Naruto: Starting with Creating a Genius Persona

Chapter 113 I would call you the strongest! (16/16)

The next moment, Shinichi swung his hand sharply at Isshin, who was charging towards him!

"boom!"

The tiny crimson dot at the fingertip, the moment it left the hand, was like igniting an invisible sea of ​​oil in the air, expanding and spreading in an instant, transforming into a surging, crimson wave of flames several meters high and over thirty meters wide!

The flames were incredibly solid, like a tide of lava, roaring with an intense heat that could burn everything in its path!

"W-What is this? Fire Release?!"

"When were the hand seals formed? Did you see them?"

"He didn't use any hand seals? How did he release it?!"

"Instant cast? Fire Release without hand seals?!"

"Impossible! The hand seals must have been formed too quickly!"

"Hmph! Why not? Don't forget that Shinichi is a genius who developed the A-rank, no-seal ninjutsu, Rasengan!"

The stands erupted in chaos, with countless people staring wide-eyed at this illogical scene.

Which ordinary ninja doesn't need to form hand seals to guide chakra in order to release a ninjutsu?

Even the most skilled person still has a brief imitation process!

But Shinichi Higashino simply rubbed his fingers together and waved them!

In the special viewing area, Fugaku Uchiha, who had been calmly observing the battle, suddenly stood up straight. His Sharingan had been activated again at some point, and the three tomoe were fixed on the surging wave of flames and Shinichi's figure behind them. For the first time, his face showed undisguised astonishment: "How did he manage to instantly convert and manipulate the form of fire-style chakra like that?!"

"With this level of Fire Release mastery, are you an Uchiha or am I?"

On the high platform, Mitokado Homura adjusted his glasses, his gaze sharp as an eagle. He looked at the Third Hokage beside him and asked, "Hiruzen, is this the result of Shinichi's continuous development of Fire Release ninjutsu? Has it reached the point where it can be used instantly in this kind of battle?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly exhaled a puff of smoke, his eyes reflecting the churning crimson flames in the arena. He nodded and said in a deep voice, "Hmm! This move, which he calls Dark Strike, abandons the difficulty of simultaneously changing the ultimate form and nature, focusing instead on shaping and throwing fire-attribute chakra in a highly stable form, pursuing no hand seals, speed, and practicality."

Looking at the blazing flames that were almost engulfing half the area, Koharu, the advisor, couldn't help but show a hint of amazement on her usually stern face: "This child's talent and execution in developing ninjutsu are truly..."

'

She couldn't find the right words for a moment, and finally let out a gasp of surprise.

In the arena, facing the sudden and surging wave of flames, Isshin, in his charging state, seemed to show a hint of surprise, but it was quickly replaced by even stronger excitement.

"Well done!"

With a wild laugh, he neither dodged nor evaded, but raised the heavy halberd in his hand high. He instantly poured his immense chakra into the halberd and fiercely slashed it vertically towards the surging sea of ​​fire in front of him!

A loud crash!

A massive, solid, and visible crescent-shaped blade of energy slashed out from the halberd, forcefully splitting a huge gap in the lava-like wave of fire, causing the scorching flames to surge to both sides.

However, just as the fire wave was split open and the scorching air currents rolled to both sides!

A deep, violent, and terrifying energy, seemingly containing endless molten lava and fury, surged into the sky from behind the wave of fire, with a muffled roar like the earth's veins, carrying a scorching will to burn everything!

Suddenly, Shinichi's figure leaped into the air, and with his right hand outstretched, a huge energy sphere, as red as lava, took shape!

Inside the sphere, endless flames, visible to the naked eye, are spinning, condensing, compressing, and surging wildly in the manner unique to the Rasengan!

The terrifyingly high temperature caused the air around the sphere to violently distort and boil, emitting a blinding light like a miniature sun and a radiant heat wave that burned the skin!

Fire Release·Hao Yan Rasengan!

"This...this is...Shinichi's Rasengan?!"

"The color is wrong! This isn't how the Rasengan is supposed to look!"

"It's fire! He's infused fire-style chakra into the Rasengan!"

"How did he manage to control such a violent amount of chakra?!"

"Shinichi actually managed to do that?"

