"So... I'll take both of you." Shunsui said these words clearly so both Kisame and Mukai could hear him.
A wide grin immediately appeared on Kisame's face.
Mukai, however, looked at him in disbelief. He could not believe what Shunsui had just said.
Mukai had expected them to work together against the outsider first. "What do you mean you'll take both of us? We're from the same village. We should eliminate him first, then fight each other afterward." He said this while pointing towards Kisame.
Shunsui let out a small chuckle. "That would be the smart thing to do." Shunsui agreed that Mukai's plan was logical and careful.
He paused for a moment and slowly turned his gaze toward the packed stadium. Tens of thousands of spectators were eagerly watching every move. The stands were full of people from different villages who had come to see great battles.
"But I realised something. The crowd is here for a show, isn't it?" Shunsui asked this question lightly.
He shrugged casually as if the decision was simple. He wanted to give the audience something exciting and memorable instead of a quick and practical fight.
"Earlier, I thought that first defeating Kisame together and then you would be the best move. It would help me keeping my cards hidden." Shunsui explained his original idea.
He had planned to hide how his Shikai worked since every time he used a game in public, the more it would be easy for people to find out who his ability works.
He paused before smiling again. "But then I remembered that we are at war. Konoha needs every bit of funding it can get for this one." Shunsui pointed out that the village could gain more support and money if their shinobi performed well and impressed important people.
And as for his ability getting leaked, it would not have taken them to leak anyways. He was sure that Danzo already knew it.
His eyes met Mukai's directly. "If we fight together, Kisame will walk away looking like some great hero for managing to fight the two of us at the same time and Konoha wouldn't get the required recognition."
"That wouldn't be very fair to us." Shunsui wanted the best result for Konoha and for the show.
The corners of his lips rose even higher. "So I'll save everyone the trouble and defeat both of you myself and give the nobles and merchants quite a show so they choose Konoha shinobi for missions."
Mukai frowned deeply. He still had trouble accepting Shunsui's confidence. "You're saying that as if you're confident you can defeat both of us." Mukai questioned Shunsui's attitude because it seemed too sure for facing two strong genin.
Shunsui's smile never wavered. "Confidence?" He gave a light laugh that sounded relaxed and genuine. "No... confidence is for people who think there's a chance they'll lose." Shunsui explained that he did not see any possibility of defeat.
He was simply choosing how the battle would go. He slowly rested his hand on the hilt of his sword, showing he was prepared to begin.
Silence fell over the battlefield for a short moment. The crowd held their breath, waiting to see what would happen next.
Mukai clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Fine." He glanced sideways at Kisame with clear distrust. "But don't misunderstand. I won't cooperate with him."
Mukai made it clear he would not team up with the enemy. His eyes returned to Shunsui. "I'll come after you once he's dealt with." Mukai promised to fight Shunsui properly after handling Kisame first.
Shunsui sighed in exaggerated disappointment. "What a shame." He spoke as if he truly felt sad about their choice. "I was hoping the two of you would attack together. The game's more interesting when you're outnumbered. Besides, it would have saved me some time. Come on... don't make me wait." Shunsui tried one more time to encourage them to come at him together.
He wanted a bigger challenge to make the fight more fun and to show off more of his skills.
Both of the other fighters looked at him then. Shunsui sighed again. "Well don't blame me for making the first move then," Shunsui said.
He turned to Orochimaru,"Proctor san, would you be willing to be a little further away." Shunsui asked politely.
Orochimaru smiled and replied in a creepy tone. "Sure Shunsui kunnn." Orochimaru disappeared from his spot in a quick movement, giving Shunsui plenty of space.
Then Shunsui activated one of his games. The three genin started hearing a soft tune that seemed to fill the entire field.
Mukai mumbled in confusion. "What is this..." He used his byakugan to check if it was a genjutsu.
He could tell that Shunsui's chakra had enveloped the whole arena. But it was not genjutsu, he was sure of it. Mukai studied the energy carefully with his eyes.
"What is this...who is even singing. I can't even see his lips moving." Mukai mumbled again. He looked around but could not find the source of the voice. The song seemed to come from everywhere at once.
Kisame too was confused. He turned towards the crowd for a moment. "They seemed to not hear anything..." Kisame noticed that the spectators outside the arena were not reacting to the music. Only the three fighters could hear it clearly.
The music continued.
Round and round the chairs we go,
Nice and easy, nice and slow.
Smile and laugh, don't lose your cheer,
Find a seat when silence's near.
Round and round, don't be slow.
Where the music leads, you go.
When the melody stops,...
Better pray you claim your spot.
Step so lightly, don't be late,
Luck decides a ninja's fate.
Both Kisame and Mukai could see two glowing circles appear in the arena on opposite sides.
Shunsui was already standing safely inside one of them.
Kisame and Mukai did not know what was happening but decided to rush towards the last glowing circle, knowing it was the best thing to do. They trusted their instincts and they moved fast towards the circle.
Kisame was the first one to reach it. He stepped into the circle just as the music kept playing.
Round and round, no time to stare,
Every heartbeat counts with care.
When the melody is through...
Hope a chair is waiting for you.
The music abruptly stopped. Mukai, who was still outside the circle, suddenly looked down at his arm.
He had been cut deeply, and blood was pouring from the wound. The injury appeared without any clear attack that he could see.
Kisame looked at it in shock, his eyes wide with surprise at how fast it happened. Mukai muttered in pain and confusion. "How.."
Shunsui smiled as the music started playing once again. The soft tune filled the arena, signaling that the next round of the game was about to begin.
The crowd watched in amazement, trying to understand what kind of technique Shunsui was using.
-------Author Notes--------
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