Chakra Wizard
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Alright, part two of the undoubtedly emotional chapter from last time*_* lol See if I can finish this one off right. As always, enjoy
Here’s my previous chapters, for those who missed any:
Chapter 058: Breakthrough
Not long after Susanoo and the Mangekyō Sharingan emerged did both disappear once again, leaving in their wake only a small trickle of blood beneath Manako’s right eye, which he proceeded to hold his hand over as he closed his eyes in recollection.
Manako: (Mom…I’m sorry.)
The sudden choice on Manako’s part was one much of the audience was quick to question, including some of his peers watching from the balcony.
Z: Wait a sec. That thing brushed off the glass like it was nothin’. Why the hell’d he stop using it?
Airon: (He nodded his head forward to direct his attention.) Take a quick look at his eye, Z.
Z: (He squinted to get a better look, his eyes widening upon noticing the blood.) Whoa, what the hell happened to him?
Airon: That’s one of the side effects of using the Mangekyō Sharingan. It puts the eye under a tremendous amount of pressure that damages their eyesight, even taking it away completely if it’s used too much. …That particular technique also shortens the user’s lifespan the longer it’s active, so he tries to avoid using it as often as he can.
Up in the stands, the fathers of the two rivals also spoke briefly about the short-lived appearance of Manako’s most neglected technique.
Boruto: Phew, talk about a close call. …I never thought he’d have to use Susanoo in a match like this.
Itachi: (He nodded in agreement, responding with his knowledge of his son’s habits in mind.) If at all possible, he’ll avoid having to again.
Further up in the section directly across, Hinata continued clutching her chest in light of Manako’s recent brush with death, her soft yet heavy breaths catching the attention of even her blind cousin.
Neji: Are you alright, Hinata?
Hinata: (She took a deep breath before smiling up at him.) I think my heart just skipped a beat.
Neji: (He smiled at this before reaching his hand out in her direction, eventually finding her shoulder.) He’s a very powerful ninja, Hinata. He’ll pull through this match without a hitch, so don’t worry so much about him.
She placed her hand on top of his and smiled back, thankful for his words, before turning her attention back towards the arena floor, where Manako was still contemplating his next course of action.
Manako: (Fire obviously doesn’t affect it, so I doubt wind or water will, either. Kirin nearly worked, but that’s the most powerful lightning technique I have…there has to be something else I can use.)
Thinking over it a moment longer, he eventually made up his mind and held up his hand, curling his fingers inwards as chakra began building up at its center, giving off a shrieking noise that both his grandfathers recognized all too well.
Naruto: He’s resorting to the Chidori, it looks like.
Sasuke: (But why? Manako, that’s obviously not going to pierce it…what are you beating around the bush for?)
Rather than charge forward as the technique was traditionally used, Manako focused the chakra into a long beam that extended forward and collided with Sabure’s outstretched arms, barely grazing the glass running over them. He continued with this in the hopes that it would eventually drill its way through, ultimately coming to a stop when it became clear his efforts would only be in vain.
Sabure: You’re gonna have to do better than that, Manako Uchiha!
Focusing her chakra around her hands, the glass surrounding them began expanding and morphing until they became connected by a long staff, at the ends of which stood a bizarre pattern of sharp protrusions that extended out from one side in a manner similar to an axe. She ran forward once the makeshift weapon had been completed to her liking, her attacks once again proving no challenge to Manako’s evasive abilities, but as she swung at him, he couldn’t help noticing that she was still pumping chakra into it.
Manako: (She’s still pouring her chakra into that glass…but for what?)
Sabure: I’ve got ya now!!
Before Manako had even realized it, the protrusions on either side of Sabure’s strange weapon had extended out and around his arms, leaving him trapped between the sharp spines that made up its complex blades. He noticed just in time to avoid a fatal misstep in either direction, but even his renowned reflexes couldn’t stop him from suffering a few deep cuts across his back as he leapt up and away to safety, leaving virtually everyone in the stadium in shock.
Inase: He’s been injured…unbelievable.
