Konoha’s White Fang Shines

Chapter 51: The End of the Matches

"Let it be, referee. We can begin now," Taito said, his usual cold demeanor evident.

"But if you lose the match, then—"

"It doesn't matter. For someone his age to have made it this far is already extraordinary. If I have to resort to underhanded means to win, then I may as well abandon the blade altogether," Taito replied nonchalantly.

Hearing his words, the referee nodded in understanding.

After sizing up Raido's young appearance—he was clearly just a boy in his early teens—the referee sighed and announced, "Very well then, the third round of the Kenjutsu Group quarterfinals begins now!"

Raido wasn't foolish; he knew Taito had just spoken on his behalf. While holding his wooden sword defensively, Raido smiled and said, "I don't know why you said that, but I can tell you're not the kind of person who likes to waste time."

Raido's words were genuine praise for Taito's sense of integrity.

Although Raido still couldn't understand why Taito had been so harsh on the young kunoichi earlier, their brief exchange revealed that this man's character was admirable. In Raido's eyes, Taito embodied a set of principles that he aspired to emulate.

Who exactly was Raido?

While he didn't always act impartially or without bias, he was straightforward and honest in his own way. Occasionally, he would display some cunning, but seeing someone like Taito, who adhered to their principles without wavering, deeply resonated with him.

Everyone carries an ideal version of themselves in their heart, and at this moment, Taito represented that vision for Raido.

As for why Raido hadn't reached such a state himself, it was because he still considered himself young and wanted to savor the joys of youth for a little longer.

After all, the history of the ninja world was written in blood and fire. During his academy days, teachers had reiterated countless times how harsh and brutal this world could be. It was precisely because of this that Raido cherished his current carefree days so much.

Perhaps, in the future, after enduring numerous hardships, even moments of humor and levity would carry a hint of sorrow.

Taito didn't reply to Raido's comments. Instead, he calmly adopted a stance, lowering his body and readying his blade.

This action made his intent clear. Raido, a lover of kenjutsu, immediately recognized the posture—it was the preparatory stance for Iai (sword-drawing) techniques.

While rare in Konoha, Iai techniques were not unheard of, and most sword practitioners were familiar with them. These techniques focused on delivering an unparalleled, decisive strike at the moment of drawing the sword. However, they were predominantly practiced by samurai rather than ninja.

As Raido understood it, the primary reason Iai techniques weren't widely adopted by ninja was their impracticality in prolonged battles.

Iai techniques relied heavily on the moment of the draw, requiring careful preparation and precise timing. Samurai often pursued mastery of their art, valuing the essence of the blade itself, whereas ninja sought practicality and versatility.

But now, two distinct philosophies were about to clash on the stage.

Raido's approach to swordsmanship emphasized speed—both in body movement and blade strikes. Upon realizing Taito intended to use Iai against him, he felt both a sense of gravity and a burning excitement for a genuine duel.

Konoha had very few true swordsmen. Most of its sword users had inherited techniques passed down through generations or developed their skills through individual practice. The opportunity to face a genuine practitioner like Taito was a rare treat, and Raido couldn't help but feel his blood boil.

"My Iai isn't particularly refined, but I've developed a similar technique of my own. Please offer me your guidance," Raido said solemnly, leaping far away from Taito to create distance.

The audience watched as the two contestants separated and prepared themselves, holding their breath in anticipation.

High-level duels often involved extended standoffs, though this wasn't always the case. In this instance, Raido was strategizing how to counter Taito's Iai, while Taito pondered how Raido's self-created technique might function.

While Raido's earlier statement carried a degree of bluff, Taito couldn't afford to underestimate this young prodigy. From his prior performances, it was clear Raido hadn't yet revealed his full strength.

In an instant, Taito's aura surged as he began advancing toward Raido.

Raido, seeing Taito's movement, pushed aside his thoughts and sprinted toward him at an even faster pace.

Raido's swordsmanship relied heavily on speed; both his body movements and blade strikes were integral to his style. Conversely, Taito's Iai technique concentrated all its power into the brief distance of the sword draw, a short-range, high-intensity strike.

As they drew closer, the tension between them mounted.

Finally, at the moment of contact, two dark arcs flashed through the air as their wooden swords collided.

Clang!

The sound of the impact reverberated across the arena as waves of energy rippled outward.

Both combatants had infused their blades with chakra, and the clash ended in a near stalemate.

Raido quickly retreated, recalibrated his position, and reappeared beside Taito with a slash.

Taito, having sheathed his sword during their brief separation, was already prepared for Raido's next attack.

Clang!

Another strike connected, this time slightly destabilizing Taito's grip. However, he swiftly regained control of his sword.

"So that's how it works," Taito muttered.

"Er… you've figured it out, huh," Raido replied awkwardly.

"You've substituted bodily speed for the draw speed of traditional Iai. This means that as long as you have enough distance, you can amplify your blade's power significantly."

Taito's words were both an analysis and a compliment.

Raido couldn't help but feel pleased at the recognition. However, before he could bask in his achievements, Taito continued speaking.

"But with such high speed, how do you ensure accuracy?"

"Uh… well," Raido stammered, visibly embarrassed. He was fully aware of the shortcomings in his technique.

"If you don't want your efforts to backfire, it's best to have someone help you immobilize your opponent," Taito suggested.

Taito's advice was ambiguous, simultaneously encouraging Raido to refine his technique while also hinting at potential improvements.

Raido had long been aware of his technique's flaws. The style he'd developed, which he called Gale Slash, was born from his love for the thrill of speed. As his body grew stronger and his chakra control improved, the technique naturally became more powerful.

Though he hadn't deeply considered how it compared to Iai, Taito's comments forced him to reevaluate.

As their clash continued, the two fighters engaged in a fierce exchange of blows, each strike demanding intense focus and precision.

Eventually, Raido's movements faltered for a split second. Taito seized the opportunity, twisting his blade in a circular motion to disarm Raido.

The result was clear—Raido had lost, thoroughly and decisively.

"The winner of the third match: Taito!" the referee declared.

Raido silently stepped down from the stage, his face calm despite his defeat.

Genma, who had been watching closely, sighed. He promised Raido a meal as consolation before turning his attention to the subsequent matches.

The remaining sword duels, while engaging, failed to match the intensity of Raido and Taito's confrontation.

Soon after, the Kenjutsu quarterfinals concluded, and it was time for the team to make their exits.

Though most of the group remained in good spirits, one particularly unlucky individual—who had been unable to face Taito—was visibly frustrated.

End of Chapter 51