Chakra Wizard
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The battle continues! *_* I threw in another flashback this time, which probably made the chapter a lot longer than I’d originally intended (it might actually be the longest chapter I’ve ever done) but I’m sure my usual readers don’t mind this
lol Anyways, enjoy
Here’s my previous chapters, for those who missed any:
Chapter 074: From a Young Age
For what bordered on a month, a young Manako spent his afternoons alone in his large home, having lost his primary playmate to the allure of the village’s very own learning institution. He thought little of it early on, assuming from how much he progressed since he began molding his chakra that he would be enrolled at the Academy not long after Airon, but by the time several weeks had passed, it became obvious that he wasn’t becoming a student any time soon. The things his rival showed and taught him when he returned each day helped make it all worthwhile, but the loneliness and sense of inferiority it gave him still refused to subside until eventually he turned to his father about the issue, standing in the doorway looking out at the setting sun as the aforementioned jōnin prepared dinner in the nearby kitchen.
Manako: Papa.
Itachi: Hm?
Manako: Why does Airon get to go to school before everyone else does?
Itachi: (Though he noticed these lingering thoughts in his son ages ago, the look in his eyes as he finally voiced them made him feel as if he was hearing them for the first time.) Well…cause he can, I suppose. He can use his chakra already and he’s strong and fast. And smart enough. …It’s just cause he’s ready for it even at his age.
Manako: (Though he could tell instinctively that he thought the same of him, his words only served to deepen his resolve to enter the Academy.) …What about me?
Itachi: (Having graduated at a much older age and having done so alongside his own rival, he found himself unable to understand his impatience or even respond to it.) Well…uhhh…
????: Because it’s not quite time for you yet, baby.
Both of them immediately turned towards the doorway leading into the hall, where stood Himawari wrapped up in a thin blanket with her trademark ahoge sticking out from underneath it, her whisker markings having grown faint and hardly noticeable as she grew older.
Itachi: Himawari…you shouldn’t be out of bed. You need to rest more.
Himawari: (She slowly walked over and planted a kiss on his cheek, smiling up at him cheerfully as she held his hand.) It’s okay, Itachi. It’s just for a moment.
Turning to her son, who stood motionless in the open doorway to the outside, she walked up and knelt down in front of him, so as to bring herself down to his eye level.
Himawari: Manako, you are just as strong, fast, and smart as Airon will ever be.
Manako: (He smiled almost ecstatically at her words.) And I’m just as good with my chakra?
Himawari: (Hints of embarrassment sprouted in her expression as she replied.) Hmhm, let’s not get too carried away.
Manako lowered his head in disappointment after hearing this, but it was quickly picked back up by Himawari’s curled finger.
Himawari: But your uncle and aunt have two other strong, healthy children to look out for them at home while Airon is at the Academy, and that’s why they’re letting him go so early. …Me and Papa, though, we only have you to keep an eye on things at the house while I’m in bed or he’s out on a mission. …We just need you to guard the house for us a little while longer, okay?
It was an ingenious fabrication that Manako looked back on now with amusement, but at the time, it was exactly what he needed to hear to ease his lingering feelings, and the smile it brought to his face lit up his father’s face in turn.
Manako: ‘Kay, Mama.
Himawari: (She answered his response with a gentle smile as she rubbed the top of his head.) Hmhmhm, that’s my big, strong boy. And I bet you, when you finally do start going to the Academy, you’ll do better than-
No hint of fear or suffering rang in her eyes or smile, nor was there much change in her expression at all. That only made it so much more frightening for Manako when she suddenly tumbled over right where she kneeled, prompting his eyes to dilate to twice their usual size as Itachi screamed her name and rushed over to her side. Finding that she was alright, he heaved a sigh of immense relief before gently scooping her into his arms and standing back up.
Itachi: That’s why I told you to stay in bed, Himawari. Come on, I’ll carry you back to your room.
Himawari: (Her smile not breaking for even a second, she wrapped her arm around his neck as drops of sweat began condensing all across her face.) …I’m…fine, dear. …I told you, it was…just for a little bit.
Itachi: A little bit is all it takes. You know that already. …With the illness getting as bad as it is, the last thing you need is to strain yourself too much and…
His words grew fainter and fainter as he walked out of the room and down the hall, leaving Manako standing there in the open doorway, terrified by what he saw and what he unconsciously knew had yet to pass.
Her sudden collapse was surely an omen of what could come, as no more than three months later, the disease which ate away at her for three long years finally claimed her life. As the daughter of arguably their most celebrated Hokage, the loss was felt all throughout the Leaf village, and thousands of its citizens flocked to the expanded cemetery grounds to mourn and pay their respects, at the helm of which stood her immediate family. On one side stood her father, who kept his head lowered and leant against the head of her weeping mother, whose face was buried in his shoulder. Beside him stood her older brother, whose eyes leaked a few tears of their own, he and his still young wife clutching one of their younger two children in between their arms while the eldest stood beneath the hand of the family patriarch, looking across the lavish wood coffin at his rival and cousin, who had already cried away all his tears following the announcement of her passing. He instead kept his head lowered and his eyes out of sight, a stance mimicked by his father, who stood beside him with his hand pressed gently against his opposite shoulder. He was looked over by his older sister, who seemed to be attempting to comprehend his pain as she clutched the hand of her own husband, their free hands resting over the shoulders of their own two children. The mother-in-law stood behind them all, looking past their heads at the parents of the departed with the most melancholic expression, recalling their long and documented friendship as she questioned how such a tragedy could befall people she knew so well. The sole absence among them was the Uchiha head, but the letter at the forefront of the countless flowers and parting words that surrounded the grave bore his name and symbol, its contents signifying that his distance from the village was far, but the speed with which he returned to it was swift. The service lasted for most of the afternoon, at which point the crowd departed and the joint families exchanged mournful greetings for the first time that day. As Boruto embraced Itachi, Airon walked up and placed his hand on Manako’s shoulder, prompting him to look up in surprise.
Airon: You okay, cuz?
Manako: (He lowered his head again, hesitating to reply.) …Yeah…I’m alright.
Airon: (Seeing how miserable he looked now, he struggled to think of a worthwhile thing to say, almost cracking a smile as he came up with one.) Hey now, this ain’t a time to get worked up, alright? …I think she was hurting a whole lot and she just had all that pain taken away, you know? You can’t touch her or hug her anymore, but she’s still here watchin’ out for you.
His way of thinking was far beyond his years, but fortunately, Manako was not that far behind him, as he understood clearly what he was saying to him. He looked up and gave him a small smile in gratitude.
Manako: Yeah, probably. …Thanks, Airon.
Airon: (He returned the gesture before looking up at his face in surprise.) I like your new eyes, by the way.
Manako’s eyes widened in surprise upon hearing this, the unusual nature of the remark causing him to wonder exactly what he saw and why he had noticed it himself before. He had little time to ask, though, as their families started walking their separate ways, prompting Airon to run after his own.
Airon: Well, I gotta go. I’ll come find you tomorrow after class, okay?
Manako couldn’t even raise his hand to wave goodbye, instead staring out into space for the longest time until his attention was redirected to his shoulder, on which rested his father’s hand. Having caught the end of their conversation and being well-aware of what he now wished to ask, Itachi stared off in the direction of their home as he explained.
Itachi: That’s the Sharingan, Manako. It’s a special set of eyes only those from our clan can obtain. …They bring with them immense power. Some of the strongest ninja in history had the Sharingan. And now, so do you.
Manako didn’t even bother looking up at him after the first part. He already knew full well about the history of the Sharingan and was only seeking for confirmation that they were indeed what Airon had noticed back at the funeral. His thoughts were now on his mother, as well as his future now that she was gone.
Manako: But I wanted Mama to see when I finally got my Sharingan. So why’d I have to get it now that she’s not here? …What’s it mean?
It was a question with an answer Itachi understood all too well, but producing answers was never as difficult as it was getting them across to his son. Fortunately, this time, he knew exactly how to do this, and he hoisted the boy up onto his shoulders, smiling as he gave it.
Itachi: It means you loved your mother very much, Manako…and she loved you. Don’t ever forget that.
It was another attempt to hide the truth from him, something Manako knew deep down. However, once again, it was exactly what he needed to hear at the time, and he rested his head atop his father’s as they made the walk home. He regrouped with Airon the following afternoon near the local playground, making sure to share everything he knew about what he’d referred to as his “new eyes”.
Airon: Ah yeah. Grandpa told me about the Sharingan…he said a person from the Uchiha clan got it when they suffered a big loss. I guess you got it cause of your mom, then.
Manako: …Yeah…great.
He was sitting alone on one of the swings while Airon sat at the top of the nearby slide, looking down at him after hearing his meek reply. Recognizing his insensitivity, he slid down to the base and walked up behind him as Manako watched him in question, pushing him on the swing after a moment of hesitation.
Airon: Well, hey, come on. I told you she’s watching you, cuz, and I know she doesn’t want you sitting around moping like this. Now you’re one step closer to getting into the Academy, so you should start putting those eyes to work or I’m gonna graduate before you even get in.
He continued pushing him farther and higher as he spoke, doing so long after he finished while Manako allowed his words to sink in. When he finally got the point across, he leapt forth from the swing and landed gracefully on his feet, turning around with his first true smile since the day of his mother’s death.
