Konoha Training Ground
In the center of the field, Jiraiya stood with his hands on his hips, a smug look on his face as he watched Nawaki.
"Well? Powerful stuff, right?"
Nawaki's eyes lit up and he nodded eagerly.
Just moments before, Jiraiya had taught him two Earth Release Ninjutsu.
The first was Earth Release: Swamp of the Underworld, an area-of-effect jutsu that created a large swamp to trap enemies. It was a simple but effective technique, requiring few hand seals and a moderate amount of chakra.
The second was Earth Release: Earth Style Wall, a classic defensive jutsu that created a solid wall to block attacks.
Seeing Nawaki's excitement, Jiraiya breathed a sigh of relief. He wouldn't dare teach the boy anything too aggressive. After all, this was the First Hokage's grandson and Tsunade's younger brother.
If he taught him some high-powered jutsu and the kid used it recklessly, that violent woman would tear him limb from limb.
Swamp of the Underworld and Earth-style Wall were safe bets—control and defense wouldn't cause any real trouble.
"You got all the seals?" Jiraiya asked.
Nawaki nodded vigorously. "I got it! I'll practice Swamp of the Underworld first!" As he spoke, his hands formed a series of seals.
The ground at Nawaki's feet suddenly softened. A small patch began to sink, forming a tiny swamp.
He stared at his creation and then jumped up excitedly. "Success! I did it!"
Jiraiya's mouth twitched. That's it? The patch of "swamp" would sink someone an inch, at most. Still, not wanting to discourage the boy, he gave a perfunctory nod. "Not bad. Keep practicing."
Just then, a familiar voice called out from the entrance.
"Well, well. Corrupting the youth, are we?"
Jiraiya turned his head, and his face immediately fell. Tsunade strode onto the training ground, followed by a kid wearing the Uchiha crest.
The moment Nawaki saw the other boy, his eyes flashed. "Uchiha Senba!" He shot to his feet, pointed a finger, and shouted, "I challenge you!"
Senba merely glanced at him before looking away, dismissing him completely.
Nawaki's face flushed. "You—!"
Tsunade ignored her childish brother and walked right up to Jiraiya, crossing her arms. "Honestly, Jiraiya, can you try not to be such a bad influence?"
Jiraiya's eyebrow twitched. "Hey, now, what's that supposed to mean?" he said, annoyed. "I'm a Konoha Jonin, you know. One of the best! How am I a bad influence?"
Tsunade just smirked, not bothering to argue. It was true. Among the future Sannin, Orochimaru was currently the strongest, having perfectly inherited the Third Hokage's skillset in ninjutsu, genjutsu, and taijutsu. He was even a contractor with the Ryūchi Cave. Tsunade herself was a bit weaker than Orochimaru, but she could still handle Jiraiya, who, even as the weakest of the three, had the strength of an elite Jonin.
Tsunade gestured to the boy behind her. "I've taken on a student myself. I'm training him to be a medical ninja."
Jiraiya stared at Senba, stunned. A Medical Ninja? An Uchiha?
Before he could comment, Tsunade continued, "Let's have them spar." She smiled at her brother. "You wanted to challenge Senba, didn't you? Here's your chance."
Nawaki's eyes lit up again as he stared at Senba, eager for a fight.
Troublesome, Senba thought. He had no interest in beating up some weakling, but he had already promised Tsunade he'd help "educate" her brother. A little smackdown couldn't hurt.
Seeing Senba's condescending look, as if he were staring at an ant, Nawaki clenched his fists and yelled, "I won't lose to a Medical Ninja!"
Jiraiya watched from the side, amused. He was sure Nawaki wouldn't lose. The kid was reckless, but he was talented. He had inherited the First Hokage's bloodline, meaning his Chakra reserves were massive for his age, and he learned ninjutsu quickly. Though he hadn't mastered the new earth-style techniques, he already knew two C-rank jutsu: Wind Release: Great Breakthrough and Water Release: Water Severing Wave. With two C-rank jutsu and his exceptional physique, beating a six-year-old medical-nin-in-training should be a piece of cake.
Jiraiya and Tsunade stepped back to give them space, both ready to enjoy the show.
In the center of the field, Senba and Nawaki faced off. The afternoon sun cast long shadows behind them. Nawaki took a deep breath, ready to form the Seal of Confrontation, when Tsunade suddenly yelled, "Start!"
In that same instant, Senba vanished with the Body Flicker Technique.
Nawaki's eyes widened. Before he could react, Senba was right in front of him. Their eyes met, and in that split second, Nawaki saw Senba's eyes flare into the Sharingan.
His mind buzzed. Illusions swarmed his vision—countless copies of Uchiha Senba surrounding him from all sides, leaving no escape. It was only a moment's distraction, but it was all Senba needed. He dropped low and swept his leg out.
Nawaki felt the ground disappear beneath him. He lost his balance and fell hard.
Thud!
Nawaki lay on the ground, dazed, his mind still reeling from the genjutsu's impact. Senba stood over him for a moment before raising his head, crossing his arms, and gazing past Nawaki toward the distant sky. The sunlight caught him, bathing his figure in a golden glow.
"Against the Sharingan..." His voice was soft, yet it carried clearly to everyone there. "...you don't stand a chance."
The training ground fell silent. Jiraiya looked on, dumbfounded, while Tsunade smiled in satisfaction.
Nawaki lay on the dirt, staring blankly at Senba, his eyes filled with a mixture of confusion and humiliation.
But at this moment, Senba's heart was flooded with cringe.
Just as I thought. Trying to Aura farm like Sasuke just isn't for me.
It looked impressive, sure, but his skin wasn't thick enough to say such embarrassing stuff without a shame.
He was just grateful no one laugh out loud, or he would never have been able to keep a straight face.