Gold

"Nozomi, if you're going to become a real ninja, you'll have to get used to this."

Jiraiya had a somewhat sad expression. It was harsh, but that was just the reality of the world they lived in. Patting Nozomi's head, he sighed.

"Yeah…"

Deactivating her Byakugan, she moved on. She had to be strong, for tougher times were sure to come.

"Anyways, that was quite impressive. Using the water that splashed around into the small crevices of the floor, he traveled to his opponents back and silently killed him… As expected of a mist ninja."

Dan crossed his arms. Ninja from the mist tended to be highly skilled in the art of assassination. Next to him, Jiraiya nodded.

Walking back up to the platform, Fuguki rejoined his teammates. Seeing him arrive, Kushimaru chuckled.

"Kekeke… You seemed happy down there."

Hearing his words, Fuguki smiled viciously, showcasing his threateningly sharp teeth.

"Did I? I need to do a better job of hiding it..."

Not too far away, Rasa overheard the conversation, making him a little angry. So far, his two teammates had lost, shaming the reputation of their village. He'd have to take the lead from now on.

Once the body of the Sunagakure ninja was taken away, Shigeo turned to the electronic board once again.

"Sabaku Rasa vs Munashi Onaga. Please come down tot he arena."

Closing his eyes, Rasa casually made his way down. Finally, he could regain some face.

In front of him was the third member of the mist team, Onaga. He was short and had long brown hair. Seeing him, Rasa decided to make it quick.

As soon as Shigeo raised his hand, Rasa's eyes gained black contours as gold-dust rushed at his opponent.

Surprised, Onaga tried to block it with his Kunai but instead was captured. The gold swirled around him, creating a man-sized cocoon.

Lifting him in the air, Rasa formed a gold shield in front of him before closing his fist.

"Kin-sō." (Golden Funeral)

As his words trailed off, the cocoon of gold applied intense pressure on Onaga, crushing him to pieces. Blood flew across the field; some even staining the onlookers.

"It didn't even take twenty seconds… As expected of the Kazekage's disciple…"

Jiraiya smiled wryly… He'd heard of this kid, but this was his first time seeing him in action.

"The Kazekage's…"

Jun smiled… At least, he wouldn't get bored this time around.

When the medical-nin arrived, Rasa directed the golden cocoon towards them and placed Onaga's mutilated body in their plastic bag. Crossing his arms, he walked back to the platform, and Shigeo announced him as the winner.

"Alright… Let's move on to the next fight."

Shigeo sighed… He had expected this round to produce a few deaths. Looking up to the electronic board, he spoke in an emotionless manner.

"Kuriarare Kushimaru vs. Michi Uno."

Hearing her name getting called, the girl standing next to Dan and Hiyashi trembled. She just saw how ruthless mist ninja were, and she didn't know if she could hold her own. After all, she wasn't the fighting-type.

Her team was comprised of sensors. They had a Hyūga and an Aburame. She was good at sensing chakra too, but her fighting skills were sub-par.

She'd hoped to be spared against someone on the same level as her, but now, she couldn't even move. Looking at the masked Kushimaru, she felt a chill run down her spine.

"It's okay, Michi… You don't have to force yourself."

Behind her, Dan placed a hand on her shoulder, smiling warmly. Hearing his reassuring voice, she calmed down and raised her hand.

"I forfeit!"

"Hahaha! Kushimaru… I guess that you won't be able to have your fun any time soon!"

Fuguki burst out laughing, pissing off Kushimaru. Glaring at Michi through his mask, he swore to kill her one day.

Feeling his cold eyes, Michi walked behind her sensei. She wasn't ready for all of this, even after waiting for an extra year. After all, the hardest mission they did involved mere bandits. This was too big of a step.

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Don't forget to drop some stones!

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