Ch-18 Maggots.

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...

Despite the audience's discontent, they were powerless once the Hokage granted permission for the fight.

Following the announcement of Michikatsu vs. Minato and Shikaku, the day's graduation ceremony concluded, prompting the crowd to disperse from the Chunin exam venue. Michikatsu departed alongside Kiyomi before the majority of the attendees, as Sakumo wished to spare her from the upheaval caused by the departing audience due to her pregnancy.

As the audience dispersed, Shikaku and Minato approached the section where Jiraiya, Orochimaru, Sakumo, and others were situated.

"Jiraiya-sensei, what was that announcement just now?" Minato inquired upon arrival.

With them were Kushina, Shikaku, Nawaki, and Choza—the top five competitors of the competition—alongside others like Inoichi.

"Ah! The son of Sakumo-senpai stated that he could defeat both of you without utilizing his full strength. After that he and I had a brief discussion, and the envoy from Sunagakure overheard us and requested this match, which was approved by the Hokage," Jiraiya explained.

"Is he truly that formidable, or was he merely bragging?" Shikaku questioned.

"Only Sakumo-senpai can provide the answer to that question," Nara Shikari interjected.

"While you might perceive my son's claims as boasting, let me caution you. If he decides to employ his full power, particularly with the intent to kill, you all won't stand a chance at self-preservation. At best, you can momentarily stave off the inevitable by fleeing—nothing beyond that," Sakumo warned.

The revelation from Sakumo left everyone present in a state of shock. What he had just revealed appeared nearly impossible. If Sakumo's assertion held true, then Michikatsu already possessed the strength of a Chunin. The faces of those gathered turned grave, particularly Jiraiya and Shikari. Priorly, they had dismissed Michikatsu's words as youthful naivety, but now, faced with Sakumo's affirmation, they had no choice but to take the matter seriously.

"But it's quite difficult to believe, Sakumo-senpai," Jiraiya remarked.

"Why engage in such discussions when tomorrow's match will reveal the truth? Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some matters to attend to," Sakumo stated.

Upon hearing Sakumo's words, everyone nodded in agreement. Sakumo then departed using the Body Flicker Technique.

"Minato, let's go. I'll teach you another Fire Release ninjutsu," Jiraiya proposed.

Following that, Jiraiya swiftly whisked Minato away, and Shikari also left the area accompanied by Shikaku.

"Orochimaru, what do you think? Could Sakumo-senpai's son truly possess such power?" Tsunade inquired.

"Who can say? We'll find out tomorrow," Orochimaru responded before leaving using the Body Flicker Technique.

All of Konoha's high-ranking members were left anticipating tomorrow's match. Sakumo's assertion had spread among these individuals, leaving them curious about the outcome.

----

The following morning, Michikatsu was making his way back after completing his day's training. At that moment, three individuals wearing Konoha headbands appeared before him, clearly Genin by their appearance.

Coming to a halt, Michikatsu observed these Genin closely.

"Are you the Michikatsu who's set to challenge the two top geniuses of the Ninja Academy?" the boy in front questioned.

"Yes, is there something you need?" Michikatsu replied calmly.

"Haha, planning to defeat the academy's prodigies, are you? All thanks to the training from your 'Eternal Genin' mentor, I presume. You do know we're Genin too, right? I'm just 16, and I'm hopeful about advancing to Chunin," the boy taunted.

Although Michikatsu's expression remained impassive, an intimidating aura emanated from him. The three Genin, initially laughing and pointing at Michikatsu, suddenly froze, beads of sweat forming on their brows.

In a swift motion, Michikatsu struck various points on the arm the Genin had been using to gesture at him. Simultaneously, he delivered a forceful kick to the stomach of the second Genin, sending him airborne. Then, with astounding speed, Michikatsu positioned himself above the third Genin's head, gripping it firmly before forcefully driving it into the ground.

"Weaklings like you are scarcely worth standing before me," Michikatsu declared, his tone unwavering.

The front Genin's hand went limp, as if devoid of bones, while the other two collapsed from the pain in their abdomen and head, respectively.

Coincidentally, at that very moment, Minato happened to be passing by, having just made a purchase from a nearby shop. Witnessing the scene unfold, he felt compelled to intervene.

"What are you doing? I understand their words were hurtful, but they're fellow ninja of our village. Your reaction was way too extreme," Minato voiced his concern as he stepped in front of Michikatsu.

"To you, they might have some importance as they're part of this village's ninja community, but to me, they are..." Michikatsu began, glancing at his surroundings before pointing at a nearby maggot. He continued, "Do you know what that maggot is and what its purpose is?"

"Huh?" Minato was puzzled by Michikatsu's analogy, struggling to grasp his point. Nevertheless, he responded, "But that's an insect, and we're discussing human beings here."

"You're clueless about that maggot, aren't you? Why? Because you don't care about it. Similarly, except for my family and friends, everyone else is like a maggot to me. If they don't bother me, I couldn't care less about them. I won't even waste my time learning about them. However, if they do bother me, just like with a maggot, I can crush them," Michikatsu explained.

Michikatsu then retrieved money from his sleeves and tossed it toward the Genin who had been holding his injured hand and was now sobbing. He spoke again, "Take this money for your treatment and for your two friends as well. Consider the rest as compensation for your injuries."

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