling on one another’s shirts with their fists poised to punch one another in the face by the time Nakama had finally grown tired, her head hung low as she remained cross-legged atop the center post, her hair fluttering around her head with steadily increasing violence.
Nakama: I said…ENOUGH!!!
Their fists came forward as two small pillars rose up from the ground and connected with the chests, sending them both flying back a ways in opposite directions as all the air escaped their lungs. As they struggled to return to their feet, Nakama dropped back to the ground and walked in between them with fury dancing in her eyes.
Nakama: What is wrong with you!!? How did this go from play-fighting to you two trying to kill each other!!? You’re supposed to be best friends, aren’t you!!? So cut it out!!! …Huhh…huhh, please…no more…
She held her hands up to her eyes to catch the few tears that started dripping from them, products of the unconscious recollection of her own tragic past. Immediately feeling both sympathy and regret, her equals lowered their heads as they struggled to stand back up, the younger of the two succeeding first.
Airon: Yeah…huhh…huhh, sorry…Manako.
Manako: Huhh…huhh…yeah…huhh, same here.
When they’d both returned to their feet, they hesitantly walked forward and formed the Sign of Reconciliation to assure that their fight was only a temporary conflict, bringing a small smile to Nakama’s face that they eventually returned in kind.
Over a minute passed as Airon, Baiko, and the rest of the stadium waited for all the smoke to clear and for Manako’s current state to become known. When all was said and done, Airon scoffed and gritted his teeth in disappointment as he spotted his rival standing at the center of the crater, breathing heavily as those in the audience looked on in either anticipation or relief, particularly his loved ones in the case of the latter.
Hinata: Huhh, thank heavens. He’s still alive.
Naruto: (Smiling as he saw her clutch her chest, he peered deeper into the crater and his eyes widened in distress upon seeing Manako’s expression.) Yeah…and fuming.
Certainly enough, Airon wasn’t the only one annoyed to find the match was not over, Manako matching his expression with twice the fury as he glared up at him from the center of the crater. They remained this way for the longest time as the audience awaited the next move, the only one outside their immediate family who seemed visibly disturbed being the final piece of their three-way deadlock.
Nakama: (Oh no…guys, please don’t…)
The following few seconds of silence gave her some hope, but it was quickly snatched away as Airon rushed into the crater to confront Manako. What followed could be described as little more than a fistfight, with Airon taking the initial offensive, though it made little difference against his opponent’s reflexes. After a handful of missed punches, he brought his leg up for a roundhouse kick which Manako easily dodged before dropping to the ground for a sweeping kick that proved equally futile. Avoiding it with an aerial somersault, Manako landed on the other side of him and retaliated with a swift kick towards the face, which Airon crossed his arms to block before being thrown several feet across the stadium. He leapt up almost immediately and began leaping backwards to widen the gap between him and Manako’s incoming fists, while those in the stands marveled at their stamina, including those who knew them best.
Minto: They should be exhausted by now. I’m amazed they still have enough energy left to fight like this…hmhm, but I guess you’ve seen them fight enough times not to be.
Nakama: (She couldn’t even humor him with a smile as she watched her friends carry on their intense duel.) (The fight’s already dragged on too long. …The looks on their faces are just like that time…)
She held her hands up to their mouth and silently prayed for a swift end to the match, their expressions only becoming more and more sinister with every second her prayers went unanswered. With Airon’s superior foot speed preventing him from luring him near the edge of the arena, Manako eventually settled on a different approach as his anger peaked, stopping midrun and forming the hand sign meant to instigate the Shadow Clone technique. This was immediately cut off a marked kunai thrown by the watchful Airon, which he avoided by shifting to the right to send it soaring past his head, but immediately after Airon teleported to it, one of Manako’s hands wrapped around his ankle as the other unsheathed his sword and sliced the kunai in half, much to his shock.
Manako: Quit getting cocky, Airon!! I’m faster than you now!!
His escape route cut off, Airon shut his eyes and braced himself for impact as Manako sent him crashing into the ground, sending rubble flying a few meters out as he chucked his sword away and raised his fists, channeling more chakra into them before bringing them down on Airon’s exposed chest.
Hinata, Boruto, and Inoue: Airon!!
The small cloud of dust triggered by the vicious assault obscured the sight of those attempting to peer into the crater, but Manako’s Sharingan gave him more than enough vision to notice as Airon reached into the pouch hanging next to his leg for two kunai. As he reached his arms out to grab them as they left Airon’s hands, though, he was quickly pulled down by the wrists and left to struggle as his sword slid out from its sheath and up to the apex of the crater, where Airon immediately teleported once it reached its destination. His first impulse was to clutch his chest with one hand, the damage of Manako’s last attack still taking its course, while the other squeezed the handle of his sword, the blade of which dug slightly into the earth to give him a means of holding himself up as he took to one knee. After a moment of heavy breathing, he gazed back into the crater at Manako, meeting his intense glare in kind as he hocked up a large wad of blood and spat it off to the side with a look of indifference, those watching them only speculating as to what thoughts were running through their minds.
Sakura: They’ve gotten so brutal…is this still a competition to them?
Sasuke: (He nodded to assure her of this, though his expression failed to match his intended message.) On some level, I think they’re still focused on topping one another. I’m sure of it. …But I’ve never seen them put this much raw strength and speed into a basic taijutsu face-off.
Naruto: (He struggled to produce a viable answer for this, though his expression failed to hide the fact that he, too, had never seen their fights being taken this far.) Well, there’s a lot more riding on this match than any other time they sparred together. The large audience, the whole tournament setting…the chance to fight Nakama in the final round. …It’s the spirit of the competition. Gets to all of us.
Down below, with Manako’s sword currently out of commission, Airon pulled up his own, only to momentarily drop it in order to catch and throw back an incoming kunai, marking it in the process. Manako had already begun moving before he could teleport to it, grabbing his sword from off the ground just in time to block Airon’s as he closed in to stop him. The match quickly returned to a basic fistfight, though, as they sought to knock their weapons from one another’s grasp, Manako making sure to smack Airon’s towards the ground beneath their feet to prevent him from gaining another possible escape route. His reflexes still primed in spite of his exhaustion, Manako resorted to continually kicking and punching as he circled around his opponent, though the latter’s superior stamina and rapidly swelling rage were slowly beginning to work in his favor.
Airon: Dang it, would you CUT THAT OUT ALREADY!!?
Taking one direct hit too many, Airon reached out and, at long last, caught Manako’s fist in his hand, squeezing tight to ensure he couldn’t escape as his rival’s eyes widened in shock.
Manako: (Crap!)
Airon: (Yeah, you’re deep in it now!!)
In typical Uzumaki fashion, he began with a solid headbutt that drew blood from both their foreheads, using Manako’s momentary daze to his advantage by pulling him inward and connecting his knee with his chest. Before the ensuing blood even had time to leave his mouth, he pushed him back and leapt into the air to deliver one last strong kick to his right cheek, sending him crashing against the side of the crater.
Hinata, Itachi, and Sakura: Manako!!
When the rubble finally settled, everyone leaned forward to see if Manako had once again cheated death, heaving one large, cohesive sigh as he stumbled out of the massive hole, somehow managing to keep his footing. At the same time, Airon nearly lost his own, exhaustion finally consuming his mind, as well, and the two locked eyes for some time as they struggled to catch his breath. Silence ensued, proving uncomfortable for a small number of people in the stands after awhile, until movement was finally seen once again, courtesy of Airon’s shoulders.
Minto: He’s…laughing? Why?
Nakama: (A small tear leaked from her eyes as she opened them again, her hands still pressed against her lips.) (…Because he’s finally come back to his senses.)
The laughter in question gradually became more audible and the audience’s confusion more verbal until he finally threw his head back and began cackling wildly, prompting many to wonder what was so funny or if he even knew himself. As per usual, though, Manako could only match his rival’s hilarity with a smile, his virtual lack of a sense of humor eventually proving too much for Airon to sit back and allow.
Airon: Hehehahahaha, you’re gonna laugh before this is over, Manako!! Whether you want to or not!!
His laughter became increasingly forced following this statement, as if to spark a reaction from his rival, though at the same time, it somehow grew more genuine in the process, and he eventually fell to his knees as he began running out of breath. It was hardly without its effects, as evidenced by the irrepressible twitching in the corner of Manako’s mouth, but his body and mind seemed almost opposed to the act, not that many would blame him. He had been living in near constant depression ever since he was three years old, his time spent with Airon being the only instances where he still genuinely smiled with amusement, so the transition to a honest laugh – when he was hardly one to chuckle even in youth – went beyond merely taking a huge step forward. The humor in the moment was evident to him, though, as his smile alone indicated, and he couldn’t help but think in the back of his mind that only Airon could possibly amuse him enough to free him from his decadelong trance. It was this thought that ultimately broke him, and he started off with a few soft chuckles as his shoulders slowly began bouncing up and down. They grew louder with every passing second, and it took all the control Airon had to continue his own marathon of hilarity as Manako finally threw his head back and began cackling alongside him, for the first time in nearly ten years. Those unfamiliar failed to grasp the significance of the moment, but for their loved ones, especially on Manako’s side, a greater gift of joy couldn’t have been given.
Boruto: I’ll be damned…I never thought I’d live to see him looking that happy again.
Itachi: (He matched Boruto’s smile twofold, holding back tears as he replied.) Neither did I…neither did I…
At the center of the arena, the hilarity slowly died down, with Airon surprisingly being the first to finish laughing, testament to the openness he had just awakened in his rival.
Airon: Hehehe…huhh, told ya. (Let’s end this. I think the heat’s starting to get to our heads again.)
Manako: Hehehehe…heh, yeah yeah. (Then come at me…or are you finally ready to make amends?)
Airon: (Hm, not in the slightest…but I think I am ready to get even.)
They retained their smiles as their fists, Manako’s right and Airon’s left, curled up and began brewing with chakra. They remained completely still otherwise over the next minute, though some slight tremors in the movements of their chakra made it clear to those with keen enough eyes that something else was afoot.
Itachi: You see it, too, right?
Boruto: (It took him a moment to realize what the tremors pertained to, but he leaned in and nodded when it finally hit him.) …They’re switching between different chakra natures, trying to top the other. …They’re going for one last attack.
On the highest balcony, this fact quickly became common knowledge, as well, and all of the Kage and their assistants leaned forward to get a better view of the match’s impending conclusion, the tournament host among them ultimately making the obvious statement.
Konohamaru: This is it…the last one standing wins the match.
In front of them, Hinata clasped her hands together and hoped for the best while Sakura swallowed the air in her mouth, their husbands choosing to grip their forearms and the railing in front of them, respectively.
Naruto and Sasuke: (Come on…)
With the entire stadium silent and tension at its utmost peak, Airon and Manako rushed forward, the former settling on wind-enhanced chakra while the latter ended with fire. Despite the obvious advantage, Airon pumped a surplus of chakra into his own technique at the last moment, ensuring an equal amount of blood spilled from their mouths as their fists connected with their opponents’ chests, sending them toppling to the ground. Neither of them made a move, nor did anyone in the audience say a word for the longest time, including the proctor.
Hinata: They both fell…so what happens now? Did Nakama win the tournament?
Sasuke: (He peered closer with his Sharingan, his eyes expanding slightly when he noticed signs of movement from both of them.) No…not yet.
Naruto: (He heaved a breath of relief and loosened his grip on the railing, allowing all the tension to withdraw from his body.) …We leave it up to them now.
Down below, both genin found just enough strength to turn on their backs, positioned so that their heads were adjacent to one another as they lay in opposite directions. They turned to ensure their opponent was also still conscious, smiling in amusement and gazing up at the sky upon receiving this clarification.
Manako: Huhh…huhh, well? …Huhh, do we leave it at this?
Airon: Huhh…hehehehe, what…huhh, and leave Nakama hanging? …Huhh, not on my watch.
Manako chuckled in amusement at his resolve as Airon became the first to lift himself up, positioning his elbows underneath him to keep his head and shoulders elevated. Silently cursing himself for not having Airon’s rate of recovery, Manako allowed his head to fall back against the ground, cringing slightly at the minor pain it brought.
Manako: So then…huhh, how do we settle this?
Airon: Huhh…huhh, well…huhh, I’ve still got one more thing I was…huhh, hoping to save for her. …Huhh, what else do you have left to offer the crowd?
Cursing himself again, Manako gently slammed his fist against the ground as he realized Airon had won this debate with a single blow. Pleased nonetheless with the outcome of the match and too exhausted to argue the point anyways, he laid his hand next to his head, his fingers bent to form one half of the Seal of Reconciliation.
Manako: You better win. …Huhh, I’m not giving up my seat in the finals for anything less than that.
Airon: (Expecting nothing less from his rival, he smiled in amusement and completed the seal.) …I’ll take that as a challenge.
Too exhausted to get up, Airon waited a few seconds to build up enough chakra before teleporting to his nearby sword, using it to stand up slowly as he gazed off towards Baiko, who was already making his way towards them with a smile on his face.
Baiko: The winner is…Airon Namikaze!!
