Naruto: Evolution

'Earth Release: Double Suicide Decapitation Technique'

The attacks did not cease, coming in succession without giving him a break. Just as Gen dodged the sharp earth stakes and his body stopped for an instant, a pair of hands suddenly emerged from the ground, gripping his ankles tightly with the intention of dragging him underground.

He felt the pull but did not lose his composure. Instead of panicking, he channeled chakra throughout his body and spun forcefully, using the inertia of the movement to break free from the grip.

At that moment, a figure emerged from the ground as if breaking through the surface of the water, launching a punch directly at him.

Bang

But Gen reacted quickly. Without losing momentum, he took advantage of his spin and delivered a kick to the incoming fist.

The sole of his foot, reinforced with chakra and his own physical strength, violently collided with the enemy's fist, sending the figure flying backward.

However, before hitting the ground, its body crumbled into a pile of soft mud.

An earth clone.

Swish, Swish, Swish

Before Gen could stabilize himself, a barrage of shuriken rushed toward him. Ono, who was a short distance away, had taken advantage of the distraction to launch his offensive.

As soon as his foot touched the ground, the surface sank slightly, as if it had received an impact. But instead of staying still, Gen propelled himself out of the danger zone in the blink of an eye.

Swish, Swish

While dodging the shuriken, he threw two kunai directly at Ono.

Ono reacted quickly, dodging the kunai. However, at that precise moment, Gen vanished from his original position.

'Body Flicker Technique'

At a speed surpassing human eye perception, Gen closed the distance between them in a flash, suddenly appearing in front of Ono.

With a sharp gaze, he unleashed a burst of speed and strength, launching a fierce Taijutsu offensive.

Bang, Bang, Bang

Ono could barely react. His movements became clumsy as he tried to dodge and block the attacks, but each collision of fists and kicks resounded with a dull thud and generated shockwaves in the air.

From the beginning of the confrontation, the difference was clear.

Ono, a ninjutsu specialist, was at an absolute disadvantage in close combat. As Gen's attacks continued relentlessly, he was forced to retreat repeatedly until his defense finally gave way.

A blow landed on his shoulder.

The impact sent sharp pain through his body. Ono gritted his teeth, his expression contorting in agony as his movements began to crumble.

'Leaf Whirlwind'

Gen did not let this opportunity slip away.

He jumped into the air and spun on his axis, executing an inverted spinning kick aimed directly at Ono's head.

Ono reacted quickly, raising his arms in a desperate attempt to block the blow.

Boom

The impact was such that his body was sent flying like a projectile, covering several meters in the air before crashing to the ground.

A groan of pain escaped his throat as he struggled to get up. His arm and shoulder burned, but he forced himself to stand, refusing to give in.

However, when he lifted his gaze, Gen was no longer where he was supposed to be.

At that moment, he felt a sudden weight on his other shoulder, and a chill ran down his spine as he noticed something cold and sharp grazing his neck.

"You've lost."

Gen's voice resonated beside his ear.

Ono's body tensed immediately.

Gen remained behind him, his left hand resting on his shoulder and his right holding a kunai against his throat.

Then, calmly, he lowered the weapon and took a few steps back.

Ono turned stiffly to look at him. Upon seeing Gen's confident smile, his expression became complex.

"Yes... you won. I lost."

Not only had he lost, but what truly ate away at him was Gen's age.

As someone selected by Orochimaru, Ono knew certain details about him.

His opponent was a recent Academy graduate. A mere nine-year-old child. Being defeated by someone so young was not the same as losing to a peer of his own age. The feeling of failure was much deeper.

He finally understood why Lord Orochimaru intended to take him as a disciple. Gen's talent and skill were undeniable—worthy of admiration... and also concern.

"Ono, withdraw for now."

A cold voice broke through his thoughts. From a distance, Orochimaru descended from the stands, having appeared without anyone noticing.

"Yes, sir."

Ono reacted immediately. Concealing any trace of frustration, he bowed his head respectfully before disappearing.

"Lord Orochimaru."

After Ono's departure, Gen addressed the Sannin with respect as he approached.

"There's no need to be so formal. Since you have won this battle, it means you have passed my test," Orochimaru said with a slight smile. "Although we have yet to hold the initiation ceremony, from this moment on, you are already my disciple."

Then he added:

"That was an impressive fight. Gen, your performance satisfies me more and more. Your mastery of ninjutsu and control in combat are exceptional."

Even though Gen hadn't used any astonishing abilities in the fight, his foundation was impeccable—far above that of his peers. Defeating Ono, an elite Chūnin, proved it without a doubt.

Gen maintained his composure and responded humbly:

"Master, you are too kind. I simply did my best. If I had to repeat this battle, I don't know if I could win."

Without much thought, he changed the way he addressed Orochimaru, calling him directly "Master."

Orochimaru, for his part, accepted the title with complete ease.

"You are too modest," he said without changing his expression. "I am sure that if you had to repeat the battle, you would only perform even better."

Gen gave a faint smile and said nothing more.

And, in truth, it was true.

Not only because he hadn't used his full strength, but because his combat experience had grown significantly.

The real combat subjects at the Academy were no longer a challenge for him. Fights against peers of his generation were of no use to him—neither in skill nor experience.

Instead, this confrontation with Ono had been an invaluable opportunity. The experience gained far surpassed any academic practice, allowing him to fill the gaps in his real combat ability.

As his experience continued to grow, even if his strength remained the same, his performance in battle would become increasingly refined and lethal.

________

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