Manako: Heh, please. I’m gonna be there in no time, and then I’m gonna graduate even faster than you do.
Glad to see his rival out of mourning at long last, Airon answered his smile with a grin before forming the Seal of Confrontation which Manako returned soon after, symbolizing that their challenge was still very much underway.
Airon: Then you better get started. I wanna see that happen.
Manako spent the next month preparing heavily for his inevitable admission into the Academy, his time with Airon having boiled down to a minimum with their individual progress being the main and often only topic of discussion. With his father keeping mostly to himself during this time span, most of this preparation was done alone, but the natural creativity inherited from his maternal grandfather gave him plenty of ways to train his body himself. This normally involved spending time at a simple setup on the southern side of his clan’s enormous strip of land, complete with two large wooden posts he would use to test his speed, strength, and accuracy with weapons such as kunai and shuriken. The hours he wasn’t training there were spent either with Airon, inside during mealtimes, or asleep in his room, and this intense devotion quickly began displaying results, despite his small stature. His family members paid little mind to it, though, proud that he found a goal to strive for that also kept his late mother off his mind for the most part. This entire mindset would soon change dramatically, though, and it all started with a simple off-the-wall greeting.
????: Still out here training, Manako?
The setting sun had just begun painting the sky orange, but Manako continued testing his accuracy with shuriken – hitting nine out of ten marks on the post – until he heard this voice call out from a short distance behind him. Standing in the back door of the manor was Sakura, hardly a year past her prime thanks to her late mentor’s jutsu, and Manako quickly tossed his final shuriken away before grinning over at her and waving.
Manako: Hey, Grandma! Papa didn’t say you were coming over!
Sakura: (She crossed her arms and smiled in amusement.) Oh, didn’t he? …Then I’m assuming he didn’t tell you Grandpa’s back in the village now, either?
She giggled softly upon seeing Manako’s eyes light up, her apron brushing slightly off to the side as he sped past her and into the house. After scanning the garden and sitting room, he finally settled on the dining room as his current location, but before he could slide the door open and walk in, he was distracted by the voices coming from within the room – those of his two predecessors.
Sasuke: I see…so they’ve awakened, have they?
Itachi: Yeah…I’ve been going crazy, Father. All I dream about now is Himawari…and I can’t even truly appreciate her there.
Manako was about to walk in and disrupt their conversation, but then he caught wind of a few muffled cries, followed by a loud exclamation.
Itachi: I miss her so much!
Sasuke: We all do, Itachi. Most of us saw it coming, though. …We were all prepared for the worst.
Itachi: I know. I thought I was, too, but…I just don’t understand why it had to be her.
Sasuke: Some things can’t be explained, son. …She had that illness for a long time, ever since Manako was born. I think the most important thing YOU can do is be grateful she stayed with you two as long as she did.
Itachi: …Yeah…you’re right…you’re right…I just don’t know why we didn’t see signs of it earlier on. She was perfectly healthy when she was pregnant, so was Manako. Mother and Lady Shizune confirmed this themselves. …How does an illness that bad just come out of nowhere?
Sasuke: I don’t know, son…I don’t know…but like I said, what you should do now…
All words that followed slowly grew silent in Manako’s mind as he reviewed those that came before them, focusing over and over again on one part, in particular.
Manako: (Mama was healthy…before me? …Then what does that…)
His pupils dilated as terror and disbelief plagued his mind, shifting images of his mother’s sickly image and her marble headstone flashing before his eyes.
Manako: (No…no, that’s not true. It can’t be true. I loved my mom. I could never-)
The room around him grew dark, stranding him in a vast plane of nothingness, only a feminine silhouette with a familiar face in his presence. He stared up at it trembling for the longest time, as it did to him in return until it suddenly reached down to grab him, prompting him to stumble backwards in fright.
Manako: No! No, stop it!! I DIDN’T MEAN IT, MAMA!!!
His unawareness caused him to fall as he moved back, knocking his back against the wall before he began shuffling back towards the corner of the hallway. Alerted by his scream, both his father and grandfather emerged from the room as Sakura appeared at the other end of the hall, tears still present in the former’s eyes.
Itachi: Manako!
Manako: I loved my mom!! I loved my mom!! I loved my mom!! I loved my-
Itachi: (Realizing Manako had overheard their discussion, he ran up to him and slowly reached down to touch him as regret consumed his thoughts.) Manako, calm down! It’s alri-
Manako: NO!!! DON’T HURT ME, PLEASE!!!
The sudden motion caused him to bump the top of his head against the pane of the doorway, prompting him to press his hands overtop his head as his body curled up on the floor, tears leaking from his eyes that dwarfed those of his father.
Itachi: …Manako…
Manako: I’m sorry, Mama…I’m sorry, Mama…I’m sorry…
He continued lying there almost motionless as the three adults in the house gathered around him, waiting nervously for some sign that he was okay. After a few minutes, he finally attempted to open his eyes once again, a faint slimmer beneath his eyelids hinting to those around him that his Sharingan was active, though only his grandfather recognized that they had taken on a different pattern than the norm.
Sasuke: That’s the…
Itachi attempted to touch him once again, but his hand was quickly stopped by Sasuke’s, who hoisted the boy gently into his arms instead. Manako immediately wrapped his arms around his neck, tears still streaming from his eyes as he muttered softly to himself.
Manako: It’s my fault…my fault…my fault…
Sasuke: Ssshh…ssshh, it’s alright. I’ve got you.
He stood up once he was sure he had a firm hold on him, nodding in assurance to Itachi as he turned around before looking at Sakura.
Sasuke: I might be staying here longer than I thought.
Sakura: (She merely watched in despair as he walked away with Manako in his arms, unsure what to think or say.) …Sasuke…
The incident passed by after only a few hours of comfort and explanation of what occurred, but the effects continued to haunt Manako’s thoughts after well over a month. During this time, he spent most of his days completely alone, distancing himself from both Airon and Itachi, the latter only unless meals became too difficult to avoid. All his time that was in someone else’s company was spent with his grandfather, attempting to decipher the secrets hidden within his new eyes while coping with his own emotions brought about by his discovery of the source of his mother’s fatal illness. This enlightenment soon led him to the resting place of the Uchiha Tablet, a place he returned to several times after as he became more accustomed to his Mangekyō Sharingan.
????: If you continue using those eyes nonstop, you’ll eventually go blind.
He was sitting alone in the center of the mostly barren room, staring up at the tablet until his grandfather came looking for him, pleaded to by his worried father. Most of his emotion having run dry since he awakened his eyes, Manako acknowledged his arrival with nothing more than a brief turn of his head before going back to looking at the tablet.
Manako: I’m still trying to read it, Grandpa.
Sasuke: (Disheartened by his newfound cold nature, he still managed a smile upon noticing his semblance to his own younger self.) Hm, well, it’s best you stop there. Only so much of that tablet can be read by different people, even with the Mangekyō Sharingan. …You gotta have the Rinnegan if you ever hope to read all of it.
He brushed aside his bangs as Manako turned back to look at him, showing him the eye he was referring to before letting them fall back into place, at which point Manako looked back at the tablet.
Manako: How did you get that eye, then?
Sasuke: (He recalled both the war and his own path of vengeance as he answered.) Under circumstances you’ll hopefully never find yourself in.
Seeing Manako’s obvious disappointment in his vague answer, as well as his obvious interest in what he had already read, Sasuke heaved a sigh before walking up beside him and sitting down, prompting the boy to look up at him as he himself stared up at the tablet.
Sasuke: The final part talks about the Rinnegan, which is why only those who have it can read it. There’s also a message of reassurance, for those who do obtain it.
Manako: Reassurance?
Sasuke: (Half-assuming this was a word he still didn’t know, he smiled in amusement before explaining himself.) To let you know that things aren’t as bad as they seem…and that even though you might have lost someone close to you before you got those eyes, there are still people around you who care about you…people who can fill that hole in your heart left by the one you lost.
Manako stared past him briefly as he reflected on his words before looking back up at the tablet, eventually standing up and clenching his fists as Sasuke looked on.
Manako: I want to go to the Academy, Grandpa. …I wanna show Airon my new eyes.
Surprised by the determination heard in his voice, Sasuke stared at him for some time, part of him wishing he could go back to the cheerful boy he was more than a month ago. Having been a victim of far worse tragedies at a young age himself, he understood his emotions all too well, but to have them occur at less than half that age was a reality neither his mind nor heart could cope with, especially for it to happen to his own grandson. However, the Uchiha clan’s “curse” and the inability to change the past were both realities he had long accepted, and recognizing that Manako’s potential for greatness despite his scars extended far beyond those who came before him, Sasuke still managed a smile as he stood up and rubbed the top of the boy’s head before walking out.
Sasuke: Well, you’d best get to work. Who knows when Airon will graduate at the rate he’s improving.
Manako continued to stand there long after he left, his gaze shifting between the tablet and the now empty doorway. He soon came to his senses, though, and ran off after him, intent on living up to his declaration – and his promise to his rival.
Sasuke remained in the village for two more months, during which he took it upon himself to train Manako and ensure he was accepted into the Academy. Having already made substantial progress before his arrival, his input gave Manako more than the required amount of pedigree a child his age would be expected to have to receive formal education. Having not come face-to-face with him in a few months, his first order of business following his first official class to locate his rival amidst the school’s vast number of students. As expected, though, this search was hardly being conducted on his end alone.
