Chapter 54. Sparring

A few days passed since Ryu and the others got back. Nothing exciting happened other than Team 7 doing some odd missions and goofing around. Akane took quite a liking to Haku as he had a pure heart. Haku always helped Akane when she was gardening. Zabuza on the other hand meditated most of the time up in a tree outside their house.

Ryu was currently inside the death forest. He had his sword ' Kokushibyo ' in his hand. He closed his eyes and stood their in a free stance. Abruptly he swung his sword to his right side. Nothing happened but if one were to look further they will be able to a few trees sliced cleanly from the middle.

Ryu let out a light breath, " Navii, Title and WP "

Title : Grand Master Level 3 (49 M)

WP: 20,500

Ryu's Swordsmanship has increased in these two years but as he moves forward it becomes more and more harder. For him to improve further he needs to have more insight into his sword. Right now Ryu possess strength to find against Madara who has awakened his Rinnegan. But he won't be a match for the ten tails Jinchuriki Madara as he will possess a nearly unlimited chakra.

Ryu " Madara won't stop at anything until he achieves his goal. I need to get stronger for that I need to start practicing the Chaos Manual "

Before Team 7's mission to the land of waves Ryu already possessed eight bloodlines and he needed one more to create chaos energy and start practicing the manual. Now he already have the required WP by saving Haku from dying and keeping a bloodline birthed by this world from going extinct. He has been storing WP to purchase a strong bloodline he has been eyeing for some time. Ryu decided to purchase it tonight and start on the manual but before he needs to be in his best condition in all aspects.

Ryu left the forest and headed back but on his way back he saw a boy wearing a green body suit and training. The boy had bushy eyebrows and hair shaped like a mushroom. This was none other than Rock Lee. The only other practitioner of the ' Hachimon Tonko '. Ryu observed Lee, he was using weights on all four of his limbs and on his torso to do push ups, sit ups, jogging...the usual exercises.

Ryu thought ' Lee has inherited Guy's will to push on no matter how hard it is. It's really a wonder how they were able to endure such harsh conditions and go through such training '

Ryu saw Lee's teammates to the side. Neji was practicing his clans Jutsu while Tenten was playing with scrolls. He walked up to Lee.

Ryu " You should use seals instead of weights, that would be more convenient "

Lee was surprised when he heard someone speak, he turned around and saw Ryu. Lee was shocked to see such a handsome person. He jolted back and remembered Ryu's words

" What seals?"

Ryu " Seals to increase weight. Didn't Guy ever tell you about those? "

Lee " No."

Neji and Tenten saw Ryu speaking to Lee. They were as surprised as Lee. Tenten was blushing hard. Neji already identified who Ryu was, after all there isn't that many people with Red hair and such good looks. But he didn't understand why that person is here.

Ryu " He must have forgotten. Where is he anyway? "

Lee " He will be here soon. My name is Lee. "

Ryu " Ryu Uzumaki "

Lee pointed towards Neji and Tenten " That's Neji and Tenten "

Neji and Tenten walked up to Lee. Neji respected the strong. He really hasn't changed like in the anime. Well... that's Naruto's job. Tenten was looking down, she was shy and stole a few glances from time to time.

Ryu " Guess I will wait here until he arrives, you guys don't mind right? "

Lee was very welcoming " Of course not, Senior "

Neji also nodded but asked " Senior, can you spar with me? "

Lee and Tenten were surprised. Usually Neji is never so quick to ask anyone anything. Ryu smiled and agreed. They went to an open field. Neji took his clans fighting stance, veins were bulging near his eyes. Ryu stood there with his hands inside his pockets.

Ryu " Go ahead "

Neji has heard a lot about Ryu, genius who can use wood style. He also heard that this person is a master at close combat even equal to or surpassing their sensei.

Neji attacked. His movements were fluid and with his eyes as support he was targeting Ryu's chakra points. He didn't even let up a tiny opportunity, he was precise and decisive.

Ryu was dodging and deflecting his attacks. But even then he was surprised by the kind of genius he is. He isn't just using his clans style, he has slightly modified his techniques to better suit him.

Ryu thought ' Glad that I made that wish. He is more of a genius than I thought. Such a shame that he is limiting his own capabilities by just using these styles and exploring further '

Neji " Eight Trigrams 32 palms "

His hands were clad in chakra. His attacks got more faster. But Ryu kept on dodging and deflecting them.

Neji " Revolving heaven "

Neji rotated and a dome of chakra was made around him as he attacked Ryu. He was using the dome as a cover and to force Ryu go on defence. Ryu channeled lightning chakra onto his hand

" Chidori : Cleaver "

A blade made of lightning extended from his hands and attacked Neji. The dome of chakra was sliced through. The lightning blade came to a stop just an inch away from Neji's face.

Ryu " You are a genius but by limiting to these styles will only degrade you. Have you ever not tried something new ? "

Neji was angered " Are you insulting my clans techniques?"

Lee and Tenten got worried when they saw Neji speakings like that. Ryu didn't take it to heart

Ryu " Take that pathetic pride away. Your clan techniques are crude, you only use chakra as a neutral force to attack the chakra points and why do more palm attacks when one can get the job done "

Neji was even more incensed " What did you say!? My clan techniques are crude!? What do you know !?

Ryu " You are the type that won't acknowledge anything until seen by your own eyes. Alright..Lets spar again, let me show you how your techniques should truly be done "

Neji " Fine with me."