Chakra Wizard
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Finally, I get to reveal Minto’s secret weapon (if the title wasn’t enough to comprehendxd). Hope it gets you guys’ approval. Anyways, enjoy
Here’s my previous chapters, for those who missed any:
Chapter 033: Minto’s Secret Weapon
For all the energy Minto lost during Raiden’s last attack, he still retained enough resolve to pull out two kunai and defend against his brother’s four, though seemingly not enough to block the knee he delivered to his chest. Falling to the ground once again, now more exhausted than ever before, it was only by fractions of a second that he rolled out of the way as Raiden came crashing down on his position, getting up as fast as he could manage and shuffling to the other side of the arena to try and recover. His superior speed placed enough of a gap between them to help him regain a bit of stamina, but not enough for him to put up a good enough fight as his merciless opponent caught back up with him. His chakra dropping faster by the second, Minto began looking up at Airon every few seconds in desperation, only for him to shake his head every time, leaving him with a look of confusion and aggravation as he turned back to Raiden. This now one-sided bout continued minutes longer, during which the words from Raiden’s prior outburst finally began to sink in for both Gaara and Sabure’s team, the only ones in that immediate area of the balcony who were unfamiliar with Minto’s skills.
Sabure: What did he mean by that earlier? Can he not use ninjutsu or genjutsu?
Airon: (Still standing a short distance from her and her team, he motioned to answer her.) Actually-
Suzaku: No, …it’s far different from that.
His sudden intrusion catching everyone off guard once again, they all turned their eyes towards Suzaku, who continued to watch his sons’ match intensively as he explained the elder’s dilemma.
Suzaku: Minto…he’s not exactly handicapped, not in the way our resident taijutsu master is. Basic ninjutsu, like the Substitution or the Clone technique, he can do these without any problems whatsoever. More advanced jutsu, on the other hand, …that’s a different story.
Yatsuri: Why’s that?
Suzaku: Because the techniques one usually thinks of when thinking of ninjutsu require an affinity for one or more elemental natures, …something Minto doesn’t have.
Gaara: (Having never heard of such a handicap before, his dark eyes widened ever so slightly as he turned to him in question.) You mean he has no nature affinity?
Suzaku: (He nodded to confirm Gaara’s inquiry.) It’s a very rare trait to find in a shinobi, even more so than a complete lack of ninjutsu or genjutsu. …Raiden has a twisted logic when it comes to shinobi and our system. He believes that the ninja world is one where only the strongest can flourish and the weak have no business setting their feet in it. Combine that with his immense pride in our clan, and well, …you can imagine the embarrassment he feels having Minto as his older brother.
Thinking his wording on the latter statement could’ve been more sensitive, they returned their attention to the fight, only to witness Minto slowly being pushed closer to his breaking point. By this time, though, it was frustration above anything that was starting to get to him, something Manako and Nakama noticed as they turned to Airon, as did Inase from a short ways away.
Inase: (Airon, how long are you gonna keep holding him back like this?)
Nakama: (He’s almost at the breaking point, Airon. Can’t you see that?)
Manako: (If it’s going to happen, Airon, it might as well happen now. …And if you’re waiting for Raiden, too, I think it’s safe to say his arrogance has peaked by this point.)
Looking back-and-forth between the three for several seconds, Airon let out a soft sigh just as Minto looked up at him. This time, though, he met his longing gaze with a nod of approval, prompting the exhausted genin’s eyes to begin burning with confidence.
Airon: (Make him beg, Minto. …I won’t accept anything less humiliating from him.)
Minto: (…With pleasure.)
Without hesitation, he reached into the large pouch resting against his center back, jumping back several feet as Raiden tried rushing him once again.
Raiden: And just what do you think you’re doing!? Face it, you’re done!!
Setting the one kunai he had left between his teeth, Raiden began weaving a familiar series of hand signs, those required to perform the Dust Storm technique. Having no intention of going through that type of damage again, Minto took a step forward and pulled his hand from his pouch, bringing with it a long whip-like device that quickly became cloaked in chakra. Carefully eyeing its approach, Raiden immediately ceased the hand signs and leapt out of its reach, only to look on in shock as it suddenly increased in length, just enough for it to wrap around his arms and chest several times and send him crashing to the ground. At a loss for words, every spectator in the arena continued to stare down at this sudden turnaround in shock, with Airon’s smirking exception. Unable to move, Raiden could only watch and grit his teeth as Minto walked up to him, still breathing heavily but having regained enough energy to smile at his success.