????: Ah! I was wondering where you were, Manako! Hehe, guess we have different instructors.
Recognizing the voice all too well, Manako stopped walking and turned to face Airon as other students continued walking past him. Expecting him to be smiling as he always was, he was somewhat surprised to find him staring at him blankly, in particular at his eyes which, for the intent of his declaration to his grandfather, he had left activated since he arrived that morning.
Airon: (His eyes are different than before…and the last time he got new eyes like that…) You okay, Manako?
Manako gave no immediate response, looking away just slightly as he feebly nodded his head, looking back at him when he had gathered his thoughts.
Manako: I’m finally here, Airon. And I made it before you could graduate, too.
Airon: (He nodded in agreement to this observation, but still couldn’t bring himself to smile, not used to seeing him so cold and detached.) Yeah…but you don’t look like you’re too proud of yourself for it.
Manako: (He glanced briefly at the floor as he replied.) …I’m fine. I just have a lot of stuff to think about now.
When he looked back up, he found that Airon was now looking at the floor himself, clearly distraught by all that his cousin had gone through in the past few months. Manako initially took it as a sign of respect that he would give this much thought to his suffering, but the longer he looked at him, the more he realized just how much he missed seeing his smile.
Manako: Besides, I told you I would graduate beside you. So I can’t let anything get in the way of that, can I?
When Airon looked up in response, he was surprised to find Manako standing there forming the Seal of Confrontation, a reminder of their challenge to one another over a year ago. Glad to see his bouts with despair hadn’t completely tarnished his memories of the world around him, he returned the gesture with a grin.
Airon: You’d better hurry and ace your classes then. Exams are coming up in a month, and I don’t plan to waste a whole year just so you can catch up.
Manako: (Pleased to find Airon hadn’t changed a bit, he smiled for the first time since he awakened his Mangekyō Sharingan.) I’ll take that as a challenge.
Airon and Manako’s swordfight continued for several minutes with no real change in stance, Airon’s maintaining an offensive front while Manako’s reflexes prevented him from inflicting any damage whatsoever. Though this wasn’t to say Manako didn’t turn the tables on Airon more than a few times during the duel, one such occasion prompting the latter’s father to flinch up in the stands. His son’s overall superior swordsmanship helped him to quickly regain the upper hand, though, and he heaved a sigh of relief, much to his own rival’s amusement.
Itachi: You look nervous, Bolt.
Boruto: (A bit surprised by his intrusion, he managed to catch himself and grinned as he turned to face him.) Are you kidding me? After that first act, I’ll be up all night thinking about this match.
Itachi: (He smiled upon hearing this, knowing full well that he was really thinking.) Is that so? …Not worried in the slightest about your grandson’s chances of victory?
Boruto: (His doubts having already passed, he brushed off this attempt to pry a reaction out of him with a smirk.) Pssh, why would I be? …You and I both know this fight’s just getting started.
Agreeing wholeheartedly with this, Itachi nodded before they both turned back towards the arena, where their sons had brought their duel to an end in order to find another means of displaying their abilities.
Airon: (We’ve got a few categories left to show off, Manako. Strength, precision, or genjutsu?)
Manako: (He smiled and glanced up at the audience as he replied.) (Let’s combine the first two. …Should make things more interesting for both parties.)
Airon: (Hmhmhm, as always, I like your style.)
As he shared this thought, he pulled out his black gloves and fastened them on his hands, flexing his knuckles to ensure they were tight enough before leaping high into the air, crashing down moments later and sending rubble flying throughout the stadium. Dodging any which came his way as he leapt back to safety, Manako quickly unveiled eight shuriken and tossed them at Airon, who easily blocked them with eight of his own. As they fell from the air, Airon drove his fingers into the ground beneath his feet, pulling up with them a massive chunk of earth which he proceeded to throw at Manako. Already prepared for a counter, though, Manako began concentrating his chakra into his fist before slamming it against the ground, sending up a pillar of earth directly below the large boulder that sent it flying higher into the air. He immediately pulled out a kunai afterwards and waited for the rock to begin its decline before pouring chakra into it and tossing it upwards, hitting it with just enough force and in just the right location to cause it to fracture and dissolve into hundreds of smaller, much less harmful rocks. As they descended around him, he reached behind him and pulled out a fūma shuriken, which he quickly unfolded and chucked towards Airon. Smiling in amusement at this rather weak follow-up, Airon unsheathed his sword and waited for the projectile to enter a vertical stance before drifting off to the side and catching the ring of the shuriken on his blade as it continued to spin around violently. Rotating his arm a few times to build up its momentum, he lunged it forward and sent the shuriken spiraling back towards Manako, who already had his own sword out and prepared to attempt the exact same feat. Proving successful, this back-and-forth carried on for some time as the audience overhead ogled their deadly accuracy, particularly the weapon connoisseurs in the crowd.
Miyuki: Just flawless…I’m so jealous.
Chan: They are prodigies, though, Miyuki. It is to be expected of them.
Tenten: (She looked at Chan as he said this before looking back at the match, amazed by what she saw.) (Even then, though, that’s ridiculous. …I’ve never seen Sasuke or Naruto do things like that.)
Z: Holy shit…jeez, now I’m just waitin’ to see if there’s somethin’ those cats CAN’T do.
Sakebi: Think you’d be hard-pressed, my man. …I ain’t seen folks doin’ nothin’ like that back in OUR village.
Tomoi: (She nodded feebly in agreement, her stiff expression hinting that she was trying desperately to find some reason to continue downplaying their abilities.) …Yeah…and they don’t even look tired yet. (Are they even human?)
Down below, the contestants’ boredom gradually peaked once again, prompting Manako to channel lightning-enhanced chakra through his sword and slash it upwards as the shuriken came back his way, splitting it clean in half. Returning it to its sheath as Airon did the same, he clenched his fist and rushed forward ready to strike, prompting his opponent to take a step back and hold his arm up to defend himself. Catching Manako’s fist in his hand as he attempted to plow it into his cheek, the ground around them rumbled loudly as Airon’s arm began twitching in pain, prompting him to smile in spite of himself.
Airon: (You’ve gotten a lot stronger, haven’t you?)
Manako: (He answered with a smirk as he attempted to push Airon’s hand back with his fist.) (Hm, as if you gave me a choice. …I’m not falling behind you on any level, Airon. Don’t ever forget that.)
As he shared this thought, Manako suddenly found himself being dragged forward, his fist caught between Airon’s fingers as he pulled back. He took advantage of the opening and plowed his fist into his side, only for Manako to use his sharp reflexes to leap up and roll over his body over Airon’s shoulder, taking his arm with him. Catching on well in advance, though, Airon managed to twist his body around in time to avoid dislocating his arm before letting go of Manako’s hand to break their hold on one another, reflecting on Manako’s previous remark with a smirk when he found time to do so.
Airon: (Then why do you keep dodging MY punches, Manako?)
Manako: (Because I’m not stupid, Airon. …Unlike you, I still recognize my limitations. I just don’t hold back when I know I haven’t reached them yet.)
Acknowledging the truth in this with a soft chuckle, Airon rushed forward, leading into a bout of strength that consisted mainly of Airon blocking Manako’s strong punches while the latter completely avoided the former’s more powerful punches. On more than one occasion, a missed blow resulted in a large crater in either the ground or the wall of the stadium, and all who watched this unfold couldn’t help but be awed by their strength.
Ryoku: Such incredible power…and from such young shinobi.
Kurotsuchi: (Being a shinobi famed for his own strength, she gazed up at him in surprise before looking back down at the two contestants.) It’s almost too hard to believe, isn’t it?
Darui: It’s insane, to be honest with ya. …They can’t have been ninja for more than a few years now, so how the hell’d they reach this level so soon?
Chōjūrō: If you don’t mind me asking, Naruto, when exactly did your grandson become a genin?
Naruto: (Still focused on the match below, he looked up in surprise upon hearing his name.) Hm? Oh…only about a year ago. He hasn’t been a ninja very long at all.
Gaara: (Noticing the slight hesitation as he answered, his eyes grew more narrow in suspicion.) …And how long before that did he begin honing his skills?
Naruto: …You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.
Everyone on the balcony immediately looked over at Naruto, half of them surprised by his answer out of belief that the truth was as outrageous as he claimed, while the rest seemed to shrug off such a notion.
Darui: Try us.
Naruto closed his eyes as images of his grandson’s progress as a ninja projected in his mind, each one digging further into the past than the last. He opened them again as his thoughts settled on the first time he ever saw him weave chakra.
Naruto: He was hardly two years old when he first started learning to control his chakra. He entered the Academy a year later and left before he reached the age of four.
He heard no response from any of them, prompting him to look back to find them all staring at either him or the boys on the arena floor with wide eyes. Already expected such a reaction, though, he paid it no mind and continued.
Naruto: We decided to hold back on his official graduation until his peers had all left the Academy, too…but technically, Airon’s been a shinobi for almost ten years.
Kurotsuchi: …Y-You’re kidding us.
Darui: He has to be! I’m sorry, Naruto, but there’s no way a three year-old could become a shinobi!
Sasuke: It’s the truth, Raikage. Manako graduated himself less than a year later.
