Chapter 79: Badora
"Ao- Aoba-nii..." Yamashiro Rinne's voice was anxious.
Yamashiro Aoba tried hard to adjust his expression before saying, "This matter is not small; you shouldn't know about it. I will inform Lord Hokage when I get back, and this person must also be taken back."
As he spoke, he took out ropes and firmly tied up the Otogakure Ninja, also wrapping gauze around their mouth.
The severity of the situation made Yamashiro Rinne and Kato Megumi even more worried.
To divert attention, Alex seized the opportunity to reprimand them: "You two, it's fine to be in love, but don't get so carried away that you don't even know you're being followed."
"Your little affair, Aoba-sensei and I saw it long ago, so why hide it?"
"As punishment, after we go back, all the D-Rank missions we take will be done by you!"
"...Boss, we understand."
The two hung their heads, feeling both shy and annoyed. Besides obediently accepting the punishment, they didn't dare say anything else.
Yamashiro Aoba nodded at Alex, clearly approving of his approach. Alex didn't ask further questions, nor did he intend for Runya and Megumi to ask more, as this matter truly shouldn't be known by Genin.
However, for safety's sake, it was better for the four of them not to separate for the time being.
"Just make do in my room tonight. Early tomorrow morning, we'll immediately rush back to the Village at full speed!" Yamashiro Aoba's eyes showed urgency.
"Aoba-sensei, my Summoning Animal is a Mountain Giant Eagle. It can carry seven people and flies extremely fast. How about we ride the Giant Eagle back to the Village tomorrow?"
Alex was actually also worried that Orochimaru might be in the Fire Country Capital, so returning to the Village as soon as possible was best.
Although his current strength allowed him to exchange a few moves with Orochimaru, and with Yamashiro Aoba cooperating, they might not be without a chance of winning, they were outside the Village without support. Furthermore, Yamashiro Rinne and Kato Megumi, the two youngsters, were not strong, and the risk of encountering an S-Rank rogue Ninja was simply too great.
It was best not to encounter them if possible, and Yamashiro Aoba clearly had the same thought.
As for the Mountain Giant Eagle Summoning Animal, a bounty for it had been posted at the Exchange Shop even before Tenten graduated. Someone had indeed sent a contract scroll for a Mountain Giant Eagle Summoning Animal. Alex and Tenten had both signed the scroll and even summoned the Giant Eagle to communicate with it, they just hadn't dared to fly around in the Village.
As expected, contracting a Summoning Animal like the Giant Eagle back then was indeed farsighted. Now was the time to use this convenient mode of transportation!
As for who obtained the contract scroll, Alex had reason to suspect Kakuzu, because the bounty Tenten offered at the Exchange Shop was quite high. Even Kakuzu, with his five hearts, would be tempted.
"A Mountain Giant Eagle Summoning Animal?"
"Alright, I'll count on you tomorrow!"
Yamashiro Aoba didn't object. He had to rush back to the Village as quickly as possible to inform Lord Hokage of the memories he had read.
Soon it was the next morning. After checking out, the group immediately left the city.
Just outside the city, Alex bit his thumb, quickly formed hand signs, and then slammed his palm on the ground: "Summoning Technique!"
Bang! An incredibly tall Giant Eagle suddenly appeared. The overwhelming sense of pressure made everyone's breathing hitch, and the dust stirred up by its flapping wings made it difficult for a few people to breathe.
The Otogakure Ninja had just woken up and fainted again upon seeing this.
Screech! The Giant Eagle let out a long cry, which counted as greeting Alex.
Although the Giant Eagle was big, it couldn't speak. Unless someone had a contract with it, it was very difficult to understand its meaning.
Alex leaped directly onto the eagle's back: "Badora, take us back to Konoha."
Badora was the name Alex gave it. Seeing the eagle's majestic appearance and learning that it could breathe fire, he subconsciously thought of Birdramon from Digimon and thus came up with this name.
Fortunately, the Giant Eagle wasn't dissatisfied; it was even a little happy because it had a name.
Seeing this, Yamashiro Aoba and the other two also carried the Otogakure Ninja and followed. Only when they landed on the eagle's back did they feel more clearly how enormous the Giant Eagle was.
If they weren't considering the flight weight, a few more people could fit on the eagle's back.
Whoosh! Badora flapped its wings and soared towards the sky. The people on the eagle's back instantly had their hairstyles messed up by the wind.
But it had to be said, the Giant Eagle was truly fast. In just two or three hours, the outline of Konoha appeared below. Alex quickly had the Giant Eagle land about a kilometer outside the Village.
The Giant Eagle was simply too big; if it landed too close to the Village, it might be attacked.
Only after getting off the eagle's back did Yamashiro Aoba let out a sigh of relief: "Alright, quickly follow me back to the Village. After that, you can disband on your own. Rest for a day tomorrow, and I will notify you if anything comes up."
Alex also waved at Badora: "Badora, you can go back now. Next time, I'll have Tenten prepare some delicious beef for you."
Badora let out another long cry and disappeared with a 'bang'.
Team Nine didn't dare to delay and sped up their return to the Village.