Minto: You were saying?
While those around them continued to wonder exactly what just happened, Manako – who was already well aware – turned to Airon to confirm his beliefs.
Manako: So that’s it, isn’t it?
Airon: (He couldn’t help but smirk at the inquiry, having been waiting quite a while for this moment himself.) …In all its glory.
Kei: (Just as unaware as the Sand shinobi standing nearby, he walked across the balcony towards Airon in question.) Wait a sec. Hey, Airon! What the heck did he just do!?
Sabure: What is that thing he has in his hand?
Airon: (His previous smirk quickly turned into a wicked grin as he answered them.) That’s his secret weapon, and he’s been keeping it under wraps just for this day. …We’ve dubbed it the Shock Lash.
Intrigued by the name, they turned back to the fight below, scanning the new weapon for the reasoning behind it to no avail.
Sabure: I don’t get it. What is it exactly?
Yatsuri: And why didn’t he use it until now? Looks to me like it wrapped things up pretty quickly.
Airon: (He looked back towards the arena floor, jerking his head up slightly to get them to do the same.) Just watch for a moment. You’ll start to get the idea.
Down below, Raiden continued his efforts to free himself from his bindings, only to find after a few minutes of struggling – much to his horror and the surprise of those watching from above – that they were not only futile, but nonexistent.
Raiden: (What the…I can’t move. …Why can’t I move!?)
Ryūza: He’s…he’s not moving.
Airon: Exactly. …It’s because he CAN’T move.
Sabure: (Just as shocked by this answer as everyone else, she was quick to reply to it.) But why? What is it doing to him?
Yatsuri: Is it just super tight on him or something?
Airon: (Smirking in amusement, he motioned towards the forenamed “shock lash”, specifically towards the tip of its handle.) You see that small button on the end there? Pressing it sets out an electric charge that travels through the whip and into the person unlucky enough to have it wrapped around them. At face value, it doesn’t do much, but when combined with a large surge of chakra, the shock can cause total paralysis for just short of five seconds…hmhm, which is ironically how long it takes for electricity to build up for a second charge. In other words, as long as his opponent isn’t fast enough to break free, Minto could keep them pinned down for as long as he wished.
Finding this almost too good to be true, but also equally hard to turn down, the genin continued staring down at Minto in amazement, finding that he was indeed pushing down on the hilt of the whip every five seconds.
Sabure: That’s a pretty impressive weapon from the sound of it. Where the heck did he manage to find something like that?
Kei: Hold on. You mind explaining how YOU know so much about it, bro?
Airon could barely hold back a large grin as he answered him. …It was one of his greatest achievements at this point in his life, as far as he was concerned.
Airon: Because I helped him make it.
Every set of eyes in the immediate vicinity instantly became wider – with the exception of Naruto, Manako, and Minto’s teammates. Airon reminisced briefly on the time he spent helping Minto build his weapon before continuing.
Airon: Suzaku-sensei was right. Minto’s affinity for ninjutsu doesn’t branch out far beyond the most basic techniques.
He spun his head around and looked up at Suzaku, obvious disappointment on his face, which the combatants’ father quickly took to heart.
Airon: What he neglected to tell you, though, is that if Minto did have that missing talent, he’d be among the strongest shinobi in this entire room. Even for a member of the Sarutobi clan, his chakra reserves are far above average, as is his control over them. …That’s the reason I aided him in creating that weapon, because it helps bring out the fullest in his limited abilities.
While those above basked in this newfound appreciation for Minto’s strength, the genin in question, having since recovered from his exhaustion, finally spoke up to his incapacitated opponent.
Minto: Forfeit, Raiden.
Raiden: (Offended by the very idea, he was quick to lash out as movement finally returned to him.) Rrrgh, NEVER!! Like I would ever allow myself to lose to a weakling like you!!
Minto: Raiden, I said forfeit now! If you don’t, I guarantee you’ll wind up more beaten up than you already are.
Raiden: Oh, really!? And what the heck could someone like you do to me!?
Minto: (Pressing the button on the hilt again to halt Raiden’s struggling, he looked down at him with disdain) It’s not what I’m gonna do, little brother. …It’s what this whip will do to you if it continues to suck up your chakra like this.
Hesitant to believe it, but nonetheless shocked by the revelation, Raiden quickly looked up at Manako – the only person in his line of sight with a dōjutsu – who was already in the process of scanning him with his Sharingan. Satisfied with the results, he turned to his rival in question.
Manako: You never told me it could do that, Airon.