Naruto: (He nodded to confirm this as he stared back down at his grandsons’ ongoing fight.) Those two have been butting heads ever since they were small kids, trying to learn everything they can in order to become stronger than the other. Their rivalry is so fierce, it’s as if they hated each other down to the bone. …Hehehe, sometimes I wonder if they even remember they’re cousins.
As those around him came to terms with his newest revelation, they returned their attention to the match below, where the boys’ contest of strength had all but reached its end. Manako’s continuous attempts to avoid Airon’s swings brought them near the tree line on the edge of the arena, where one swift motion to the right sent the latter’s fist crashing into one of the larger trees in said line rather than Manako’s head. As it plummeted down between the two – concealing them from one another for roughly half a second – Airon leapt into the air and came crashing down on top of Manako, culminating in a pose that involved them interlocking fingers as Airon gradually pushed Manako closer and closer to the ground. As Manako’s feet slowly began to slip out from under him, his rival stared down at him with an immense grin.
Airon: (See? I’m still stronger than you, cuz.)
Evidently waiting for this snide remark, Manako smirked as he slid his feet out from under him, twisting his body as he broke Airon’s grip on one of his hands and reached for his sword.
Manako: (Still slower, though.)
Airon: (Not entirely surprised by his agility, he smiled up at him as Manako unsheathed his sword and drove it into his shoulder.) (Am I?)
The moment the blade penetrated his skin, Airon vanished in a puff of smoke, at which point the real Airon emerged from behind the fallen tree, plowing his foot into Manako’s cheek before he could react and sending him flying across the stadium.
Hinata, Itachi, and Sakura: Manako!!
To the relief of those in the stands, Manako suddenly vanished in midair, revealing that he, too, was merely a clone as his true self charged forth from the tree line with his sword at the ready, which Airon quickly and effortlessly deflected with his own.
Manako: (You cheated.)
Airon: (He smirked in amusement at the audaciousness of his claim.) (And what do you call that?)
Smiling as if to say “touché”, Manako leapt back before the two returned their swords to their sheaths once again.
Airon: (You still look rarin’ to go.)
Manako: (Hm, and you look about ready to pass out.)
Airon: (He chuckled softly as he shook his head, trying to hide the fact that he was wiping a single drop of sweat from his forehead with his thumb.) (Pssh, don’t kid yourself. Pray forbid this match goes on forever, I’ll outlast you on stamina alone…and don’t look at me like that’s not the truth.)
Manako: (Hm, whatever makes you feel better…so, do we move on to genjutsu?)
Airon: (He smirked before cracking his neck in both directions and flexing his shoulders.) (It all depends on you, my friend.)
Manako: (His smile vanished as he closed his eyes, opening them again moments later.) (…I’m ready.)
Their stillness over the past minute caused several members of the audience to lean forward in interest, but those with sharp eyes took notice to something else.
Itachi: He activated his…Mangekyō Sharingan.
Boruto: (Having noticed this, as well, he stared down at his son in curiosity.) For what, though? And why’s Airon just standing there?
Inase: (Having already come up with an answer herself, she rubbed her eyes in irritation before gazing over at her brother.) (He still thinks this is a contest. …Well, he reaps what he sows. You better be ready for whatever he conjures up, Airon.)
Airon: (He smirked as these thoughts entered his mind.) (You worry too much, little sister.)
As the period of no action grew longer, more and more people began understanding what was going between the two contestants, provoking shocked expressions from even those on the highest balcony.
Sakura: He’s not seriously thinking about…
Hinata: …Airon…
Sasuke: (He turned to Naruto with a frown.) Stubbornness goes a long way in your bloodline, doesn’t it?
Naruto: (He gave no response as he stared down at his grandson, evidently put off by his persistent smile.) (Don’t overdo it, Airon. …We told you how dangerous Tsukuyomi is.)
Chōjūrō: This technique is a lesser extent of the same genjutsu Madara Uchiha placed the entire world under four decades ago. …It’s supposed to be nigh impossible to break.
Gaara: It is. …Your grandson is either very brave or very stubborn to request such a thing, Naruto.
Konohamaru: I don’t think he’s either, Gaara. …I think he’s gonna break it.
He retained both his leaning posture and stone face as everyone turned to look at him, most of them as surprised by his opinion as they were amused.
Darui: Sorry, Hokage, but even with his chakra control, that’s wishful thinking on your part.
Sasuke: (Slightly offended by the notion, he frowned back at the much younger shinobi.) Tsukuyomi isn’t just a genjutsu, Konohamaru. It’s an illusion of near unrivalled potency, and only those who possess both the Sharingan and the same blood as the caster have any hope of breaking it.
Ryoku: (One of the few present that was oblivious to the powers of the Mangekyō Sharingan, he listened attentively to this explanation with his arms crossed, quick to pick it apart once he finished.) Well, the boy does have one of those traits already. Surely that’s enough to make a difference.
Sasuke: (He exchanged stares with Naruto before looking back down at the arena floor, where Manako and Airon were now clearly carrying on their battle within the latter’s mind.) Yes…perhaps.
His body numb and motionless from the effects of the illusion, Airon withdrew to his subconscious, which had been reshaped into an endless black landscape underneath a blood-red sky. Standing directly across from him was Manako, his entire being turned black while his body had taken on an inverted grayscale tone. Having only heard tales of the infamous genjutsu until now, Airon found himself unable to suppress his eagerness to see what it was capable of.
Airon: Alright then. Show me what you got. …I’m game for anything.
Manako: (He couldn’t even respond with a smile, knowing what was to come.) …Of course you start out saying that.
As he spoke, a small glimmer of light approached in the distant sky, growing larger with every passing second until it became clear what it was – a long katana, and it planted itself directly through the center of Airon’s back. Screaming out in pain, Airon toppled over on all fours, panting heavily as he struggled to regain his composure.
Airon: Okay…nnngghh, that smarts.
Manako: Hm, this is a world where the art of torture is stretched to its absolute limit, Airon. Even the strongest minds in the world eventually crumble under the weight of the pain. …You’re no different.
Airon: (Taking his blank stare as a challenge, he cracked another grin as he began trying to pick himself up.) …Hehehehe, I could take these all day, Manako. …Huhh, the real question is whether your eyesight will hold out until I’ve finally exhaust-
He barely had enough time to finish speaking before a second katana plowed its way through his back, piercing his right lung in the process. He was hardly finished coughing up blood when yet another found its way through his left shoulder blade, prompting him to cry out in pain as his body caved in and fell flat against the ground.
Manako: That’s three…and only half a second has passed in the real world.
Airon: (He gritted his teeth as he tried pushing himself up again, smiling up at Manako in light of this new piece of information.) So that’s your frame of reference…ngh, you’re not gonna go changing it on me, are ya?
Manako: (He smirked in response as another katana became wedged in Airon’s right leg.) Well, that wouldn’t be too fair of me, would it?
Two more found themselves skewered between Airon’s ribs before the pain finally began to grow numb, granting him enough vigor to press his hands together and form a hand sign as he grinned up at his opponent.
Airon: Well then, why don’t we get started?
Manako’s eyes quickly grew in size – as did those of every other person in the stadium with a special dōjutsu – as Airon’s chakra suddenly ceased all movement within his body. Not even a second later, it erupted in waves around him, forcing the Manako residing outside his subconscious to hold his arm over his face to shield himself from it while those in the closest rows of the stands did the same. This was hardly the first time Airon achieved a feat like this during the tournament’s progression, but that didn’t stop the audience from ogling over it as they did many times before.
Sabure: His chakra…he hasn’t broken out of it already, has he?
Gaara: No…that’s highly unlikely. (A second has passed since the illusion started…how long has it been for him?)
Sasuke: (He turned around to face Sabure upon hearing her comment, turning back to the arena floor as he retaliated.) Your grandfather’s right. He can’t possibly break free of Tsukuyomi. …But he’s certainly trying.
Only Naruto noticed the single drop of sweat trickling down the side of his head, but he made no effort to bring attention to it as Airon’s chakra died down once again, his unchanged posture prompting Sasuke to heave a faint sigh of relief as he turned back to Gaara and his grandchildren.
Sasuke: See? His only chance now is to outlast Manako’s technique…and with the warped passage of time the illusion presents, those chances aren’t very likely.
No one around him seemed poised to object, seemingly convinced by what had already transpired. The only one visibly opposed to the notion of Airon’s failure was Naruto, who squeezed the railing in anguish as he leaned over it.
Naruto: (Come on, Airon. …If anyone can beat that jutsu, it’s you.)
By the time Airon’s chakra had no longer become visible, ten seconds had passed in the real world, meanwhile his subconscious self had been impaled by a total of sixty katanas, forty of which impaled his chest while five more pinned down each of his limbs. All that remained untouched were his head and neck, the latter of which supported the former as he lifted it up to meet his rival’s gaze, blood leaking in torrents from his lips as Manako looked down at him with a smile, trying to suppress the throbbing pain in his left eye as he did.
Manako: You seem troubled, Airon. …Perhaps you’ve underestimated the power of my eyes?
Airon: (Seeing through his guise, he smirked up at him in amusement.) Heh, I haven’t…ngh, underestimated you in years, Manako. …Just gimme some time. I’ll get out of this.
As he said this, yet another katana became wedged in his right hand, inciting a cringe from him as all feeling gradually left it. He curled the other into a fist as more blood oozed from his mouth, a silent plea that the same fate didn’t await his good hand.
