Chapter 16: Scalding Flame VS Drifting Shadow
Mikoto stood on the Dotton platform with a serious expression, her long hair tied into a meticulous ponytail that rested atop the Uchiha clan symbol on her back. Her presence exuded a heroic spirit. Although Mikoto was usually gentle and virtuous, Uchiha Tatsumi knew her to be someone who was soft on the outside but strong on the inside. Once she set her mind to something, she rarely changed it.
As a genius of the Uchiha Clan, Mikoto's strength was formidable. At just six years old, she had already demonstrated exceptional talent. Her dedication to training made her a hard-working girl with immense potential. When facing an opponent, Mikoto always displayed a high degree of concentration, showing respect for the other side.
In stark contrast, her opponent seemed indifferent. Nara Shikaku, with his lazy demeanor, looked as if he wasn't fully awake.
"Wake up, you are now on the selection field," Jiraiya reminded Shikaku.
"So troublesome. I just want to go to the rooftop to sleep," Nara Shikaku complained, looking wistfully at the sky.
Though Shikaku often appeared lazy and apprehensive about trouble, his IQ was a staggering 180, making him impossible to overlook. Even before Konoha's founding, the Ino–Shika–Cho alliance had been formidable. Within the village, these clans were foundational, and as the current generation's 'Shika,' Shikaku was essential. This battle was one of the few notable ones.
"I admit defeat," Nara Shikaku said, looking towards Jiraiya and barely raising his arm.
"…"
"Lord Jiraiya, I am unwell. Can I admit defeat?" Shikaku added.
"Unwell?" Jiraiya was incredulous.
The little demon in front of him had a ruddy complexion and a strong body. He didn't look uncomfortable at all. In fact, he looked like he deserved a beating. But Jiraiya understood when he considered Shikaku's last name. The Nara Clan's troublesome character seemed rooted in their genes, impossible to change. However, unwilling to let Shikaku have his way, Jiraiya rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"If you are sure, I will grant this victory to Uchiha Mikoto. However…"
Anxiety gripped Shikaku's heart.
"If you directly admit defeat, I will have no choice but to inform Jonin Nara."
Shikaku's relieved expression told Jiraiya he was barking up the wrong tree.
"This won't work. Isn't it the women in your family who are really in charge?" Jiraiya shook his head.
"Haha," the audience laughed.
"…"
Father, your fear of your wife has spread throughout Konoha's Jonin circle. That will never be me in the future.
"Sigh..."
Shikaku took the forfeit, but he knew if his father was told, his mother would inevitably know as well. Nara Shikaku, with a worried look, stepped down. Going home tonight would not be in his best interests. He saw Choza eating snacks and suddenly thought of a good solution.
"Choza, can I stay at your house tonight? Tonight…I don't really want to go home."
"…"
Mikoto stepped down and ran to Uchiha Tatsumi.
"Tatsumi, it's over."
"Well, Mikoto, you're amazing! Even Shikaku is scared," Uchiha Tatsumi replied, touching Mikoto's head and smiling.
"No, Shikaku has always been like this, but I can tell he trains hard. I'm not necessarily his match."
"It's okay, it's okay. I can beat him. When the time comes, Mikoto, you can defeat Shikaku as long as you beat me."
"But I can't deal with you. So that's it. We'll fight together in the future."
"Okay, leave my back to Mikoto."
On the other side, Jiraiya, who wanted to learn something about picking up girls, couldn't help but be fed a mouthful of dog food.
"This…is this the legendary public display of affection? Its power is terrifying. It's about to catch up with S-Rank Ninjutsu. When I learn, I'm probably going to die."
"Ahaha, Tatsumi and Mikoto have always been like this," Minato stood beside Jiraiya and answered with a smile.
"Why? I am such a good catch, 16 years old, and yet I can't find a girlfriend. Can't I even measure up to a 6-year-old child? Why would Tsunade prefer Orochimaru over me? Am I not handsome enough?" Jiraiya lamented, his voice filled with frustration.
"With the strength of Lord-Jiraiya, you will surely find a partner you like in the future. Now, being rejected is just to meet a better girl in the future, isn't it?" Minato offered, trying to console the despondent sage.
"I am touched by what you said, little demon. You…what's your name?" Jiraiya inquired, his curiosity piqued.
"My name is Namikaze Minato, and I am currently an Academy Second Year student," Minato replied confidently.
"Namikaze Minato…Minato. You are very good. You are truly talented, and you speak nicely. I like you a little bit," Jiraiya declared with a smile. "If you perform well in the outdoor class this time, I will give you one-on-one tutoring in the future."
As we all know, among the three disciples of Third Hokage, only Tsunade is from the Great Clan Senju Clan of Konoha. Orochimaru and Jiraiya are both commoner ninja. Perhaps due to the competitive factor, after Orochimaru offered to coach excellent students individually, Jiraiya extended the same offer to Minato.
"Thank you, Lord-Jiraiya. I will work hard!" Minato responded earnestly.
"Alright, alright, come on. Your next opponent is not simple; it's the little demon of the public show of love," Jiraiya teased.
"It's actually Tatsumi," Minato said with a bitter smile.
"Why, is he very difficult to deal with?" Jiraiya asked casually.
"Very difficult to deal with," Minato narrowed his smile, solemnly nodding. "Very powerful. I have never beaten him in a match. Tatsumi doesn't really move much. Anyway, he mostly uses Genjutsu to defeat his opponents."
"Uchiha Clan's Genjutsu talent has never been questioned," Jiraiya exclaimed. "Are you confident?"
"Yes, and I have already thought of a way to crack it," Minato replied, squeezing the Kunai in his hand as he started walking towards the earth platform. "I'm going, Lord-Jiraiya."
"Go, go! Keep it up. Show the little demon who has been in love since a few years old the anger of us single dogs! If you win, I'll take you to get some material next time," Jiraiya showed a wretched smile.
"…"
"What did Jiraiya say to you? You seem so excited," Uchiha Tatsumi asked Minato casually as they both prepared to face each other on the stage.
"Isn't it going to take you to peep in the female bathroom?" Uchiha Tatsumi teased.
"Let me tell you, Minato, that kind of white-haired uncle is not a good person at first sight. Look at him, he doesn't have a girlfriend until now. He will definitely destroy Konoha's youngsters because he can't find a girlfriend, and eventually, he'll run off to write an H book and become a best-selling author of the Eighteen Forbiddens."
"Ahaha…" Minato could only express helplessness.
"Hey, smelly little demon. Who are you accusing of peeping at the female bathhouse? That's an art form!" Jiraiya retorted.
"And who do you think will write H-books in the future? What I write is the ninja story that will shake the Ninja World. In the future, I will be like the godfather of the ninja circle. Who would write H-books after achieving that?"
Jiraiya's excitement over Uchiha Tatsumi's words was palpable as he yelled out from the audience.
"…moron," Orochimaru muttered disdainfully, spitting out snake venom in Jiraiya's direction.