Final Opponent

discord.gg/q5KWmtQARF

Join my Discord!

**************

Horyu's thoughts shifted to his next opponent. 'Sasuke. He's always looked down on me, seen me as a disgrace to the Uchiha name.'

At the same time, Sasuke watched Horyu with a mix of hatred, envy, and anger. The disdain he held for the so-called 'talentless Uchiha' was being challenged with every match Horyu won. Sasuke's pride as a member of the esteemed Uchiha clan, as the brother of Itachi, the curret clan head and son of Fugaku, the former clan head, wouldn't allow him to accept being outdone by Horyu. Yet, the rapid rise of Horyu gnawed at him. 'Lose to him? Impossible,' Sasuke thought, his fists clenching. 'But what if...?'

As these thoughts plagued Sasuke, Horyu approached Hinata, starting a conversation. They talked briefly, with Horyu's usual blunt honesty and Hinata's quiet responses. Soon, Iruka called Hinata and Sakura for their match. Horyu, who might have been worried in the past, only gave Hinata an encouraging nod. He had seen her grow stronger; she could handle Sakura now.

Hinata's match with Sakura was a testament to her improvement. She fought with a newfound confidence, her Byakugan and the techniques Horyu had helped her develop shining through. After a tense battle, Hinata emerged victorious, her face alight with triumph.

After Hinata's decisive victory over Sakura, the two left the academy, their spirits high. The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows on their path to the Hyuga compound. Horyu walked alongside Hinata, his mind already on their next training session. Hanabi, having witnessed the positive impact of Horyu's training on Hinata, was waiting in anticipation, eager to learn from him.

Arriving at the Hyuga compound, Horyu, Hinata, and Hanabi headed straight for the training grounds. Today marked the third and final day of their rigorous training regime, fulfilling the 'three-day spar' quest. Horyu was particularly focused on Hinata's progress with the 'Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms', hoping that even an incomplete mastery would satisfy the system's requirements.

As they began their session, Horyu's gaze was fixed on Hinata. "Remember, fluidity and precision," he reminded her, watching as she moved through the forms of the technique they had been honing.

Hinata nodded, her concentration evident. She launched into the technique, her movements a blur of speed and grace. Horyu could see the improvement, the way her confidence had grown over the past few days.

Hanabi, observing her sister's progress, couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and competitiveness. She turned to Horyu, determination in her eyes. "I want to learn that too," she declared.

Horyu smiled slightly, "Alright, you can learn it too."

The training session was intense, with Horyu pushing both sisters to their limits. He watched closely as Hinata repeatedly practiced the 'Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms', offering occasional corrections and encouragement.

As the night deepened, Hinata finally executed a version of the technique that, while not perfect, was a significant improvement from where she had started. Horyu nodded in approval, "Not bad, Hinata. You've made it your own."

Hinata, panting but beaming with pride, replied, "Thank you, Horyu. I couldn't have done it without your help."

Horyu's system chimed, signaling the completion of several objectives:

[System Message: 'Mentor of the Meek' quest progress updated.]

"Tomorrow's your last fight in the tournament, Hinata," Horyu reminded her. "Use everything you've learned. Make it count."

Hinata nodded, a fierce look of determination in her eyes. "I will."

As they wrapped up their training, Horyu reflected on Hinata's growth. She had transformed from a timid, unsure kunoichi into a more confident and skilled fighter. 'She's ready,' he thought.

As Horyu returned to his modest home after the intense training session at the Hyuga compound, he took a moment to appraise the rewards he had earned from defeating Shino. The Chakra Control Enhancer and Strength Potion were significant boons, especially considering the challenge that lay ahead – facing Sasuke in the Taijutsu Tournament. He knew Sasuke was a formidable opponent, the best in their class, and he couldn't afford to hold anything back.

Opening the Chakra Control Enhancer first, Horyu observed the potion's swirling energy before consuming it. A surge of power flowed through him, enhancing his already considerable control over chakra.

[System Message: Chakra Control (Beginner - Level 5) → Chakra Control (Beginner - Level 8)]

Next, he uncorked the Strength Potion, downing its contents in one swift gulp. The potion's effect was immediate, infusing his muscles with a newfound strength that he could feel pulsing in his veins.