Airon: (If the pain doesn’t get to me first…)
Manako’s tragic past grants him an advantage – how will Airon maintain the balance of power!!?
The End
lol Anyways, enjoyHere’s my previous chapters, for those who missed any:
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Chapter 074: From a Young Age
– Ten Years Prior –
For what bordered on a month, a young Manako spent his afternoons alone in his large home, having lost his primary playmate to the allure of the village’s very own learning institution. He thought little of it early on, assuming from how much he progressed since he began molding his chakra that he would be enrolled at the Academy not long after Airon, but by the time several weeks had passed, it became obvious that he wasn’t becoming a student any time soon. The things his rival showed and taught him when he returned each day helped make it all worthwhile, but the loneliness and sense of inferiority it gave him still refused to subside until eventually he turned to his father about the issue, standing in the doorway looking out at the setting sun as the aforementioned jōnin prepared dinner in the nearby kitchen.
Manako: Papa.
Itachi: Hm?
Manako: Why does Airon get to go to school before everyone else does?
Itachi: (Though he noticed these lingering thoughts in his son ages ago, the look in his eyes as he finally voiced them made him feel as if he was hearing them for the first time.) Well…cause he can, I suppose. He can use his chakra already and he’s strong and fast. And smart enough. …It’s just cause he’s ready for it even at his age.
Manako: (Though he could tell instinctively that he thought the same of him, his words only served to deepen his resolve to enter the Academy.) …What about me?
Itachi: (Having graduated at a much older age and having done so alongside his own rival, he found himself unable to understand his impatience or even respond to it.) Well…uhhh…
????: Because it’s not quite time for you yet, baby.
Both of them immediately turned towards the doorway leading into the hall, where stood Himawari wrapped up in a thin blanket with her trademark ahoge sticking out from underneath it, her whisker markings having grown faint and hardly noticeable as she grew older.
Itachi: Himawari…you shouldn’t be out of bed. You need to rest more.
Himawari: (She slowly walked over and planted a kiss on his cheek, smiling up at him cheerfully as she held his hand.) It’s okay, Itachi. It’s just for a moment.
Turning to her son, who stood motionless in the open doorway to the outside, she walked up and knelt down in front of him, so as to bring herself down to his eye level.
Himawari: Manako, you are just as strong, fast, and smart as Airon will ever be.
Manako: (He smiled almost ecstatically at her words.) And I’m just as good with my chakra?
Himawari: (Hints of embarrassment sprouted in her expression as she replied.) Hmhm, let’s not get too carried away.
Manako lowered his head in disappointment after hearing this, but it was quickly picked back up by Himawari’s curled finger.
Himawari: But your uncle and aunt have two other strong, healthy children to look out for them at home while Airon is at the Academy, and that’s why they’re letting him go so early. …Me and Papa, though, we only have you to keep an eye on things at the house while I’m in bed or he’s out on a mission. …We just need you to guard the house for us a little while longer, okay?
It was an ingenious fabrication that Manako looked back on now with amusement, but at the time, it was exactly what he needed to hear to ease his lingering feelings, and the smile it brought to his face lit up his father’s face in turn.
Manako: ‘Kay, Mama.
Himawari: (She answered his response with a gentle smile as she rubbed the top of his head.) Hmhmhm, that’s my big, strong boy. And I bet you, when you finally do start going to the Academy, you’ll do better than-
No hint of fear or suffering rang in her eyes or smile, nor was there much change in her expression at all. That only made it so much more frightening for Manako when she suddenly tumbled over right where she kneeled, prompting his eyes to dilate to twice their usual size as Itachi screamed her name and rushed over to her side. Finding that she was alright, he heaved a sigh of immense relief before gently scooping her into his arms and standing back up.
Itachi: That’s why I told you to stay in bed, Himawari. Come on, I’ll carry you back to your room.
Himawari: (Her smile not breaking for even a second, she wrapped her arm around his neck as drops of sweat began condensing all across her face.) …I’m…fine, dear. …I told you, it was…just for a little bit.
Itachi: A little bit is all it takes. You know that already. …With the illness getting as bad as it is, the last thing you need is to strain yourself too much and…
His words grew fainter and fainter as he walked out of the room and down the hall, leaving Manako standing there in the open doorway, terrified by what he saw and what he unconsciously knew had yet to pass.
Her sudden collapse was surely an omen of what could come, as no more than three months later, the disease which ate away at her for three long years finally claimed her life. As the daughter of arguably their most celebrated Hokage, the loss was felt all throughout the Leaf village, and thousands of its citizens flocked to the expanded cemetery grounds to mourn and pay their respects, at the helm of which stood her immediate family. On one side stood her father, who kept his head lowered and leant against the head of her weeping mother, whose face was buried in his shoulder. Beside him stood her older brother, whose eyes leaked a few tears of their own, he and his still young wife clutching one of their younger two children in between their arms while the eldest stood beneath the hand of the family patriarch, looking across the lavish wood coffin at his rival and cousin, who had already cried away all his tears following the announcement of her passing. He instead kept his head lowered and his eyes out of sight, a stance mimicked by his father, who stood beside him with his hand pressed gently against his opposite shoulder. He was looked over by his older sister, who seemed to be attempting to comprehend his pain as she clutched the hand of her own husband, their free hands resting over the shoulders of their own two children. The mother-in-law stood behind them all, looking past their heads at the parents of the departed with the most melancholic expression, recalling their long and documented friendship as she questioned how such a tragedy could befall people she knew so well. The sole absence among them was the Uchiha head, but the letter at the forefront of the countless flowers and parting words that surrounded the grave bore his name and symbol, its contents signifying that his distance from the village was far, but the speed with which he returned to it was swift. The service lasted for most of the afternoon, at which point the crowd departed and the joint families exchanged mournful greetings for the first time that day. As Boruto embraced Itachi, Airon walked up and placed his hand on Manako’s shoulder, prompting him to look up in surprise.
Airon: You okay, cuz?
Manako: (He lowered his head again, hesitating to reply.) …Yeah…I’m alright.
Airon: (Seeing how miserable he looked now, he struggled to think of a worthwhile thing to say, almost cracking a smile as he came up with one.) Hey now, this ain’t a time to get worked up, alright? …I think she was hurting a whole lot and she just had all that pain taken away, you know? You can’t touch her or hug her anymore, but she’s still here watchin’ out for you.
His way of thinking was far beyond his years, but fortunately, Manako was not that far behind him, as he understood clearly what he was saying to him. He looked up and gave him a small smile in gratitude.
Manako: Yeah, probably. …Thanks, Airon.
Airon: (He returned the gesture before looking up at his face in surprise.) I like your new eyes, by the way.
Manako’s eyes widened in surprise upon hearing this, the unusual nature of the remark causing him to wonder exactly what he saw and why he had noticed it himself before. He had little time to ask, though, as their families started walking their separate ways, prompting Airon to run after his own.
Airon: Well, I gotta go. I’ll come find you tomorrow after class, okay?
Manako couldn’t even raise his hand to wave goodbye, instead staring out into space for the longest time until his attention was redirected to his shoulder, on which rested his father’s hand. Having caught the end of their conversation and being well-aware of what he now wished to ask, Itachi stared off in the direction of their home as he explained.
Itachi: That’s the Sharingan, Manako. It’s a special set of eyes only those from our clan can obtain. …They bring with them immense power. Some of the strongest ninja in history had the Sharingan. And now, so do you.
Manako didn’t even bother looking up at him after the first part. He already knew full well about the history of the Sharingan and was only seeking for confirmation that they were indeed what Airon had noticed back at the funeral. His thoughts were now on his mother, as well as his future now that she was gone.
Manako: But I wanted Mama to see when I finally got my Sharingan. So why’d I have to get it now that she’s not here? …What’s it mean?
It was a question with an answer Itachi understood all too well, but producing answers was never as difficult as it was getting them across to his son. Fortunately, this time, he knew exactly how to do this, and he hoisted the boy up onto his shoulders, smiling as he gave it.
Itachi: It means you loved your mother very much, Manako…and she loved you. Don’t ever forget that.
It was another attempt to hide the truth from him, something Manako knew deep down. However, once again, it was exactly what he needed to hear at the time, and he rested his head atop his father’s as they made the walk home. He regrouped with Airon the following afternoon near the local playground, making sure to share everything he knew about what he’d referred to as his “new eyes”.
Airon: Ah yeah. Grandpa told me about the Sharingan…he said a person from the Uchiha clan got it when they suffered a big loss. I guess you got it cause of your mom, then.
Manako: …Yeah…great.
He was sitting alone on one of the swings while Airon sat at the top of the nearby slide, looking down at him after hearing his meek reply. Recognizing his insensitivity, he slid down to the base and walked up behind him as Manako watched him in question, pushing him on the swing after a moment of hesitation.
Airon: Well, hey, come on. I told you she’s watching you, cuz, and I know she doesn’t want you sitting around moping like this. Now you’re one step closer to getting into the Academy, so you should start putting those eyes to work or I’m gonna graduate before you even get in.
He continued pushing him farther and higher as he spoke, doing so long after he finished while Manako allowed his words to sink in. When he finally got the point across, he leapt forth from the swing and landed gracefully on his feet, turning around with his first true smile since the day of his mother’s death.
Manako: Heh, please. I’m gonna be there in no time, and then I’m gonna graduate even faster than you do.
