Naruto: Forbidden Arts and an Immortal Agenda

Shuichi's sword was fast, and his movements were just as quick.

A sword that wasn't fast enough couldn't kill.

Movements that weren't quick enough couldn't catch up.

Shuichi burst forward like lightning, his steps exploding with force, sending gravel flying and carving deep grooves into the earth.

Aozora moved like a gust of wind, as light-footed as a feather, flowing gracefully, almost floating with the breeze.

Lightning might be faster than wind, but Shuichi still couldn't catch Aozora.

Peng! Peng! Peng!—

All the kunai launched by Aozora were knocked away by Shuichi.

Yet all Shuichi's long sword could do was deflect kunai.

The two chased each other across the training grounds, darting here and there, but Shuichi couldn't even touch the hem of Aozora's robe.

Genya was now completely awestruck by Aozora.

If Aozora had used this movement technique and speed when fighting him earlier, he would've been nothing more than a target.

Kagenbi didn't imagine himself in that situation, yet still looked puzzled. "How come Aozora's Body Flicker Technique is… so strange?"

Genya nodded thoughtfully as he watched closely.

Aozora's steps weren't large at all, his footwork barely exerting any force. Yet with each effortless step, he moved several meters away. Seemingly relaxed, he kept the perfect distance from Shuichi, who was desperately trying to chase him down.

"Is this the result of exceptional chakra control?" Genya asked, puzzled.

Kagenbi shook his head. "Even the best chakra control wouldn't change body movement like this. I wonder what kind of taijutsu this is."

Genya muttered helplessly, "What's the point of fighting then? Can't even touch him. We're just sitting ducks!"

Although taijutsu and sword techniques differed greatly, they both belonged to close-range combat. He fully understood how frustrating it must be for Shuichi right now.

And Shuichi really was frustrated.

When you're being beaten one-sidedly, how could you not feel annoyed?

Swish! CRACK— the sword sliced through another tree blocking Shuichi's path.

But Ao had already moved dozens of meters away behind the falling tree.

As the trunk hit the ground, raising clouds of dust, Shuichi stopped and didn't press forward further.

Smiling, Aozora said, "What? Giving up already?"

Calmly, Shuichi replied, "If I keep chasing, my chakra will be almost depleted."

Constant usage of Body Flicker took quite a toll on him.

He added curiously, "I remember your speed was not this fast last month."

Nodding, Aozora said, "That's true. After returning, I realized my speed was too slow, so I spent some time improving my 'Body Flicker.'"

This so-called improvement involved using the Shrink Step technique before activating the Body Flicker—making his movements look graceful and fluid, yet without losing, even possibly enhancing, his original speed.

Shuichi was momentarily speechless, his mind in turmoil.

He'd suspected Aozora had refined the Body Flicker after the Escort Mission, but he never thought Aozora had created it himself.

In just one month? His taijutsu got better, his Sharingan evolved, and he even came up with a brand-new Body Flicker Technique?

Was he even human anymore? He was practically a monster.

Aozora, unaware of Shuichi's frustration, asked curiously, "So, what're you gonna do next?"

Regaining his composure, Shuichi answered, "I still have one move left. Please give me your guidance."

He knew he couldn't beat Aozora, but he still wanted to show him how much he'd improved in a single month.

Aozora raised his hand slightly and said, "Please!"

Shuichi nodded, then gripped the sword handle with both hands and raised it high.

[Secret Sword – Thunder Slash!]

Blazing lightning quickly enveloped the long sword in Shuichi's hand. This time, however, the lightning didn't cover Shuichi. Instead, it gradually started to weaken.

But through his Three Tomoe Sharingan, Aozora clearly saw arcs of electricity dancing along the blade. The lightning condensed inward, slowly converging onto the sword until it became a solid bolt of lightning.

Shuichi erupted with the last bit of chakra he had and instantly dashed forward. Aozora stepped back and hurled several shuriken. However, the shuriken hadn't even reached Shuichi before being deflected by some special energy.