The gasps from the stands instantly turned into horrified screams!

Many ninjas who had seen or heard of the "Rasengan," an A-rank ninjutsu without a hand seal, stared wide-eyed in disbelief.

They recognized the unique rotating and compressed chakra energy ball, but the intense and violent fire-attribute chakra completely overturned their understanding of this technique!

In the arena, Shinichi, who had leaped into the air, had a sharp look in his eyes, locking onto Isshin below, who had just split the wave of fire and seemed to be slightly sluggish due to the sudden threat of intense heat.

Without the slightest hesitation, he forcefully pushed the dangerous and violent crimson energy ball in his hand, which symbolized the fusion of the ultimate fire release nature transformation and the Rasengan form transformation, downwards!

The crimson sun, trailing a distorted tail of heat, crashed down on the samurai on the ground like a falling fiery meteor carrying Shinichi!

Wherever it passed, the air crackled and popped as it burned!

At the critical moment, a thick, ancient, bronze-like metallic luster, as if it had been forged countless times, suddenly flashed across the surface of Yixin's body!

A head of bronze and arms of iron!

"boom!!!"

The crimson mini-sun collided squarely with the bronze-colored body!

The earth-shattering explosion, accompanied by scorching flames and a violent shockwave, instantly engulfed most of the arena!

The sturdy barrier trembled violently, emitting a hum that seemed to be straining under its own weight!

All the audience members were forced to squint or raise their hands to shield their eyes by the blinding light, and all they could hear was the destructive roar!

"!!!"

On the high platform, the Third Hokage paused, his pipe still, a deep worry flashing in his eyes. He was concerned that Shinichi's hand might be injured, and also worried that the person who had entrusted him with this ninjutsu, whose power far exceeded expectations, might not...

Tsunade's pupils contracted, and she instinctively leaned forward, muttering under her breath, "That brat! He used that move again! Does he even want his hand anymore?"

Everyone else, whether ordinary villagers or ninjas from various clans, was horrified, overwhelmed by the terrifying power that far surpassed all previous encounters. Many were so shocked that they stood up abruptly.

Inside the arena, the light and dust dimmed slightly.

All that could be seen was that Yixin, who had transformed into a giant bronze statue, was still standing firmly in the same spot!

The crimson Flame Rasengan failed to knock him away; instead, he managed to withstand it in a defensive stance!

The blazing flames and violent spinning force raged and eroded his bronze-colored body, emitting a hissing and piercing sound as it burned and rubbed against metal. The bronze luster on his body flickered and shone, turning large areas crimson!

He's putting up with it!

With its incredible metallic body, it withstood this profound attack that could melt steel and vaporize rock!

The ground beneath his feet kept crumbling and sinking, but his body remained as solid as a mountain, never retreating a single step!

Shinichi hovered in mid-air, his right hand pressing down hard, veins bulging on his forehead.

The two forces, which were displaying their most intense power, were locked in a brief stalemate.

A few seconds later—

"BOOM!!!"

A second, even more violent explosion occurred!

The stalemate finally exceeded a certain critical point and exploded!

As if struck by an invisible giant hand, the two figures were sent flying backward in opposite directions at an even faster speed than when they arrived, each cutting through the air, and finally crashing heavily onto the hard stone walls at the edges of the arena, one on the left and one on the right!

"Bang!" "Bang!"

With a muffled thud, two spiderweb-like cracks appeared on the stone wall.

The entire room was deathly silent; you could hear a pin drop.

Everyone jumped to their feet, their eyes anxiously scanning the billowing dust on both sides.

"W-How is it?!"

"Who's winning?!"

There's been no movement.

A few breaths later.

"cough...."

A soft cough came from the smoke and dust on the left.

Shinichi leaned against the wall and stood up, slightly unsteady. His face was pale, his forehead was covered with fine beads of sweat, his right sleeve had many scorch marks, and his bare forearm was red and trembling slightly. Clearly, the blow he had just received had taken a heavy toll on him.

Almost simultaneously, smoke and dust dispersed on the right side.

Isshin also stood up. His samurai clothes were even more torn, and all the exposed skin on his face, neck and arms was an unnatural red, like metal that had been thrown into a furnace and was even steaming up wisps of white heat. But his posture was still upright and his eyes were still sharp as knives.

