Chakra Wizard
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This one’s definitely my favorite match from the first round. Pullin’ out a lot of good stops here*_* lol Hope you enjoy
Here’s my previous chapters, for those who missed any:
Chapter 060: Swordplay
As Z preserved his strength and took Nakama’s supplied route to the arena floor, Minto turned to Inase in question upon witnessing her brother’s pre-match antics.
Minto: So he didn’t even see the end of the match?
Inase: Yeah, I dunno what he just up and left for.
He barely had time to ask another question before they were interrupted by a new arrival, bursting through the entrance to the corridors with his face and chest still covered in bandages.
Inase: Wow. So nice of you to join us, Kei.
Kei: Huhhh…huhhh…huhhh…did I…huhhh…miss…huhhh…Airon’s…huhhh…match?
Minto: (He looked away and brushed his tongue over his teeth before answering, a bit disappointed that he gave no thought towards his own progress in the tournament.) Nope, just mine.
Kei: Oh, great. So how’d you do, man?
Those around him immediately looked towards one another, the almost synchronized manner in which they did so causing them to break out laughing – or, at the very least, chuckle – in the next moment, much to Kei’s confusion and irritation.
Kei: What? What the heck happened-
Inase: Just watch the match, Kei. Please, just stop talking and watch it.
As this episode came to an end, the Kage engaged in yet another pre-match discussion, one that started with a recollection of the fight between Manako and Sabure.
Konohamaru: And now, the second-most anticipated match this round.
Kurotsuchi: Hmhm, seems that way. And quite the introduction, as well. …Based off the preliminaries, I can only imagine what else he has in store for this audience.
Gaara: The ability to read minds and a level of chakra control with no rival…I have no doubts as to who this match’s victor will be.
Chōjūrō: I’d have to agree, based off what we all saw from him one month ago.
B: Aw, come on, y’all! You fools gotta give Z a chance to strut his stuff! He’s gonna lay him down fo sho, just watch it!
Konohamaru: Hmhmhm, awfully confident in Z, aren’t you, B? Is he your student or your grandson by any chance?
B: Nah, he’s just my little homeboy, y’know? Talk to ol’ Darui here if you wanna see about his teacher.
He patted Darui on his back as he spoke, much to his annoyance but reluctant toleration. Hearing B’s words, he was approached shortly after by Naruto, who proceeded to lean against the wall between him and Kurotsuchi.
Naruto: So he was your student, eh, Darui? …Hehe, for your sake, I hope he’s skilled enough to go head-to-head with Airon.
Darui: (He looked up at him out of the corner of his eye with mild irritation, though he eventually replied with a smile.) Sorry, Naruto, but I think it’s your grandson whose perhaps in over his head this match.
Naruto: (He could only grin in response, having seen Airon’s full potential on several occasions already.) (Hmhm, you have no idea, Darui.)
In the stands below, his son was also showcasing this level of confidence, the contrast with his attitude during the match between his other two children triggering a remark from his rival sitting next to him.
Itachi: You don’t seem very worried this time, Bolt.
Boruto: Hehe, why should I be? …There’s not a genin alive who can take down Airon…and only two who can tie with him.
He added the last part upon seeing Itachi’s expression, prompting them both to look away in amusement. In the front row of their sections, Z’s teammates also expressed their support, most of it coming from Tomoi.
Tomoi: Come on, Z!! You got this!! Send that punk crying home to his momma!!
Sakebi: (A subtle cough coming from nearby prompted him to look behind him, finding to his dismay that Inoue was now looking down at Tomoi in irritation.) (Ah hell, now she’s got a vendetta started with them.) Show him what’s good, Z! He ain’t got no chance in hell!
Tomoi seemed to agree with his words, though the seasoned Cloud shinobi sitting next to her took a much more analytical approach to this figurative statement.
