Capítulo 39: Chapter 39: Kushina's Request
"Fwoosh!"
After Mikoto spit out the first small fireball from her mouth, fireballs continued raining out like a downpour.
The raging flames fully engulfed the few hand-held blades wielded by Uchiha Homura, causing them to drop down.
The remaining fireballs maintained their momentum as they charged towards Uchiha Homura.
Observing the surroundings, Uchiha Homura grit his teeth and retreated backwards. It wasn't that he lacked a way to counter Mikoto's ninja technique, but rather the venue was too confined. If he unleashed his Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique again, the result would mirror the previous occasion.
Just as he considered using the Phoenix Sage Fire Technique to retaliate, Mikoto had anticipated this move. The dense barrage of fireballs didn't allow Uchiha Homura any opportunity to weave hand seals.
"Mikoto can actually use ninja techniques now. I've never seen her use any during our regular spars," said Kushina, her little mouth agape. She then puffed out her cheeks, for while she knew some techniques, none were offensive ninjutsu.
"It's just practice after all, no need for ninja techniques," Minato smiled. The Phoenix Sage Fire Technique was recorded in the Third Hokage's ninja scroll collection.
As long as one's chakra wasn't depleted, they could infinitely produce fireballs. Mikoto clearly appreciated this technique's sustainability, having forced Uchiha Homura into a predicament where he couldn't employ ninjutsu for defense.
Compared to the raging flames, his hand-held blades seemed feeble.
Mikoto had swiftly gained an absolute advantage, while Uchiha Homura could only evade in the arena without any chance to weave seals.
However, his agility and speed were undeniable, repeatedly dodging Mikoto's Phoenix Sage Fire assaults.
Gradually, he moved towards the crowd.
Minato saw through his intention. Like Mikoto, Uchiha Homura dared not use the Phoenix Sage Fire Technique in this cramped space, as it could inadvertently harm their classmates.
At that point, Uchiha Homura could counterattack.
Mikoto noticed this too. While spitting fireballs, she threw a few hand-held blades.
Fwoosh!
The flames wrapped around the blades, not only increasing their speed but also amplifying their might.
This was Mikoto's final gambit. The rapidly approaching Uchiha Homura was forced back by Mikoto's fireball-engulfed blades, just shy of her technique's range.
"Well done, Mikoto!" Minato couldn't help but laugh. Now Uchiha Homura's only escape route had been severed.
The Phoenix Sage Fire Technique wasn't extremely chakra-taxing. Although a C-rank technique, Mikoto's current state should allow her to persist until Uchiha Homura's defeat.
However, Minato didn't think this concluded matters. Uchiha Homura had only exhibited enhanced body movements compared to a year ago.
Minato didn't believe his improvement over the past year was limited to just that.
As he pondered this while glancing towards Uchiha Homura, their eyes met.
"This guy actually dares to get distracted during battle?" Minato's heart sank slightly.
The next moment, an anomaly occurred abruptly.
Swish!
Uchiha Homura's figure, previously forced to dodge all over by Mikoto's Phoenix Sage Fire, suddenly vanished.
A technique Minato recognized well.
"The Body Flicker Technique!"
The next instant, Uchiha Homura appeared beside Mikoto, his fist halting mere half-an-inch from her temple. Throughout this process, she failed to react at all.
"Such incredible speed!"
Once she registered Uchiha Homura's presence, her heart skipped a beat before stopping her movements.
Because if Uchiha Homura desired, she could have been knocked unconscious in that very moment.
This near-instantaneous speed was beyond her current ability to counter.
Kunio Shindō finally regained his composure too, for Mikoto and Uchiha Homura's battle was unlike a regular practice session between ninja academy students.
It was even more spectacular than Minato's clash against Uchiha Homura a year prior.
"The winner is Uchiha Homura," Kunio Shindō announced.
The other students were still dazed, utterly uncomprehending of what transpired.
The shift in victory occurred in but an instant.
Minato's gaze sharpened as Uchiha Homura's eyes met his.
Clearly, he had learned the Body Flicker Technique over this past year to completely eliminate Minato's speed advantage.
A formidable rival indeed!
Afterwards, Mikoto and Uchiha Homura formed the reconciliation seal before returning to their lines.
"Sorry, I lost," Mikoto told Kushina with a tinge of guilt upon reaching her, though her eyes held no resentment.
She had utilized her full arsenal, but fell short against Uchiha Homura's strength.
Of course, Kushina didn't blame her, offering consoling words. After Mikoto smiled again, Kushina gradually let go of her worries.
The practice session continued, and eventually, Minato's name was called. His opponent was a child second only to Uchiha Homura in their class.
Yet the outcome was apparent - Minato defeated him with ease. He noticed Uchiha Homura intently analyzing his movements throughout.
His declaration of defeating Minato a year ago wasn't just bluster.
Through today's battle with Mikoto, it was evident Uchiha Homura had undergone specialized training as well.
His strength was undoubtedly no longer at the level from a year before.
After practice ended at noon, instead of Minato and Kushina eating together as usual, Kushina unexpectedly pulled him into a secluded corner of the academy.
With no one around, Minato looked at Kushina questioningly while her face reddened slightly.
"Kushina, what's the matter?" the clueless Minato asked.
Kushina pondered for quite a while before finally seeming to muster all her strength to say, "After school today, could you...guide my training?"
Minato paused briefly upon hearing her request. "Is that all? But if you don't go home after school, won't your family worry?"
Minato smiled warmly. Kushina then pouted, "Worry? They wouldn't worry about me at all."
Minato knew nothing about Kushina's family situation, but it seemed she was unaware of being under the Hokage's direct protection by the Anbu Black Ops.
If she tried wandering off alone, the Anbu likely wouldn't allow it easily.
However, seeing Kushina's hopeful eyes, Minato found it impossible to refuse her request.
Still, he didn't immediately agree, instead rubbing his chin thoughtfully for a moment before replying to Kushina, "Alright, I'll do it!"
(end of chapter)
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