Chapter 46: Are You Satisfied With My Strength?

After a long trek, Uzumaki Raiden, Uchiha Fugaku, and Hyuga Hiashi arrived at Training Ground Seven. Situated at the far edge of Konoha, the location was remote and sparsely used, especially during times of war. The secluded area ensured their sparring session wouldn't disturb anyone or attract unnecessary attention.

The quiet surroundings set the stage for their "exchange of abilities."

"Since it's just practice, I'll sit this one out," Fugaku said after surveying the area. "My ninjutsu is too destructive, and I'm not skilled in taijutsu. Hiashi, why don't you take the lead?"

Fugaku's words carried a clear subtext—he wasn't particularly interested in this sparring session. While he was curious about Raiden's strength, he didn't see much point in testing him himself. His excuse about being unsuited for the spar was a convenient way to pass the responsibility to Hiashi.

Hiashi frowned slightly but didn't argue. "Fine. I'll handle this." With a confident stride, he walked to the center of the practice field and waited for Raiden to step forward.

Raiden tilted his head slightly and smirked. "Is that so? Wouldn't it be better if we all participated? This way, I can get to know both of you better. After all, you two already know each other's strengths, but I'm still the outsider here."

Though his words were polite, the implication was clear—he wanted to fight both of them at once.

Fugaku's eyes narrowed. "That wouldn't be fair. Besides, if you're fighting both of us, it'll be hard to see your individual performance."

His words were laced with thinly veiled disdain. Fugaku saw Raiden's suggestion as arrogant, a mark of overconfidence.

Raiden's smile didn't falter. "Don't worry. I'll make it quick." His expression turned cold, and the subtle arrogance in his tone became impossible to ignore.

Hiashi, now impatient, beckoned him. "Enough talking. Come at me, kid."

"Fine."

Raiden began by throwing a few shurikens at Hiashi, then lunged at Fugaku with a light punch.

Hiashi caught the shurikens with ease, barely glancing at them as he dropped them to the ground. "This is it?" he muttered, unimpressed.

Fugaku dodged Raiden's punch effortlessly and sighed. "He's still a child after all," he said, disappointment evident in his tone.

Raiden chuckled softly. "That was just a warm-up."

Suddenly, the ground around him trembled, and a dark purple chakra surged outward, surrounding his body. The intense energy sent shockwaves through the area, forcing Fugaku to leap back.

Fugaku's eyes widened, and his Sharingan activated instinctively, its tomoe spinning rapidly. "What is this chakra?!"

Hiashi wasn't far behind, activating his Byakugan. "This chakra… it's monstrous! What is this kid?"

Through his enhanced vision, Hiashi could see Raiden's chakra flowing violently through his body, surging into his limbs and core. It was far beyond what he'd expect from someone Raiden's age—or even most chunin.

"This isn't normal," Hiashi thought, his earlier arrogance replaced by unease.

Unfazed by their reactions, Raiden took advantage of their hesitation and rushed Hiashi. With a swift movement, he punched Hiashi squarely in the stomach.

Hiashi barely managed to block the attack, but the sheer force sent him flying. He rolled mid-air to disperse some of the impact before landing, skidding several meters back. His hands trembled from the effort of absorbing the blow.

"That punch… it's not just physical strength. It's amplified by chakra. Is this… the Super Strength technique of Lady Tsunade?" Hiashi thought, recalling stories of the legendary Sannin.

Fugaku, seeing Hiashi struggle, decided to intervene. Forming hand seals rapidly, he unleashed his signature technique.

"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"

The massive fireball roared toward Raiden, forcing him to leap into the air to avoid it.

But Fugaku had anticipated this. "Hiashi, now!"

Above, Hiashi was waiting. He descended rapidly, aiming a palm strike at Raiden's shoulder. "You've got nowhere to run!"

Raiden's eyes flickered with amusement. "Impressive teamwork," he muttered. At the last moment, he grabbed Hiashi's wrist, diverting the strike. Then, he tightened his grip, forcing Hiashi to retreat using a defensive technique.

"Rotation!" Hiashi called out, creating a spinning barrier of chakra that forced Raiden to back off.

The moment Raiden landed, Fugaku unleashed another jutsu.

"Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu!"

A flurry of small fireballs shot toward Raiden, seemingly trapping him. The flames engulfed his position, followed by a loud explosion.

Fugaku smirked, certain the attack had landed. "That should—"

"No tricks can hide from my Byakugan," Hiashi interrupted, his gaze fixed on a nearby tree. "He's unharmed."

Emerging from behind the tree, Raiden smiled. "You're right. That was close, though."

Both Hiashi and Fugaku stared at him, their expressions a mix of irritation and respect.

"Not bad," Fugaku admitted grudgingly. "You're skilled, but you can't beat the two of us working together."

"Is that so?" Raiden's grin widened. "Actually, I've already won."

Before they could react, black markings spread across Hiashi's wrist and extended toward Fugaku, binding them both.

"What is this?!" Fugaku exclaimed, struggling against the seals.

"Curse Seal of Binding," Raiden said calmly, stepping into the light. "It's a sealing jutsu passed down in the Uzumaki Clan. I placed it on you during our earlier exchanges."

Hiashi frowned, realizing the truth. "You applied it when you grabbed my wrist…"

Fugaku sighed, finally accepting defeat. "You're… unbelievable."

"Now, are you satisfied with my strength?" Raiden teased, releasing the seals.

Both Fugaku and Hiashi were silent for a moment before Fugaku extended his hand. "Let's start over. I'm Uchiha Fugaku. From now on, I trust you as my teammate."

Hiashi followed suit, albeit reluctantly. "I apologize for underestimating you. Let's work together."

Raiden smiled, shaking their hands. "It's fine. We're a team now, after all."

As the sun set, Raiden clapped his hands together. "Alright, let's celebrate. There's a barbecue place I like—your treat, of course!"

Hiashi and Fugaku exchanged helpless looks but didn't protest as Raiden dragged them toward the village, his energy undiminished.

(End of Chapter)

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