Konoha’s White Fang Shines

Chapter 33: Reinforcements Arrive

After ensuring that Genma could practice the Earth Dragon Bullet independently, Yuji left without delay. Genma understood why—Yuji still needed to coach Kurenai, who had already mastered tree-climbing. He couldn't help but wonder what formidable techniques Yuji might teach her.

Yuji's brief appearance and subsequent departure spurred a sense of urgency among the group. The three genin trained relentlessly, pushing themselves to their limits. Genma even resorted to using a Shadow Clone to accelerate his progress, something he would ordinarily avoid due to the strain it placed on his body.

Knowing the caliber of the enemy they faced, the trio worked as if their lives depended on it—because they did. Even Yuji was astonished by their fervor, though he also understood their motivation. The enemy was a real threat, and surviving this ordeal required extraordinary effort.

In those three days of relentless training, their progress was undeniable.

Rittō, who had been struggling with chakra control, finally mastered tree-climbing. Perched triumphantly atop a tall tree, he basked in his achievement. However, Genma, carrying a food basket, stood at the base of the tree and called out.

"Rittō! Come down and eat!"

"Oh, on my way!"

Rittō's spirits lifted instantly. He sprinted down the tree trunk and leaped off halfway, landing dramatically in front of Genma.

Genma, unimpressed, barely glanced at him. "Stop showing off. Take your food and eat quickly. My hands are too sore to help you."

It was then that Rittō noticed Genma's bandaged hands trembling slightly as they held the basket.

"You're such a mess," Rittō teased. "What kind of ninja hurts himself just from training?"

Genma didn't respond. The exhaustion from training and the looming confrontation weighed on him too heavily to bother with witty comebacks. Setting the basket down, he turned to leave.

"I'm heading over to Kurenai," Genma said flatly. "Eat up and get back to your sword practice."

"Wait! I'll come too—"

Genma cut him off with a sharp glare. "No, stay here. Finish your food and train. Don't follow me."

Realizing the unspoken meaning behind Genma's insistence, Rittō's heart sank slightly. "Fine, I'll stay. But don't forget—you promised me a pair of binoculars."

Genma smirked faintly. "Yeah, yeah. Survive this, and I'll get you the best pair you've ever seen. I'll even treat you to a feast when we're back in the village."

"Really? Alright, you've got a deal!" Rittō's mood brightened, and he eagerly tore into his food.

With Rittō occupied, Genma headed toward Kurenai's location. As he approached, the sound of her blade cutting through the air reached his ears—a sharp, rhythmic whoosh that hinted at the intensity of her training.

When he arrived, the sight before him left him momentarily stunned. Kurenai was drenched in sweat, her movements precise and fierce. Even from a distance, Genma noticed the red stains seeping through the bandages on her hands.

Her hands were injured, yet she hadn't stopped.

Genma's heart ached at the sight. What drove her to push herself so hard? Was it her desire to prove her strength to her father? Or was there something deeper fueling her determination?

Setting his thoughts aside, he approached her.

"Kurenai, done training already?" she asked, noticing him.

Genma smiled warmly. "Not exactly. Yuji-sensei told me to stop for the day and deliver food. You should take a break too."

Kurenai hesitated but ultimately let him lead her to a shaded spot under a tree. Genma spread a cloth for her to sit on and handed her a meal.

"Your hands look worse than mine," she noted, glancing at his bandaged fingers.

"My hands are fine," Genma replied, waving them dismissively. "I can still manage to feed you, though."

Kurenai flushed at his teasing but didn't argue. Her hands were too sore to eat properly, so she reluctantly allowed him to help.

"Here, open up," Genma said, holding up a spoonful of rice.

Kurenai averted her gaze, clearly embarrassed but obediently took the bite.

Genma's heart swelled with warmth. The simple act of feeding her felt oddly fulfilling, as if all his fatigue and worries melted away in her presence.

Just as they were beginning to relax, a sudden explosion shattered the moment.

"Boom!"

The unmistakable sound of a signal flare echoed through the forest.

Genma and Kurenai exchanged a glance before scrambling to their feet. It was the emergency contact signal Yuji had mentioned—a sign that something urgent was happening.

The duo raced toward the source of the flare and soon spotted five figures in the distance. As they drew closer, relief washed over them. The figures weren't enemies—they were reinforcements.

When they finally saw who the reinforcements were, Genma froze in disbelief.

Blond hair, a confident smile—there was no mistaking Minato Namikaze.

Beside him stood a silver-haired youth with a mask covering his face and a short blade strapped to his back—Kakashi Hatake.

Further back, a cheerful figure waved enthusiastically—Obito Uchiha.

And standing quietly by his side, a warm smile on her face, was Rin Nohara.

Genma's heart skipped a beat. The next generation of Konoha's elite…

"Hey, Genma! Kurenai! Long time no see!" Obito called out, grinning from ear to ear.

Despite Obito's friendly greeting, Rittō's face darkened.

"What about me?" Rittō demanded. "Don't I get a hello?"

Obito scratched his head, looking sheepish. "Uh… sorry, who are you again?"

Rittō's jaw dropped. "You've got to be kidding me! We trained together during the survival exercise!"

"Right! I remember now!" Obito exclaimed. "You're Wassi, right?"

Rittō's body trembled with barely suppressed fury.

"Alright, that's enough," Yuji intervened, cutting off the exchange before it could escalate. "We have work to do."

Minato stepped forward, his calm demeanor commanding attention. "Here's the plan. We'll send out a scouting team to gather intel before making our next move. Yuji-sensei, who will you send?"

"I'll go with Genma," Yuji replied. "Kurenai and Rittō need time to recover. Rin, can you treat their injuries?"

"Of course," Rin said, moving to Kurenai and Genma's side.

With Minato leading the operation, the group set their plan into motion. The confrontation with the rogue ninjas was drawing closer, and the stakes had never been higher.

End of Chapter 33