Airon: Hmhmhm, well, even I can’t think of everything.
Sabure: Wait, so it can steal chakra, too?
Airon: (He answered with a nod as his eyes scanned the weapon in question.) The filaments in that whip have a natural ability to absorb the chakra of anyone who touches it with their bare skin. It was pretty hard stuff to get ahold of, to be honest, but we managed to pull it off. …Because of that material, that weapon’s effectiveness is almost ten times what it originally was…and now Minto’s almost as invincible as I am.
He was bluffing, as anyone who knew him well enough would know, but it was enough to make those who weren’t from the Leaf village look down at Minto with wide eyes and looks of anticipation. Minto himself was still awaiting his brother’s impending surrender, since he knew full well that Raiden would never accept a defeat as humiliating as passing out from exhausting all of one’s chakra.
Minto: Well? …I’m waiting.
His face already swelling with rage, Raiden was doing his best to move his arms, despite knowing full well he couldn’t. His mind simply couldn’t bear the idea of losing to someone he deemed inferior to him, let alone someone he felt wasn’t fit to be a shinobi in the first place, but the knowledge that his remaining chakra was slowly fading away continued to scratch at the back of his mind. At this point, his defeat was virtually inevitable, and it wouldn’t take but a seconds longer for him to realize that, too.
Raiden: FINE!!! HAVE IT YOUR WAY!!
B: (Rather pleased with this outcome himself, he smiled before raising his arm to confirm the results.) The winner is…Minto Sarutobi!
Almost immediately, those closest to him began cheering in celebration, with the exceptions of Airon and Suzaku. Smiling up at them in gratitude, Minto proceeded to retract the Shock Lash from Raiden and return to the balcony overhead, his exhaustion and his injuries having mostly faded away. He was quickly greeted by his ecstatic teammates as he made his way up the steps, as well as Airon who, as per usual, was foremost concerned with his friend’s wellbeing.
Airon: You sure you’re alright?
Minto: (He merely smirked at him as they walked back towards their respective groups.) Never better.
Back down on the arena floor, two medical-nin had come out to assist Raiden with his injuries, only for him to lash out at them as they tried to lift him up onto a stretcher.
Raiden: TAKE YOUR HANDS OFF ME!!!
Hearing this outburst all the way from the balcony, all those who were celebrating Minto’s victory quickly turned their heads to see what was happening. Suzaku was the only exception to this – he hadn’t taken his eyes off Raiden since the match ended.
Raiden: I’m Raiden Sarutobi!! From the strongest clan in the Leaf village!! …And I can take care of myself!! You understand me!!?
Panting from all the heavy screaming, he quickly got up to walk away, his pain and exhaustion showing in every limp as he made his way towards the doorway. No sooner after he left, though, did everyone return to their previous conversations, evidently uninterested in whatever sort of personal defeat he might have suffered just now. Even Kūrogane and Kemono, his own teammates, had little to say about his loss – in all honesty, they must have thought he needed events to play out this way as much as those standing on the other balcony. The only ones whose minds were still fixated on Raiden were his father, who couldn’t stop looking at the exit, and Naruto, who couldn’t stop looking at his former student.
Naruto: Go, Suzaku.
Surprised by the intrusion, Suzaku lifted his head and turned to face him, the look in his eyes informing Naruto that part of him didn’t want to leave until the preliminaries were over. His former sensei could only smirk at this level of misplaced concern he showed.
Naruto: Between your boy and your students, I think we both know who needs you more right now.
Smiling after a moment, Suzaku quickly passed his students and descended the staircase, heading out the large doorway after Raiden as the small group of genin that once surrounded him looked on. In particular, it was Nakama who showed the most concern for whatever father-son conversation the two of them were sure to have next.
Nakama: I hope he’s gonna be alright.
Airon: He’s a strong shinobi, however unwise. …This episode shouldn’t trouble him for very long.
Nakama: …Actually, I wasn’t talking about Suzaku-sensei, Airon.
Airon: (He turned to her with a smirk as she said this.) …I know.
Reassured by this, Nakama smiled and returned her gaze to the arena floor, while Airon turned to his grandfather, hoping for an amusing remark to lighten up the mood.
Airon: Thoughts, Grandpa?
Naruto: (Caught off guard, he looked down at Airon in silence for a brief moment, eventually giving him what he was after.) How the hell would I know? I just thought it sounded like the right thing to say to him.
Chuckling softly at this, Airon turned back to the arena floor along with everyone else, eager to see what match-up would follow.
