Unlike Hoshita Shūichi and Uchiha Shisui, Kurama Sanyō was a pure genjutsu specialist. His combat style reflected this—he began weaving hand seals before his opponent even closed the distance.
Genjutsu: Illusionary Displacement Technique!
A vision-based illusion that draped false imagery over reality.
But the swordsman was no novice. After his first strike missed, he shut his eyes without hesitation, relying on hearing alone.
Clang!
He perfectly blocked Kurama Sanyō's attack from behind.
Kurama Sanyō disengaged immediately, avoiding close combat. The swordsman yanked his blade from the ground and formed the Kai release seal to dispel the genjutsu.
Yet Kurama Sanyō wasn't idle. Two shuriken whizzed toward the swordsman, forcing him to abandon his weapon to dodge.
Then Kurama Sanyō unleashed his second genjutsu—a clan technique Hoshita Shūichi didn't recognize.
This one was comprehensive.
Not just visual like the prior illusion, but a full five-senses deception.
The swordsman flailed wildly, slashing at imaginary foes. Kurama Sanyō panted heavily after casting it, swallowing a pill but holding his position.
Suddenly, the swordsman stopped. His gaze locked onto Kurama Sanyō with eerie precision.
Hoshita Shūichi's breath hitched. He faked being trapped!
Namikaze Minato called out, "We forfeit this round!"
That genjutsu was Kurama Sanyō's trump card. Its failure meant further fighting was pointless—and dangerous. Had Sanyō attacked recklessly, the swordsman's counter could've been lethal.
Kurama Sanyō returned, head bowed. "I've held us back..."
Hoshita Shūichi, having just finished treating Uchiha Shisui, smiled. "No. You faced a stronger opponent."
Uchiha Shisui nodded agreement.
Namikaze Minato patted Kurama Sanyō's shoulder. "Shūichi's right. Matchups matter. Besides—" He gestured to the score. "We're still ahead. Now watch your teacher."
He stepped forward.
Opposite him, Gu Jianyi moved as well.
Jōnin versus jōnin!
Hoshita Shūichi's eyes gleamed. He'd seen Namikaze Minato's Flying Thunder God before, but not his other signature technique—if it even existed yet.
The two blurred into motion, leaving afterimages.
So fast!
Without his [Tool Expert] title's reflex boost, Hoshita Shūichi wouldn't have tracked them. Beside him, Uchiha Shisui's Sharingan whirled to keep up.
Kurama Sanyō groaned. "I can't follow them at all!"
Clang!Clang!
The sporadic clashes showed Namikaze Minato's dominance. Then—
Gu Jianyi disengaged abruptly, completing hand seals.
Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!
A watery serpent erupted skyward before diving at Namikaze Minato, who flicked a kunai toward Gu Jianyi.
An odd choice—Gu Jianyi easily sidestepped it.
Then, to his shock, Namikaze Minato vanished.
Where—?
Cold steel touched Gu Jianyi's throat. "You lose," Namikaze Minato said softly.
Gu Jianyi stiffened. "That speed... Your name?"
"Namikaze Minato."
"Well fought."
Gu Jianyi surrendered, abandoning even the team battle. He collected his dead and left without acknowledging the Fire Daimyō—wisely recognizing that pushing further might be fatal.
The Daimyō's eyes narrowed behind his fan. To an attendant, he murmured, "Obtain their files from Konoha. Especially the three children."
While Namikaze Minato was clearly the strongest, he was also unattainable. The children, however...
After lavish baths, the team was treated to a feast with music and dancers—all wasted on their single-minded focus on food.
Finally, the Daimyō's attendant presented their rewards: 100,000 ryō each (except Kurama Sanyō) and the promised Kusanagi Sword.
Namikaze Minato drew it with a clear shing!
The Yaezakura Sword—an 80-centimeter straight single-edged blade. Its lower half gleamed mirror-bright, while the upper remained matte black, absorbing all light.
The attendant explained, "Legends say it controls earth itself, though none have awakened that power."
Namikaze Minato channeled chakra into it.
Hummm!
The blade glowed faint green, its edge sharpening until the very air seemed to sting. Yet Minato sensed no hidden abilities—just exceptional chakra conduction.
Sheathing it, he said, "Our thanks to His Excellency. The mission is complete—"
The attendant interrupted, "The Daimyō requests you remain until the original schedule concludes."
Namikaze Minato acquiesced. "Then we're honored to stay."
Read advance chapters here:
patreon.com/CNBLUE