Chapter 37: Goro vs Omoi
A/N: Triple Release (1/3) Our next target is to reach 500 powerstones by Sunday for a Double Release. This story's continuation depends on your support—so don't forget to give the story powerstones! Goal: 500 Powerstones! Let's increase our power ranking, right now we aren't doing too well!
Goro sat in the lounge, eyes closed, seemingly indifferent to the tournament's proceedings. He wasn't here for the thrill of battle, nor did he care to prove himself to anyone but the Raikage himself. His objective was clear—win the tournament, earn the Raikage's favor, and get closer to the information he needed.
While waiting for the next fighters, his name flashed on the screen, accompanied by Omoi's. Without much reaction, he slowly stood up. Goro wanted to complete this match flawlessly, complete his mission, and return to the Leaf. The prolonged stay in the Cloud was becoming tedious, and he was tired of pretending to be someone else.
Goro was already prepared for the battle, but Omoi, on the other hand, was having a rough time dealing with his doubts. "He's stronger than he looks, Omoi. Be careful," Karui warned, giving Omoi a firm pat on the back.
Omoi looked conflicted, twirling his lollipop absentmindedly as his brows furrowed. "I dunno… what if he pulls out something crazy? If I mess up, I might lose, or worse, I'll look stupid in front of everyone. And the Raikage's watching. What if I—"
"Quit overthinking it," Karui interrupted, irritated. "Just go."
Omoi gave a small, nervous laugh, then followed Goro downstairs.
The two made their way to the center of the arena, the midday sun casting a harsh light over the battleground. The crowd cheered as the next participants made their way out. Up in the stands, the Raikage sat with his arms folded, his expression unreadable.
Yugito, who had been instructed to stay behind and cheer for the boy, reluctantly clapped. "I only came for Miki, but now I'm forced to watch this whole tournament. I guess it gives me time to keep an eye out and watch for anything unusual," Yugito thought.
Goro scanned the area briefly, his mind already mapping out potential scenarios. His focus wasn't on the fight itself but on the Raikage. Every move he made had a purpose, not just in the battle, but beyond it.
Now that Atsui's gone, the end of the first round will only leave five fighters. That means to avoid issues, they'd need to move one fighter all the way to the finals. I need to demonstrate my skill in this bout, in order to be that fighter. I don't have a problem fighting my way to the final, but it's simply going to be monotonous with no gain.
Dodai stepped forward, his presence commanding immediate silence from the crowd. "This is a tournament. No killing. The fight ends when one of you is unable to continue," he began.
He looked between Goro and Omoi, then gave a nod. "Begin!" he shouted.
Omoi dashed forward, sword drawn, but Goro barely shifted, his stance relaxed. "Overdrive," he thought, and with a flicker of blue lightning crackling across his body, he disappeared from sight.
Omoi's eyes widened. "Where—?"
Before he could finish the sentence, Goro appeared behind him, his hand crackling with electricity as he landed a light jab to Omoi's shoulder. The force sent Omoi stumbling forward, but Goro had already moved again, this time to his left.
Omoi's nerves were getting the better of him, his movements more panicked than strategic. He swung wildly, his sword cutting through the air, but Goro dodged with ease, stepping back just out of reach.
"He's too fast," Omoi thought, frustration building.
"I knew I should've prepared for something like this. What if he's been training to specifically counter me? What if—" Omoi couldn't finish his sentence, as he was cut off midway by Goro.
"Stop overthinking," Goro said calmly, as if reading his mind.
Omoi gritted his teeth and pulled his blade back for a stronger strike, but Goro caught the sword mid-swing, stopping it cold with his bare hand. The crowd gasped, the sound of metal hitting flesh ringing through the arena.
Overdrive is pretty cool, I must say. If I can get my hands on the Raikage's Lightning Chakra Mode, it would be even better. After winning this tournament, I should ask for the technique. I don't know if he'll give it to me, though.
From his seat, the Raikage leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "That kid's fast," he muttered, more to himself than to the Daimyo. "If he's able to fight like that at such a young age, he's got an extremely bright future ahead of him. How was I not made aware of this child?" the Raikage mulled.
Dodai focused on the battle, his eyes watching each of Goro's carefully curated movements. "He's got impressive control. His chakra distribution's flawless, almost too perfect for a genin."
Yugito, sitting quietly in astonishment, stared at Goro with suspicion. The memories of their previous encounter were still fresh in her mind.
"He's no ordinary genin. There's truly something off about him. The only reason I can't decide for certain if he's an imposter or not is because I've never properly faced Namaki in a spar before," Yugito mumbled.
Her eyes followed his movements carefully, picking up on the same reflexes she had witnessed in their spar.
In the arena, Goro pushed Omoi back effortlessly, his calm demeanor never shifting.
"Pull out your sword," Omoi panted, catching his breath. "I don't get why you're dragging this out. Trying to make me look bad or something?"
"Fine, you're right. I think it's about time I end this," Goro replied, drawing his own sword. His katana gleamed in the sunlight, the black metal with gray ridges giving off an ominous sheen.
Omoi and Goro charged at each other, clashing. Omoi's blade met Goro's with a resounding clang. But the difference in power was evident. Goro didn't need to use any special techniques. Every move Omoi made was countered smoothly, with the precision of someone leagues above him. It was over in seconds.
With one swift upward strike, Goro knocked Omoi's sword from his hand and transitioned to deliver a final strike to his chest, sending him sprawling onto the ground.
The lightning that channeled through Goro's body made his light kick a lot stronger, preventing Omoi from getting back up.
The crowd erupted, but Goro remained composed, his sword already back in its sheath as he turned to Dodai.
Dodai stepped forward, raising his hand. "Winner: Namaki!"
The Raikage's eyes didn't leave Goro for a moment. "I want a full report on that one," he ordered the jounin beside him, his voice low, but purposeful. "There's more to him than what we've seen. If he wins this, I need to speak with him personally," the Raikage pondered.
Yugito crossed her arms, leaning back in her seat, her suspicions deepening. "Was Namaki always this skilled? I would've heard something from Miki if that was the case. Who is he really?" Her gaze remained locked on Goro, watching his every move as he left the arena.
Back in the waiting area, Goro sat once again, disregarding the whispers and glances from the other competitors. He had done what he needed to do, and now, it was just a matter of time before he could achieve what he truly came for.
The only person to give him an issue was Karui, who swore she'd defeat him and avenge Omoi, but for the most part, Goro had nothing to worry about.
As the tournament continued with the other matches, it was clear that no one's performance came close to Goro's. The officials, having seen enough, moved him straight to the finals, bypassing the quarterfinals and semifinals entirely.
Reminder: Our next target is to reach 500 powerstones by Sunday for a Double Release. This story's continuation depends on your support—so don't forget to give the story powerstones! Goal: 500 Powerstones!
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