Chapter 16

Chapter 16: The Old Rules

"Who is that kid? I've never heard of him before. Is he a genius discovered by Shikaku within the clan?"

"To be able to skillfully use the Shadow Mimicry Technique at such a young age, the Nara Clan truly has a promising future!"

"A genius indeed! To possess such skills without even attending the Ninja Academy, the number of geniuses in Konoha Village is truly increasing!"

Having been on guard against Fugaku Uchiha from the start, Koshino never expected that his adept use of the Shadow Mimicry Technique to save Akira Hyuga would not only earn the gratitude of the Hyuga Clan's branch family but also garner admiration from the other clan ninjas present.

It's important to note that the ninjas attending the Hyuga family banquet are essentially on the same level as Shikaku from the Nara Clan and Choza from the Akimichi Clan—true big shots!

To earn the respect of so many influential figures, Koshino's name would soon be renowned throughout Konoha Village, enjoying the title of genius alongside the likes of Itachi.

Moreover, by saving Akira Hyuga, Koshino not only earned Akira's gratitude but also received a thankful glance from Hizashi.

Then, exchanging a look with Shikaku, Hizashi silently nodded.

Hizashi understood that under Fugaku Uchiha's malicious scheme, saving Akira Hyuga was already quite an achievement.

He quickly tried to smooth things over for Koshino, saying, "Brother Fugaku, since this was just a sparring match and not a life-or-death battle, there's no need for it to end in such a manner. 

Let's consider this a loss for the Hyuga Clan. However, regarding today's incident, Brother Fugaku, I expect an explanation from you in the future!"

"Hmph! An explanation, you say?"

"I'll give you one right now!"

Listening to Hizashi's words, Fugaku Uchiha snorted coldly and called over Uchiha Sanen, speaking indifferently, "Sanen, the explanation?"

"Understood, Clan Leader!"

When Uchiha Sanen made a move against Akira Hyuga, he already knew what the outcome would be.

However, neither Fugaku Uchiha nor Uchiha Sanen anticipated that Koshino, this unexpected "wild card," would suddenly intervene, thwarting their plan.

But to provide an explanation to the Hyuga Clan, Uchiha Sanen cast a vicious glance at Koshino, then grabbed a kunai and stabbed it into his left palm, hoping to quell the Hyuga Clan's anger. 

Yet, just when Hizashi and the others thought that the Uchiha Clan would surely restrain themselves after such a disgrace, Fugaku Uchiha's gaze unexpectedly fell upon Koshino.

"Shikaku, shouldn't you properly introduce the young talent behind you?"

"Nara Koshino."

With a calm reply, Shikaku raised an eyebrow, suppressing his inner anger, and retorted, "What, Brother Fugaku, are you interested in another 'spar'?"

"Indeed!"

Thick skin might be an essential trait for a politician.

Almost as soon as Shikaku finished speaking, Fugaku Uchiha casually remarked, "I used to think that young talents would only emerge from the Uchiha Clan or the Hyuga Clan, but it seems the Nara Clan also has someone with some potential. Shikaku, are you worried that your clan's rare genius might get hurt?"

"Without undergoing trials, one cannot become truly capable. Let Younen give Koshino some guidance in his training!"

"Koshino, please!"

With that, a young man named Uchiha Younen, gripping a kunai tightly, faced Koshino, his eyes filled with a menacing gleam.

Uchiha Sanen was none other than the younger brother of Uchiha Younen.

Due to Koshino's use of the Shadow Mimicry Technique, Uchiha Sanen lost the use of one hand. How could his brother, Uchiha Younen, let this go unchallenged?

When the Uchiha Clan directed their ire at Koshino, to be honest, the members of the Nara, Akimichi, and Yamanaka clans were quite upset. 

But there was no choice; the Uchiha Clan was using an open strategy that had to be confronted. So, listening to Fugaku Uchiha, Shikaku quietly asked Koshino, "Koshino, are you confident?"

"Uncle Shikaku, don't worry, I am confident."

"Good! Then perform well and don't let the Uchiha Clan look down on us!"

"Yes!"

Inwardly sneering, Koshino showed no fear in the face of the Uchiha Clan's challenge.

In fact, Koshino felt a bit disappointed not to meet the prodigious Itachi Uchiha this time!

Without a doubt, young talents like Hyuga Akira, Uchiha Sanen, and Uchiha Younen were considered the backbone of the new generation in Konoha Village. 

However, compared to geniuses like Itachi and Kakashi, they were far behind. If Koshino didn't have the confidence to defeat them, how could he ever hope to compete with the likes of Itachi and Kakashi? He might as well swallow his pride and give up!

As Koshino slowly walked into the arena to face Uchiha Younen, not everyone had faith in Koshino.

"Shikaku, if I remember correctly, Koshino is only four years old, right? How could he possibly defeat Uchiha Younen?"

"Sigh, the Uchiha Clan's scheme is about to succeed again! It's such a pity for the Nara Clan to lose a genius!"

"Uchiha Younen might lose a hand at most, but Koshino might not make it back alive!"

"What can we do? The Uchiha Clan is just too powerful! The Fourth Hokage really should put them in their place!"

On one hand, people lamented Koshino's seemingly imminent early demise, while on the other hand, they were quietly angry at the Uchiha Clan's aggressive behavior.

As Koshino approached Uchiha Younen, aside from Shikaku's confidence, even Choza, Inoichi, and Hizashi seemed to wear expressions of regret.

Fugaku Uchiha appeared confident of victory. Before Koshino and Uchiha Younen began their match, he turned to Shikaku with a smile and said, 

"Shikaku, just sparring seems a bit dull. Let's add a wager! If your clan's Koshino wins against Younen, Younen will give Koshino the secret technique he's currently practicing. But if Younen happens to win..."

"Shikaku, would you be willing to offer your Nara Clan's secret medicine?"

"What? Fugaku Uchiha, isn't this a bit unfair?"

Not to mention how precious the Nara Clan's secret medicine is, it's not something that can be compared to a mere secret technique.

Fugaku Uchiha's challenge was blatantly bullying the Nara Clan. If Shikaku wasn't angry, he wouldn't be fit to be the head of the Nara Clan.

However, when he glanced at Koshino and saw him discreetly signaling, Shikaku smirked and nodded at Fugaku Uchiha.

Then, just as Fugaku Uchiha was about to announce the start of the match with a confident smile, Koshino suddenly said something that made Fugaku Uchiha's face turn pale!

"Lord Fugaku, there's an old rule when I, Nara Koshino, spar with others—I don't like to bully people!"