Airon had enough time to retrieve Manako’s sword and slowly walk over to return it to its owner before the silence finally broke. The applause started out small, though it became clear moments later that this was merely a product of the audience unanimously deciding to honor the genin with a standing ovation. Once they had all finally risen from the seats, the cheers that filled the stadium dwarfed any and all that came before them, and the two couldn’t help but exchange amused expressions at the appreciation they showed them. Airon didn’t focus on them long, though, before turning to the contestants’ balcony, where he suspected his final opponent was still coming off an episode of intense worry.
Nakama: (Don’t scare me like that. …I hate it when you two fight like that.)
Airon: (Hmhmhmhmhm, yes, I know. …Sorry.)
Still low on energy, he gently lowered himself back to the ground as two medical-nin entered the crater to retrieve Manako, who was resting his no doubt heavy eyelids. He was wearing a peaceful smile Airon hadn’t seen from him in many years, and he couldn’t help but chuckle softly at it.
Airon: (And I lied, by the way. I’m still above you.)
Manako: (Hmhmhm…whatever makes you feel better.)
Manako backs out, leaving only Airon and the seemingly invincible Nakama to do battle!!!
The End
Here’s my previous chapters, for those who missed any:
You must be registered for see links
You must be registered for see links
You must be registered for see links
You must be registered for see links
You must be registered for see links
You must be registered for see links
You must be registered for see links
You must be registered for see links
You must be registered for see links
You must be registered for see links
Chapter 076: The Challenge
– Six Years Prior –
Two years had passed since Naruto returned to the Leaf village with a young Nakama clutching his robes, during which she stayed in his and Hinata’s personal care. Having already made friends with Airon shortly after her arrival, it wasn’t long before she was introduced to Manako, as well, who also took an immediate interest in her unique powers. Within only a few weeks, she had become a regular in their frequent bouts at the Third Training Ground as either a referee or a sparring partner, her control over earth providing a highly efficient means to test their speed and reflexes. These sessions would normally last an hour at most, but Airon’s recently piqued interest in Manako’s Mangekyō Sharingan prompted one such bout to carry on past their usual deadline, though Nakama didn’t seem to mind as she leaned against the tallest of the site’s three wooden posts and watched them fight.
Manako: Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!
Airon: Water Style: Raging Waves!
The collision of the two techniques covered the immediate vicinity in a thick veil of steam, hiding them from their confused spectator’s view.
Nakama: (Where did they go?)
Seeking the simplest solution to this dilemma, her hair began fluttering about as her powers activated in the air, pushing it back towards the tree line along with the steam. The moment her vision became unclouded again, though, her eyes suddenly expanded in panic upon seeing Airon hovering over a seemingly unaware Manako, a large Rasengan spinning in his hand.
Nakama: Manako, look out!!
Having apparently forgotten that his Mangekyō Sharingan was active, she heaved a sigh of relief as Manako effortlessly glided out from underneath Airon as his Rasengan collided with the ground, turning to face Nakama with a smirk as rubble flew in various directions.
Manako: I thought you knew me well enough by now-
Distracted for just the briefest moment, he didn’t realized until it was almost too late that Airon had pulled out three kunai and chucked them in his direction, arranged in such a pattern that ducking or leaping up or to the side was senseless. Nakama opened her mouth to call out to him again, but before the words left her lips, a large ribcage shrouded in a black aura suddenly enveloped his body, summoned by a sudden impulse in his left Mangekyō Sharingan. As the three kunai fell to the ground upon impact, Manako quickly pressed his hand against his eye as pain began surging through it, while Nakama stared at the menacing new technique in fear and wonder.
Nakama: What…
Airon: (Standing back up from within the shallow crater formed by his Rasengan, he gazed up at Manako with a conniving grin.) Huhh…hehe, I thought I’d never get you to use that.
Manako was less than surprised by Airon’s intentions, his curiosity having piqued ever since he told him of Susanoo and the Mangekyō Sharingan’s other unique abilities. But, no less so was he disturbed that he would go to such lengths to force him to use those eyes despite knowing his resentment towards them. He kept silent for nearly a minute on end as this troubledness contorted into anger.
Manako: This is what you wanted, Airon?
Airon: (His grin gradually grew smaller as he gazed up at Manako’s now menacing stare.) From the very beginning.
Manako: (He looked away for a moment in a failed attempt to control himself as his hands curled into fists.) Alright…then don’t cry when I use it to beat you into the ground!!