Irezumi: (Equally surprised, he turned to Airon with his take on the unexpected turn of events.) You and Nakama have new competition, it seems.
Airon made no attempt to answer, merely clenching his fist as he stared down at his rival in disappointment, the exact opposite reaction coming from Sabure’s twin brother.
Ryūza: (You’ve done it, Sabure…now finish it.)
Throughout the stands, others of varying familiarity with Manako showing their own assorted reactions, ranging from the disillusionment seen in his cousins to the panic seen in his maternal grandmother.
Hinata: (Oh no.) Manako!
Boruto: Whoa…I thought only Airon and Nakama could do that...this girl’s got some talent. That’s for damn sure.
Itachi: (Manako…don’t do this to yourself.)
Sarada: He’s been hurt…Manako never gets hurt.
Akame: (What’s wrong with you, Manako? You never would’ve let someone do this to you…why are you still holding back?)
Katsuto: Rrrgh, come on, Manako!! What the heck are you doing!? You wanna lose this tournament, too!?
Konohamaru: I can’t believe it. I’ve even seen Airon get injured on more than one occasion, but…never Manako.
Darui: (He thought back to his predecessor two generations prior as he spoke.) The ultimate sword and shield…could it be…this girl?
Gaara: (His confidence reignited, he looked over at Sasuke with a smile.) The first hit of the match goes to Sabure, Sasuke. …I hope your grandson has more fight in him than that.
Sasuke: (He merely shrugged off this remark as he stared down at Manako in frustration.) (What are you doing, Manako? You know the answer already, so hurry up and end this match.)
Down below, Sabure allowed her weapon to dissolve before clasping her hands together once again, prompting Manako to take a step back in preparation for whatever she did next. In the forefront of his mind, though, an intruding voice was beginning to disrupt his concentration.
Airon: (I know what you’re trying to do, Manako, but there’s no point. …That’s the only option you have left.)
Manako: (…I’ve yet to try everything, Airon.)
Airon: (But when what you have tried was your best techniques, it’s obvious nothing else is going to work. …It shouldn’t take anymore than a few seconds to end this and that’s not a lot of pressure on your eyes, so just do it…use Susanoo.)
He didn’t have a chance to respond before leaping back as a long spine began extending out from the glass between Sabure’s outstretched palms. Numerous smaller protrusions sprang forth from it as it went along, some extending down into the ground to maintain balance, while others extended outward on either side, the area on which the technique focused seemingly coinciding with what direction Manako attempted to move in. His mind already wandering, he soon himself pressed against the wall of the stadium, the spines cutting off his retreat on either side while more continued to expand over his head, leaving him caged within the glass as a handful more slowly extended inward so as to impale him if he didn’t surrender soon enough. Recognizing his position at long last, Manako closed his eyes and breathed a heavy sigh.
Manako: (You win.)
The spines closed in, but before they made contact, the entire cage was suddenly shattered before Sabure’s eyes, leaving her to stare in horror at the black mass of bone and muscle that had fended off her glass once before, reemerged and larger than it appeared before.
Boruto: Looks like he caved.
Itachi: (…Manako…)
Sensing the danger she was in, Sabure immediately called off what remained of the intricate web of glass resting before her and encased herself in a thick dome. Intending to get this match over with as quickly as possible, Manako approached the barrier as those in the stands eagerly awaited what would ultimately be the climax of the entire match.
Sasuke: He actually brought it back out…let’s see if it breaks through the glass.
Darui: Sorry, Sasuke, but I’m a bit doubtful there, seeing as it stopped that huge lightning attack.
Konohamaru: Well now, don’t forget how just how powerful Susanoo is, Lord Raikage. …There are still plenty of ways this could play out.
Naruto: (…You can do it, Manako…tear it down.)
Manako took a moment to gaze into the dome directly at Sabure, who returned his gaze with terror in her eyes, before motioning for Susanoo to raise its monstrous fists and begin bashing them against the glass. The technique was indeed making headway not seen in the match since Kirin, but the cracks it made in the dome were small and quickly repaired themselves, prompting a large resurgence of confidence in its creator.