Omoi: Well, he is Naruto Uzumaki’s grandson, so he certainly has the potential to be more powerful than Z. And he showed the ability to read minds in the preliminary matches, so that’s a clear advantage from the start. Z has his sword, but there’s the chance he’s an even better swordsman than him. Of course, he has his other techniques, too, but even if-
Tomoi: Grandpa, will you stop doing that already!? You’re killin’ the vibe here! He’s gonna kick his ass, just watch!
This outburst quickly came to an end as Z set foot on the arena floor at long last, prompting Airon to slide off his overcoat and allow it to fall to the ground, stepping back and away from it before slowing removing his shirt. Several women in the stands ogled this arrogant display while just as many men looked on in annoyance, and he slipped it up and over his head to reveal the chest piece decorated with numerous weights resting beneath, which he proceeded to undo the side and shoulder straps of before allowing it to fall around his feet, sinking slightly as they hit the ground.
Airon: Ahhhh, …much better.
He looked over at Z with a smile as he awaited his response, only for Z to roll up his sleeves and pant legs to reveal weights of his own, which he also removed as Airon put his shirt and overcoat back on.
Airon: (This might be more fun than I thought.)
Inase: (You did not just run into the corridors to slip those on while Minto was still fighting.)
Airon: (Hehehehe, well, Chan inspired me, so I just ran with it.)
Inase simply rubbed her eyes in disbelief while beside her, Airon’s two rivals gazed down at him from the balcony, the younger of the two with worry in her eyes and the other with anticipation in his.
Nakama: (Come on, Airon.)
Manako: (I hope you’re planning to save some of your techniques for our match, Airon. …The last thing this audience wants is for our match to be more of the same.)
Airon: (Hmhmhmhm, no need to worry, Manako. …I have things I’m hoping to save for Nakama, much less for you.)
Thereby implying that he was going to defeat him in the semi-finals, Manako smirked down at him as Airon took his position and rested his right hand on his katana.
Airon: Aside from a few obvious exceptions, Z, I choose those I wish to fight based mainly off their skills with a weapon. …Try not to disappoint me.
Z: (Grinning in response, he reached behind him and placed his hand on his own weapon.) Took them words right outta my mouth. …You ain’t gonna mindread your way outta this, are ya?
Airon: Hmhmhm…now where’d be the fun in that?
Seeing that both of them were ready and eager to begin, Baiko raised his arm as the entire stadium fell silent.
Baiko: Alright, …if both of you are ready, …begin!
Both of them immediately charged one another, the first clash of their blades ending with Z on the offensive and Airon on the defensive for the time being.
Inase: So he starts with the swords…no surprise there.
Manako: …Nor will the outcome be, I’m sure.
Both combatants chose a one-handed fighting style, with Z putting more effort into his footwork while Airon had seemingly resolved to showing off as many hand tricks as possible. Whatever the case, his tactics were clearly working in his favor, as it wasn’t long before he turned the tables and took the offensive, his swings giving Z a great deal of trouble as made obvious by his tense expression. Once they broke away for the first time in the match, though, he couldn’t help but share how impressed he was.
Z: You sure know your way around a sword, dog.
Airon: (He smirked in response.) Keep it up, homeboy. …I’m still not impressed yet.
They charged each other again, Z channeling lightning-enhanced chakra through his sword right beforehand, a tactic Airon quickly mimicked as their blades touched. Once again, Airon quickly gained the upper hand, effortlessly dodging or blocking Z’s swings while the latter had a far more difficult time doing the same. Feeling the same sense of wonder Z felt hardly a minute before, Darui turned to the boy’s grandfather to convey these feelings.
Darui: I have to say, I’m rather impressed by your grandson’s sword skills.
Naruto: (He smirked in response, though his eyes were still focused on Airon, admiration in them as he continued watching their match.) You’ve got no idea, Darui. …He’s probably the best swordsman I’ve ever seen.