Just as they reached the main gate, the two gate guards were busy asking: "Aoba, you're back so quickly?"
"That Giant Eagle just now was..."
Yamashiro Aoba left behind a sentence: "I will report to Lord Hokage. Alex, you all register your return to the Village."
Then, carrying the Otogakure Ninja, he disappeared.
The two gate guards looked at Alex and the other two, but Alex didn't speak, just told them to register, and then Team Nine disbanded and went back to their respective homes.
Inside the Hokage Office.
Yamashiro Aoba placed the Otogakure Ninja on the ground and spoke with a hint of urgency: "...After we arrived at the Fire Country Capital, Yamashiro Rinne and Kato Megumi were tracked by this person while they were out shopping. Fortunately, Alex discovered it in time and captured this person."
"I used Mind Reading to extract this person's memories and found that he is indeed from Otogakure, and the founder of Otogakure is Orochimaru!"
"What?! Orochimaru!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen suddenly stood up. "I wondered why this Otogakure was so mysterious. Is it actually a Ninja Village founded by Orochimaru?"
For a moment, this aging Third Hokage hesitated. Perhaps he couldn't figure out Orochimaru's purpose, but he instinctively felt that Orochimaru was planning something.
The Land of Rice Fields where Otogakure was founded is located in the bordering area north of the Fire Country.
Furthermore, the sudden tracking of Konoha Ninjas by an Otogakure Ninja this time might have some purpose.
"Aoba, why was this person tracking our Konoha Ninjas?" Sarutobi Hiruzen hurriedly asked.
"In his memories, it's because Orochimaru is planning some action against Konoha and needs to investigate the situation of Konoha Ninjas. This person was assigned to lie low in the Fire Country Capital. Yesterday, he discovered that I brought Team Nine into the city, so he decided to follow and observe."
"However, he seems to be acting alone and doesn't appear to have any accomplices," Yamashiro Aoba said with a serious expression.
"Action? What action?"
"It's unclear! This person's memory doesn't contain that information; he obviously doesn't know!"
It was precisely because he didn't know that Yamashiro Aoba was eager to return and report.
Orochimaru was once One of the Sannin of Konoha and understood Konoha intimately. If he was going to target the Village, then the Village would be too dangerous, so preparations must be made in advance!
Chapter 80: F4 Meeting
Sarutobi Hiruzen then carefully inquired about many details, including the matter of Alex possessing a Summoning Animal like the Mountain Giant Eagle.
However, he didn't pay too much attention to Alex. The main focus now was on Orochimaru. Until it was clear what Orochimaru was planning, Konoha was truly passive.
After understanding most of the situation, Sarutobi Hiruzen had Yamashiro Aoba return first.
Then, he sent Ambu to notify Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane for a meeting.
As for Danzo, Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't notify him because he suspected Danzo was still colluding with Orochimaru, and whatever action Orochimaru was planning might be related to Danzo.
Oh, right, the Otogakure Ninja was handed over to the interrogation department, hoping to get more information out of him.
Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane arrived quickly. However, before the meeting even started, Danzo pushed the door open and walked in, clearly uninvited.
"Hiruzen, disbanding Root is one thing, but you're holding a meeting and didn't call me. Are you no longer considering me the Hokage Assistant? Or are you planning to completely abandon me, the 'Darkness of Konoha'?"
Danzo questioned him very impolitely, clearly angry.
Sarutobi Hiruzen silently smoked, exhaling a sentence: "You and Orochimaru are still secretly involved, aren't you?"
One sentence made Danzo almost crush his cane: "Hiruzen, you suspect me?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen just looked at Danzo without speaking, but his expression showed that it wasn't just suspicion; he was clearly certain, without evidence, that this old comrade still had private dealings with that renegade disciple.
Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane also understood. It seemed the meeting was related to Orochimaru, no wonder Danzo wasn't called.
Danzo gritted his teeth: "I haven't contacted Orochimaru in a long time. I can guarantee that."
"Furthermore, I am still the Hokage Assistant, and I have the right to participate in the meeting!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen said: "Then I will temporarily restrict your authority now!"
"This matter is related to Orochimaru, and I think it's better to be careful!"
"You! Hiruzen, you will regret this!"
"Danzo, I am the Hokage!"
Bang! Danzo slammed the door and left.
Sarutobi Hiruzen smoked for a long time before slowly opening his mouth: "Homura, Koharu, Orochimaru is probably planning something..."
On the other side, Alex returned directly to the Ninja Tools shop and happened to run into Tenten. He hadn't expected Tenten to have already returned from her mission and she looked anxious at the moment.
"Alex, I heard Badora's voice just now, did something happen?"
Tenten asked, while sizing up Alex, only breathing a sigh of relief after confirming her boyfriend was alright.
Alex immediately pulled her into the shop: "Don't worry, it was just a small matter, I'll tell you about it later. Oh right, I went to the Fire Country Capital this time and brought you a little gift."
Saying this, he immediately pulled out a pile of small items, including a small mirror, a small comb, small jewelry, and so on.
Although Tenten didn't usually dress up much, everyone has a love for beauty, and it was fine to wear some jewelry and dress up when there were no missions on regular days.