Sabure: (Even with that huge thing pounding on it, the glass still holds up. …Heh, looks like I win again, Grandpa. It doesn’t matter what they throw at me.)
No sooner after this thought crossed her mind, Susanoo lifted one of its hands again, conjuring up a large sword of the same black aura which it proceeded to bring down upon the dome, penetrating it with relative ease.
Sabure: What!?
She tumbled to the ground in disbelief as the entrance point of the sword quickly gave way to numerous fractures and chips in the barrier, shattering it once they had extended far enough out, her armor protecting her from the sharp fragments it created. She made no attempt to get up and retreat, though, too overcome with shock to do so, as were her two biggest supporters.
Ryūza: …Sabure…
Gaara: …That’s impossible.
Manako immediately lined up the sword with Sabure’s chest, warning her of what would come to pass if she choose to carry the match out any longer. His threat ultimately worked, as the armor standing between her and Susanoo’s blade vanished, a sign of forfeit the proctor immediately noticed before raising his arm to officially end the match.
Baiko: The winner is…Manako Uchiha!!
What followed was an applause unrivalled by any previous point in the tournament, as several members of the audience rose to their feet to commend the two extremely talented genin. Among them, Hinata remained seated, clutching her chest in relief as she leaned over in her chair.
Hinata: Phew…thank goodness.
Neji smiled in amusement at this from two seats away, while his wife Shien rubbed her back to comfort her further. In the adjacent second, Hinata’s son also expressed relief to his rival.
Boruto: Hoo boy, looks like he pulled through after all. …Hehehe, guess our semi-final showdown is still up in the air, huh?
Still thinking about his son down below, Itachi managed a smile at this as Manako finally brought his technique to an end and deactivated his Mangekyō Sharingan, walking up to Sabure and holding out his hand.
Manako: There are only two or three other genin I’ve know whose strength I genuinely acknowledge and respect. …That was truly an amazing match, Sabure.
Sabure: (Still overwhelmed by the contents of the match’s closing moments, she noted the gentle smile on his face and managed a reply as admiration came over her.) Th-thank you…Manako.
After some hesitation, she latched ahold of his hand and was quickly hoisted up, returning his smile at long last before the two ventured off towards Nakama’s newly arisen pathway. Manako’s grandfathers watched this from above, smiling at the similarities he shared with both of them.
Naruto: Hehe, he really does have the best of both worlds, doesn’t he?
Sasuke: (He exchanged pleased expressions with Sakura before replying.) Hmhm, you could say that.
Sasuke turned around to face Gaara immediately after, their brief opposition having ended with the match below.
Sasuke: Now that the match is over, Gaara, I must admit…I didn’t expect anyone would give Manako such trouble before the semi-finals. …Your granddaughter is a very impressive kunoichi.
Gaara: (Expecting to see some smugness in his expression, he looked up at him a few moments longer before finally turning away.) Thank you, Sasuke. …Her improvement has really shown during her last few months of training.
Kankurō: (He nodded in agreement as he gazed down at his grandniece.) Yeah, it has. …Damn, just thinking about it, I still can’t believe she didn’t win.
Kurotsuchi: Hmhmhm…I myself honestly can’t say which of the two I’m more impressed with, even considering that this is a match with a clear winner.
Konohamaru: (He scanned his colleagues on either side of him as he responded.) That’s true of most of us, it seems. …These two have prosperous careers awaiting them, that’s for certain.
The other Kage nodded in agreement as Manako and Sabure returned to their own balcony, the latter walking over to stand beside her still entranced brother.
Ryūza: We’ve lost the exams…all that time spent preparing to face these other genin, even holding off for two years just to face this specific group.
Sabure: (She smiled over at Manako as she replied, blushing a little as she did.) We couldn’t do anything about it, brother. Some ninja are just that talented. …I’m proud I had the chance to fight him, actually.