[System Message: Strength Increased by 3]

Horyu set the empty bottles aside, a determined glint in his eyes. "Sasuke won't know what hit him," he muttered to himself, his voice laced with a mix of confidence and anticipation. He knew that Sasuke, with no apparent weaknesses and a balanced skill set, represented a significant hurdle. But he was ready to rise to the challenge.

The evening's training session was rigorous, even by Horyu's standards. He moved through a series of exercises designed to sharpen each of his skills, pushing himself to the limit. His movements were precise and focused, each repetition honing his abilities further.

He practiced his 'Blade Dancer' skill, the katana slicing through the air with deadly accuracy. Each strike was a testament to his mastery and the progress he had made.

[System Message: Blade Dancer (Level 5) → Blade Dancer (Level 6)]

Next, he shifted his attention to 'Shadow Walker', moving silently and blending into the shadows of his training area. His steps were light, almost ethereal, as he practiced moving unseen and unheard.

[System Message: Shadow Walker (Level 4) → Shadow Walker (Level 5)]

Horyu then focused on his 'Throwing' skill, his aim impeccable as he sent kunai after kunai hurtling towards their targets with unerring precision.

[System Message: Throwing (Level 6) → Throwing (Level 7)]

As night deepened, Horyu transitioned to practicing 'Crushing Blow', the new technique he had developed. Each strike was powerful and focused, aimed at disrupting an opponent's chakra flow with a single, devastating hit.

[System Message: Crushing Blow (Level 3) → Crushing Blow (Level 4)]

Exhausted but satisfied with his progress, Horyu finally allowed himself to rest. He checked his updated stats, a small smirk of satisfaction on his lips.

Horyu lay on his mattress, his body weary from the day's rigorous training, but his mind was sharp, alert. He opened his skill tab, reviewing the improvements he had made. The list of his abilities, now enhanced, scrolled through his mind:

"Precision Master, Level 8," he muttered. "Increased accuracy in all attacks, especially projectiles. Should be useful against Sasuke's speed."

"Long Shot, Level 5," he continued. "Throwing range enhanced. Good for keeping distance."

"Shadow Walker, now at Level 5. Silent movement, blending with shadows. Perfect for stealth attacks."

"Genjutsu Resistance at Level 7. Crucial against illusionary techniques."

"Blade Dancer, Level 6. My swordplay has improved significantly."

"Lightning Reflex, Level 5. Enhanced reflexes and speed, vital for dodging Sasuke's attacks."

"Throwing, Level 7. Precision and power in thrown objects, enhanced further. Might come in handy."

"Observe, still the same. Useful for gauging opponents' abilities. Now Level 2. I can see status of higher levels."

"Uchiha Stealth Technique (Level 3). Without the Sharingan, less effective, but still a valuable asset."

"Meditation at Level 3. A slight increase in chakra regeneration. Every bit counts."

"Chakra Control, now at Beginner Level 8. A significant boost in chakra efficiency. This will be essential tomorrow."

"Swift Evasion at Level 5. Faster evasive movements. It'll help keep up with Sasuke."

"Deceptive Retreat, Level 4. Good for misleading opponents, making them think they've got the upper hand."

"Unpredictable Assault, Level 5. Keeps the enemy guessing, perfect for breaking through defenses."

"And Crushing Blow, Level 4. A single, devastating strike aimed at vital points. This could be the game-changer."

Horyu thought, "My skills improved faster today. That is for two reasons, first, I was using them in combat. Skills level up faster in combat, and during training, I internalized those experiences, and leveled them up. Secondly, my stats improved. Especially Chakra Control." He then closed his eyes for sleep, knowing that tomorrow was important.

--

My lovely readers! My Original Novel is finally vetted! You can find it under my profile, or search its name, "Gunslinger System in a World of Sword and Magic" or search by abbreviation; GSWSM. I need support in my Original Novel please! There are 5.2k collection for Harry Potter and 1.6k for Naruto fic. I will publish another chapter(Harry Potter and Horyu chapter) for every 1000 collection in my original novel. Please support me! Thank you.

--

It is the start of the new week. Please support me with Power Stones! Much appreciated!

-----

To Read up to 50 advance Chapters (25 for each novel) and support me...

patreon.com/thefanficgod1

Please drop a comment and like the chapter!