Airon: (He flinched at the intensity of his declaration, though he couldn’t help but smirk arrogantly at the words themselves.) Hm, since when have I ever-
Before he had time to complete his retort, a long arm branched out from between two of Susanoo’s ribs, making a rapid sweeping motion that knocked Airon on his back before either he or Nakama could react.
Nakama: Airon!!
Manako: …Recently.
The damage inflicted by the assault was by no means serious, nor painfully visible for that matter, but as Airon lifted himself up and opened his mouth to denounce Manako’s claim, he found it too difficult to ignore the handful of tears that involuntarily leaked from his eyes. He was quick to wipe them away, but to Manako’s surprise, he followed them up with an almost menacing chuckle.
Airon: Heh…hehehehehe, you really wanna get nasty with me, cuz?
Manako: (Despite being put off moments ago, he still met his glare and false grin head-on.) You toyed with my emotions, “cuz”. You wanna try and get even, come at me. You wanna make amends, quit treating me like a naïve child!!
Airon: (His smile disappeared upon hearing this, at which point, he reached into his pouch to retrieve two more kunai.) I don’t get even, Manako. I’m still on top. Always have been.
As he finished, he channeled chakra through his weapons – wind-enhanced and lightning-enhanced, respectively – and chucked them at the ribcage encasing his foe, finding to his disappointment that they had no effect as he leapt from the crater to avoid Susanoo’s arm. He repeated his tactic with the other three nature affinities at his disposal, resorting to building up chakra in his partially closed fist when none of them left even a scratch. Within seconds, he had a fully formed Chidori, but as he moved in to use it, he cut it off by the lingering arm once again. He decided to face it head-on, however, plunging the orb of pulsating chakra through the center of its palm and finding, to his satisfaction, that Manako’s mastery over Susanoo was not strong enough to keep the arm from dispersing on contact. Before he had time to celebrate, though, one more arm emerged on either side of the ribcage to replace their predecessor, prompting him to begin charging up another Chidori as Nakama called out to them from the sidelines.
Nakama: Guys, please stop!! You shouldn’t fight like this!
Manako: You stay out of it!!
Airon: Don’t talk to Nakama like that!!
Manako: Oh!? Why so concerned about her, Airon!?
Airon: Rrrgh, shut up!!
In his rage, Airon held his arms out on either side of him, building up chakra in both until he had formed dual Chidori. Grinning arrogantly at his ever watchful opponent, he held both out in front of him and began bending their shape until they became long beams of light, which collided with Susanoo’s arms before they could penetrate its ribcage. In their defeat, the technique’s fourth and final arm on its left side, which Airon took note of as he charged forward with a large Rasengan slowly forming in his hand. With a well-timed boost of chakra, he easily avoided the three quick swipes of the arm that followed before leaping into the air and directly behind Susanoo as Manako looked on in shock.
Airon: GIANT RASENGAN!!!
With its enhanced size, breaking through Susanoo’s notoriously durable bones proved less than a difficult task, Manako’s current inexperience in harnessing the technique only adding to its effectiveness. With his first line of defense now gone, Manako immediately leapt to safety, staring back at Airon’s haughty smirk with gritted teeth and fury in his eyes. What followed was a strict hand-to-hand confrontation, evened out by Manako’s still developing reflexes, their tempers building and their kicks and punches becoming more and more brutal with every minute the fight dragged on. They were pulling on one another’s shirts with their fists poised to punch one another in the face by the time Nakama had finally grown tired, her head hung low as she remained cross-legged atop the center post, her hair fluttering around her head with steadily increasing violence.
Nakama: I said…ENOUGH!!!
Their fists came forward as two small pillars rose up from the ground and connected with the chests, sending them both flying back a ways in opposite directions as all the air escaped their lungs. As they struggled to return to their feet, Nakama dropped back to the ground and walked in between them with fury dancing in her eyes.
Nakama: What is wrong with you!!? How did this go from play-fighting to you two trying to kill each other!!? You’re supposed to be best friends, aren’t you!!? So cut it out!!! …Huhh…huhh, please…no more…
She held her hands up to her eyes to catch the few tears that started dripping from them, products of the unconscious recollection of her own tragic past. Immediately feeling both sympathy and regret, her equals lowered their heads as they struggled to stand back up, the younger of the two succeeding first.
Airon: Yeah…huhh…huhh, sorry…Manako.
Manako: Huhh…huhh…yeah…huhh, same here.