As Ryūza looked at her in confusion, Manako walked up to Airon, turning around once he motioned for him to. As he held his hand out and began focusing chakra over Manako’s wounds, he gently rubbed his finger beneath his eye and smiled in amusement.
Airon: (You’ve still got a little something right there.)
Manako: (Very funny.)
Airon: (His expression quickly became more serious.) (I still don’t see why you hesitate to use those eyes, Manako, even for a brief second.)
Manako: (But you know my reasoning, Airon. …Those powers symbolize the reason my mother’s not here to see my victory today. Neglecting to use them…it just makes me feel like maybe they aren’t really there, and that she might’ve actually died for…other reasons.)
Airon: (He paused a moment to focus on treating his wound, eventually coming up with a viable response.) (I can’t imagine what that must feel like, Manako, and honestly, I hope I never do. If I can at least offer one suggestion, though…you got those eyes the moment you realized your mother’s death was a product of your birth, after going through the mental trauma of having that realization. But perhaps you can think of it more as…your mother’s final gift to you. The moment you began blaming yourself for her death, she gave you those eyes to assure you that it was in no way your fault…and that she continues to love you no matter what you think you might’ve done.)
He finished closing his wound only seconds later, and Manako turned back to face him in the following moment, a smirk etched across his face.
Manako: (Somehow, that makes sense, Airon.)
Airon smiled in amusement at this as the third member of their powerhouse trifecta walked up to congratulate the match’s victor.
Nakama: Congratulations on the win, Manako. I think most of us worried you wouldn’t pull through on more than one occasion.
Manako: (He smiled in appreciation.) Thank you, Nakama. …I’m looking forward to our match in the finals.
Airon: Hold on, who said she’d be fighting YOU in the finals?
Both Airon and Nakama laughed at this while Manako smiled in amusement, turning away as he began wiping the blood from beneath his eye. He held out his hand once this was done and looked at it for the longest time, staring down at the bloodstains until finally, he looked up at the skies and closed his fist, smiling for the mother he knew was looking down on him at that moment.
Manako shatters Sabure’s defense – a historic accomplishment!!!
The End
Here’s my previous chapters, for those who missed any:
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Chapter 058: Breakthrough
Not long after Susanoo and the Mangekyō Sharingan emerged did both disappear once again, leaving in their wake only a small trickle of blood beneath Manako’s right eye, which he proceeded to hold his hand over as he closed his eyes in recollection.
Manako: (Mom…I’m sorry.)
The sudden choice on Manako’s part was one much of the audience was quick to question, including some of his peers watching from the balcony.
Z: Wait a sec. That thing brushed off the glass like it was nothin’. Why the hell’d he stop using it?
Airon: (He nodded his head forward to direct his attention.) Take a quick look at his eye, Z.
Z: (He squinted to get a better look, his eyes widening upon noticing the blood.) Whoa, what the hell happened to him?
Airon: That’s one of the side effects of using the Mangekyō Sharingan. It puts the eye under a tremendous amount of pressure that damages their eyesight, even taking it away completely if it’s used too much. …That particular technique also shortens the user’s lifespan the longer it’s active, so he tries to avoid using it as often as he can.
Up in the stands, the fathers of the two rivals also spoke briefly about the short-lived appearance of Manako’s most neglected technique.
Boruto: Phew, talk about a close call. …I never thought he’d have to use Susanoo in a match like this.
Itachi: (He nodded in agreement, responding with his knowledge of his son’s habits in mind.) If at all possible, he’ll avoid having to again.
Further up in the section directly across, Hinata continued clutching her chest in light of Manako’s recent brush with death, her soft yet heavy breaths catching the attention of even her blind cousin.
Neji: Are you alright, Hinata?
Hinata: (She took a deep breath before smiling up at him.) I think my heart just skipped a beat.
Neji: (He smiled at this before reaching his hand out in her direction, eventually finding her shoulder.) He’s a very powerful ninja, Hinata. He’ll pull through this match without a hitch, so don’t worry so much about him.
