"Rasengan, Shadow Clone Jutsu... your strength has improved faster than I imagined..."
Kakashi slowly exhaled.
A-rank Ninjutsu, Rasengan. B-rank Shadow Clone Jutsu.
He didn't know the specific nature of Rasengan, but he understood what an A-rank Ninjutsu meant.
The last time he sparred with Seiryū, the guy hadn't even learned any Ninjutsu.
Now, he had already mastered an A-rank Rasengan and a B-rank Shadow Clone Jutsu.
The rate of improvement was too fast, even faster than his own.
He had been defeated again by Seiryū, barely able to put up any resistance.
Was he not working hard enough?
No.
It was Seiryū's talent that far exceeded his expectations, and his strength was growing at an astonishing pace.
If Kakashi didn't want to fall even further behind, he would have to work even harder.
He didn't want to remain in second place forever, always being suppressed by Seiryū…
Seiryū simply smiled and said, "You won't stagnate, and neither will I. Let's work hard together, Kakashi. I'm looking forward to our next spar."
"Mm." Kakashi nodded, but he felt like he had heard Seiryū say something similar before.
The two of them formed the Seal of Reconciliation, marking the end of the spar and confirming the top two spots in this practical class.
Kakashi returned to the group, quietly going over the fight in his mind, thinking of ways to overcome Seiryū next time…
Seiryū, on the other hand, was surrounded by a group of excited girls, chattering non-stop as they crowded around him...
"..."
Kurenai, pushed out by the crowd, had a face full of black lines and looked displeased.
Every time Seiryū showed off, this would happen.
Why are all these girls like this?
So frustrating!!
The practical class wasn't over yet. There was still the final challenge segment.
Seiryū thought it would be the same as last time, where no one dared to challenge the top rank.
After all, his battle with Kakashi once again proved he deserved first place.
His strength had far surpassed that of his peers.
However, it turned out Asuma's stubbornness exceeded Seiryū's expectations.
As soon as the challenge segment started, Asuma stepped up and pointed at him with conviction. "Seiryū, I challenge you!"
"Are you sure?" Seiryū looked helpless. Why did the practical class have this challenge rule?
He couldn't refuse.
Asuma snorted, "Of course. Just because you beat Kakashi doesn't mean I'll back down. If I don't challenge you, wouldn't all my hard training go to waste?"
For the pride in his heart. For the dream he carried.
He wouldn't retreat. Only by actually fighting Seiryū could he truly understand the gap and gain the confidence to surpass him in the future!
Besides, losing to Seiryū wasn't shameful.
Losing had no consequences, but winning would be a huge gain!
Seiryū sighed. "How would it be wasted? It just shows you've worked hard, and diligence is always something to be praised."
Still, the System hadn't given a 'ding'. Asuma was marked as a "middle-class noble" by the System, so why hadn't a quest triggered yet?
He's the Hokage's son, after all. Give him some credit, System!
"Quit talking nonsense." Asuma glared and grumbled, "These are the practical class rules. You can't refuse unless you're admitting defeat to me!"
Rules were rules.
He was just following them!
[Ding. A mere middle-class noble, using his status to suppress others and exploit the rules of Shin'ō Academy to pressure the Host. How can the Host, destined to become the future Soul King and rule the Three Realms, tolerate such provocation? Please make the appropriate response!]
[Quest issued: Defeat Ōmaeda Shun in one move during practical training!]
[Quest Reward: Hado #11: Tsuzuri Raiden!]
'As expected of my good System. I didn't misjudge you!'
The crisp notification sound was like heavenly music, making Seiryū's heart tremble with joy.
Today, his impression of the System improved greatly. It was no longer some vague, unreliable, or idiotic presence.
It was his dependable, wonderful System.
In the past, he had misunderstood the System. He had been too focused on surface appearances. But it wasn't too late to change now.
Seiryū admitted he had been misled by those other "heretical" systems in his past life, causing him to overlook this System's true nature.
Only today did he finally see its true form clearly.
It was his reliable, good System. He loved it. He really loved it!
"Indeed, indeed, I accept your challenge, Asuma!" Seiryū's heart was full of warmth. At this moment, Asuma was the best friend he could ask for.
He shouldn't look at others with prejudice.
Asuma wasn't bad!
"I'm truly looking forward to fighting you. After all, you're one of the opponents I value. I'll go all out!" Seiryū even began making excuses for what was about to happen, throwing in some polite flattery.
It was part of the necessary process.
The quest required him to win in one move. What kind of cruel quest was that?
Asuma was the Hokage's son! What if he crushed his spirit?
He had to make it seem like he was being serious. That way, getting defeated in one move wouldn't be so humiliating.
He hoped Asuma would understand his good intentions later...
Asuma looked skeptical. He had a feeling Seiryū was trying to trick him. "I'm one of the opponents you value? Really?"
Seiryū nodded earnestly. "Of course!"
Asuma felt a little dizzy. Being recognized by a genius like Seiryū... not bad.
A smile crept onto his face, though he tried to stay calm. "Don't think your flattery will make me go easy on you!"
Seiryū looked serious. "No, no, I'll take this seriously. I wouldn't dare slack off."
"Then let's begin!"
"Come at me!"
The Seal of Confrontation was formed. The spar began. And then...
Bang!
"Ah!"
"You yield. I win!"
[Ding. Quest complete. Reward being distributed...]
"Whew..." Seiryū wiped away imaginary sweat and let out a long breath.
Looking at Asuma, who now had a black eye and a dazed expression, he spoke with lingering fear. "That was close!"
Asuma's eyes widened in disbelief. "..."
The onlookers also had question marks floating over their heads. "???"
Wait, how was it close?
They had expected a fierce battle, but the result…
Asuma had just started forming hand signs, preparing to use a jutsu. But Seiryū didn't give him a chance, immediately flashing forward and punching him...
And then it was over.
How was that close? Wasn't it a one-hit knockout?
What's with that look of lingering fear?
If Seiryū knew what everyone was thinking, he would definitely argue in his heart.
Of course it was close. If Asuma had managed to use a jutsu, he might not have been able to win in a single move.
Only Seiryū knew the danger of that moment. But he couldn't explain it.
Being misunderstood was the fate of someone with a secret.
He could only endure it in silence...
(To be continued.)
◇◇◇
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)