Darui: Hmhm, well, for a village not so renowned for its swordsmen, I suppose you don’t see too many of them in action. Sorry to be blunt, but that’s-
Naruto: No, you don’t understand. …I was in the war, remember? I fought with you, with B, Sasuke, Suigetsu, the samurai from the Land of Iron. Hell, the first big-time bad guy I ever had to fight in my life was Zabuza from the Mist. …I’ve seen plenty of great swordsmen…but I’ve NEVER seen one as good as Airon.
His eyes widening in what bordered on shock, Darui looked back down at Airon, finding to his astonishment that there wasn’t a hint of exhaustion on his face, as compared to Z, who was slowly being drained of all his energy. His teammates noticed this, as well, each of them responding in their own expected manners.
Tomoi: What the hell…there’s no way. Hey, Z, what’s goin’ on!? You’re not letting him win, are ya!?
Omoi: So he actually is a better swordsman than him. And if that’s the case, the odds of him being able to counter his other techniques-
Tomoi: Gramps, I’m serious! You’re throwing him off, I know you are!
Sakebi: (Jeez, could she get more hostile? That’s her grandfather she’s gettin’ on, holy shit.) C’mon, bro! You gotta do better than that!
Tomoi: (She quickly spun around and slammed her fist against the top of his head.) So it’s YOU whose throwing Z’s game off! I knew it!! Now cut it out!!
As they continued to fight overhead, Airon’s swings of his sword gradually became more and more effortless as Z’s worry intensified, eventually culminating in the former knocking the latter’s sword up into the air, where it twirled rapidly before sticking into the ground a short distance behind him. Z looked over at his disarmed weapon in shock, only to have his attention redirected as Airon stretched out his arm and held the tip of his sword up to his chin, smiling profusely as he did.
Airon: Like I said…still not impressed.
Z: (He frowned back at him as he stood there, his chin stuck up in the air to avoid the sword.) That was a pretty lucky call, dog. …Little too lucky if you askin’ me.
He was obviously hinting that he believed Airon’s ability to read minds was the cause for this early setback, prompting him to smirk in amusement before explaining himself.
Airon: Luck had nothing to do with it. Your skills are up there, Z, don’t get me wrong, but the patterns you’re using follow one of the more common styles of swordsmanship, so they’re pretty easy to predict. I noticed them pretty early on, just from watching your opening stance to be frank, and in all honestly…I think those teachings of yours are holding back your potential.
Z gritted his teeth as he said this, in the meanwhile Airon lowered his sword and took a few steps back, allowing him a moment of relief.
Z: Pffft, please, dog. So you noticed how I wave my sword around. I just gotta read your movements and we’ll be square-
Airon: See, that’s where you’re wrong, my friend. I don’t follow anyone’s teachings, nor do I follow any particular pattern. …I just go with the flow. I don’t try to copy someone else’s methods.
Z began clenching his fists, obviously under the impression that he was discrediting the methods taught to him by Darui, a misunderstanding Airon quickly corrected.
Airon: Like I said, don’t get me wrong, Z. As far as your particular teachings go, you’re up there with the best and I mean that, but if you ever wanna be a true master with a sword, you gotta learn to create your own style of swordplay…one only you can read and only you can perform.
Z’s anger ceased shortly afterwards, though his frown remained, now directed towards what he deemed to be conceit on Airon’s part.
Z: So what’re you sayin’? You created your own style, that it?
Airon: Hmhmhmhm, well, of course.
He tossed his sword off to the right, spinning through the air until it suddenly stopped and began soaring in the opposite direction as the audience looked on in amazement. Narrowly missing Airon’s nose as it sped past him, the sword traveled roughly the same distance to the left before spinning back towards Airon, where he reached out and caught the handle in front of his face with precise timing.
Airon: Who else do you know that can do what I do?
Seeing that Z had no answer to give, he smiled from ear to ear before reaching behind him as chakra enveloped his hand and began extending out to the air around it. It eventually settled on the handle of Z’s sword, pulling it up from the ground after some effort and drifting back towards Z, where it fell casually into his outstretched hands as Airon smiled and pointed his own sword at him.
Airon: Now then, please continue. …I’m not through having fun with you yet.
Airon dominates the match’s early stages with his superior swordsmanship!!!
The End
Here’s my previous chapters, for those who missed any:
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Chapter 060: Swordplay
As Z preserved his strength and took Nakama’s supplied route to the arena floor, Minto turned to Inase in question upon witnessing her brother’s pre-match antics.
Minto: So he didn’t even see the end of the match?
Inase: Yeah, I dunno what he just up and left for.
He barely had time to ask another question before they were interrupted by a new arrival, bursting through the entrance to the corridors with his face and chest still covered in bandages.
Inase: Wow. So nice of you to join us, Kei.
Kei: Huhhh…huhhh…huhhh…did I…huhhh…miss…huhhh…Airon’s…huhhh…match?
Minto: (He looked away and brushed his tongue over his teeth before answering, a bit disappointed that he gave no thought towards his own progress in the tournament.) Nope, just mine.
Kei: Oh, great. So how’d you do, man?
Those around him immediately looked towards one another, the almost synchronized manner in which they did so causing them to break out laughing – or, at the very least, chuckle – in the next moment, much to Kei’s confusion and irritation.
Kei: What? What the heck happened-
Inase: Just watch the match, Kei. Please, just stop talking and watch it.
As this episode came to an end, the Kage engaged in yet another pre-match discussion, one that started with a recollection of the fight between Manako and Sabure.
Konohamaru: And now, the second-most anticipated match this round.
Kurotsuchi: Hmhm, seems that way. And quite the introduction, as well. …Based off the preliminaries, I can only imagine what else he has in store for this audience.
Gaara: The ability to read minds and a level of chakra control with no rival…I have no doubts as to who this match’s victor will be.
Chōjūrō: I’d have to agree, based off what we all saw from him one month ago.
B: Aw, come on, y’all! You fools gotta give Z a chance to strut his stuff! He’s gonna lay him down fo sho, just watch it!
Konohamaru: Hmhmhm, awfully confident in Z, aren’t you, B? Is he your student or your grandson by any chance?
B: Nah, he’s just my little homeboy, y’know? Talk to ol’ Darui here if you wanna see about his teacher.
He patted Darui on his back as he spoke, much to his annoyance but reluctant toleration. Hearing B’s words, he was approached shortly after by Naruto, who proceeded to lean against the wall between him and Kurotsuchi.
Naruto: So he was your student, eh, Darui? …Hehe, for your sake, I hope he’s skilled enough to go head-to-head with Airon.
Darui: (He looked up at him out of the corner of his eye with mild irritation, though he eventually replied with a smile.) Sorry, Naruto, but I think it’s your grandson whose perhaps in over his head this match.
Naruto: (He could only grin in response, having seen Airon’s full potential on several occasions already.) (Hmhm, you have no idea, Darui.)
In the stands below, his son was also showcasing this level of confidence, the contrast with his attitude during the match between his other two children triggering a remark from his rival sitting next to him.
Itachi: You don’t seem very worried this time, Bolt.
Boruto: Hehe, why should I be? …There’s not a genin alive who can take down Airon…and only two who can tie with him.
He added the last part upon seeing Itachi’s expression, prompting them both to look away in amusement. In the front row of their sections, Z’s teammates also expressed their support, most of it coming from Tomoi.
Tomoi: Come on, Z!! You got this!! Send that punk crying home to his momma!!
Sakebi: (A subtle cough coming from nearby prompted him to look behind him, finding to his dismay that Inoue was now looking down at Tomoi in irritation.) (Ah hell, now she’s got a vendetta started with them.) Show him what’s good, Z! He ain’t got no chance in hell!
Tomoi seemed to agree with his words, though the seasoned Cloud shinobi sitting next to her took a much more analytical approach to this figurative statement.
Omoi: Well, he is Naruto Uzumaki’s grandson, so he certainly has the potential to be more powerful than Z. And he showed the ability to read minds in the preliminary matches, so that’s a clear advantage from the start. Z has his sword, but there’s the chance he’s an even better swordsman than him. Of course, he has his other techniques, too, but even if-
Tomoi: Grandpa, will you stop doing that already!? You’re killin’ the vibe here! He’s gonna kick his ass, just watch!