She placed her hand on top of his and smiled back, thankful for his words, before turning her attention back towards the arena floor, where Manako was still contemplating his next course of action.
Manako: (Fire obviously doesn’t affect it, so I doubt wind or water will, either. Kirin nearly worked, but that’s the most powerful lightning technique I have…there has to be something else I can use.)
Thinking over it a moment longer, he eventually made up his mind and held up his hand, curling his fingers inwards as chakra began building up at its center, giving off a shrieking noise that both his grandfathers recognized all too well.
Naruto: He’s resorting to the Chidori, it looks like.
Sasuke: (But why? Manako, that’s obviously not going to pierce it…what are you beating around the bush for?)
Rather than charge forward as the technique was traditionally used, Manako focused the chakra into a long beam that extended forward and collided with Sabure’s outstretched arms, barely grazing the glass running over them. He continued with this in the hopes that it would eventually drill its way through, ultimately coming to a stop when it became clear his efforts would only be in vain.
Sabure: You’re gonna have to do better than that, Manako Uchiha!
Focusing her chakra around her hands, the glass surrounding them began expanding and morphing until they became connected by a long staff, at the ends of which stood a bizarre pattern of sharp protrusions that extended out from one side in a manner similar to an axe. She ran forward once the makeshift weapon had been completed to her liking, her attacks once again proving no challenge to Manako’s evasive abilities, but as she swung at him, he couldn’t help noticing that she was still pumping chakra into it.
Manako: (She’s still pouring her chakra into that glass…but for what?)
Sabure: I’ve got ya now!!
Before Manako had even realized it, the protrusions on either side of Sabure’s strange weapon had extended out and around his arms, leaving him trapped between the sharp spines that made up its complex blades. He noticed just in time to avoid a fatal misstep in either direction, but even his renowned reflexes couldn’t stop him from suffering a few deep cuts across his back as he leapt up and away to safety, leaving virtually everyone in the stadium in shock.
Inase: He’s been injured…unbelievable.
Irezumi: (Equally surprised, he turned to Airon with his take on the unexpected turn of events.) You and Nakama have new competition, it seems.
Airon made no attempt to answer, merely clenching his fist as he stared down at his rival in disappointment, the exact opposite reaction coming from Sabure’s twin brother.
Ryūza: (You’ve done it, Sabure…now finish it.)
Throughout the stands, others of varying familiarity with Manako showing their own assorted reactions, ranging from the disillusionment seen in his cousins to the panic seen in his maternal grandmother.
Hinata: (Oh no.) Manako!
Boruto: Whoa…I thought only Airon and Nakama could do that...this girl’s got some talent. That’s for damn sure.
Itachi: (Manako…don’t do this to yourself.)
Sarada: He’s been hurt…Manako never gets hurt.
Akame: (What’s wrong with you, Manako? You never would’ve let someone do this to you…why are you still holding back?)
Katsuto: Rrrgh, come on, Manako!! What the heck are you doing!? You wanna lose this tournament, too!?
Konohamaru: I can’t believe it. I’ve even seen Airon get injured on more than one occasion, but…never Manako.
Darui: (He thought back to his predecessor two generations prior as he spoke.) The ultimate sword and shield…could it be…this girl?
Gaara: (His confidence reignited, he looked over at Sasuke with a smile.) The first hit of the match goes to Sabure, Sasuke. …I hope your grandson has more fight in him than that.
Sasuke: (He merely shrugged off this remark as he stared down at Manako in frustration.) (What are you doing, Manako? You know the answer already, so hurry up and end this match.)
Down below, Sabure allowed her weapon to dissolve before clasping her hands together once again, prompting Manako to take a step back in preparation for whatever she did next. In the forefront of his mind, though, an intruding voice was beginning to disrupt his concentration.
Airon: (I know what you’re trying to do, Manako, but there’s no point. …That’s the only option you have left.)
Manako: (…I’ve yet to try everything, Airon.)
