"Yuichi, come here."
Kazuya's voice was calm but commanding, as he beckoned Yuichi over.
Huhu! The wind blew sand and dust across Yuichi. Fine grains coated his clothes, but he didn't move. The spinning kunai on his index finger continued its slow rotation.
Kazuya frowned. "Yuichi! Did you not hear my order? I said, come here!"
Yuichi remained seated, seemingly oblivious.
"My words during a mission are orders, Yuichi…" Kazuya's eyes narrowed, a hint of irritation in his voice.
Whoosh! A kunai sank into the ground just in front of Heya's feet.
"What are you doing?" Heya demanded.
Yuichi slowly stood, his usual sun-like smile fading. His eyelids lifted slightly, and he met Heya's gaze without emotion. The black coat flapped in the wind.
"Teacher Heya, stop pretending!" Yuichi's tone was cold—sharp enough to make Kazuya blink in surprise. This wasn't the playful, carefree Yuichi from before.
"I… don't understand what you mean…" Heya stammered.
Yuichi's smile turned colder. "There are too many flaws in your plan."
Heya's eyes flickered. "I still don't understand."
"Do you really treat me like a three-year-old? We're supposed to be going to the Land of Iron. But this road? This isn't the way to the Iron Country. This is the road to the Land of Soil."
Heya's expression stiffened. "How… how do you know this isn't the way to the Iron Country?"
"Not only do I know, I also know exactly where we are. This is the border between the Land of Grass and the Land of Fire. This place is called Feishayan—a wide no-man's land." Yuichi pointed toward the distant, undulating mountains.
Kazuya's lips curved into a faint smile. "Yuichi… you truly are clever. A powerful ninja, but going the wrong way. You must never learn ninjutsu secretly."
Yuichi nodded, understanding. "Now that you've realized it, teacher, let's not waste time."
Kazuya's eyes darkened. "Since you insist on resisting, I'll satisfy you… but your struggle will be useless."
Boom! Kazuya dashed forward. At the same time, a handful of kunai flew toward Yuichi's throat.
With one hand, Yuichi caught Kazuya's wrist. Kazuya's eyes widened—how could a Genin possess such power?
A knee slammed into Yuichi's chest, but he lifted his leg, striking Kazuya's knee before it could move.
"Impossible! Teacher!" Kazuya gasped.
Yuichi shook his head, disappointed. "This is what a Jōnin can do?"
Kazuya threw a punch. Yuichi caught it effortlessly, twisted Kazuya's arm, and kicked him hard in the chest. Boom! Kazuya flew backward, landing heavily.
He stood, staring at Yuichi in disbelief. This power… is he really a kid?
"Heh. Jōnin are nothing." Yuichi's gaze flicked playfully toward Heya.
Panting, Heya raised his hand, preparing to use ninjutsu. "Physical skills aren't enough? Then I'll use ninjutsu to finish you."
"You're a Water Style ninja! You can't use Water Style here," Kazuya said, observing the arid wasteland. There was little moisture in the air, making Water Style difficult to use.
"Fire Style!" Heya shouted. "Great Fireball Technique!"
Boom! A massive fireball erupted, radiating unbearable heat.
Yuichi smiled faintly. "Who said I can't use Water Style here?"
"Water Style: Water Barrier!"
Puff! Surging water formed around Yuichi, creating a protective wall. Boom! The fireball struck, exploding into white smoke.
The scale of the Water Barrier left the businessmen in awe. Heya's eyes widened in disbelief. "How… how can this be? Using Water Style at this level here…"
Yuichi walked calmly from the smoke. "Nothing is impossible. Thanks for choosing this special place for me."
Heya lowered his head, preparing another attack. Yuichi flicked his finger to Kazuya's right. "Teacher, look here!"
Puff! A black kunai appeared in Kazuya's left, piercing his neck instantly. Blood splashed.
Yuichi's figure reappeared behind him, holding the kunai carefully.
"Sorry! I misjudged. My right should be your left." He withdrew the bloody kunai, and Kazuya collapsed, blood spilling from his mouth.
The businessmen stared at Yuichi, dumbfounded. At that moment, this kid used Body Flicker Technique with one hand… incredible speed…
Yuichi turned slowly toward them, the bloody kunai in his hand. "Next, it's your turn."
Tick.