Chapter 3: Sudden Attack

The moment Yuto launched his attack, Tetsuro Sugiura responded instantly.

As a seasoned middle-aged Jonin, it only took him a moment to understand Yuto's strategy—ignore the surrounded Satou and focus on eliminating the opposing Jonin first. Sacrificing a pawn to save the king, it's all about who can defeat their opponent faster!

In a flash, the Kumogakure's Jonin dodged the kunai thrown by Yuto and, leveraging his natural adult arm span advantage, grabbed Yuto's elbow to halt his offensive.

The Jonin of Kumogakure, adept in Lightning Release and Taijutsu, posed a significant challenge in close combat for the twelve-year-old Yuto.

But the Hyuga prodigy showed no fear. Using the Kumo Jonin's arm as a pivot, he suspended himself and kicked both feet into the enemy's chest.

A tremendous force erupted between them, and though Yuto's bones were not as strong as his opponent's, causing his joints to creak as if they might snap, he persisted.

"Earth Release: Headhunter Jutsu!" Suddenly, hands emerged from the ground beneath the Kumo Jonin and yanked him underground, leaving only his upper body exposed.

Bang!

Tetsuro emerged from the ground, and after temporarily immobilizing the enemy, his kunai flashed coldly as it slashed towards the Jonin's throat.

With his lower body buried and arms entangled by Yuto, the Jonin could only use brute force to fling Yuto away and raise his hands to block the kunai.

Thud!

His palms were pierced, and the kunai nailed his hand bones in place.

"Aaaargh!" In a moment of crisis, the Kumogakure's Jonin's ferocity was ignited. His robust physique exploded with strength, and like a maddened beast, he tore the kunai from his hands and grabbed Tetsuro's waist with an outstretched arm.

He lifted the Konoha Jonin and channeled his remaining strength into his hands, which now emitted silver lightning arcs, and slammed Tetsuro into the ground with all his might!

Nintaijutsu: Lighting Style: Liger Bomb

Tetsuro's head hit the ground, creating a spiderweb of cracks through the forest floor and rocks.

Coughing up a mouthful of blood, Tetsuro nearly blacked out.

Yet, as a Jonin, even in severe injury, he managed a counterattack, quickly forming several seals.

A thin, high-pressure stream of water shot from Tetsuro's mouth, moving at lightning speed, it pierced the enemy's abdomen, tearing through several trees before dissipating back into water.

Water Release: Water Severing Wave!

This was Tetsuro's ace technique, his only A-Rank jutsu!

Konoha's assault continued unabated.

Yuto rushed in from behind, taking advantage of the enemy's critical injury to deliver a powerful punch to the temple. Chakra exploded with the Hyuga Clan's signature "Gentle Fist" technique, pulverizing the opponent's brain.

The Kumogakure's Jonin groaned and collapsed, dead on the spot.

Yuto panted heavily, his sweat evaporating like steam.

Tetsuro struggled to rise from the ground, spitting another mouthful of blood.

"Tetsuro-sama," Yuto stood beside him, "I'll take the lead from here. Your neck could snap at any moment."

"Alright... thank you, Yuto-kun," Tetsuro Sugiura smiled weakly, not arguing.

They turned to face the remaining enemies.

By then, Konoha's Genin Satou Masato's body had also fallen.

Both sides had simultaneously eliminated the ones they were fighting.

The remaining Kumogakure shinobis exchanged glances, bracing for the final confrontation.

They knew that escape was pointless under the scrutiny of the Byakugan.

…

…

Thirty minutes later.

In the dense forest near the border of the Land of Fire, Yuto and Tetsuro walked side by side, staggering. Neither knew medical ninjutsu, so they had to endure the pain as they advanced.

They had sustained additional injuries, even from Genins; a dying struggle couldn't be underestimated.

However, the outcome was ultimately favorable. Yuto and Tetsuro had annihilated the Kumogakure forces, safeguarding the crucial information.

"You are truly remarkable, Yuto-kun," Tetsuro Sugiura suddenly spoke.

Battles always brought men closer. Initially, Tetsuro had used Yuto's full name, but now he addressed him more familiarly.

"Yuto-kun, I've known of your reputation since our reconnaissance team was formed," Tetsuro mused. "At just twelve, you've nearly touched the level of a Jonin, earning the title 'Jewel of the Hyuga,' with immense talent, hard work, intelligence, and a deep sense of honor for your village and family... Seeing you in action, I realize no praise is too high."

"Tetsuro-senpai, you flatter me," Yuto replied with a smile, now addressing Tetsuro by his given name, "You bore the brunt of the enemy's force and the Jonin. At the critical moment, you used an S-Rank jutsu to heavily injure the enemy. Without you, we'd all be dead, but…"

The Hyuga prodigy's voice faltered, his steps slowed, clearly burdened by sorrow.

"Sadly, Masato, Reiro, Eiji, they're all gone, I…"

Tetsuro sighed but didn't stop to console him. For shinobis, accepting comrades' deaths was inevitable, a part of their grim education.

"Yuto-kun, look ahead. You've achieved a great feat, killing enemies, protecting the information. You truly deserve the title 'Jewel of the Hyuga.'"

"Thank you, Tetsuro-senpai," Yuto replied. "The information was indeed worth our sacrifices."

"I'm glad you understand," Tetsuro said, suddenly reaching into his pack and handing a scroll to Hyuga Yuto. "It's fortunate you reminded me. I almost forgot… As protocol dictates, the lead Jonin should carry the intelligence alternately. Though you aren't a Jonin yet, I'm not in the best shape. We should share the responsibility… Making judgments based on the situation is also part of all shinobi's duty."

"Yes, Tetsuro-senpai," Yuto's calm, polite voice responded.

Tetsuro felt the scroll's weight vanish from his hand, knowing Yuto had taken it.

Almost immediately, Tetsuro felt a different sensation—

Pain, excruciating pain.

As a Jonin, he instantly understood what had happened, A kunai had been stabbed into his back, severing the spinal cord between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae. It's an enemy! But the enemy is already…

Before he could comprehend, the young voice spoke again.

Still calm, still steady.

"Tetsuro-senpai, why are you surprised?" Yuto looked at the kunai, recognition flashing in his eyes as if he understood. "In this situation, I wouldn't use my Gentle Fist technique."

'The young 'Jewel of the Hyuga,' his voice as calm as still water, reflecting his unwavering determination as a shinobi.'

This thought flashed through Tetsuro's mind.

(End of Chapter)