Airon: (But when what you have tried was your best techniques, it’s obvious nothing else is going to work. …It shouldn’t take anymore than a few seconds to end this and that’s not a lot of pressure on your eyes, so just do it…use Susanoo.)
He didn’t have a chance to respond before leaping back as a long spine began extending out from the glass between Sabure’s outstretched palms. Numerous smaller protrusions sprang forth from it as it went along, some extending down into the ground to maintain balance, while others extended outward on either side, the area on which the technique focused seemingly coinciding with what direction Manako attempted to move in. His mind already wandering, he soon himself pressed against the wall of the stadium, the spines cutting off his retreat on either side while more continued to expand over his head, leaving him caged within the glass as a handful more slowly extended inward so as to impale him if he didn’t surrender soon enough. Recognizing his position at long last, Manako closed his eyes and breathed a heavy sigh.
Manako: (You win.)
The spines closed in, but before they made contact, the entire cage was suddenly shattered before Sabure’s eyes, leaving her to stare in horror at the black mass of bone and muscle that had fended off her glass once before, reemerged and larger than it appeared before.
Boruto: Looks like he caved.
Itachi: (…Manako…)
Sensing the danger she was in, Sabure immediately called off what remained of the intricate web of glass resting before her and encased herself in a thick dome. Intending to get this match over with as quickly as possible, Manako approached the barrier as those in the stands eagerly awaited what would ultimately be the climax of the entire match.
Sasuke: He actually brought it back out…let’s see if it breaks through the glass.
Darui: Sorry, Sasuke, but I’m a bit doubtful there, seeing as it stopped that huge lightning attack.
Konohamaru: Well now, don’t forget how just how powerful Susanoo is, Lord Raikage. …There are still plenty of ways this could play out.
Naruto: (…You can do it, Manako…tear it down.)
Manako took a moment to gaze into the dome directly at Sabure, who returned his gaze with terror in her eyes, before motioning for Susanoo to raise its monstrous fists and begin bashing them against the glass. The technique was indeed making headway not seen in the match since Kirin, but the cracks it made in the dome were small and quickly repaired themselves, prompting a large resurgence of confidence in its creator.
Sabure: (Even with that huge thing pounding on it, the glass still holds up. …Heh, looks like I win again, Grandpa. It doesn’t matter what they throw at me.)
No sooner after this thought crossed her mind, Susanoo lifted one of its hands again, conjuring up a large sword of the same black aura which it proceeded to bring down upon the dome, penetrating it with relative ease.
Sabure: What!?
She tumbled to the ground in disbelief as the entrance point of the sword quickly gave way to numerous fractures and chips in the barrier, shattering it once they had extended far enough out, her armor protecting her from the sharp fragments it created. She made no attempt to get up and retreat, though, too overcome with shock to do so, as were her two biggest supporters.
Ryūza: …Sabure…
Gaara: …That’s impossible.
Manako immediately lined up the sword with Sabure’s chest, warning her of what would come to pass if she choose to carry the match out any longer. His threat ultimately worked, as the armor standing between her and Susanoo’s blade vanished, a sign of forfeit the proctor immediately noticed before raising his arm to officially end the match.
Baiko: The winner is…Manako Uchiha!!
What followed was an applause unrivalled by any previous point in the tournament, as several members of the audience rose to their feet to commend the two extremely talented genin. Among them, Hinata remained seated, clutching her chest in relief as she leaned over in her chair.
Hinata: Phew…thank goodness.
Neji smiled in amusement at this from two seats away, while his wife Shien rubbed her back to comfort her further. In the adjacent second, Hinata’s son also expressed relief to his rival.
Boruto: Hoo boy, looks like he pulled through after all. …Hehehe, guess our semi-final showdown is still up in the air, huh?
Still thinking about his son down below, Itachi managed a smile at this as Manako finally brought his technique to an end and deactivated his Mangekyō Sharingan, walking up to Sabure and holding out his hand.
Manako: There are only two or three other genin I’ve know whose strength I genuinely acknowledge and respect. …That was truly an amazing match, Sabure.