Wow!!!

After a brief silence, a deafening roar swept across the entire arena!

"It blocked it?! It withstood it?!"

"That kind of powerful ninjutsu... he withstood it with his body?!"

"What...what kind of monster is this?!"

"Shinichi is so strong! That move was terrifying!"

"Are both of them still able to fight?"

A sense of amazement, horror, and disbelief filled the air.

Shinichi's devastating Rasengan and Isshin's terrifying defensive power that defies common sense are deeply imprinted in everyone's mind.

Just when everyone thought that this fierce and exciting battle would continue and that the two would charge at each other again,

"Slap, slap, slap."

A clear and powerful clapping sound rang out from the billowing dust on the right, breaking the deathly silence of the entire venue.

Clapping his hands, he strode out from the scorch marks and smoke.

His flushed face wore a carefree and satisfied smile as he stared intently at Shinichi opposite him. His gaze was as if he were admiring a peerless gem or assessing a formidable opponent worthy of his full attention.

"Great! Great! Great! That's wonderful!"

The warriors of the Land of Iron shouted "Bravo!" four times in succession, each shout louder than the last, filled with undisguised, almost excited admiration.

"Swordsmanship is solid and its variations are agile! Staff and hammer techniques are extraordinary and powerful! Physical strength is tough and powerful, and it is beyond the ordinary!"

Your mastery of Fire Release techniques is astonishing and ingenious! Your tactical thinking is even more unconventional and unorthodox! You are simply a peerless genius born for battle!

Yixin stopped in his tracks, no longer approaching, and just like that, across most of the messy place, his voice clearly carried to every corner, and he began to comment as if reciting a familiar story.

"Is it Shinichi Higashino?"

Finally, Isshin tilted his head slightly, looking Shinichi up and down at his still somewhat childish yet calm and composed face, and laughed loudly, "You must be only about twelve years old, right? Amazing, absolutely amazing! At this age, to possess such comprehensive and astonishing combat power, and such profound battle wisdom, hahaha! I wouldn't say there will be no one like him in the future, but you could certainly say there has never been anyone like him before!"

"Twelve years old? Unprecedented?"

The audience listened quietly, many with strange expressions on their faces.

The villagers and ninjas familiar with Shinichi, especially those from his class or who knew him, all had the same thought in their minds at this moment:

The samurai is wrong. Shinichi is only ten years old this year, and he still has four months until his eleventh birthday.

But the moment the idea of ​​correction arose, it brought with it a deeper sense of shock and bewilderment.

Twelve years old?

No, it's ten years old!

Ten years old... unprecedented?

Upon careful consideration, setting aside preconceived notions stemming from age, and focusing solely on the performance of the warrior who had just confronted the monster head-on without being at a disadvantage, even forcing out the opponent's ultimate defensive technique and unleashing a world-shattering destructive ninjutsu.

The samurai's words were exaggerated, but they seemed to be true!

At this age, to reach this level is truly unprecedented, and perhaps even unparalleled in the future.

"Has Shinichi really become this powerful?"

"We've always known he's a genius, but it seems we've still underestimated him by a great deal."

"He's only ten years old! Ten years old!"

Countless viewers belatedly realized this, and their gazes toward the boy in the arena completely changed.

Yixin seemed quite satisfied with the effect of his words. His smile vanished, and his expression became extremely solemn, even carrying a sense of ritualistic declaration.

"Shinichi Higashino! I, Isshin no Ashina, wish to call you the strongest!"

Upon hearing this, the arena fell into a deep silence.

The word "strongest" resounded like a thunderclap in everyone's heart!

A young samurai from a foreign country, who had just defeated two senior Jonin of Konoha and whose strength was unfathomable, solemnly bestowed the title of "strongest" upon a ten-year-old Chunin of Konoha in front of the entire village!

This recognition is so heavy it's suffocating, yet so glorious it's dazzling.

In the arena, Shinichi's expression remained unchanged, as if the deafening praise had not stirred much emotion in his heart.

He simply calmed his breathing, looked at Isshin, and asked calmly, "Shall we continue, Mr. Isshin?"

"Continue? Of course we should continue!"