Glad to see his rival out of mourning at long last, Airon answered his smile with a grin before forming the Seal of Confrontation which Manako returned soon after, symbolizing that their challenge was still very much underway.
Airon: Then you better get started. I wanna see that happen.
Manako spent the next month preparing heavily for his inevitable admission into the Academy, his time with Airon having boiled down to a minimum with their individual progress being the main and often only topic of discussion. With his father keeping mostly to himself during this time span, most of this preparation was done alone, but the natural creativity inherited from his maternal grandfather gave him plenty of ways to train his body himself. This normally involved spending time at a simple setup on the southern side of his clan’s enormous strip of land, complete with two large wooden posts he would use to test his speed, strength, and accuracy with weapons such as kunai and shuriken. The hours he wasn’t training there were spent either with Airon, inside during mealtimes, or asleep in his room, and this intense devotion quickly began displaying results, despite his small stature. His family members paid little mind to it, though, proud that he found a goal to strive for that also kept his late mother off his mind for the most part. This entire mindset would soon change dramatically, though, and it all started with a simple off-the-wall greeting.
????: Still out here training, Manako?
The setting sun had just begun painting the sky orange, but Manako continued testing his accuracy with shuriken – hitting nine out of ten marks on the post – until he heard this voice call out from a short distance behind him. Standing in the back door of the manor was Sakura, hardly a year past her prime thanks to her late mentor’s jutsu, and Manako quickly tossed his final shuriken away before grinning over at her and waving.
Manako: Hey, Grandma! Papa didn’t say you were coming over!
Sakura: (She crossed her arms and smiled in amusement.) Oh, didn’t he? …Then I’m assuming he didn’t tell you Grandpa’s back in the village now, either?
She giggled softly upon seeing Manako’s eyes light up, her apron brushing slightly off to the side as he sped past her and into the house. After scanning the garden and sitting room, he finally settled on the dining room as his current location, but before he could slide the door open and walk in, he was distracted by the voices coming from within the room – those of his two predecessors.
Sasuke: I see…so they’ve awakened, have they?
Itachi: Yeah…I’ve been going crazy, Father. All I dream about now is Himawari…and I can’t even truly appreciate her there.
Manako was about to walk in and disrupt their conversation, but then he caught wind of a few muffled cries, followed by a loud exclamation.
Itachi: I miss her so much!
Sasuke: We all do, Itachi. Most of us saw it coming, though. …We were all prepared for the worst.
Itachi: I know. I thought I was, too, but…I just don’t understand why it had to be her.
Sasuke: Some things can’t be explained, son. …She had that illness for a long time, ever since Manako was born. I think the most important thing YOU can do is be grateful she stayed with you two as long as she did.
Itachi: …Yeah…you’re right…you’re right…I just don’t know why we didn’t see signs of it earlier on. She was perfectly healthy when she was pregnant, so was Manako. Mother and Lady Shizune confirmed this themselves. …How does an illness that bad just come out of nowhere?
Sasuke: I don’t know, son…I don’t know…but like I said, what you should do now…
All words that followed slowly grew silent in Manako’s mind as he reviewed those that came before them, focusing over and over again on one part, in particular.
Manako: (Mama was healthy…before me? …Then what does that…)
His pupils dilated as terror and disbelief plagued his mind, shifting images of his mother’s sickly image and her marble headstone flashing before his eyes.
Manako: (No…no, that’s not true. It can’t be true. I loved my mom. I could never-)
The room around him grew dark, stranding him in a vast plane of nothingness, only a feminine silhouette with a familiar face in his presence. He stared up at it trembling for the longest time, as it did to him in return until it suddenly reached down to grab him, prompting him to stumble backwards in fright.
Manako: No! No, stop it!! I DIDN’T MEAN IT, MAMA!!!
His unawareness caused him to fall as he moved back, knocking his back against the wall before he began shuffling back towards the corner of the hallway. Alerted by his scream, both his father and grandfather emerged from the room as Sakura appeared at the other end of the hall, tears still present in the former’s eyes.
Itachi: Manako!
Manako: I loved my mom!! I loved my mom!! I loved my mom!! I loved my-
Itachi: (Realizing Manako had overheard their discussion, he ran up to him and slowly reached down to touch him as regret consumed his thoughts.) Manako, calm down! It’s alri-
Manako: NO!!! DON’T HURT ME, PLEASE!!!
The sudden motion caused him to bump the top of his head against the pane of the doorway, prompting him to press his hands overtop his head as his body curled up on the floor, tears leaking from his eyes that dwarfed those of his father.
Itachi: …Manako…
Manako: I’m sorry, Mama…I’m sorry, Mama…I’m sorry…
He continued lying there almost motionless as the three adults in the house gathered around him, waiting nervously for some sign that he was okay. After a few minutes, he finally attempted to open his eyes once again, a faint slimmer beneath his eyelids hinting to those around him that his Sharingan was active, though only his grandfather recognized that they had taken on a different pattern than the norm.
Sasuke: That’s the…
Itachi attempted to touch him once again, but his hand was quickly stopped by Sasuke’s, who hoisted the boy gently into his arms instead. Manako immediately wrapped his arms around his neck, tears still streaming from his eyes as he muttered softly to himself.
Manako: It’s my fault…my fault…my fault…
Sasuke: Ssshh…ssshh, it’s alright. I’ve got you.
He stood up once he was sure he had a firm hold on him, nodding in assurance to Itachi as he turned around before looking at Sakura.
Sasuke: I might be staying here longer than I thought.
Sakura: (She merely watched in despair as he walked away with Manako in his arms, unsure what to think or say.) …Sasuke…
The incident passed by after only a few hours of comfort and explanation of what occurred, but the effects continued to haunt Manako’s thoughts after well over a month. During this time, he spent most of his days completely alone, distancing himself from both Airon and Itachi, the latter only unless meals became too difficult to avoid. All his time that was in someone else’s company was spent with his grandfather, attempting to decipher the secrets hidden within his new eyes while coping with his own emotions brought about by his discovery of the source of his mother’s fatal illness. This enlightenment soon led him to the resting place of the Uchiha Tablet, a place he returned to several times after as he became more accustomed to his Mangekyō Sharingan.
????: If you continue using those eyes nonstop, you’ll eventually go blind.
He was sitting alone in the center of the mostly barren room, staring up at the tablet until his grandfather came looking for him, pleaded to by his worried father. Most of his emotion having run dry since he awakened his eyes, Manako acknowledged his arrival with nothing more than a brief turn of his head before going back to looking at the tablet.
Manako: I’m still trying to read it, Grandpa.
Sasuke: (Disheartened by his newfound cold nature, he still managed a smile upon noticing his semblance to his own younger self.) Hm, well, it’s best you stop there. Only so much of that tablet can be read by different people, even with the Mangekyō Sharingan. …You gotta have the Rinnegan if you ever hope to read all of it.
He brushed aside his bangs as Manako turned back to look at him, showing him the eye he was referring to before letting them fall back into place, at which point Manako looked back at the tablet.
Manako: How did you get that eye, then?
Sasuke: (He recalled both the war and his own path of vengeance as he answered.) Under circumstances you’ll hopefully never find yourself in.
Seeing Manako’s obvious disappointment in his vague answer, as well as his obvious interest in what he had already read, Sasuke heaved a sigh before walking up beside him and sitting down, prompting the boy to look up at him as he himself stared up at the tablet.
Sasuke: The final part talks about the Rinnegan, which is why only those who have it can read it. There’s also a message of reassurance, for those who do obtain it.
Manako: Reassurance?
Sasuke: (Half-assuming this was a word he still didn’t know, he smiled in amusement before explaining himself.) To let you know that things aren’t as bad as they seem…and that even though you might have lost someone close to you before you got those eyes, there are still people around you who care about you…people who can fill that hole in your heart left by the one you lost.
Manako stared past him briefly as he reflected on his words before looking back up at the tablet, eventually standing up and clenching his fists as Sasuke looked on.
Manako: I want to go to the Academy, Grandpa. …I wanna show Airon my new eyes.
Surprised by the determination heard in his voice, Sasuke stared at him for some time, part of him wishing he could go back to the cheerful boy he was more than a month ago. Having been a victim of far worse tragedies at a young age himself, he understood his emotions all too well, but to have them occur at less than half that age was a reality neither his mind nor heart could cope with, especially for it to happen to his own grandson. However, the Uchiha clan’s “curse” and the inability to change the past were both realities he had long accepted, and recognizing that Manako’s potential for greatness despite his scars extended far beyond those who came before him, Sasuke still managed a smile as he stood up and rubbed the top of the boy’s head before walking out.
Sasuke: Well, you’d best get to work. Who knows when Airon will graduate at the rate he’s improving.
Manako continued to stand there long after he left, his gaze shifting between the tablet and the now empty doorway. He soon came to his senses, though, and ran off after him, intent on living up to his declaration – and his promise to his rival.
Sasuke remained in the village for two more months, during which he took it upon himself to train Manako and ensure he was accepted into the Academy. Having already made substantial progress before his arrival, his input gave Manako more than the required amount of pedigree a child his age would be expected to have to receive formal education. Having not come face-to-face with him in a few months, his first order of business following his first official class to locate his rival amidst the school’s vast number of students. As expected, though, this search was hardly being conducted on his end alone.
????: Ah! I was wondering where you were, Manako! Hehe, guess we have different instructors.
