Sss~
In the monitoring room, a ripple of gasps echoed among the gathered jonin. The temperature in the room seemed to rise imperceptibly, as though the air itself had been charged with shock and disbelief. All eyes were fixed on the display of Aosui's movements in the Forest of Death.
Every person watching understood the stakes. Here was a genin—at least, officially—engaged in combat with two of the strongest participants from the Cloud and Sand Villages. But what they witnessed surpassed disbelief. Aosui was clashing swords with Killer B, the Cloud Village's prodigy, and at the same time, forming hand signs with one hand to use Water Release to intercept Maki's attack.
Every jonin present, veterans of countless battles, could not hide their astonishment. They had seen a lot in their time, but Aosui's abilities defied all logic and precedent.
"He's not even pretending anymore. How can you still call him a genin?" one of the jonin murmured, disbelief lacing his voice.
It was no exaggeration. Even the most skilled Cloud and Sand ninjas couldn't have performed such a feat. Normally, any jonin in the same situation would have first forced Killer B to retreat before handling Maki's attack. Yet here was Aosui, doing both simultaneously, with ease and precision.
Another jonin, initially skeptical, fell silent. He questioned his own memory: Was Aosui really a genin? Could I have misremembered? But no—Aosui's performance left no room for doubt. If he were a jonin, he would have had to be among the elite, a rare and exceptional talent. There was no chance the jonin would fail to recognize him otherwise.
"I told you, he's a genin. If you don't believe me, go investigate!" the stubborn jonin finally snapped, refusing to accept what his eyes had just witnessed.
Both Cloud and Sand jonin exchanged glances. Aosui's actions were increasingly incomprehensible, his strength seemingly beyond the realm of ordinary genin. Despite their doubts, each of them quietly acknowledged that only an investigation could settle the matter.
"I will report this to Captain Darui."
"Me too. I'll inform Captain Rasa."
They knew their report might trigger a full-scale examination of Aosui's abilities. However, whether to pursue it rested with Darui and Rasa. The Leaf jonin did not intervene; he trusted that since the Hokage had sanctioned Aosui's participation, no harm would come from further scrutiny.
Unaware of the stir he had caused among the hidden jonin, Aosui remained focused on the battle. With a swift, precise slash, he struck Killer B across the abdomen. Blood gushed from the wound, and the Cloud Village prodigy was forced to retreat. Aosui did not pursue him further; instead, he observed, waiting for the next move.
"Are you alright?" Maki asked cautiously, concerned despite being an opponent.
Killer B grinned wryly as he sheathed his ninja swords. "It's just a minor injury. I'm fine."
He knew, after the sword exchange, that victory through taijutsu alone was impossible against Aosui.
"Do you have any powerful ninjutsu left? Don't hold back anymore," Maki pressed.
After a moment of hesitation, Maki shook his head. "No… and as you saw, my Wind Release had no effect on him."
Killer B nodded and leaned closer. "I still have one move I haven't used. Later, I need you to distract him for me."
He was referring to the Lightning Release: Lariat, a devastating technique capable of taking down even the most powerful opponents. It could be executed solo or combined with the Fourth Raikage, A, in the famed Double Lariat. Aosui's overwhelming strength, however, required careful planning for the attack to succeed.
Aosui watched silently, paying little attention to their discussion. His gaze, instead, flicked briefly to Kushina, who was engaged in her own fight against the two Sand ninjas. Though her power did not match his, she was clearly gaining the upper hand.
Using explosive tags to separate Ryuto and Haruko, Kushina focused on Haruko first. The kunoichi could not withstand Kushina's relentless assault. As a member of the Uzumaki clan, Kushina possessed both immense chakra reserves and exceptional taijutsu skill, surpassing many male ninjas.
Ryuto rushed to assist Haruko, but it was too late. Kushina's strike landed with precision, sending her opponent spitting blood. Even though Haruko attempted to counter with Wind Release to protect Ryuto, it merely slowed the inevitable. With a swift kick, Kushina sent Ryuto hurtling toward Haruko, causing the two enemies to collide in a heap.
Maki, witnessing the futility of ninjutsu against Aosui, resorted to taijutsu, drawing a kunai and charging forward. Taijutsu formed the foundation of all ninja combat, yet even his skills paled in comparison to Aosui's mastery.
Despite Maki's determination, his efforts were futile. He attempted to grab Aosui's arm, but Aosui moved with calm precision, analyzing the attack without haste. Killer B's follow-up was swift, aiming at Aosui's neck, a vulnerable point that could prove fatal if struck.
Aosui noted the speed and force of the attack with quiet appreciation. No wonder the future Killer B almost killed Sasuke with this move, he thought.
"But you are still too weak right now," Aosui said coldly, delivering a powerful kick that sent Killer B crashing through a nearby tree. Unlike Darui, however, Killer B's resilience allowed him to remain conscious despite the violent impact.
"Throw out the scroll, let's go," Shii instructed as he moved to assist Darui. Killer B made a quick decision. Losing one scroll was preferable to losing their lives. They could still recover Heaven and Earth Scrolls from other ninja teams.
Maki, left alone, faced the same reality. He, too, had no choice but to discard the scroll and flee with Ryuto and Haruko. Even when combining their strengths, the two opponents were outmatched by Aosui, forced into chaotic retreat.
Aosui's voice called after them, sincere and calm: "I can heal you!"
But no one stayed to receive his aid. Their fear and need to survive outweighed gratitude. Aosui understood, however. These genin were his only opportunity for system rewards during the five-day exam. That was why he had restrained himself in combat, ensuring he did not endanger their lives unnecessarily.
Finally, Kushina approached, her expression a mixture of surprise and relief. "Aosui, both of these scrolls are the Earth Scrolls we need!" She picked them up from the ground, her hands steady despite the adrenaline still coursing through her body.
The battle had concluded almost as swiftly as it had begun. Aosui's unmatched skill had decisively turned the tide, and now the team could advance with the essential scrolls secured.
The Forest of Death stretched on, dense and treacherous, yet their path had been cleared for the moment. Aosui glanced at Kushina, then back at the fleeing ninja. His calm demeanor returned, but the intensity in his eyes hinted at his readiness for whatever challenges remained.
For these genin, the Forest of Death was not just a test of skill, but a crucible that would forge their strength, resilience, and understanding of what it meant to be a ninja. And for Aosui, this was not merely a test—it was an opportunity, a chance to master his abilities, aid his teammates, and claim the rewards the system promised.
With the Earth Scrolls now in hand, their next step was clear: reach the Central Tower, survive the remaining obstacles, and continue proving their abilities to themselves and the watching world. The challenges ahead were daunting, but with Aosui leading the way, they faced them with unwavering confidence.
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)