Yi Xin burst into loud laughter, his laughter filled with pride and anticipation, but what he said surprised everyone.

"But not now!"

His gaze shone brightly, as if he could already see the distant future. His tone became incredibly serious, as if he were making a sacred vow: "Your potential is boundless, like the newly risen sun, its light just beginning to unfold, far from its zenith, shining brightly! You have yet to fully display your talent! And my swordsmanship is still climbing ever higher!"

"Today's battle was exhilarating, but I still crave more! Let's save our duel for another time!"

"When I reach the pinnacle of the Iron Country, achieve the ultimate in swordsmanship, and become the strongest in the Iron Country!"

Isshin's voice suddenly rose, filled with the determination to sever everything and the ambition to challenge the world: "When you have undergone trials and tribulations, and shine with unparalleled brilliance, becoming the strongest in the Land of Fire!"

"Let's return to Konoha, or perhaps to the snowy peaks of the Land of Iron, and settle this once more!"

"When that time comes, we'll use all our strength to decide..."

With each word spoken clearly and deliberately, his voice echoed across the silent arena: "Who is the strongest ninja in the world today!"

Who is the strongest ninja in the world today?!

Upon hearing this, everyone in the arena fell into deep silence and shock. The words spoken by this warrior from the Land of Iron were extremely arrogant, even conceited.

But looking at his resolute and confident face and his convincing aura, for some reason, everyone felt that he was qualified to say that.

With the strength this young samurai has shown, he will surely reach the pinnacle of the Land of Iron and become the strongest samurai in the Land of Iron, or even the strongest samurai in history.

And what about Shinichi?

In an instant, everyone present turned their expectant and enthusiastic gazes toward the boy in the center of the room.

"I look forward to that day coming soon!"

As soon as he finished speaking, under the watchful eyes of everyone, Yixin said no more, turned around, picked up the halberd, and strode back to the passage he had come from. His back was free and resolute, and he really gave up and left.

All that remained were a stunned audience and a black-haired boy standing amidst the ruins, still warm from the battle.

After a brief silence and bewilderment, the arena seemed to be a powder keg that had been ignited.

"Shinichi! Shinichi!! Shinichi!!!"

"That's awesome! Shinichi!!!"

"You are our pride!!!"

"The strongest ninja in the future!!!"

The deafening cheers, applause, and whistles erupted like a tsunami, instantly engulfing the entire arena!

The roar almost lifted the ceiling; countless people waved their arms excitedly, their faces flushed, expressing all their shock, pride, and...

Their ecstasy was poured into shouting at the boy in the arena.

"That's amazing! Shinichi is incredible!"

Kurenai jumped up excitedly, grabbing Shizune's hand tightly. Her beautiful red eyes were filled with pride and awe at her companion's strength.

Shizune also revealed a genuine, relaxed smile.

Although the outcome was not the overwhelming victory she had predicted, it was still remarkable that she had fought to such an unfathomable and formidable enemy to such an extent that the two sides had reached a draw.

They even received the other party's "strongest" recognition and a serious invitation for the future.

This in itself is an unimaginable victory!

She watched the figure in the arena begin to nod slightly to the audience, and her heart was filled with pride.

Memories of those three years at the Ninja Academy involuntarily surfaced in my mind.

They were deskmates back then.

Every morning, as she walked to the school gate with her schoolbag, she would subconsciously glance towards the playground, because there was always a boy there carrying an enormous rock, running laps around the track.

I didn't understand mute back then.

Imagine someone carrying such a large and heavy load, running so many laps, with no one watching or checking, and possibly even being ridiculed by others.

Why did he do it?

Even if you're training your physical fitness, is it really necessary to carry such a big rock?

The same at noon.

As soon as the lunch break bell rang, the classroom erupted like a beehive. Some students ran to the playground to play and frolic, some crowded in the shade of the corridor to chat and eat snacks, and some took a nap at their desks.

Jingyin and a few other girls gathered by the window, their lunchboxes spread out on the table, chattering about which class and who had what.

But as she ate, her eyes would always drift out the window.

Because under the cherry blossom tree on the playground, her deskmate, Shinichi Higashino, would always appear there on time, holding a sword and swinging it at the air.

