CHAPTER 20

c20 - This... Is A Genius.. Wait...That Is Also A Genius?!?!

The battlefield was the ultimate test for a shinobi.

Raw combat ability, split-second reflexes, instinctive reactions, tactical thinking, and above all, the resilience of the mind—these determined who survived.

Many young prodigies, who should have flourished, perished instead because their minds broke before their bodies.

Nuclear Release!

A silent, imperceptible wave of radiation pulsed outward, seeping into the surroundings like an unseen mist.

"One… four… six… there are ten in total." Yuuji narrowed his eyes. "Though more could be lurking beyond my range."

The moment he spoke, the tension in the air sharpened.

"Ten?"

Some of the supply team tensed, their initial panic fading into grim determination.

"You have sensory abilities?" Umino Ikkaku asked in surprise.

"Something like that…" Yuuji said casually.

His unique form of "perception" worked differently from typical sensory techniques. Instead of detecting chakra directly, he sensed where radiation was absorbed by living organisms. Through this, he could differentiate between humans, animals, and plants—though prolonged exposure to his method would be… problematic.

And at this moment, the enemy launched their attack.

"Tsk, Konoha shinobi."

"Looks like a supply team… and they have scrolls. We hit the jackpot."

"Kill them quickly! Weaken Konoha's forces."

Their malicious voices carried through the trees. A second later—

Earth Release: Rock Spear Formation!

The ground trembled as jagged stone spikes shot up, aiming to impale the Konoha squad in a deadly ambush.

"Iwagakure shinobi…" Yuuji muttered, his mind working quickly. He noted Shibi's absence—likely engaging an enemy Jōnin elsewhere.

"Scatter!"

Umino Ikkaku moved first, forming seals. He was about to counter with Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall when—

Nuclear Release: Oscillation Wave!

A powerful shockwave erupted from Yuuji. The sheer force lifted the ground itself, shattering the incoming stone spears mid-air.

"Guy! Break their formation!"

"Kazue, support me. We'll handle the rest."

Yuuji's voice was calm, decisive.

"YOSHAAAA!!"

Might Guy surged forward, opening the Gate of Healing—the second of the Eight Inner Gates. His speed exploded beyond normal human limits as he smashed into the enemy ranks, sending one unfortunate Iwagakure shinobi flying, his bones audibly cracking.

"What the hell? That speed… is this ninjutsu or taijutsu?!"

The enemy faltered. Two shinobi turned to counter Guy, while the rest—eyes gleaming with greed—set their sights on Kazue.

"An Uchiha with a two-tomoe Sharingan? If we kill her, we'll be rewarded handsomely."

Their intent was obvious.

"You're underestimating me." Kazue smirked, her Sharingan spinning.

She formed seals—

Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!

A massive fireball roared through the air. The Iwagakure shinobi barely had time to react before being engulfed in flames.

"Tch… Earth Release: Petrification Technique!"

One of them hardened his body to resist the fire. His smirk was short-lived.

A second later, Yuuji unleashed another Oscillation Wave, sending him flying fifty meters back, his body contorting mid-air before he crashed lifelessly into a tree.

"Damn it! What is this technique?!"

The remaining Iwagakure shinobi coughed blood. Their faces twisted in confusion and fear. Unbeknownst to them, their cells were already breaking down from prolonged exposure to radiation.

Panic set in.

"This kid… he's also a genius?!"

Their disbelief turned into desperation.

But there was no escape.

Kazue moved like a specter, her Sharingan predicting their every movement. In mere seconds, three more enemies were ensnared in her Genjutsu: Temporary Paralysis, their bodies freezing against their will.

"Now!"

Umino Ikkaku and the others seized the opening. A volley of kunai and shuriken cut through the helpless shinobi, finishing them off.

Meanwhile, Guy, despite facing two opponents alone, overwhelmed them with sheer physical might. The first was sent cratering into the ground from a spinning kick. The second tried to escape, only to meet a brutal elbow to the ribs, shattering his chest cavity instantly.

The tide of battle had shifted.

Nine Iwagakure shinobi lay dead.

Only one enemy remained—fleeing into the forest.

Umino Ikkaku exhaled heavily, stunned. "We… we actually won?!"

No casualties. A complete victory.

Yuuji, however, wasn't done.

"We can't let him escape. He might report our abilities."

He was about to trigger an ultimate radiation surge, ensuring the man's cells collapsed before he got too far.

But then—

A rustling sound.

A moment later, the last fleeing Iwagakure shinobi let out a strangled scream before being devoured by an unseen swarm.

Shibi-sensei…

Yuuji didn't even need to turn around.

From the forest, Aburame Shibi emerged, his expression unreadable behind his high collar and dark sunglasses. His insects retreated into his sleeves, their work complete.

Not a single enemy survived.

The battle was over.