Airon’s faith in Minto pays off, …but what effect does this defeat have on Raiden!!?
The End
Here’s my previous chapters, for those who missed any:
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Chapter 033: Minto’s Secret Weapon
For all the energy Minto lost during Raiden’s last attack, he still retained enough resolve to pull out two kunai and defend against his brother’s four, though seemingly not enough to block the knee he delivered to his chest. Falling to the ground once again, now more exhausted than ever before, it was only by fractions of a second that he rolled out of the way as Raiden came crashing down on his position, getting up as fast as he could manage and shuffling to the other side of the arena to try and recover. His superior speed placed enough of a gap between them to help him regain a bit of stamina, but not enough for him to put up a good enough fight as his merciless opponent caught back up with him. His chakra dropping faster by the second, Minto began looking up at Airon every few seconds in desperation, only for him to shake his head every time, leaving him with a look of confusion and aggravation as he turned back to Raiden. This now one-sided bout continued minutes longer, during which the words from Raiden’s prior outburst finally began to sink in for both Gaara and Sabure’s team, the only ones in that immediate area of the balcony who were unfamiliar with Minto’s skills.
Sabure: What did he mean by that earlier? Can he not use ninjutsu or genjutsu?
Airon: (Still standing a short distance from her and her team, he motioned to answer her.) Actually-
Suzaku: No, …it’s far different from that.
His sudden intrusion catching everyone off guard once again, they all turned their eyes towards Suzaku, who continued to watch his sons’ match intensively as he explained the elder’s dilemma.
Suzaku: Minto…he’s not exactly handicapped, not in the way our resident taijutsu master is. Basic ninjutsu, like the Substitution or the Clone technique, he can do these without any problems whatsoever. More advanced jutsu, on the other hand, …that’s a different story.
Yatsuri: Why’s that?
Suzaku: Because the techniques one usually thinks of when thinking of ninjutsu require an affinity for one or more elemental natures, …something Minto doesn’t have.
Gaara: (Having never heard of such a handicap before, his dark eyes widened ever so slightly as he turned to him in question.) You mean he has no nature affinity?
Suzaku: (He nodded to confirm Gaara’s inquiry.) It’s a very rare trait to find in a shinobi, even more so than a complete lack of ninjutsu or genjutsu. …Raiden has a twisted logic when it comes to shinobi and our system. He believes that the ninja world is one where only the strongest can flourish and the weak have no business setting their feet in it. Combine that with his immense pride in our clan, and well, …you can imagine the embarrassment he feels having Minto as his older brother.
Thinking his wording on the latter statement could’ve been more sensitive, they returned their attention to the fight, only to witness Minto slowly being pushed closer to his breaking point. By this time, though, it was frustration above anything that was starting to get to him, something Manako and Nakama noticed as they turned to Airon, as did Inase from a short ways away.
Inase: (Airon, how long are you gonna keep holding him back like this?)
Nakama: (He’s almost at the breaking point, Airon. Can’t you see that?)
Manako: (If it’s going to happen, Airon, it might as well happen now. …And if you’re waiting for Raiden, too, I think it’s safe to say his arrogance has peaked by this point.)
Looking back-and-forth between the three for several seconds, Airon let out a soft sigh just as Minto looked up at him. This time, though, he met his longing gaze with a nod of approval, prompting the exhausted genin’s eyes to begin burning with confidence.
Airon: (Make him beg, Minto. …I won’t accept anything less humiliating from him.)
Minto: (…With pleasure.)
Without hesitation, he reached into the large pouch resting against his center back, jumping back several feet as Raiden tried rushing him once again.
Raiden: And just what do you think you’re doing!? Face it, you’re done!!
Setting the one kunai he had left between his teeth, Raiden began weaving a familiar series of hand signs, those required to perform the Dust Storm technique. Having no intention of going through that type of damage again, Minto took a step forward and pulled his hand from his pouch, bringing with it a long whip-like device that quickly became cloaked in chakra. Carefully eyeing its approach, Raiden immediately ceased the hand signs and leapt out of its reach, only to look on in shock as it suddenly increased in length, just enough for it to wrap around his arms and chest several times and send him crashing to the ground. At a loss for words, every spectator in the arena continued to stare down at this sudden turnaround in shock, with Airon’s smirking exception. Unable to move, Raiden could only watch and grit his teeth as Minto walked up to him, still breathing heavily but having regained enough energy to smile at his success.
Minto: You were saying?
While those around them continued to wonder exactly what just happened, Manako – who was already well aware – turned to Airon to confirm his beliefs.