He was there when the spring snow had just melted and the cherry blossoms were about to bloom.

He was there when the summer sun shone so brightly that the leaves curled up.

The cherry blossoms have all fallen in autumn, leaving only bare branches, but he is still there.

The winter wind stung his face, yet he remained there amidst the swirling snow.

Occasionally, other students would pass by, stop to take a look, and whisper among themselves, "Isn't that Shinichi Higashino from Class Two?"

"He does this every day at noon."

"Aren't you tired?"

"Who knows?"

Shinichi never explained; he simply swung the sword again and again, treating the noisy lunch break as his own personal training.

Mute still didn't understand at that time.

She just felt that there was something strange about this classmate. He was not in a hurry, not flustered, and did not try to prove anything to anyone. When others praised him as a genius, he would just smile politely. When others questioned him, he was not in a hurry to refute them.

Like that stone, that sword, he carried it on his back, he wielded it.

Three years.

More than a thousand mornings and nights.

Today, as Shizune stood by the arena with 100,000 people, looking at the boy in the arena, she suddenly understood.

He's just doing the same thing, doing what he thinks he should do, from the age of six until now, and he'll continue to do it.

"Hmph! Not bad at all."

Tsunade crossed her arms, a slight smile playing on her lips. She glanced at the two girls beside her, one excited and the other deep in thought, and deliberately put on a stern face: "See the difference? You two, from today onwards, you must keep working hard! Don't let that kid leave you too far behind!"

"Yes, Tsunade-sensei!" Kurenai Yuhi immediately straightened up and answered loudly, her eyes burning with even stronger fighting spirit.

"clear!"

Shizune quickly snapped out of her daze and responded loudly.

On the high platform, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, gently stroked his chin, the fine wrinkles on his face seeming to have smoothed out, and his eyes were filled with undisguised satisfaction and pride.

This competition, full of twists and turns, ended in a way that far exceeded his best expectations.

Not only did they save face for the village and earn a generous reward, but they also made a brilliant new star in Konoha win the recognition of the entire village and the respect of a powerful opponent in the most shocking way.

Beside her, Koharu, the dorm advisor known for her seriousness and strictness, had a rare smile on her usually stern face. The smile was filled with relief, amazement, and a complex mix of emotions.

Koharu Utatane turned her head and whispered to the Third Hokage, "Hiruzen, now I understand why you value Shinichi so much, even to the point of spoiling him."

She recalled that over the past few years, the Third Hokage had almost always granted Shinichi's requests.

He granted special permission for the Shadow Clone Technique, opened the Ninjutsu Library, allowed early graduation, arranged for Maruboshi Kosuke to be his teammate and protect him, arranged for the Monkey King to guide his training and even form a contract with him, and tacitly approved his development of dangerous ninjutsu, thus fully supporting his treatment even after he was seriously injured...

Even when choosing a mentor for this child, Hiruzen deliberated for a long time and discussed it with her and En many times. In the end, he decided on Minato and planned to have him serve as the child's mentor.

At that time, Tsunade, who had been depressed and indifferent to the outside world since the last Shinobi World War and even abandoned her ninja duties, suddenly jumped out, which made Hiruzen change the choice at the last minute.

Regardless, Hiruzen's trust and devotion even surpassed that for his own son, Asuma. Koharu Utatane had privately expressed her dissatisfaction with this, believing that Hiruzen was being too biased and indulgent.

"This child's talent and maturity, his growth rate, have far exceeded our initial assessment." Koharu Utatane looked at the boy calmly accepting the cheers of the crowd in the arena, her tone complex. "What's even more remarkable is that this child isn't a reckless brute who blindly pursues strength. He has his own path and his own way of thinking, and he knows how to treat his companions kindly, care for his fellow villagers, and has the courage to stand up and defend the village's dignity in crucial moments. He can also remain calm in the face of praise from powerful enemies. This character, coupled with this talent..."

Koharu Utatane paused, then finally sighed softly. Her sigh held no trace of discontent, only approval and expectation: "You did the right thing, Hiruzen! The investment and training we put in him, in retrospect, may have been one of the wisest decisions we made for Konoha's future! In the coming turmoil, he may become a crucial cornerstone for stabilizing the situation."