When they’d both returned to their feet, they hesitantly walked forward and formed the Sign of Reconciliation to assure that their fight was only a temporary conflict, bringing a small smile to Nakama’s face that they eventually returned in kind.
– Present-Day –
Over a minute passed as Airon, Baiko, and the rest of the stadium waited for all the smoke to clear and for Manako’s current state to become known. When all was said and done, Airon scoffed and gritted his teeth in disappointment as he spotted his rival standing at the center of the crater, breathing heavily as those in the audience looked on in either anticipation or relief, particularly his loved ones in the case of the latter.
Hinata: Huhh, thank heavens. He’s still alive.
Naruto: (Smiling as he saw her clutch her chest, he peered deeper into the crater and his eyes widened in distress upon seeing Manako’s expression.) Yeah…and fuming.
Certainly enough, Airon wasn’t the only one annoyed to find the match was not over, Manako matching his expression with twice the fury as he glared up at him from the center of the crater. They remained this way for the longest time as the audience awaited the next move, the only one outside their immediate family who seemed visibly disturbed being the final piece of their three-way deadlock.
Nakama: (Oh no…guys, please don’t…)
The following few seconds of silence gave her some hope, but it was quickly snatched away as Airon rushed into the crater to confront Manako. What followed could be described as little more than a fistfight, with Airon taking the initial offensive, though it made little difference against his opponent’s reflexes. After a handful of missed punches, he brought his leg up for a roundhouse kick which Manako easily dodged before dropping to the ground for a sweeping kick that proved equally futile. Avoiding it with an aerial somersault, Manako landed on the other side of him and retaliated with a swift kick towards the face, which Airon crossed his arms to block before being thrown several feet across the stadium. He leapt up almost immediately and began leaping backwards to widen the gap between him and Manako’s incoming fists, while those in the stands marveled at their stamina, including those who knew them best.
Minto: They should be exhausted by now. I’m amazed they still have enough energy left to fight like this…hmhm, but I guess you’ve seen them fight enough times not to be.
Nakama: (She couldn’t even humor him with a smile as she watched her friends carry on their intense duel.) (The fight’s already dragged on too long. …The looks on their faces are just like that time…)
She held her hands up to their mouth and silently prayed for a swift end to the match, their expressions only becoming more and more sinister with every second her prayers went unanswered. With Airon’s superior foot speed preventing him from luring him near the edge of the arena, Manako eventually settled on a different approach as his anger peaked, stopping midrun and forming the hand sign meant to instigate the Shadow Clone technique. This was immediately cut off a marked kunai thrown by the watchful Airon, which he avoided by shifting to the right to send it soaring past his head, but immediately after Airon teleported to it, one of Manako’s hands wrapped around his ankle as the other unsheathed his sword and sliced the kunai in half, much to his shock.
Manako: Quit getting cocky, Airon!! I’m faster than you now!!
His escape route cut off, Airon shut his eyes and braced himself for impact as Manako sent him crashing into the ground, sending rubble flying a few meters out as he chucked his sword away and raised his fists, channeling more chakra into them before bringing them down on Airon’s exposed chest.
Hinata, Boruto, and Inoue: Airon!!
The small cloud of dust triggered by the vicious assault obscured the sight of those attempting to peer into the crater, but Manako’s Sharingan gave him more than enough vision to notice as Airon reached into the pouch hanging next to his leg for two kunai. As he reached his arms out to grab them as they left Airon’s hands, though, he was quickly pulled down by the wrists and left to struggle as his sword slid out from its sheath and up to the apex of the crater, where Airon immediately teleported once it reached its destination. His first impulse was to clutch his chest with one hand, the damage of Manako’s last attack still taking its course, while the other squeezed the handle of his sword, the blade of which dug slightly into the earth to give him a means of holding himself up as he took to one knee. After a moment of heavy breathing, he gazed back into the crater at Manako, meeting his intense glare in kind as he hocked up a large wad of blood and spat it off to the side with a look of indifference, those watching them only speculating as to what thoughts were running through their minds.
Sakura: They’ve gotten so brutal…is this still a competition to them?
Sasuke: (He nodded to assure her of this, though his expression failed to match his intended message.) On some level, I think they’re still focused on topping one another. I’m sure of it. …But I’ve never seen them put this much raw strength and speed into a basic taijutsu face-off.
Naruto: (He struggled to produce a viable answer for this, though his expression failed to hide the fact that he, too, had never seen their fights being taken this far.) Well, there’s a lot more riding on this match than any other time they sparred together. The large audience, the whole tournament setting…the chance to fight Nakama in the final round. …It’s the spirit of the competition. Gets to all of us.
Down below, with Manako’s sword currently out of commission, Airon pulled up his own, only to momentarily drop it in order to catch and throw back an incoming kunai, marking it in the process. Manako had already begun moving before he could teleport to it, grabbing his sword from off the ground just in time to block Airon’s as he closed in to stop him. The match quickly returned to a basic fistfight, though, as they sought to knock their weapons from one another’s grasp, Manako making sure to smack Airon’s towards the ground beneath their feet to prevent him from gaining another possible escape route. His reflexes still primed in spite of his exhaustion, Manako resorted to continually kicking and punching as he circled around his opponent, though the latter’s superior stamina and rapidly swelling rage were slowly beginning to work in his favor.
Airon: Dang it, would you CUT THAT OUT ALREADY!!?
Taking one direct hit too many, Airon reached out and, at long last, caught Manako’s fist in his hand, squeezing tight to ensure he couldn’t escape as his rival’s eyes widened in shock.
Manako: (Crap!)
Airon: (Yeah, you’re deep in it now!!)
In typical Uzumaki fashion, he began with a solid headbutt that drew blood from both their foreheads, using Manako’s momentary daze to his advantage by pulling him inward and connecting his knee with his chest. Before the ensuing blood even had time to leave his mouth, he pushed him back and leapt into the air to deliver one last strong kick to his right cheek, sending him crashing against the side of the crater.
Hinata, Itachi, and Sakura: Manako!!
When the rubble finally settled, everyone leaned forward to see if Manako had once again cheated death, heaving one large, cohesive sigh as he stumbled out of the massive hole, somehow managing to keep his footing. At the same time, Airon nearly lost his own, exhaustion finally consuming his mind, as well, and the two locked eyes for some time as they struggled to catch his breath. Silence ensued, proving uncomfortable for a small number of people in the stands after awhile, until movement was finally seen once again, courtesy of Airon’s shoulders.
Minto: He’s…laughing? Why?
Nakama: (A small tear leaked from her eyes as she opened them again, her hands still pressed against her lips.) (…Because he’s finally come back to his senses.)
The laughter in question gradually became more audible and the audience’s confusion more verbal until he finally threw his head back and began cackling wildly, prompting many to wonder what was so funny or if he even knew himself. As per usual, though, Manako could only match his rival’s hilarity with a smile, his virtual lack of a sense of humor eventually proving too much for Airon to sit back and allow.
Airon: Hehehahahaha, you’re gonna laugh before this is over, Manako!! Whether you want to or not!!
His laughter became increasingly forced following this statement, as if to spark a reaction from his rival, though at the same time, it somehow grew more genuine in the process, and he eventually fell to his knees as he began running out of breath. It was hardly without its effects, as evidenced by the irrepressible twitching in the corner of Manako’s mouth, but his body and mind seemed almost opposed to the act, not that many would blame him. He had been living in near constant depression ever since he was three years old, his time spent with Airon being the only instances where he still genuinely smiled with amusement, so the transition to a honest laugh – when he was hardly one to chuckle even in youth – went beyond merely taking a huge step forward. The humor in the moment was evident to him, though, as his smile alone indicated, and he couldn’t help but think in the back of his mind that only Airon could possibly amuse him enough to free him from his decadelong trance. It was this thought that ultimately broke him, and he started off with a few soft chuckles as his shoulders slowly began bouncing up and down. They grew louder with every passing second, and it took all the control Airon had to continue his own marathon of hilarity as Manako finally threw his head back and began cackling alongside him, for the first time in nearly ten years. Those unfamiliar failed to grasp the significance of the moment, but for their loved ones, especially on Manako’s side, a greater gift of joy couldn’t have been given.
Boruto: I’ll be damned…I never thought I’d live to see him looking that happy again.
Itachi: (He matched Boruto’s smile twofold, holding back tears as he replied.) Neither did I…neither did I…
At the center of the arena, the hilarity slowly died down, with Airon surprisingly being the first to finish laughing, testament to the openness he had just awakened in his rival.
Airon: Hehehe…huhh, told ya. (Let’s end this. I think the heat’s starting to get to our heads again.)
Manako: Hehehehe…heh, yeah yeah. (Then come at me…or are you finally ready to make amends?)
Airon: (Hm, not in the slightest…but I think I am ready to get even.)