Recognizing the voice all too well, Manako stopped walking and turned to face Airon as other students continued walking past him. Expecting him to be smiling as he always was, he was somewhat surprised to find him staring at him blankly, in particular at his eyes which, for the intent of his declaration to his grandfather, he had left activated since he arrived that morning.
Airon: (His eyes are different than before…and the last time he got new eyes like that…) You okay, Manako?
Manako gave no immediate response, looking away just slightly as he feebly nodded his head, looking back at him when he had gathered his thoughts.
Manako: I’m finally here, Airon. And I made it before you could graduate, too.
Airon: (He nodded in agreement to this observation, but still couldn’t bring himself to smile, not used to seeing him so cold and detached.) Yeah…but you don’t look like you’re too proud of yourself for it.
Manako: (He glanced briefly at the floor as he replied.) …I’m fine. I just have a lot of stuff to think about now.
When he looked back up, he found that Airon was now looking at the floor himself, clearly distraught by all that his cousin had gone through in the past few months. Manako initially took it as a sign of respect that he would give this much thought to his suffering, but the longer he looked at him, the more he realized just how much he missed seeing his smile.
Manako: Besides, I told you I would graduate beside you. So I can’t let anything get in the way of that, can I?
When Airon looked up in response, he was surprised to find Manako standing there forming the Seal of Confrontation, a reminder of their challenge to one another over a year ago. Glad to see his bouts with despair hadn’t completely tarnished his memories of the world around him, he returned the gesture with a grin.
Airon: You’d better hurry and ace your classes then. Exams are coming up in a month, and I don’t plan to waste a whole year just so you can catch up.
Manako: (Pleased to find Airon hadn’t changed a bit, he smiled for the first time since he awakened his Mangekyō Sharingan.) I’ll take that as a challenge.
– Present-Day –
Airon and Manako’s swordfight continued for several minutes with no real change in stance, Airon’s maintaining an offensive front while Manako’s reflexes prevented him from inflicting any damage whatsoever. Though this wasn’t to say Manako didn’t turn the tables on Airon more than a few times during the duel, one such occasion prompting the latter’s father to flinch up in the stands. His son’s overall superior swordsmanship helped him to quickly regain the upper hand, though, and he heaved a sigh of relief, much to his own rival’s amusement.
Itachi: You look nervous, Bolt.
Boruto: (A bit surprised by his intrusion, he managed to catch himself and grinned as he turned to face him.) Are you kidding me? After that first act, I’ll be up all night thinking about this match.
Itachi: (He smiled upon hearing this, knowing full well that he was really thinking.) Is that so? …Not worried in the slightest about your grandson’s chances of victory?
Boruto: (His doubts having already passed, he brushed off this attempt to pry a reaction out of him with a smirk.) Pssh, why would I be? …You and I both know this fight’s just getting started.
Agreeing wholeheartedly with this, Itachi nodded before they both turned back towards the arena, where their sons had brought their duel to an end in order to find another means of displaying their abilities.
Airon: (We’ve got a few categories left to show off, Manako. Strength, precision, or genjutsu?)
Manako: (He smiled and glanced up at the audience as he replied.) (Let’s combine the first two. …Should make things more interesting for both parties.)
Airon: (Hmhmhm, as always, I like your style.)
As he shared this thought, he pulled out his black gloves and fastened them on his hands, flexing his knuckles to ensure they were tight enough before leaping high into the air, crashing down moments later and sending rubble flying throughout the stadium. Dodging any which came his way as he leapt back to safety, Manako quickly unveiled eight shuriken and tossed them at Airon, who easily blocked them with eight of his own. As they fell from the air, Airon drove his fingers into the ground beneath his feet, pulling up with them a massive chunk of earth which he proceeded to throw at Manako. Already prepared for a counter, though, Manako began concentrating his chakra into his fist before slamming it against the ground, sending up a pillar of earth directly below the large boulder that sent it flying higher into the air. He immediately pulled out a kunai afterwards and waited for the rock to begin its decline before pouring chakra into it and tossing it upwards, hitting it with just enough force and in just the right location to cause it to fracture and dissolve into hundreds of smaller, much less harmful rocks. As they descended around him, he reached behind him and pulled out a fūma shuriken, which he quickly unfolded and chucked towards Airon. Smiling in amusement at this rather weak follow-up, Airon unsheathed his sword and waited for the projectile to enter a vertical stance before drifting off to the side and catching the ring of the shuriken on his blade as it continued to spin around violently. Rotating his arm a few times to build up its momentum, he lunged it forward and sent the shuriken spiraling back towards Manako, who already had his own sword out and prepared to attempt the exact same feat. Proving successful, this back-and-forth carried on for some time as the audience overhead ogled their deadly accuracy, particularly the weapon connoisseurs in the crowd.
Miyuki: Just flawless…I’m so jealous.
Chan: They are prodigies, though, Miyuki. It is to be expected of them.
Tenten: (She looked at Chan as he said this before looking back at the match, amazed by what she saw.) (Even then, though, that’s ridiculous. …I’ve never seen Sasuke or Naruto do things like that.)
Z: Holy shit…jeez, now I’m just waitin’ to see if there’s somethin’ those cats CAN’T do.
Sakebi: Think you’d be hard-pressed, my man. …I ain’t seen folks doin’ nothin’ like that back in OUR village.
Tomoi: (She nodded feebly in agreement, her stiff expression hinting that she was trying desperately to find some reason to continue downplaying their abilities.) …Yeah…and they don’t even look tired yet. (Are they even human?)
Down below, the contestants’ boredom gradually peaked once again, prompting Manako to channel lightning-enhanced chakra through his sword and slash it upwards as the shuriken came back his way, splitting it clean in half. Returning it to its sheath as Airon did the same, he clenched his fist and rushed forward ready to strike, prompting his opponent to take a step back and hold his arm up to defend himself. Catching Manako’s fist in his hand as he attempted to plow it into his cheek, the ground around them rumbled loudly as Airon’s arm began twitching in pain, prompting him to smile in spite of himself.
Airon: (You’ve gotten a lot stronger, haven’t you?)
Manako: (He answered with a smirk as he attempted to push Airon’s hand back with his fist.) (Hm, as if you gave me a choice. …I’m not falling behind you on any level, Airon. Don’t ever forget that.)
As he shared this thought, Manako suddenly found himself being dragged forward, his fist caught between Airon’s fingers as he pulled back. He took advantage of the opening and plowed his fist into his side, only for Manako to use his sharp reflexes to leap up and roll over his body over Airon’s shoulder, taking his arm with him. Catching on well in advance, though, Airon managed to twist his body around in time to avoid dislocating his arm before letting go of Manako’s hand to break their hold on one another, reflecting on Manako’s previous remark with a smirk when he found time to do so.
Airon: (Then why do you keep dodging MY punches, Manako?)
Manako: (Because I’m not stupid, Airon. …Unlike you, I still recognize my limitations. I just don’t hold back when I know I haven’t reached them yet.)
Acknowledging the truth in this with a soft chuckle, Airon rushed forward, leading into a bout of strength that consisted mainly of Airon blocking Manako’s strong punches while the latter completely avoided the former’s more powerful punches. On more than one occasion, a missed blow resulted in a large crater in either the ground or the wall of the stadium, and all who watched this unfold couldn’t help but be awed by their strength.
Ryoku: Such incredible power…and from such young shinobi.
Kurotsuchi: (Being a shinobi famed for his own strength, she gazed up at him in surprise before looking back down at the two contestants.) It’s almost too hard to believe, isn’t it?
Darui: It’s insane, to be honest with ya. …They can’t have been ninja for more than a few years now, so how the hell’d they reach this level so soon?
Chōjūrō: If you don’t mind me asking, Naruto, when exactly did your grandson become a genin?
Naruto: (Still focused on the match below, he looked up in surprise upon hearing his name.) Hm? Oh…only about a year ago. He hasn’t been a ninja very long at all.
Gaara: (Noticing the slight hesitation as he answered, his eyes grew more narrow in suspicion.) …And how long before that did he begin honing his skills?
Naruto: …You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.
Everyone on the balcony immediately looked over at Naruto, half of them surprised by his answer out of belief that the truth was as outrageous as he claimed, while the rest seemed to shrug off such a notion.
Darui: Try us.
Naruto closed his eyes as images of his grandson’s progress as a ninja projected in his mind, each one digging further into the past than the last. He opened them again as his thoughts settled on the first time he ever saw him weave chakra.
Naruto: He was hardly two years old when he first started learning to control his chakra. He entered the Academy a year later and left before he reached the age of four.
He heard no response from any of them, prompting him to look back to find them all staring at either him or the boys on the arena floor with wide eyes. Already expected such a reaction, though, he paid it no mind and continued.
Naruto: We decided to hold back on his official graduation until his peers had all left the Academy, too…but technically, Airon’s been a shinobi for almost ten years.
Kurotsuchi: …Y-You’re kidding us.
Darui: He has to be! I’m sorry, Naruto, but there’s no way a three year-old could become a shinobi!
Sasuke: It’s the truth, Raikage. Manako graduated himself less than a year later.
Naruto: (He nodded to confirm this as he stared back down at his grandsons’ ongoing fight.) Those two have been butting heads ever since they were small kids, trying to learn everything they can in order to become stronger than the other. Their rivalry is so fierce, it’s as if they hated each other down to the bone. …Hehehe, sometimes I wonder if they even remember they’re cousins.
