The Amamiya clan ninjas froze at the sudden shift in events, but the pause lasted only a moment before someone shouted, "Stop! Let go of Nagasuke-sama!"
"Amamiya Raizen, are you trying to betray the clan?!"
Raizen, for once smirking instead of grimacing, let out a sharp laugh. Then, with a single, precise strike, he smashed Nagasuke in the stomach, sending him flying horizontally across the floor.
The room went silent. Raizen turned to the family ninja, eyes glinting with mischief. "This… is how I got back. So-called Jōnin? Trash in my eyes."
"Trash!" he repeated, the word dripping with mockery.
The Amamiya ninja stared in shock. They had always respected Nagasuke, but here was Raizen—a seven-year-old Genin—subduing an elite Jōnin without even drawing a kunai. Suddenly, the rumors about his genius no longer seemed exaggerated. If he could effortlessly survive Ueshi Dezheng, perhaps he could do anything.
Nagatsuke, flushed with rage, struggled to his feet. "Amamiya Raizen! How dare you attack a clan ninja! You've betrayed us!"
Raizen's grin widened. "Betray the clan? Do you think I need to betray the clan? Or that I would?" His voice was calm, almost teasing, a stark contrast to the ferocity he'd just displayed.
He turned to the gathered ninjas, soft but commanding. "This one…"
The room hushed, the tension palpable. Nagasuke's glare could have cut steel, yet no one answered his unspoken accusations. A Chūnin finally stepped forward, voice clear and unwavering:
"I believe Raizen would never betray the clan. With his talents, he's destined to lead one day. How could he harm his own family?"
The rest of the clan began to murmur in agreement, recalling the battle and Raizen's recent feats. Seven years old, already strong enough to face elite Jōnin… if he grew further, could anyone rival him among the patriarchs of the great families? Excitement and pride sparked among the Amamiya ninja—this wasn't a weak, small family anymore. Their prodigy could rival legends.
Several stepped forward, support evident in their voices:
"Raizen is the clan's genius, personally recognized by the patriarch. Don't slander him, Nagasuke—you'll regret it!""Yes! Raizen is our family's treasure. Everyone knows it. He would never betray us!"
Raizen allowed himself a small, satisfied smile. Nagasuke, on the other hand, paled, unsure why his supporters had suddenly shifted.
"Alright, let's put this to rest," Amamiya Miyamiya interjected, seeing the situation teetering on chaos. "Raizen and Jane are safe for now. But given what the Ueshi clan has done, stay alert."
The clan fell silent. Even Nagasuke knew better than to push now—but his eyes never left Raizen, cold, murderous, simmering with rage.
Raizen caught that gaze and smiled inwardly. He wasn't a saint. He wasn't forgiving. And if Nagasuke wanted a fight… well, Raizen was more than ready.
...
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