Kapitel 96: Gale Step
After the hour-long wait, Samui and Mabui led the four young ninjas to Training Ground 8. The atmosphere was tense; the jovial big-sister attitude that Mabui often displayed around Ryomaru was replaced by a cold professionalism.
"We're not here to spar casually or to gauge your potential; we already know what you're capable of," Mabui declared, locking eyes with each of them. "This team is being created as a special force. However, that doesn't mean you've automatically passed your graduation. We still have the right to send any of you back to the academy."
Samui took over, her tone equally stern. "When we begin, attack us with the intent to kill. Anything less, and you won't make it through this assessment. Is that understood?"
A synchronized nod came from Ryomaru, Temari, Hanabi, and Hinata. They knew that this was not an ordinary training session; it was a test of their resolve as much as their skills.
"Begin," Samui ordered.
In an instant, all four disappeared from their original positions, leaving only a gust of wind where they had stood. Quickly reconvening in a hidden spot amidst the trees, they looked to Ryomaru for guidance.
The girls couldn't help but notice the composure on Ryomaru's face as they all huddled among the trees, strategizing their next move. "This won't be a walk in the park," Ryomaru began. "Samui and Mabui are not just strong; they're tactically brilliant. I know their styles, and they know ours. We'll have to surpass our limits to beat them."
Hinata and Hanabi exchanged surprised glances before locking eyes back on Ryomaru. "Are you suggesting we...?" Hinata began, her voice tinged with both caution and excitement.
Ryomaru nodded solemnly. "Yes. We have to risk it. We're not going to make it otherwise."
Temari, who had been silently observing, finally spoke. "Whatever plan you've got, I'm on board. You've always been ahead of the curve, even when I was already a Genin and you were just in the Academy. You've only gotten stronger."
"Alright," Ryomaru said, collecting himself. "Let's fan out and diversify our attacks. Temari, focus on long-range combat. Keep them off balance. Hinata, I'll need your Byakugan to keep tabs on their movements. Hanabi, you and I will go for direct hits when the opportunity presents itself."
Each nodded, wearing a determined expression that communicated their readiness.
"Let's go," Ryomaru ordered.
In a burst of speed, they returned to the training ground. Each moved into position as Ryomaru had directed, and on his signal, they attacked.
The air was thick with tension as Ryomaru, Temari, Hanabi, and Hinata leapt back into the training ground, each assuming their designated positions. Samui and Mabui eyed them, fully aware that their opponents were formulating a plan.
Ryomaru made the first move, launching a kunai attached to a wire towards Samui. She deflected it with ease but didn't notice that the wire had looped around a nearby tree, creating a temporary obstacle. Temari seized the opportunity and launched a flurry of shuriken to occupy Mabui, keeping her focus divided.
Hinata activated her Byakugan, whispering into her communication device, "Samui is moving to the left, Mabui to the right."
Hanabi shot out from her cover, swinging her kunai at Samui, who parried the blow but found herself within striking distance of Ryomaru. He launched a barrage of punches and kicks, which she dodged with precision but not without effort.
"Enough child's play," Samui muttered, going on the offensive.
Temari, now stationed up in a tree, took out her fan. "Alright, let's start ramping this up," she said, hurling it like a boomerang toward Mabui.
In a synchronized motion, Hinata and Hanabi threw kunai connected by wire at Mabui's feet, trying to ensnare her. She leapt up to dodge, but the kunai circled back, controlled by Temari's wind. Mabui was forced to sever the wire with her own kunai to free herself.
Samui and Mabui assessed the four young ninjas with hawk-like precision. The initial clash had made it clear that their trainees were not to be taken lightly.
"It's time to up the ante," Samui communicated to Mabui through a subtle eye signal.
"Agreed," Mabui returned the signal and, in a blink, unleashed a series of quick hand-to-hand strikes aimed at Hinata.
Hinata barely managed to parry the blows, her Byakugan allowing her to predict the attacks, but just barely.
"Your prediction isn't enough!" Mabui declared, launching a spinning kick toward Hinata's head. Just as the kick was about to connect, Hanabi intercepted it, her own foot blocking the attack.
"I won't let you lay a hand on my sister," Hanabi spat, eyes blazing.
Simultaneously, Samui had engaged Ryomaru in a heated taijutsu exchange. Their fists and feet collided, creating a series of sharp, resonant sounds that filled the air.
Ryomaru managed to land a hit on Samui's side, but she retaliated with a swift knee to his abdomen. Gritting his teeth against the pain, Ryomaru stumbled back to regain his footing.
Meanwhile, Temari took this as her cue. With a calculated sweep of her fan, a gust of wind sent a flurry of shuriken spiraling toward both Samui and Mabui. The two Jounin were forced to break off their attacks to deflect the projectiles.
Taking advantage of the brief respite, Ryomaru looked toward his teammates. "It's time. Gale Step."
Understanding dawned on their faces, and they nodded in agreement.
First, Ryomaru harmonized his chakra with the surrounding environment, reducing air resistance. He could feel his body become lighter, the wind becoming an ally rather than an obstacle. Hinata, Hanabi, and Temari tried to replicate the technique but struggled to achieve the same level of harmony. Still, they felt a noticeable boost in agility.
Then, drawing on his knowledge of Water Walking and Sand Balancing, Ryomaru coated the soles of his feet with a thin layer of chakra. This allowed him to slide over the surface of the ground as if he were on ice, gaining speed with each moment.
The three girls followed suit, but their movements were slightly awkward, lacking the seamless glide that Ryomaru displayed.
Finally, he released controlled bursts of chakra from the soles of his feet and the palms of his hands, propelling him forward at incredible speeds. He was a blur, a gust of wind personified. The girls released their own bursts of chakra, not as controlled but still effective, and they shot forward to re-engage their trainers.
----
Read 45(15 chapters for each novel) advanced chapters in my Patreon!
patreon.com/IWriteFanfic2
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein