After some time of fighting, it seemed none of these ten shinobi were specialists in blade techniques.
Their swordsmanship was evenly matched, making it impossible to decide a victor through blade combat alone.
They all came to the same realization and began employing other tactics.
"Huh, my opponent is actually a medical ninja."
Nagato was somewhat surprised. Medical ninja were naturally rare, and those skilled in direct combat were even more uncommon.
Ninja like Tsunade were few and far between even in the vast Ninja World.
Even in the original storyline, capable medical ninja could be counted on one hand.
He didn't recognize this Anbu member — he had simply chosen an opponent at random, just for the sake of participating.
His comment drew everyone's attention toward that particular battle.
"She might even be a beauty."
Kawaki glanced over and teased Nagato.
The female Anbu clearly displayed feminine characteristics — definitely not one of the guys.
She had already sheathed her long blade, her hands glowing with chakra.
Her agility and fluidity in attack surged dramatically.
The slight disadvantage she had been facing was instantly turned around.
Her opponent clearly understood how dangerous the Scalpel technique was.
Dodging frantically from side to side, doing everything possible to avoid physical contact.
Although Kawaki didn't know this jutsu himself, he immediately recognized it as the Scalpel.
An A-ranked Medical Ninjutsu technique used solely by medical ninja — capable of both healing and killing.
Tsunade once told him using the Scalpel in actual combat was difficult, and its success rate wasn't particularly high.
For herself, nothing could beat Chakra Enhanced Strength.
However, when executed correctly, this technique could indeed deal devastating damage.
This female Anbu ninja showcased exceptional mastery of Medical Ninjutsu.
"What's that got to do with me...?"
Nagato muttered, confused why someone else's appearance should matter to him.
Kawaki suddenly felt a migraine coming on. No wonder people online always complained about Nagato.
Even if he liked Mahiro, he would never even consider falling for Konan.
This guy simply had no concept of love inside his head.
His mind was completely consumed by "carrying rice bags up multiple flights of stairs."
Things had changed significantly now.
Kawaki hoped Nagato could gain some insight soon and find his own soulmate.
"Little kid, you're nothing yet."
Kawaki casually flicked Nagato's forehead to help him "see the light."
"Ouch~"
Nagato cried out in pain, puzzled why his teacher suddenly hit him.
Behind his mask, his youthful face twisted in grievance, visible only to himself.
"After they finish fighting, I'll go talk to her."
"We both use Medical Ninjutsu, so we must have something in common."
"Maybe I can hook Nagato up with some romance."
Nawaki was already bubbling with excitement — always the first to jump into the fray.
"Great idea! Count me in!"
Konan chimed in enthusiastically.
"Hahaha~"
Others began laughing aloud, causing Nagato to blush deeply.
Thankfully the mask hid his face, concealing his flustered expression from everyone else.
These guys are so annoying!!
"She's at a disadvantage because of her age — she's gonna lose."
It didn't last long before Kawaki noticed — the female Anbu was already pouring everything into the fight.
Meanwhile, her opponent gradually adjusted to her style, launching counterattacks while evading her strikes.
The balance of victory slowly tipped toward the opposing side.
"She's actually pretty good."
"Calm under pressure—her offense and defense never faltered, even while at a disadvantage."
Minato made no effort to hide his admiration for this female Anbu.
Judging from her posture, she was about the same size as him, while her opponent was at least in his mid-twenties.
"Saying stuff like that—don't you worry about Kushina hearing it?"
Nawaki cast Minato a sidelong glance, immediately setting off alarm bells.
He knew his Big Bro was more than willing to snitch.
"I was just kidding around."
"That doesn't count—at all."
Minato laughed awkwardly to save face. If Kushina really found out,
Kushina would throw a fit—and he'd probably end up with bruises—or worse.
"Please, you're such a coward."
Nawaki scoffed at Minato's sudden backtracking.
What kind of man are you?
Where's your backbone?
"Shut up, speaking of spineless cowards."
Kawaki Hatake glared at both of them annoyedly. They were two peas in a pod anyway.
Who gave them the right to question others?
Didn't they ever look in a mirror before insulting others?
...
Minato and Nawaki were furious when they heard that.
It would've been fine coming from anyone else, but who did Kawaki Hatake think he was to talk like that?
How dare he!
Almost half of Konoha knew he was afraid of his wife.
Both considered their own strength decent, but together, they still wouldn't stand a chance against Kawaki.
If not for fear he'd beat them bloody out of embarrassment, they definitely would have retorted somehow.
When reality clashes with ideals, sometimes you just have to swallow your pride.
During their chat, the female Anbu had already become extremely vulnerable.
Realizing brute force couldn't secure victory, she intentionally left an opening.
This was her last shot.
Suddenly speeding up her attacks, rapidly draining chakra.
Her palm aimed directly at her opponent's vital areas.
One hit would render her opponent incapable of fighting back.
Due to the increased offensive, she left herself wide open defensively.
It was do or die.
Obviously, her opponent fell for it—he assumed she'd lost her cool from frustration.
A smile appeared beneath his mask. "I guess I'll accept this victory."
He carefully dodged each strike from the female Anbu.
Although it was difficult, he managed to do it.
Just then, his grin widened. He sidestepped her last strike.
Bent his knees slightly, gathering power, then launched a powerful whip kick aimed squarely at her chest and abdomen.
"Here it comes."
The female Anbu's face hardened, whispering to herself.
This was exactly what she was waiting for!!
She neither dodged nor avoided, locking her core muscles tight, planning to endure the blow directly.
The light on her palm flared suddenly, shifting from a stab to a forceful push.
"Ahh~"
Even braced for it, the kick still hurt like hell.
She let out a scream as she was sent flying backward from the tree.
At the moment her palm struck her opponent's heart area, he grunted, then collapsed unconscious.
[Mutual Knockout!!]
Jiraiya observed with increasing interest.
It was no easy feat to get this far while at a disadvantage.
This female Anbu actually stood out to him.
Coincidentally, the direction she flew off in was where Kawaki and his group were stationed.
"Someone go catch her."
Such a small matter wasn't worth Kawaki handling personally.
"You go."
Nawaki grinned and shoved Nagato forward—it was the perfect chance to spark something.
If Nagato could give her some treatment afterward, maybe Cupid's arrow would strike.
After all, Nagato was soft-hearted—if someone got hurt, he'd definitely lend a hand.
Caught off guard, Nagato could only bite the bullet and move forward.
With one leap, Nagato swept the female Anbu into his arms and landed gracefully.
Her mask had already fallen midair, now revealing her face clearly.
Big black-rimmed glasses couldn't hide her lovely, gentle charm.
Her short, light brown hair fell just past her shoulders, giving her an extra touch of playfulness and charm.
There was no sign whatsoever of the fierceness and determination she had shown during the earlier battle.
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