Chapter 20
"Mikoto, Muto, we need to stay sharp. Who knows how many more of these traps are scattered around here."
Explosive tags-such high-end equipment! Even though Tetsuya had been saving up for half a year, he couldn't afford to use them so freely. Orochimaru, on the other hand, seemed to have no such reservations, throwing around dozens, if not hundreds, just to test them. Clearly, it's easier to be wasteful when it's not your own resources at stake.
"I'll take point. Mikoto, Tetsuya, you two cover me from the sides." Muto declared.
At times like this, the best option was to team up with a squad that had sensory abilities or a Byakugan user, but those squads had already raced ahead. Still, with Muto, a member of the Aburame Clan, on their team, Tetsuya's group could avoid most of the traps. After releasing hundreds of insects, the team pressed deeper into the forest without further delay.
The night was a predator's paradise.
Orochimaru's beasts would roam freely. hunting down these intruders in packs. But nightfall wasn't just the time for wild animals. It was also a playground for betrayal and ambush. Ninja teams would seize the cover of darkness to ambush others, aiming to steal the scrolls they needed.
Tetsuya, Mikoto, and Muto had no intention of getting involved in any of that.
After trekking cautiously for two kilometers under the cloak of night, they finally found a temporary hideout. Beneath the roots of a massive, overgrown tree, there was a hollow about 1.5 meters tall and 2 meters deep likely the former den of some wild animal, but tonight, it would serve a different purpose.
"Here should do. Let's rest for the night and move at dawn." Tetsuya suggested.
"I'll take the first watch," Muto offered, gathering some dry branches.
After trekking cautiously for two kilometers under the cloak of night, they finally found a temporary hideout. Beneath the roots of a massive, overgrown tree, there was a hollow about 1.5 meters tall and 2 meters deep likely the former den of some wild animal, but tonight, it would serve a different purpose.
"Here should do. Let's rest for the night and move at dawn." Tetsuya suggested.
"I'll take the first watch," Muto offered, gathering some dry branches.
After lighting a small campfire, Tetsuya quietly leaned against the tree's edge, his eyes scanning the shadows while munching on a rice ball. Mikoto, lying nearby, glanced at Tetsuya's thin figure, her lips twitching slightly as if she wanted to say something. but in the end, she said nothing. She turned onto her side, closing her eyes.
If Tetsuya had turned around just then, he might have caught a glimpse of her elegant, slender figure silhouetted by the firelight.
Keeping watch was monotonous, but sometimes, the unexpected creeps up in the dead of night.
Earlier, to conserve their strength. Tetsuya and his team had deliberately avoided some of the other squads. However, this cautious behavior didn't go unnoticed. To some, it was a sign of weakness.
Just as thick clouds smothered the moon, several cold glints flashed through the air. hurtling straight toward Tetsuya's face.
"So, you finally decided to show yourselves."
With a soft chuckle, Tetsuya swiftly drew his short sword, deflecting the shuriken with ease.
"Since you're already here, why not step out? No point hiding like cowards."
The commotion woke Mikoto and Muto, who hurried to Tetsuya's side.
"What's going on? Are we under attack?" Mikoto asked, her voice low but tense.
"Yeah, seems like we've got company."
From the dense foliage ahead, rustling sounds emerged as six figures stepped into the firelight.
"From Amegakure, huh?" Tetsuya murmured, his eyes narrowing as he spotted their forehead protectors.
This Chūnin Exam had nine squads from Amegakure, all of whom had passed the first round. Clearly, Amegakure wasn't just here to participate-they had an agenda. Perhaps Hanzo, their leader, saw this as an opportunity to weaken Konoha's next generation.
"We haven't found any scrolls yet." Tetsuya said, his voice steady. "If that's what you're after, you're out of luck."
His short sword caught the firelight. reflecting tiny, shimmering specks. Despite being outnumbered. Tetsuya showed no fear. His confidence came not only from his teammates but also from himself.
———
[Character Status: Tetsuya Fujiwara]
[Rank: Genin (2893/3000)]
[Bloodline Limit: None]
[Ninjutsu: Konoha-Style Kenjutsu (26/1000 - Intermediate) A-rank, Lightning Release: Chidori (105/1000 - Intermediate) A-rank. Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet (210/500-Intermediate) B-rank, Lightning Release: Lightning Beast Tracking Fang (100/500 - Advanced) C-rank, Water Clone Jutsu (23/500 Advanced) C-rank, Water Prison Jutsu (65/500 Advanced) C-rank, Body Flicker Technique (Intermediate) D-rank, Substitution Jutsu (Advanced) E-rank.]
[Kill Count: 830]
———
Since mastering Chidori and improving his kenjutsu under Sensei Yuhi Shin's guidance. Tetsuya's combat abilities had become far more lethal than most people could imagine. However, he kept the details of Chidori to himself no need to draw unnecessary attention.
"That's not for you to decide," one of the Amegakure ninja sneered. "We'll be the judge of whether you have a scroll or not. So how about you all drop your weapons and let us search?"
"Yeah," another chimed in. "If you're telling the truth, we'll just be on our way."
As they spoke, the six ninja shifted into a battle formation, surrounding Tetsuya's team.
"Spare me the lies." Tetsuya retorted. "If you want our scrolls, you'll have to fight for them. But be warned-drawing your blades against us might be the last thing you do."
"Bold words from a kid!" one of the Amegakure ninja spat. "We've already killed two Konoha teams. There were even members of the Senju and Hyūga clans among them!"
"You three brats think you're special? Let's see how strong you really are!"
"Enough talking-kill them! Make it quick!"
The Amegakure ninja charged, their pride stung by Tetsuya's defiance.
Three of them targeted Tetsuya directly, while the others spread out to engage Mikoto and Muto.
"Well, this just got interesting." Tetsuya grinned. "Mikoto, Muto, leave these three to me. You handle the rest."
As the rush of impending battle filled his veins. Tetsuya's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
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