Sabure: (Still overwhelmed by the contents of the match’s closing moments, she noted the gentle smile on his face and managed a reply as admiration came over her.) Th-thank you…Manako.
After some hesitation, she latched ahold of his hand and was quickly hoisted up, returning his smile at long last before the two ventured off towards Nakama’s newly arisen pathway. Manako’s grandfathers watched this from above, smiling at the similarities he shared with both of them.
Naruto: Hehe, he really does have the best of both worlds, doesn’t he?
Sasuke: (He exchanged pleased expressions with Sakura before replying.) Hmhm, you could say that.
Sasuke turned around to face Gaara immediately after, their brief opposition having ended with the match below.
Sasuke: Now that the match is over, Gaara, I must admit…I didn’t expect anyone would give Manako such trouble before the semi-finals. …Your granddaughter is a very impressive kunoichi.
Gaara: (Expecting to see some smugness in his expression, he looked up at him a few moments longer before finally turning away.) Thank you, Sasuke. …Her improvement has really shown during her last few months of training.
Kankurō: (He nodded in agreement as he gazed down at his grandniece.) Yeah, it has. …Damn, just thinking about it, I still can’t believe she didn’t win.
Kurotsuchi: Hmhmhm…I myself honestly can’t say which of the two I’m more impressed with, even considering that this is a match with a clear winner.
Konohamaru: (He scanned his colleagues on either side of him as he responded.) That’s true of most of us, it seems. …These two have prosperous careers awaiting them, that’s for certain.
The other Kage nodded in agreement as Manako and Sabure returned to their own balcony, the latter walking over to stand beside her still entranced brother.
Ryūza: We’ve lost the exams…all that time spent preparing to face these other genin, even holding off for two years just to face this specific group.
Sabure: (She smiled over at Manako as she replied, blushing a little as she did.) We couldn’t do anything about it, brother. Some ninja are just that talented. …I’m proud I had the chance to fight him, actually.
As Ryūza looked at her in confusion, Manako walked up to Airon, turning around once he motioned for him to. As he held his hand out and began focusing chakra over Manako’s wounds, he gently rubbed his finger beneath his eye and smiled in amusement.
Airon: (You’ve still got a little something right there.)
Manako: (Very funny.)
Airon: (His expression quickly became more serious.) (I still don’t see why you hesitate to use those eyes, Manako, even for a brief second.)
Manako: (But you know my reasoning, Airon. …Those powers symbolize the reason my mother’s not here to see my victory today. Neglecting to use them…it just makes me feel like maybe they aren’t really there, and that she might’ve actually died for…other reasons.)
Airon: (He paused a moment to focus on treating his wound, eventually coming up with a viable response.) (I can’t imagine what that must feel like, Manako, and honestly, I hope I never do. If I can at least offer one suggestion, though…you got those eyes the moment you realized your mother’s death was a product of your birth, after going through the mental trauma of having that realization. But perhaps you can think of it more as…your mother’s final gift to you. The moment you began blaming yourself for her death, she gave you those eyes to assure you that it was in no way your fault…and that she continues to love you no matter what you think you might’ve done.)
He finished closing his wound only seconds later, and Manako turned back to face him in the following moment, a smirk etched across his face.
Manako: (Somehow, that makes sense, Airon.)
Airon smiled in amusement at this as the third member of their powerhouse trifecta walked up to congratulate the match’s victor.
Nakama: Congratulations on the win, Manako. I think most of us worried you wouldn’t pull through on more than one occasion.
Manako: (He smiled in appreciation.) Thank you, Nakama. …I’m looking forward to our match in the finals.
Airon: Hold on, who said she’d be fighting YOU in the finals?
Both Airon and Nakama laughed at this while Manako smiled in amusement, turning away as he began wiping the blood from beneath his eye. He held out his hand once this was done and looked at it for the longest time, staring down at the bloodstains until finally, he looked up at the skies and closed his fist, smiling for the mother he knew was looking down on him at that moment.
Manako shatters Sabure’s defense – a historic accomplishment!!!
The End
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