Chapitre 51: Chapter 51: Taking Action
The two were hiding in a giant tree, peering through gaps in the foliage to observe the situation in the clearing.
In the clearing, Akasaka and Takenouchi Rin looked battered, accompanied by a slightly older child in a similar state. Fortunately, their chakra marking seals were still intact.
Behind them, five children who appeared to be new first-year students wore expressions of terror, their forehead and chest seals clearly erased.
Facing them stood a youth with a Konoha forehead protector tied around his arm. His gaze was arrogant as he looked down upon the group before him, as if eyeing prey.
"Tch, not bad, but you're still just students, no match for us," the youth said dismissively. Two other Konoha forehead protector-wearing youths stood behind him, likely his teammates.
Hiding in the giant tree, Minato's heart skipped a beat. Although participants had been shuffled during team assignments, these three had managed to regroup within just a few hours.
Indeed, the tactics of true ninja were difficult to fathom, even for Minato, who had trained under Master Jiraiya for nearly a year.
"Sakai, quickly finish the battle. This open terrain makes us too vulnerable to other teams," one of the youths said nonchalantly as he crossed his arms, observing Akasaka's group. To them, only other genin posed a real threat.
Students were still students. No matter their Academy grades, actual combat was an entirely different matter.
"Understood," the one called Sakai replied, his expression turning serious. Despite facing opponents as helpless as fish on a chopping board, he remained cautious.
Swish!
He charged forward as Akasaka's group gritted their teeth, prepared for a final stand.
"Stop!" came an angry voice, as Kushina could no longer tolerate the arrogant genin looking down on the Academy students.
She leaped down from the tree, aiming a swift kick at Sakai, who narrowly twisted his body to avoid the blow.
In mid-air, unable to change her momentum, Kushina fortunately passed through the opening he created. Upon landing, she swiftly turned to face him, her furious gaze fixed on the youth as she shielded Akasaka's group.
"The little girl's quick," Sakai remarked, surprised by Kushina's speed. She had locked onto him almost before he could react, leaving him no opportunity to attack.
"Kushina?!" Akasaka and Takenouchi Rin recognized her signature long red hair.
At that moment, Minato also leaped down from the tree, landing behind Kushina, in front of the three.
"Minato Namikaze?" His blond hair was equally recognizable.
"You know him?" the older boy beside Akasaka and Takenouchi Rin asked.
They nodded, and Takenouchi Rin explained, "Yeah, they're our classmates."
"I see," the boy said, stunned. Minato and Kushina's movements seemed far beyond what he expected from Academy students, even the top-ranked ones.
"Kushina, you were too reckless," Minato said from behind her.
Kushina pouted, "I couldn't stand it anymore. These guys are way too arrogant!"
Minato smiled, understanding her frustration. "I know, but what I meant was, you acted a moment too soon. If you had waited just a couple more seconds, he wouldn't have been able to dodge."
Kushina looked surprised by his words.
"Insolent brat!" Sakai fumed, feeling belittled by the sudden appearance of these two kids. He was about to charge when his teammates stopped him.
"Don't be rash, he's trying to bait you!" one of them warned, glancing at Minato, who had a slightly regretful expression.
"Too bad," Minato thought. He had intended to exploit Sakai's impulsiveness to lure him in, then eliminate him together with Kushina.
But the observer's perspective differed. His teammates remained level-headed, as true ninja should be.
Ninja must not let emotions cloud their judgment in battle.
"Whether it was our failure to detect them earlier or that kid's attempt to provoke you, these aren't just simple brats," Sakai's other teammate said, his gaze never leaving Minato.
They had not only missed the two's earlier concealment but also failed to sense Minato's presence until he revealed himself. With just a few words, he had nearly caused Sakai to lose his composure.
The kid's intent was clearly to catch Sakai off-guard.
"To be safe, we attack together!" the teammate declared.
Meanwhile, Minato cautioned Kushina, "They're a three-man squad, outnumbering us and better coordinated. So we must strike first and keep them separated to prevent them from combining their efforts."
"How do we do that?" Kushina asked.
"Simple, you take on Sakai, while I handle the other two, keeping them apart," Minato explained his plan.
Kushina grew anxious. "But they're genin... you..."
Seeing her concern, Minato smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, as long as you quickly defeat Sakai and then come assist me, we'll be fine."
"Just be careful. They're genin, not like our usual opponents!"
Swish!
Without giving the trio a chance to react, Minato's speed instantly surged as he charged.
Seeing him coming, the three genin couldn't help but sneer.
Sakai met Minato head-on, throwing a punch aimed at the chakra seal on his chest.
To Academy students, Sakai's speed would have been near-impossible to evade. But to Minato, it was...
Too slow!
In his high-speed movement, Minato spun his body, dodging Sakai's attack. He then produced several kunai, flinging them with both hands to entangle his two remaining opponents.
Minato's speed left Sakai unable to react. In that moment, Kushina appeared before him, her furious expression preceding a powerful punch aimed at his chest!
...
(End of chapter)
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone