The forest grew denser as the team walked deeper, mist curling around their ankles like ghostly fingers. Birds were silent. Even the wind seemed hesitant, holding its breath.
Kaelen's fingers tightened on his wooden sword. Something's off… His instincts screamed.
"Hey," Riku said, breaking the silence, "why does it feel… too quiet?"
Before anyone could answer, a sharp, cocky laugh echoed through the trees.
"Didn't expect to see little Genin wandering out here alone," a voice called out. Smooth, taunting, and dangerous.
Kaelen's pulse quickened. Two figures stepped from the mist — a tall man with black hair streaked with crimson. Twin blades dripped faintly with a dark, almost red aura. Blood blades… Kaelen recognized the danger immediately.
"I am Kurota Gen," the taller figure announced, spinning his blades lazily. "And I suppose you're the famous new Genin making waves in Konoha. Cute. Really cute."
Riyomi stepped forward, hands glowing slightly with chakra. "You won't scare us."
Kurota smirked. "Scare? No. I'm here to see how fast you break." His grin widened. "Or maybe how long your little sword lasts."
Kaelen felt the wind shift around him, a subtle pressure against his skin. This guy… he's strong. Too strong.
Kiran-sensei's voice was calm but firm. "Kaelen, get behind me. Stay close to your friends. Watch and learn."
Kaelen's eyes narrowed. I won't hide. I can't. Not with my friends in danger.
He gripped his wooden sword, its faint blue pulse responding to his determination. Time to see what I've learned.
Kurota stepped closer, blades spinning with deadly precision. "Come on, kid. Show me what a Genin can do."
Riku charged, sparks flying from his hands. "I'll handle him!"
Kurota flicked his wrist. A blur. Lightning-fast. Riku barely dodged as a gust of wind erupted from the slash, cutting through the mist like a blade.
Kaelen's heart pounded. If I don't act now… someone's going to get hurt.
He summoned a Shadow Clone, Body Flicker Jutsu, moving behind Kurota in an instant. "Sword Technique: Gale Strike!"
The clone swung, the blade slicing through the mist, but Kurota laughed, stepping aside with effortless speed. "Cute. But predictable."
Another gust of wind cut across Kaelen's face — his clone was destroyed instantly. Riyomi shouted, launching wind shards toward Kurota, but he parried both with a casual flick of his blades.
Kaelen's mind raced. He's faster than anything I've faced… faster than I expected. I need more… I need control…
A strike from Kurota sent Kaelen tumbling into a tree. Pain shot through his arm. I can't lose. I can't…
The rogue's voice echoed, dripping with arrogance. "Your little tricks won't save you, kid. You're just a child playing with a sword."
Kaelen's vision blurred. His chest heaved. It's now or never… I have to… focus… still my heart…
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