This outburst quickly came to an end as Z set foot on the arena floor at long last, prompting Airon to slide off his overcoat and allow it to fall to the ground, stepping back and away from it before slowing removing his shirt. Several women in the stands ogled this arrogant display while just as many men looked on in annoyance, and he slipped it up and over his head to reveal the chest piece decorated with numerous weights resting beneath, which he proceeded to undo the side and shoulder straps of before allowing it to fall around his feet, sinking slightly as they hit the ground.
Airon: Ahhhh, …much better.
He looked over at Z with a smile as he awaited his response, only for Z to roll up his sleeves and pant legs to reveal weights of his own, which he also removed as Airon put his shirt and overcoat back on.
Airon: (This might be more fun than I thought.)
Inase: (You did not just run into the corridors to slip those on while Minto was still fighting.)
Airon: (Hehehehe, well, Chan inspired me, so I just ran with it.)
Inase simply rubbed her eyes in disbelief while beside her, Airon’s two rivals gazed down at him from the balcony, the younger of the two with worry in her eyes and the other with anticipation in his.
Nakama: (Come on, Airon.)
Manako: (I hope you’re planning to save some of your techniques for our match, Airon. …The last thing this audience wants is for our match to be more of the same.)
Airon: (Hmhmhmhm, no need to worry, Manako. …I have things I’m hoping to save for Nakama, much less for you.)
Thereby implying that he was going to defeat him in the semi-finals, Manako smirked down at him as Airon took his position and rested his right hand on his katana.
Airon: Aside from a few obvious exceptions, Z, I choose those I wish to fight based mainly off their skills with a weapon. …Try not to disappoint me.
Z: (Grinning in response, he reached behind him and placed his hand on his own weapon.) Took them words right outta my mouth. …You ain’t gonna mindread your way outta this, are ya?
Airon: Hmhmhm…now where’d be the fun in that?
Seeing that both of them were ready and eager to begin, Baiko raised his arm as the entire stadium fell silent.
Baiko: Alright, …if both of you are ready, …begin!
Both of them immediately charged one another, the first clash of their blades ending with Z on the offensive and Airon on the defensive for the time being.
Inase: So he starts with the swords…no surprise there.
Manako: …Nor will the outcome be, I’m sure.
Both combatants chose a one-handed fighting style, with Z putting more effort into his footwork while Airon had seemingly resolved to showing off as many hand tricks as possible. Whatever the case, his tactics were clearly working in his favor, as it wasn’t long before he turned the tables and took the offensive, his swings giving Z a great deal of trouble as made obvious by his tense expression. Once they broke away for the first time in the match, though, he couldn’t help but share how impressed he was.
Z: You sure know your way around a sword, dog.
Airon: (He smirked in response.) Keep it up, homeboy. …I’m still not impressed yet.
They charged each other again, Z channeling lightning-enhanced chakra through his sword right beforehand, a tactic Airon quickly mimicked as their blades touched. Once again, Airon quickly gained the upper hand, effortlessly dodging or blocking Z’s swings while the latter had a far more difficult time doing the same. Feeling the same sense of wonder Z felt hardly a minute before, Darui turned to the boy’s grandfather to convey these feelings.
Darui: I have to say, I’m rather impressed by your grandson’s sword skills.
Naruto: (He smirked in response, though his eyes were still focused on Airon, admiration in them as he continued watching their match.) You’ve got no idea, Darui. …He’s probably the best swordsman I’ve ever seen.
Darui: Hmhm, well, for a village not so renowned for its swordsmen, I suppose you don’t see too many of them in action. Sorry to be blunt, but that’s-
Naruto: No, you don’t understand. …I was in the war, remember? I fought with you, with B, Sasuke, Suigetsu, the samurai from the Land of Iron. Hell, the first big-time bad guy I ever had to fight in my life was Zabuza from the Mist. …I’ve seen plenty of great swordsmen…but I’ve NEVER seen one as good as Airon.
