Naruto: Evolution

Azora was also in complete silence, eyes fixed on Gen, reflecting the same astonishment as Momo.

Even though they knew Kakashi's story, the idea that Gen had defeated an elite Chūnin was still shocking.

After all, before separating from his original team, Kakashi's strength could be considered comparable to that of an elite Chūnin. And although he managed to ascend to Chūnin at six years old, his childlike physique was a major limitation.

The difference between a Chūnin and a Jōnin was much greater than that between a Genin and a Chūnin.

That's why, despite his talent, Kakashi took six years to reach the level of Jōnin, becoming one only at the age of twelve. Even after two years of training, he barely managed to reach the level of an elite Chūnin, which put Gen's feat into perspective.

Of course, Kakashi was a year younger than Gen, so when comparing their progress at each stage, their talents and abilities seemed to be in the same range.

Under the intense gaze of his companions, Gen simply gave them a calm smile.

"Looks like I'll really have to team up with Momo to fight you, Gen…" Azora finally said, recovering from his surprise.

His expression shifted to one of determination as he looked at him with a spark of excitement in his eyes.

"Ugh… yeah, since that's how things are," Momo sighed before smiling in resignation. "If I fought alone, I definitely wouldn't stand a chance against you."

Gen simply nodded, showing not the slightest objection to facing both of them at the same time.

Hayato, for his part, calmly moved to the edge of the training field, taking on the role of referee and, if necessary, rescue personnel.

Meanwhile, Azora and Momo focused all their attention on the battle about to begin. They quickly positioned themselves in formation: two meters apart, with Azora on the left and Momo on the right.

In front of them, about five or six meters away, Gen remained motionless, firm, and ready.

Both sides completed the combat seal.

As soon as their hands separated, Hayato raised his hand and gave the signal.

"Begin!"

'Byakugan, activated'

With his gaze fixed on Gen, Azora immediately activated his Kekkei Genkai. Instantly, the veins around his eyes swelled, enhancing his perception and giving him a complete view of the battlefield.

Swish

The moment his Byakugan was activated, he lunged forward with impressive speed, closing the distance between him and Gen in the blink of an eye.

'He wants a close-quarters fight…?' Gen thought, noticing his aggressive approach.

The Hyūga clan was known for its special type of taijutsu and the Gentle Fist, a lethal combat style capable of blocking chakra flow with simple strikes. Seeing Azora's movement, he immediately understood his intention.

However, instead of retreating or preparing to defend himself, he smiled confidently.

!

With a powerful stomp, he propelled himself forward, facing Azora's attack head-on.

Within seconds, they were face to face.

Azora, now within his optimal range, executed a quick Gentle Fist movement, launching his palm.

His strike not only carried impressive physical strength but also channeled concentrated chakra in the form of needles, aiming directly at Gen's chakra points.

But this was no easy opponent.

At the last moment, he slid a foot back and twisted his torso, dodging the attack with agility. Without wasting time, he counterattacked with a punch aimed at Azora's wrist, seeking to destabilize his guard.

Azora's eyes briefly tensed, detecting Gen's movement before his strike could connect.

Thud

In an instant, he crouched, letting the punch pass over his head. At the same time, he spun on his axis and launched a swift low spinning kick, targeting Gen's legs.

With incredible dexterity, Gen leaped into the air, narrowly avoiding the kick by just a few centimeters. However, he didn't waste time on his descent.

Taking advantage of his jump's momentum, he brought his fingers together in a blade-like shape and launched a descending strike toward Azora's head.

'Danger…!'

Azora hadn't expected such a quick and flexible response. His Byakugan allowed him to see the attack coming, but his reaction time was minimal.

With no other option, he used the momentum of his failed kick to quickly retreat, tilting his body backward in a risky maneuver.

Fwoosh

Gen's attack could only cut through the air, passing just centimeters from Azora's face.

He landed naturally, showing no signs of fatigue.

!

'Fang'

A spinning whirlwind surged forward with overwhelming force, advancing like an uncontrollable hurricane.

Gen's reflexes kicked in instantly. Using the strength of his legs, he propelled himself sideways like an arrow, dodging the whirlwind.

But he had no time to relax.

As soon as his feet touched the ground after the evasion, another spinning whirlwind rushed toward him at high speed, forcing him to react immediately.

A technique from the Inuzuka clan… he thought as he scanned the source of the second attack.

It was Momo and her dog.

Swoosh

Without hesitation, he propelled himself again, easily dodging the second whirlwind.

But at that very moment, while still in motion, a shadow materialized in front of him.

"Haaah!"

Azora suddenly appeared in his path, launching a Gentle Fist strike.

Gen frowned slightly, realizing that his opponents had been coordinating their movements from the start.

Azora and Momo had been on the same team since their graduation, which meant that after more than a year of training together, their synchronization in combat was impeccable.

Momo and her dog's combined attack served as a distraction, allowing Azora to close the distance and launch a direct attack, leaving Gen with no time to respond.

Just as Azora's palm was about to strike his chest, Gen abruptly shifted from movement to stillness.

In an instant, his hand shot out, grabbing Azora's wrist mid-attack.

"What…?"

Before Azora could react, Gen took advantage of the momentum of the strike, spun on his axis, and used his own force against him.

Whoosh

Azora was sent flying, momentarily losing control of his body.

With quick reflexes, he twisted in the air, barely managing to regain his balance.

He landed with difficulty, his body leaning forward. Instinctively, he placed a hand on the ground to cushion the fall as his feet slid several meters back.

Half a meter later, he finally managed to stabilize himself, though his breathing was slightly labored.

His gaze immediately lifted toward Gen, reflecting disbelief.

'His reaction speed is incredibly fast…' he thought, frowning. 'He neutralized my attack in an instant. If I had landed wrong, the impact would have taken me out of the fight.'

Hearing is not the same as seeing.

Before the fight, Hayato had explained Gen's strength, but hearing about it was nothing compared to experiencing it firsthand in battle.

Now, after feeling his speed, precision, and reaction time, Azora fully understood why Hayato had made them fight two against one.

________

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