The banquet had begun. Kazuyama Gekkō ate his food slowly and methodically. Just diagonally behind him, three people were staring at him intently.
It was Kazuma and his two colleagues, Mizukurai and Locust.
"Kazuyama, I haven't introduced you yet."
"Across from you are the three commanders of our Daimyō's ninja corps."
"Kazuma, Mizukurai, and Locust. All of them are powerful ninja."
Kazuyama nodded as he continued eating.
He knew Kazuma—he would become the leader of the radical faction within the future Twelve Guardian Ninja.
As for the other two, he hadn't heard of them before. He figured they were probably aligned with Kazuma's side.
After all, the Twelve Guardian Ninja were split into two groups—radicals and conservatives—six on each side.
The Daimyō didn't mind Kazuyama's lack of response. In fact, he wasn't surprised.
Kazuyama's reputation preceded him. It was normal for him to look down on other ninja. Not just him—even Obito and Shisui, standing behind him, shared the same attitude.
"Hehehe, I've heard plenty about the Twin Stars of Konoha."
"The Yellow Flash, Minato Namikaze, and the Ghost, Kazuyama Gekkō."
"But I wonder what your real strength looks like?"
"Now that we've eaten and drunk our fill, how about some exercise, Konoha's Ghost?"
Locust was aggressive by nature. Before Kazuma could say anything, he'd already jumped in, eyes brimming with fighting spirit.
But Kazuyama didn't even spare him a glance. At his words, he remained still, calmly picking up a piece of tempura and taking a satisfied bite.
"Hmph. You want to fight my sensei? Who do you think you are?"
"You don't need my sensei to deal with you. I'll be more than enough!"
Obito Uchiha had lost a lot of money earlier in the day and was holding in plenty of frustration. Now he finally had an outlet.
Kazuyama had briefed them before coming—if the other side tried to provoke them, there was no need to hold back. Just fight them. He would handle their leader himself.
As Obito stood up, a trace of irritation flickered across Locust's face, and he stood up as well.
"Hmph. A little brat from the Uchiha clan?"
"I don't know what you can actually do, but you sure talk big."
Just as the two squared off, the Daimyō laughed lightly.
"Well then, how about a spar? Whether it's the Daimyō's Manor or Konoha, you're all citizens of the Land of Fire."
"Hōgen."
At the call, Hōgen bowed and strode out.
He returned shortly afterward and said, "Your Highness, the training ground outside is ready. They can begin the match anytime."
Hah, that was fast.
Kazuyama smirked to himself. He had suspected from the start that tonight's banquet wouldn't be so simple.
A friendly spar, huh? Please, it was all for show.
Just trying to flaunt the strength of the Daimyō's ninja corps?
Then don't blame him for what comes next.
"In that case, it would be rude not to accept."
"Obito, Shisui—let's go spar with our colleagues from the Daimyō's Manor."
"Think of it as a bit of post-dinner exercise."
As soon as Kazuyama finished speaking, he and Kazuma rose simultaneously. They exchanged a brief glance, then walked out together.
Three on each side. Perfectly matched.
The Daimyō nodded at Yanagimura and Hōgen with satisfaction, then walked toward the training ground, surrounded by attendants like stars encircling the moon.
One had to admit—the Daimyō's Manor was wealthy.
At least, that's how it seemed to Kazuyama. The training ground looked like it belonged in the finals of the World Martial Arts Tournament. Guards ringed the entire arena.
The sight only confirmed what Kazuyama had already suspected—this was all part of the Daimyō's plan.
"Hehehe, Kazuyama, Kazuma."
"Are you both ready?"
"But let me remind you—this is just a spar. I don't want to see a fight to the death."
"You're both the backbone of the Land of Fire."
"Understood?"
With that, the Daimyō took his seat in the stands beside the arena, with Yanagimura and Hōgen standing to his left and right.
"Kid, come on up."
"Let me see what you've got. Hehehe... let's see what the Uchiha can do."
Locust couldn't wait—he leapt onto the arena, eyes locked on Obito with a provocative glare.
"Go, Obito."
"If you lose, hmph."
Kazuyama didn't need to say what would happen, but Obito still shivered.
He silently hyped himself up. He couldn't lose. No way.
Obito leapt onto the training ground. Kazuyama then slowly stood up as well.
"To ensure His Highness's safety, let me reinforce the training ground."
"Wouldn't want anything spilling over."
Before the Daimyō could respond, Kazuyama snapped his fingers.
Crackling sounds echoed around the arena.
Crystal Release activated—four shimmering crystal walls formed a barrier around the training ground.
"Oh? So this is your ninjutsu, Kazuyama?"
"If I'm not mistaken, that's Crystal Release, right?"
"Invisible crystal... not bad at all."
With the defenses set, the Daimyō gave the order: "Begin!"
Locust and Obito moved at once.
Locust drew a short sword in each hand. Obito held a kunai in both.
Their weapons clashed midair, sparks flying.
"Hehehe, kid—where's your Sharingan?"
"Let me see it!"
"Ninja Art: Locust!"
After another clash, Locust pulled back. His chakra surged as he formed hand seals.
His blades were suddenly coated in chakra.
His legs swelled with muscle, becoming thicker and more powerful—radiating raw strength.
Kazuyama narrowed his eyes slightly, murmuring to himself, "Interesting."
The technique was actually quite simple—channel chakra to enhance the body.
The chakra on the swords increased their cutting power.
The chakra in the legs enhanced his mobility—and likely his strikes too. After all, kicks were a crucial part of taijutsu.
Seeing this technique reminded Kazuyama of the Inuzuka clan.
They had a secret jutsu called the Four Legs Technique. Its principle was similar.
"Come on, brat!"
With his technique active, Locust displayed his strength.
His legs powered up, he launched forward like a rocket toward Obito.
"So fast!"
Startled, Obito quickly raised his kunai.
Clang!
Crack!
Sparks flew, followed by a sharp snap.
Obito's kunai shattered.
...
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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