As those around him came to terms with his newest revelation, they returned their attention to the match below, where the boys’ contest of strength had all but reached its end. Manako’s continuous attempts to avoid Airon’s swings brought them near the tree line on the edge of the arena, where one swift motion to the right sent the latter’s fist crashing into one of the larger trees in said line rather than Manako’s head. As it plummeted down between the two – concealing them from one another for roughly half a second – Airon leapt into the air and came crashing down on top of Manako, culminating in a pose that involved them interlocking fingers as Airon gradually pushed Manako closer and closer to the ground. As Manako’s feet slowly began to slip out from under him, his rival stared down at him with an immense grin.
Airon: (See? I’m still stronger than you, cuz.)
Evidently waiting for this snide remark, Manako smirked as he slid his feet out from under him, twisting his body as he broke Airon’s grip on one of his hands and reached for his sword.
Manako: (Still slower, though.)
Airon: (Not entirely surprised by his agility, he smiled up at him as Manako unsheathed his sword and drove it into his shoulder.) (Am I?)
The moment the blade penetrated his skin, Airon vanished in a puff of smoke, at which point the real Airon emerged from behind the fallen tree, plowing his foot into Manako’s cheek before he could react and sending him flying across the stadium.
Hinata, Itachi, and Sakura: Manako!!
To the relief of those in the stands, Manako suddenly vanished in midair, revealing that he, too, was merely a clone as his true self charged forth from the tree line with his sword at the ready, which Airon quickly and effortlessly deflected with his own.
Manako: (You cheated.)
Airon: (He smirked in amusement at the audaciousness of his claim.) (And what do you call that?)
Smiling as if to say “touché”, Manako leapt back before the two returned their swords to their sheaths once again.
Airon: (You still look rarin’ to go.)
Manako: (Hm, and you look about ready to pass out.)
Airon: (He chuckled softly as he shook his head, trying to hide the fact that he was wiping a single drop of sweat from his forehead with his thumb.) (Pssh, don’t kid yourself. Pray forbid this match goes on forever, I’ll outlast you on stamina alone…and don’t look at me like that’s not the truth.)
Manako: (Hm, whatever makes you feel better…so, do we move on to genjutsu?)
Airon: (He smirked before cracking his neck in both directions and flexing his shoulders.) (It all depends on you, my friend.)
Manako: (His smile vanished as he closed his eyes, opening them again moments later.) (…I’m ready.)
Their stillness over the past minute caused several members of the audience to lean forward in interest, but those with sharp eyes took notice to something else.
Itachi: He activated his…Mangekyō Sharingan.
Boruto: (Having noticed this, as well, he stared down at his son in curiosity.) For what, though? And why’s Airon just standing there?
Inase: (Having already come up with an answer herself, she rubbed her eyes in irritation before gazing over at her brother.) (He still thinks this is a contest. …Well, he reaps what he sows. You better be ready for whatever he conjures up, Airon.)
Airon: (He smirked as these thoughts entered his mind.) (You worry too much, little sister.)
As the period of no action grew longer, more and more people began understanding what was going between the two contestants, provoking shocked expressions from even those on the highest balcony.
Sakura: He’s not seriously thinking about…
Hinata: …Airon…
Sasuke: (He turned to Naruto with a frown.) Stubbornness goes a long way in your bloodline, doesn’t it?
Naruto: (He gave no response as he stared down at his grandson, evidently put off by his persistent smile.) (Don’t overdo it, Airon. …We told you how dangerous Tsukuyomi is.)
Chōjūrō: This technique is a lesser extent of the same genjutsu Madara Uchiha placed the entire world under four decades ago. …It’s supposed to be nigh impossible to break.
Gaara: It is. …Your grandson is either very brave or very stubborn to request such a thing, Naruto.
Konohamaru: I don’t think he’s either, Gaara. …I think he’s gonna break it.
He retained both his leaning posture and stone face as everyone turned to look at him, most of them as surprised by his opinion as they were amused.
Darui: Sorry, Hokage, but even with his chakra control, that’s wishful thinking on your part.
Sasuke: (Slightly offended by the notion, he frowned back at the much younger shinobi.) Tsukuyomi isn’t just a genjutsu, Konohamaru. It’s an illusion of near unrivalled potency, and only those who possess both the Sharingan and the same blood as the caster have any hope of breaking it.
Ryoku: (One of the few present that was oblivious to the powers of the Mangekyō Sharingan, he listened attentively to this explanation with his arms crossed, quick to pick it apart once he finished.) Well, the boy does have one of those traits already. Surely that’s enough to make a difference.
Sasuke: (He exchanged stares with Naruto before looking back down at the arena floor, where Manako and Airon were now clearly carrying on their battle within the latter’s mind.) Yes…perhaps.
His body numb and motionless from the effects of the illusion, Airon withdrew to his subconscious, which had been reshaped into an endless black landscape underneath a blood-red sky. Standing directly across from him was Manako, his entire being turned black while his body had taken on an inverted grayscale tone. Having only heard tales of the infamous genjutsu until now, Airon found himself unable to suppress his eagerness to see what it was capable of.
Airon: Alright then. Show me what you got. …I’m game for anything.
Manako: (He couldn’t even respond with a smile, knowing what was to come.) …Of course you start out saying that.
As he spoke, a small glimmer of light approached in the distant sky, growing larger with every passing second until it became clear what it was – a long katana, and it planted itself directly through the center of Airon’s back. Screaming out in pain, Airon toppled over on all fours, panting heavily as he struggled to regain his composure.
Airon: Okay…nnngghh, that smarts.
Manako: Hm, this is a world where the art of torture is stretched to its absolute limit, Airon. Even the strongest minds in the world eventually crumble under the weight of the pain. …You’re no different.
Airon: (Taking his blank stare as a challenge, he cracked another grin as he began trying to pick himself up.) …Hehehehe, I could take these all day, Manako. …Huhh, the real question is whether your eyesight will hold out until I’ve finally exhaust-
He barely had enough time to finish speaking before a second katana plowed its way through his back, piercing his right lung in the process. He was hardly finished coughing up blood when yet another found its way through his left shoulder blade, prompting him to cry out in pain as his body caved in and fell flat against the ground.
Manako: That’s three…and only half a second has passed in the real world.
Airon: (He gritted his teeth as he tried pushing himself up again, smiling up at Manako in light of this new piece of information.) So that’s your frame of reference…ngh, you’re not gonna go changing it on me, are ya?
Manako: (He smirked in response as another katana became wedged in Airon’s right leg.) Well, that wouldn’t be too fair of me, would it?
Two more found themselves skewered between Airon’s ribs before the pain finally began to grow numb, granting him enough vigor to press his hands together and form a hand sign as he grinned up at his opponent.
Airon: Well then, why don’t we get started?
Manako’s eyes quickly grew in size – as did those of every other person in the stadium with a special dōjutsu – as Airon’s chakra suddenly ceased all movement within his body. Not even a second later, it erupted in waves around him, forcing the Manako residing outside his subconscious to hold his arm over his face to shield himself from it while those in the closest rows of the stands did the same. This was hardly the first time Airon achieved a feat like this during the tournament’s progression, but that didn’t stop the audience from ogling over it as they did many times before.
Sabure: His chakra…he hasn’t broken out of it already, has he?
Gaara: No…that’s highly unlikely. (A second has passed since the illusion started…how long has it been for him?)
Sasuke: (He turned around to face Sabure upon hearing her comment, turning back to the arena floor as he retaliated.) Your grandfather’s right. He can’t possibly break free of Tsukuyomi. …But he’s certainly trying.
Only Naruto noticed the single drop of sweat trickling down the side of his head, but he made no effort to bring attention to it as Airon’s chakra died down once again, his unchanged posture prompting Sasuke to heave a faint sigh of relief as he turned back to Gaara and his grandchildren.
Sasuke: See? His only chance now is to outlast Manako’s technique…and with the warped passage of time the illusion presents, those chances aren’t very likely.
No one around him seemed poised to object, seemingly convinced by what had already transpired. The only one visibly opposed to the notion of Airon’s failure was Naruto, who squeezed the railing in anguish as he leaned over it.
Naruto: (Come on, Airon. …If anyone can beat that jutsu, it’s you.)
By the time Airon’s chakra had no longer become visible, ten seconds had passed in the real world, meanwhile his subconscious self had been impaled by a total of sixty katanas, forty of which impaled his chest while five more pinned down each of his limbs. All that remained untouched were his head and neck, the latter of which supported the former as he lifted it up to meet his rival’s gaze, blood leaking in torrents from his lips as Manako looked down at him with a smile, trying to suppress the throbbing pain in his left eye as he did.
Manako: You seem troubled, Airon. …Perhaps you’ve underestimated the power of my eyes?
Airon: (Seeing through his guise, he smirked up at him in amusement.) Heh, I haven’t…ngh, underestimated you in years, Manako. …Just gimme some time. I’ll get out of this.
As he said this, yet another katana became wedged in his right hand, inciting a cringe from him as all feeling gradually left it. He curled the other into a fist as more blood oozed from his mouth, a silent plea that the same fate didn’t await his good hand.
Airon: (If the pain doesn’t get to me first…)
Manako’s tragic past grants him an advantage – how will Airon maintain the balance of power!!?
The End
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