His eyes widening in what bordered on shock, Darui looked back down at Airon, finding to his astonishment that there wasn’t a hint of exhaustion on his face, as compared to Z, who was slowly being drained of all his energy. His teammates noticed this, as well, each of them responding in their own expected manners.
Tomoi: What the hell…there’s no way. Hey, Z, what’s goin’ on!? You’re not letting him win, are ya!?
Omoi: So he actually is a better swordsman than him. And if that’s the case, the odds of him being able to counter his other techniques-
Tomoi: Gramps, I’m serious! You’re throwing him off, I know you are!
Sakebi: (Jeez, could she get more hostile? That’s her grandfather she’s gettin’ on, holy shit.) C’mon, bro! You gotta do better than that!
Tomoi: (She quickly spun around and slammed her fist against the top of his head.) So it’s YOU whose throwing Z’s game off! I knew it!! Now cut it out!!
As they continued to fight overhead, Airon’s swings of his sword gradually became more and more effortless as Z’s worry intensified, eventually culminating in the former knocking the latter’s sword up into the air, where it twirled rapidly before sticking into the ground a short distance behind him. Z looked over at his disarmed weapon in shock, only to have his attention redirected as Airon stretched out his arm and held the tip of his sword up to his chin, smiling profusely as he did.
Airon: Like I said…still not impressed.
Z: (He frowned back at him as he stood there, his chin stuck up in the air to avoid the sword.) That was a pretty lucky call, dog. …Little too lucky if you askin’ me.
He was obviously hinting that he believed Airon’s ability to read minds was the cause for this early setback, prompting him to smirk in amusement before explaining himself.
Airon: Luck had nothing to do with it. Your skills are up there, Z, don’t get me wrong, but the patterns you’re using follow one of the more common styles of swordsmanship, so they’re pretty easy to predict. I noticed them pretty early on, just from watching your opening stance to be frank, and in all honestly…I think those teachings of yours are holding back your potential.
Z gritted his teeth as he said this, in the meanwhile Airon lowered his sword and took a few steps back, allowing him a moment of relief.
Z: Pffft, please, dog. So you noticed how I wave my sword around. I just gotta read your movements and we’ll be square-
Airon: See, that’s where you’re wrong, my friend. I don’t follow anyone’s teachings, nor do I follow any particular pattern. …I just go with the flow. I don’t try to copy someone else’s methods.
Z began clenching his fists, obviously under the impression that he was discrediting the methods taught to him by Darui, a misunderstanding Airon quickly corrected.
Airon: Like I said, don’t get me wrong, Z. As far as your particular teachings go, you’re up there with the best and I mean that, but if you ever wanna be a true master with a sword, you gotta learn to create your own style of swordplay…one only you can read and only you can perform.
Z’s anger ceased shortly afterwards, though his frown remained, now directed towards what he deemed to be conceit on Airon’s part.
Z: So what’re you sayin’? You created your own style, that it?
Airon: Hmhmhmhm, well, of course.
He tossed his sword off to the right, spinning through the air until it suddenly stopped and began soaring in the opposite direction as the audience looked on in amazement. Narrowly missing Airon’s nose as it sped past him, the sword traveled roughly the same distance to the left before spinning back towards Airon, where he reached out and caught the handle in front of his face with precise timing.
Airon: Who else do you know that can do what I do?
Seeing that Z had no answer to give, he smiled from ear to ear before reaching behind him as chakra enveloped his hand and began extending out to the air around it. It eventually settled on the handle of Z’s sword, pulling it up from the ground after some effort and drifting back towards Z, where it fell casually into his outstretched hands as Airon smiled and pointed his own sword at him.
Airon: Now then, please continue. …I’m not through having fun with you yet.
Airon dominates the match’s early stages with his superior swordsmanship!!!
The End