After speaking, Koharu turned her gaze back to the field, looking at the calm-looking boy who naturally evoked goodwill in everyone.

My thoughts drifted back to that summer morning four years ago.

That morning, she left home and passed by the ninja academy. It was still early, and there weren't many people on the street. From a distance, she saw a few people gathered at the school gate, but she didn't pay much attention. However, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed something moving...

It turned out to be a child carrying an enormous rock on his back.

The rock was so big that it seemed absurd at first glance. It pressed down on the child's back like a heavy mountain, and the rope cut deep into his shoulders, tearing his clothes.

There were several parents dropping off their children at the school gate, as well as two villagers who were passing by. They stopped there and whispered to each other.

"What are you carrying on your back?"

"Is it a rock? This piece is so big, it's really too much of a mess."

"This child does this every morning; I've seen it several times now."

"What's the point? She's so young, don't ruin her health."

"Who can argue with that?"

""

The child did not turn around despite the crowd's comments.

He neither slowed down nor sped up, but ran steadily, as resilient as a reef eroded by the waves.

Xiaochun, who was turning over to the dormitory, stood there watching the child walk into the school gate. His back was completely blocked by the huge rock, and only two thin legs could be barely seen, step by step, steadily stepping on the road.

Later, she learned that the child's name was Shinichi Higashino, the same restless and unruly child she had mentioned on the first day of school.

Mitokado Homura adjusted his glasses, his gaze behind the lenses also filled with admiration. He said, "Not only that, the talent and potential he displayed in today's match, as well as the strongest recognition from that samurai, will greatly boost the village's morale during the war preparation period and unite the people. Its value far exceeds completing an S-rank mission. The commission from that samurai from the Land of Iron was well spent, and we, Konoha, will gain even more."

As he spoke, he also looked at the composed young man in the room, and couldn't help but recall the day he passed by the ninja academy four years ago.

It was summer too.

At one o'clock in the afternoon, the sun was scorching hot, the cicadas were chirping deafeningly, and the leaves of the old cherry tree on the playground were curled up by the sun, the whole tree looked like it was asleep.

Mitomon En took a shortcut through the school's perimeter. As he passed the playground, he caught a glimpse of movement out of the corner of his eye and stopped.

A child stands under the cherry blossom tree beside the empty playground.

The child was holding a samurai sword.

He raised the knife, then swung it down.

Sheath the sword, raise the sword, and swing it down!

Mitokado Homura stood on the edge of the shadows in the distance, watching him swing his sword.

Once, twice, three times, countless times...

Mitokado Yan didn't count the details; he just watched the child repeat the monotonous movements over and over again.

From the school buildings surrounding the playground, the faint sounds of other children's laughter and chatter could be heard. During lunch break, some were sleeping on their desks, some were chatting in the shade of the corridor, and some were sharing snacks they had brought from home.

There was only this one child, standing under the scorching midday sun on an empty playground, swinging his knife again and again.

Mitomon Yan stood there for a while, then left.

He passed by several more times, sometimes on cloudy days, sometimes on sunny days, and sometimes even in scorching sun and torrential rain, but without exception...

That child is always there.

Later, when the child demonstrated his self-created ninjutsu "Rasengan" at the school opening ceremony, Mitokado Homura was extremely shocked and realized that the child was actually Higashino Shinichi.

The Third Hokage listened to his two old friends' words and simply smiled slightly. His gaze remained fixed on Shinichi, as if he were gazing at the ever-burning, ever-brightening flame of Konoha's future.

My thoughts involuntarily drifted back to that rainy night four years ago...

After a moment, he came to his senses, took a drag of his cigarette, and slowly exhaled.

This farce has finally come to a perfect end.

And so, the strongest pact was made with that foreign warrior.

Everyone knows that today's dramatic and thrilling exchange has come to an end with the departure of the foreign warrior who stirred up the storm.

But the name Shinichi Higashino, and the invitation to the "Battle of the Strongest in the Future Ninja World," were like a brand, deeply engraved on that afternoon, and in the hearts of countless Konoha villagers and ninjas!

Chapter 16 has been updated. Please vote with monthly tickets, recommendation tickets, and support!

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