They retained their smiles as their fists, Manako’s right and Airon’s left, curled up and began brewing with chakra. They remained completely still otherwise over the next minute, though some slight tremors in the movements of their chakra made it clear to those with keen enough eyes that something else was afoot.
Itachi: You see it, too, right?
Boruto: (It took him a moment to realize what the tremors pertained to, but he leaned in and nodded when it finally hit him.) …They’re switching between different chakra natures, trying to top the other. …They’re going for one last attack.
On the highest balcony, this fact quickly became common knowledge, as well, and all of the Kage and their assistants leaned forward to get a better view of the match’s impending conclusion, the tournament host among them ultimately making the obvious statement.
Konohamaru: This is it…the last one standing wins the match.
In front of them, Hinata clasped her hands together and hoped for the best while Sakura swallowed the air in her mouth, their husbands choosing to grip their forearms and the railing in front of them, respectively.
Naruto and Sasuke: (Come on…)
With the entire stadium silent and tension at its utmost peak, Airon and Manako rushed forward, the former settling on wind-enhanced chakra while the latter ended with fire. Despite the obvious advantage, Airon pumped a surplus of chakra into his own technique at the last moment, ensuring an equal amount of blood spilled from their mouths as their fists connected with their opponents’ chests, sending them toppling to the ground. Neither of them made a move, nor did anyone in the audience say a word for the longest time, including the proctor.
Hinata: They both fell…so what happens now? Did Nakama win the tournament?
Sasuke: (He peered closer with his Sharingan, his eyes expanding slightly when he noticed signs of movement from both of them.) No…not yet.
Naruto: (He heaved a breath of relief and loosened his grip on the railing, allowing all the tension to withdraw from his body.) …We leave it up to them now.
Down below, both genin found just enough strength to turn on their backs, positioned so that their heads were adjacent to one another as they lay in opposite directions. They turned to ensure their opponent was also still conscious, smiling in amusement and gazing up at the sky upon receiving this clarification.
Manako: Huhh…huhh, well? …Huhh, do we leave it at this?
Airon: Huhh…hehehehe, what…huhh, and leave Nakama hanging? …Huhh, not on my watch.
Manako chuckled in amusement at his resolve as Airon became the first to lift himself up, positioning his elbows underneath him to keep his head and shoulders elevated. Silently cursing himself for not having Airon’s rate of recovery, Manako allowed his head to fall back against the ground, cringing slightly at the minor pain it brought.
Manako: So then…huhh, how do we settle this?
Airon: Huhh…huhh, well…huhh, I’ve still got one more thing I was…huhh, hoping to save for her. …Huhh, what else do you have left to offer the crowd?
Cursing himself again, Manako gently slammed his fist against the ground as he realized Airon had won this debate with a single blow. Pleased nonetheless with the outcome of the match and too exhausted to argue the point anyways, he laid his hand next to his head, his fingers bent to form one half of the Seal of Reconciliation.
Manako: You better win. …Huhh, I’m not giving up my seat in the finals for anything less than that.
Airon: (Expecting nothing less from his rival, he smiled in amusement and completed the seal.) …I’ll take that as a challenge.
Too exhausted to get up, Airon waited a few seconds to build up enough chakra before teleporting to his nearby sword, using it to stand up slowly as he gazed off towards Baiko, who was already making his way towards them with a smile on his face.
Baiko: The winner is…Airon Namikaze!!
Airon had enough time to retrieve Manako’s sword and slowly walk over to return it to its owner before the silence finally broke. The applause started out small, though it became clear moments later that this was merely a product of the audience unanimously deciding to honor the genin with a standing ovation. Once they had all finally risen from the seats, the cheers that filled the stadium dwarfed any and all that came before them, and the two couldn’t help but exchange amused expressions at the appreciation they showed them. Airon didn’t focus on them long, though, before turning to the contestants’ balcony, where he suspected his final opponent was still coming off an episode of intense worry.
Nakama: (Don’t scare me like that. …I hate it when you two fight like that.)
Airon: (Hmhmhmhmhm, yes, I know. …Sorry.)
Still low on energy, he gently lowered himself back to the ground as two medical-nin entered the crater to retrieve Manako, who was resting his no doubt heavy eyelids. He was wearing a peaceful smile Airon hadn’t seen from him in many years, and he couldn’t help but chuckle softly at it.
Airon: (And I lied, by the way. I’m still above you.)
Manako: (Hmhmhm…whatever makes you feel better.)
Manako backs out, leaving only Airon and the seemingly invincible Nakama to do battle!!!
The End