Manako: So that’s it, isn’t it?
Airon: (He couldn’t help but smirk at the inquiry, having been waiting quite a while for this moment himself.) …In all its glory.
Kei: (Just as unaware as the Sand shinobi standing nearby, he walked across the balcony towards Airon in question.) Wait a sec. Hey, Airon! What the heck did he just do!?
Sabure: What is that thing he has in his hand?
Airon: (His previous smirk quickly turned into a wicked grin as he answered them.) That’s his secret weapon, and he’s been keeping it under wraps just for this day. …We’ve dubbed it the Shock Lash.
Intrigued by the name, they turned back to the fight below, scanning the new weapon for the reasoning behind it to no avail.
Sabure: I don’t get it. What is it exactly?
Yatsuri: And why didn’t he use it until now? Looks to me like it wrapped things up pretty quickly.
Airon: (He looked back towards the arena floor, jerking his head up slightly to get them to do the same.) Just watch for a moment. You’ll start to get the idea.
Down below, Raiden continued his efforts to free himself from his bindings, only to find after a few minutes of struggling – much to his horror and the surprise of those watching from above – that they were not only futile, but nonexistent.
Raiden: (What the…I can’t move. …Why can’t I move!?)
Ryūza: He’s…he’s not moving.
Airon: Exactly. …It’s because he CAN’T move.
Sabure: (Just as shocked by this answer as everyone else, she was quick to reply to it.) But why? What is it doing to him?
Yatsuri: Is it just super tight on him or something?
Airon: (Smirking in amusement, he motioned towards the forenamed “shock lash”, specifically towards the tip of its handle.) You see that small button on the end there? Pressing it sets out an electric charge that travels through the whip and into the person unlucky enough to have it wrapped around them. At face value, it doesn’t do much, but when combined with a large surge of chakra, the shock can cause total paralysis for just short of five seconds…hmhm, which is ironically how long it takes for electricity to build up for a second charge. In other words, as long as his opponent isn’t fast enough to break free, Minto could keep them pinned down for as long as he wished.
Finding this almost too good to be true, but also equally hard to turn down, the genin continued staring down at Minto in amazement, finding that he was indeed pushing down on the hilt of the whip every five seconds.
Sabure: That’s a pretty impressive weapon from the sound of it. Where the heck did he manage to find something like that?
Kei: Hold on. You mind explaining how YOU know so much about it, bro?
Airon could barely hold back a large grin as he answered him. …It was one of his greatest achievements at this point in his life, as far as he was concerned.
Airon: Because I helped him make it.
Every set of eyes in the immediate vicinity instantly became wider – with the exception of Naruto, Manako, and Minto’s teammates. Airon reminisced briefly on the time he spent helping Minto build his weapon before continuing.
Airon: Suzaku-sensei was right. Minto’s affinity for ninjutsu doesn’t branch out far beyond the most basic techniques.
He spun his head around and looked up at Suzaku, obvious disappointment on his face, which the combatants’ father quickly took to heart.
Airon: What he neglected to tell you, though, is that if Minto did have that missing talent, he’d be among the strongest shinobi in this entire room. Even for a member of the Sarutobi clan, his chakra reserves are far above average, as is his control over them. …That’s the reason I aided him in creating that weapon, because it helps bring out the fullest in his limited abilities.
While those above basked in this newfound appreciation for Minto’s strength, the genin in question, having since recovered from his exhaustion, finally spoke up to his incapacitated opponent.
Minto: Forfeit, Raiden.
Raiden: (Offended by the very idea, he was quick to lash out as movement finally returned to him.) Rrrgh, NEVER!! Like I would ever allow myself to lose to a weakling like you!!
Minto: Raiden, I said forfeit now! If you don’t, I guarantee you’ll wind up more beaten up than you already are.
Raiden: Oh, really!? And what the heck could someone like you do to me!?
Minto: (Pressing the button on the hilt again to halt Raiden’s struggling, he looked down at him with disdain) It’s not what I’m gonna do, little brother. …It’s what this whip will do to you if it continues to suck up your chakra like this.
Hesitant to believe it, but nonetheless shocked by the revelation, Raiden quickly looked up at Manako – the only person in his line of sight with a dōjutsu – who was already in the process of scanning him with his Sharingan. Satisfied with the results, he turned to his rival in question.
Manako: You never told me it could do that, Airon.
Airon: Hmhmhm, well, even I can’t think of everything.
Sabure: Wait, so it can steal chakra, too?
