Naruto sat frozen in the stands, fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white. He had been so sure that Ryuga would win. They had promised to meet in the finals.
And yet…
His closest friend had fallen before reaching that stage.
"…This can't be happening," Naruto muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. His eyes glistened with unshed tears, emotions swirling in his chest—frustration, disbelief, and a deep sense of loss.
Beside him, Kakashi stood with his arms crossed. The usually aloof Jonin let out a quiet sigh.
"There's always someone stronger out there, Naruto," Kakashi said, his voice carrying a solemn weight.
Naruto turned his head sharply, glaring up at his teacher. "I know that! But—Ryuga is strong! He trained so hard for this!"
Kakashi's eyes softened as he looked down at Naruto. "And that's why he lost."
Naruto blinked in confusion.
"Mitsuki's power isn't something an average Chunin can handle. In fact… even I would have trouble fighting her seriously."
That sent a shockwave through Naruto and the others around them.
"What—? You're saying even you—?!"
Kakashi nodded. "She's not just talented—she's refined. Her techniques are perfected, and she wields a Kekkei Tōta that very few in the world possess. Against an opponent like her, Ryuga did extremely well. But in the end… he was simply outmatched."
Naruto couldn't accept it. He didn't want to.
Before Kakashi could continue, Naruto had already bolted off—racing toward the medical room at full speed.
"Oi! Naruto, wait up!" Kiba yelled, running after him, followed closely by Hinata and Sakura.
Sasuke remained seated for a moment, staring at the battlefield where Mitsuki had just stood.
(…I would have lost too.)
It was an unsettling thought. He gritted his teeth and silently followed the others.
Naruto skidded to a stop just outside the medical wing, panting heavily from the sprint. Just as he arrived, he saw Ryuga being wheeled in on a stretcher, his face calm, as if merely asleep.
His breathing steadied, and Naruto took a small step forward—only for his eyes to lock onto Mitsuki standing nearby.
Naruto glared at her. "You… you did this to him."
Mitsuki tilted her head slightly, a small smile forming on her lips.
Naruto marched right up to her, standing barely chest-height compared to her taller frame. "I'll make you pay! I swear I'll get revenge for Ryuga and beat you myself!"
Mitsuki let out a soft chuckle.
Then, to Naruto's horror, she reached down and ruffled his spiky blonde hair like he was a little kid.
"Wha—?! Quit it!" Naruto shouted, swatting her hand away, but Mitsuki simply giggled.
"Don't worry, Naruto," she said warmly. "Ryuga is strong. He just ran out of chakra and took a bit of recoil from his own attack. He'll be fine."
Naruto's eyes twitched. He wanted to stay mad, but her tone was so casual, as if she had absolute confidence in Ryuga's strength. It threw him off.
Still…
"Stop treating me like some kid!" Naruto huffed, crossing his arms.
Mitsuki placed a finger on her chin, mockingly tilting her head in thought.
"Hmmm… but you are shorter than me~"
"ARGH! That's not the point!!"
Sasuke, who had just arrived behind Naruto, let out a small chuckle, watching the exchange.
"You're really strong," he admitted bluntly. "Your fight with Ryuga… it wasn't even close. If I were up against you, I'd probably lose too."
Mitsuki's golden eyes flickered with amusement. "You've got good instincts, Sasuke~."
Sasuke narrowed his eyes at her teasing tone, but he didn't refute it.
Meanwhile, Naruto was still fuming. "I don't care how strong you are! Ryuga's gonna surpass you someday—and I'll be the one to take you down first!"
Mitsuki smiled warmly.
"…I know."
Naruto froze.
"I know Ryuga will surpass me one day," Mitsuki continued, looking toward the medical room with a faraway expression. "That's exactly why I wanted this fight to happen."
Her words confused everyone.
"What do you mean?" Sakura asked, curious.
Mitsuki let out a soft sigh before turning away.
"I'll be going now," she said, stretching lazily. "My purpose here is fulfilled."
And with that, she walked off, humming happily as if she hadn't just dominated one of the strongest Genin in Konoha.
Naruto watched her leave, feeling even more frustrated than before.
"…What's her deal?!" he grumbled.
Sasuke, arms crossed, watched her go. "…She's different."
Kiba snorted. "Yeah, she's different, alright. She took out Ryuga like it was nothing."
Naruto huffed, turning back toward the medical room. "Whatever! Ryuga's gonna wake up soon, and when he does, I'll tell him he HAS to train even harder!"
As they all entered the room, the door slowly closed behind them.
Meanwhile, far outside the stadium, Mitsuki stepped into the shadows, her soft smile never fading.
"…I'm glad I got to fight him this early."
Her golden eyes gleamed under the moonlight.
"Now, let's see how much stronger he'll become."