Ennosuke burst out laughing. "You really are a brat. Beating an opponent isn't just raw power—it's battlefield experience, sharp reading, and, above all, the will to win."
He pointed at Kaede. "Right now I'm stronger, with more chakra and more fights under my belt. If I wanted to kill you this second—could you stop me?"
The question dragged Kaede back to last night's underground arena—rabid mongrels rolling through blood and dust. In the shadows, weaker men killed by any means. So be it. He would face that kind of fight head-on.
He lifted the Overlord Spear; its weight steadied him, like a soldier's soul settling into steel. "A warrior's spirit doesn't crack."
Ennosuke rolled up his sleeves. Black weighted cuffs clacked as he showed the loaded arm-pillars. "Come on then. Endure it."
Kaede grinned. "Fine. But most of my tricks won't work here. I'll rely on taijutsu."
"Combat Mode."
Ennosuke curled a finger. Kaede's opening step was textbook: hips low, line tight—his body shot forward like an arrow. A lazy backhand from Ennosuke swatted him aside, palm rapping Kaede's butt as he slid past.
"Good power. But your neutral is wide open—charging a gun barrel won't save you."
Kaede snapped the spear back and stabbed hard; Ennosuke swept once and blew the shaft from Kaede's grip, skittering it into the pond.
"If you bring a weapon, commit. Or are you afraid of hurting me?"
Kaede retrieved the spear, heartbeat steady. Don't bite the taunt. Anger only makes you weak.
"Then I'll hold it like I mean it this time."
He tightened both hands, spun wind-nature through the haft, and drove back in. Two simple exchanges later, Ennosuke flicked again—the spear flew.
"The key with weapons isn't hardness—it's control. Selling force, not spending it. You're still worse than you were moments ago."
Stubborn pride buckled under the needling. Kaede exhaled. "Point taken. But if I'm to 'control,' give me face and lose the weights."
Feeling the boy's pressure spike as he drew the Swallow dagger, Ennosuke unlatched the cuffs and set them down.
"Heads up. I'm coming."
Smoke leaked from Kaede's lips—thin, then thick, billowing into a low, choking bank.
Ennosuke felt the violent shift of fire-nature—like powder primed. He sprang back, but the smoke surged faster than his retreat, swallowing sight—and then Kaede vanished.
"No signs, an A-rank concealment? Then I'll answer in kind."
Ash roared alight—an instant blast. Ennosuke dove, skin caked in wet earth; heat baked the mud to a cracked shell and left him looking like a beggar.
Spear-wind whistled in. Ennosuke squinted—Kaede hadn't had time to pick the weapon up; he smashed the incoming shaft aside and blew the mud to gravel. Kaede dropped the Transformation Technique, landing in front of him.
"Dual-Blade Style: Sealed Cut!"
Ennosuke parried, impressed despite himself—tight angles, ruthless form. Two seconds in, he felt Kaede's output sag. After dumping a string of techniques, the kid was burning only muscle to drive the cut. Ennosuke feinted a counter—
"Upright Chakra Blade: True World!"
Kaede's arms pumped like launching a spinning top, pushing a fresh surge into the edge. Ennosuke's iron staff met it—and snapped.
Kaede smiled—victory, won—
A thud from behind. The Ennosuke in front burst to white smoke—a clone. The real one rose from the soil and cracked Kaede on the rear with a stick. The body he struck splashed to light—another clone.
"Overextended there."
A hand slid around Ennosuke's neck from behind; forearm locked, hips sunk.
"Heh. Aniki, admit it!"
Air thinned. Ennosuke tapped twice in surrender, half laughing, half wheezing. He hadn't shown his true hand, but the measure was clear: without his hidden trump, the kid already grazed jōnin level. The body lagged a little, but for today—special-grade potential, no doubt.
Kaede loosened the choke, eyes bright. "Great! Now, tell me—what was that last technique of yours?"
(End of Chapter)
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