Airon: (He answered with a nod as his eyes scanned the weapon in question.) The filaments in that whip have a natural ability to absorb the chakra of anyone who touches it with their bare skin. It was pretty hard stuff to get ahold of, to be honest, but we managed to pull it off. …Because of that material, that weapon’s effectiveness is almost ten times what it originally was…and now Minto’s almost as invincible as I am.
He was bluffing, as anyone who knew him well enough would know, but it was enough to make those who weren’t from the Leaf village look down at Minto with wide eyes and looks of anticipation. Minto himself was still awaiting his brother’s impending surrender, since he knew full well that Raiden would never accept a defeat as humiliating as passing out from exhausting all of one’s chakra.
Minto: Well? …I’m waiting.
His face already swelling with rage, Raiden was doing his best to move his arms, despite knowing full well he couldn’t. His mind simply couldn’t bear the idea of losing to someone he deemed inferior to him, let alone someone he felt wasn’t fit to be a shinobi in the first place, but the knowledge that his remaining chakra was slowly fading away continued to scratch at the back of his mind. At this point, his defeat was virtually inevitable, and it wouldn’t take but a seconds longer for him to realize that, too.
Raiden: FINE!!! HAVE IT YOUR WAY!!
B: (Rather pleased with this outcome himself, he smiled before raising his arm to confirm the results.) The winner is…Minto Sarutobi!
Almost immediately, those closest to him began cheering in celebration, with the exceptions of Airon and Suzaku. Smiling up at them in gratitude, Minto proceeded to retract the Shock Lash from Raiden and return to the balcony overhead, his exhaustion and his injuries having mostly faded away. He was quickly greeted by his ecstatic teammates as he made his way up the steps, as well as Airon who, as per usual, was foremost concerned with his friend’s wellbeing.
Airon: You sure you’re alright?
Minto: (He merely smirked at him as they walked back towards their respective groups.) Never better.
Back down on the arena floor, two medical-nin had come out to assist Raiden with his injuries, only for him to lash out at them as they tried to lift him up onto a stretcher.
Raiden: TAKE YOUR HANDS OFF ME!!!
Hearing this outburst all the way from the balcony, all those who were celebrating Minto’s victory quickly turned their heads to see what was happening. Suzaku was the only exception to this – he hadn’t taken his eyes off Raiden since the match ended.
Raiden: I’m Raiden Sarutobi!! From the strongest clan in the Leaf village!! …And I can take care of myself!! You understand me!!?
Panting from all the heavy screaming, he quickly got up to walk away, his pain and exhaustion showing in every limp as he made his way towards the doorway. No sooner after he left, though, did everyone return to their previous conversations, evidently uninterested in whatever sort of personal defeat he might have suffered just now. Even Kūrogane and Kemono, his own teammates, had little to say about his loss – in all honesty, they must have thought he needed events to play out this way as much as those standing on the other balcony. The only ones whose minds were still fixated on Raiden were his father, who couldn’t stop looking at the exit, and Naruto, who couldn’t stop looking at his former student.
Naruto: Go, Suzaku.
Surprised by the intrusion, Suzaku lifted his head and turned to face him, the look in his eyes informing Naruto that part of him didn’t want to leave until the preliminaries were over. His former sensei could only smirk at this level of misplaced concern he showed.
Naruto: Between your boy and your students, I think we both know who needs you more right now.
Smiling after a moment, Suzaku quickly passed his students and descended the staircase, heading out the large doorway after Raiden as the small group of genin that once surrounded him looked on. In particular, it was Nakama who showed the most concern for whatever father-son conversation the two of them were sure to have next.
Nakama: I hope he’s gonna be alright.
Airon: He’s a strong shinobi, however unwise. …This episode shouldn’t trouble him for very long.
Nakama: …Actually, I wasn’t talking about Suzaku-sensei, Airon.
Airon: (He turned to her with a smirk as she said this.) …I know.
Reassured by this, Nakama smiled and returned her gaze to the arena floor, while Airon turned to his grandfather, hoping for an amusing remark to lighten up the mood.
Airon: Thoughts, Grandpa?
Naruto: (Caught off guard, he looked down at Airon in silence for a brief moment, eventually giving him what he was after.) How the hell would I know? I just thought it sounded like the right thing to say to him.
Chuckling softly at this, Airon turned back to the arena floor along with everyone else, eager to see what match-up would follow.
Airon’s faith in Minto pays off, …but what effect does this defeat have on Raiden!!?
The End