As soon as his foot touched the ground, chakra exploded beneath Aozora. This time, he shot backward like a rocket. Shuichi's lightning blade only managed to hit his afterimage.

While flying backward, Aozora encountered a huge rock, but as if he had eyes behind him, he lightly jumped over it. Shuichi couldn't dodge in time, so he swung his lightning-infused sword at the massive stone blocking his path.

Boom!

The hard rock split apart like thin paper under the lightning blade, then shattered from the residual electric surges. Flying debris and rolling smoke filled the air.

After a while, Shuichi walked out from the dust, sheathing his sword. Standing before the smoke, Aozora could already gauge the power of Shuichi's strike—though the dust hadn't yet cleared.

Aozora said, "You've improved. You can now hold back and then unleash it all. Your speed still needs work, though."

He thought of a ninja: Kakashi Hatake. The Thunder Slash's power rivaled Chidori without falling short. If Shuichi continued refining his skills, matching Lightning Cutter might be possible. But he lacked Kakashi's Lightning Release Stimulation technique, so there were still deficiencies in speed. Of course, this was when compared against elite jonin.

Having taken down three enemies, Aozora felt a little proud of himself. He realized that as he learned more techniques, his strength steadily increased.

Though still far from surpassing jonin level and reaching Kage-level, when facing opponents of similar rank, he now felt much more comfortable and composed.

Previously, against equal-level ninjas, Aozora would always strike first, launching an instant killshot at the start to eliminate enemies by exploiting intel. He knew his options were limited, so he wouldn't give opponents chances to use unexpected jutsu.

Now, thanks to improvements across all aspects of his physical body and illusions, plus life-saving techniques also increasing, he grew far more confident. He could now choose whether to act after the opponent instead of always initiating first.

From striking first to responding afterward—that was a transformation. It marked Aozora's evolution from a prodigy known for one signature move into a well-rounded powerhouse.

Certainly, Aozora wouldn't change his fighting style because of this. He still believed a dead enemy was a good enemy.

At that moment, Genya and Kagenbi also approached, respectfully calling out, "Captain!"

Their voices rang loud and sincere.

In fact, although these two privately questioned Aozora's appointment as captain, they would not disobey the clan head's orders. However, they planned secretly to observe Aozora and decide later whether to obey. They never expected the clan head spoke just two sentences to Aozora, allowing them to overhear their conversation afterward.

Aozora nodded, speaking gently, "I'm glad to have such strong members on the team. I believe we'll complete this mission perfectly."

Hearing that, Genya and Kagenbi's initial unease instantly disappeared. Although the Uchiha were proud, they themselves didn't like others staring down at them with arrogance.

With a captain who acknowledged their abilities, possessed formidable strength, and showed limitless potential, what dissatisfaction could they possibly still have?

Seeing that the sun hung high at noon, Aozora said, "We've stretched our legs and everyone used up quite a bit of energy. On me—let's celebrate our new team!"

Aozora had always seemed older than he was; now, his actions only reinforced that impression.

After enjoying a satisfying meal, Aozora asked, "Has anyone looked at the mission details yet? Would someone mind giving us a quick briefing?"

Shuichi began explaining: "The target's name is Tanaka Shoko. He specializes in Earth Release Ninjutsu and masters the [Shinchū Zan'nin Jutsu (Mental Decapitation Technique)]... Originally part of Anbu, over a year ago he left to become an ordinary ninja... He has frequently invited others to form teams for missions, and every time it ended up with heavy losses... The Police Force suspects him of secretly harming his own people and plans to arrest and interrogate him.

However, whether he got wind of this or not, he accepted a mission ahead of schedule and left the village. Zhengren and Yingtai went after him for the arrest but vanished without a trace. Recent intelligence suggests he's still in Dahe City."

Once the report concluded, the other three fixed their gazes on Aozora.

Genya even eagerly proposed, "Captain, let's head out immediately! Otherwise, this Shoko will get away."

Aozora shook his head. "No rush! Before departure, I have tasks to assign to you both…"

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