"I like it very much, thank you Alex."
Tenten smiled sweetly and even took the initiative to kiss Alex.
Alex instantly felt delighted, but quickly sensed his Father-in-law's resentful gaze and could only explain: "Ahem! Father-in-law, doesn't our family have business in the Capital City? I just figured Father-in-law must be very familiar with the Capital City, and certainly wouldn't care for the shoddy things I bought, right?"
"Hmph! You're right! Who cares about the broken things you bought!"
His tone sounded very unhappy, could it be that he wanted a gift?
Tenten leaned into Alex's ear and whispered with a smile: "Hehe, Alex, can't you tell? Dad is angry. Whether the gift is good or not is one thing, whether you remembered to bring him one is another. It's a matter of thoughtfulness. Dad is just a tsundere; it'd be strange if he was happy when you, his son-in-law, didn't remember him."
So that was it!
Alex patted his forehead, it seemed he was still not insightful enough in matters of human relationships!
Fortunately, Tenten was thoughtful and set aside two of her gifts suitable for men, quietly slipping them back to Alex, and even winked.
Alex understood instantly, took the gifts, and went over to the counter: "Ahem! Father-in-law, I was just teasing you. Your gifts are here, they're just some small items, perfect for decorating your room. Don't dislike them."
The Ninjutsu Shop Owner glanced at them, snorted, and took the things: "Although your taste in gifts isn't great, I'll reluctantly accept them. Pick out better ones next time!"
How is this Father-in-law even harder to please than his girlfriend!
Alex wanted to cry but had no tears, and Tenten also playfully stuck out her tongue behind him.
...Please give flowers...
After dinner in the evening, Tenten took advantage of her father, the Ninjutsu Shop Owner, not paying attention, and slipped into Alex's room, saying it was for Alex to give her an electric shock, but primarily wanting to hear about Alex's first mission outside the Village.
The mission was naturally boring and was glossed over.
Alex focused on the matter of Yamashiro Rinne and Kato Megumi dating, as well as the Sound Ninja who were following them.
"Otogakure is a Ninja Village established in the Land of Rice Fields not long ago. There's no specific intelligence yet, but Aoba-sensei accidentally let slip the name 'Orochimaru'. I think Otogakure must have been established by Orochimaru, one of the Sannin. Orochimaru is an S-Rank Rogue Ninja from Konoha, extremely dangerous, and the key is that he is very familiar with Konoha and even the Fire Country. If he plans to do something to Konoha, it will definitely be very dangerous!"
...
After hearing this, Tenten frowned deeply.
She had always admired Tsunade, one of the Sannin, and wanted to become a legendary female Ninja like Tsunade.
Later, she heard that Jiraiya, also one of the Sannin, was actually an old pervert, and even Tsunade was a gambler, which was somewhat disillusioning, but this was the first time she had heard about Orochimaru.
He was one of the Sannin, yet he was a Rogue Ninja, and now he even had intentions of dealing with Konoha.
What was going on!
"Alex, will the Village be alright?" Tenten was very worried.
"It's hard to say, but I will protect you and Father-in-law!"
Alex held Tenten in his arms and instructed, "Tenten, if you encounter Orochimaru, don't hesitate to immediately use your trump card. If you have a chance, directly summon the giant eagle and fly away. Orochimaru is very powerful, you can't deal with him yet, understand?"
Tenten nodded with a solemn expression, she didn't want Alex to worry.
However, Alex was still uneasy.
After all, Orochimaru was too dangerous. Who knew what he would do in secret? Just because he knew the original plot didn't mean he could rest easy. Many things weren't depicted in the original plot, and the plot had already changed, so it wouldn't do not to be more cautious.
"Kabuto Yakushi passed by when I was buying groceries before. I don't think it was a coincidence. I must also be on the other party's investigation list. Or rather, the Twelve Genin are all within the scope of their investigation."
Thinking of this, Alex's mind moved, and he took out three senzu beans and put them into Tenten's hand.
Chapter 81: Two Teams Meet
"Alex, this is..." Tenten looked curiously at the beans in her hand.
"These are called senzu beans, just think of them as precious medicine bestowed by a sage."
Alex whispered, "Eating one senzu bean can keep you from being hungry for ten days, and it can instantly heal injuries. As long as your soul isn't injured, as long as you haven't stopped breathing, you can instantly come back to life. You must keep them safe, don't use them unless absolutely necessary, and don't tell anyone, not even our dad."
Hearing that it was such a precious item, Tenten quickly clenched her hand.
She didn't doubt Alex's words, even if Alex said something outrageous, he had never lied to her.
However: "Alex, these senzu beans are so precious, you should keep some for yourself too. I only need one."
Alex, however, held her hand and smiled: "Don't worry, I still have some. I value my life the most, after all, I'm still waiting to marry you in the future, so I can't die."
Only then did Tenten relax, her face also showing a hint of shyness.
Although they had been together for many years, she still couldn't help but feel shy when talking about marriage, and more than that, sweetness.
In the following days, Konoha didn't seem to take any action. Perhaps Sarutobi Hiruzen was sending out Ambu to investigate. In any case, it wasn't up to Alex, a Genin, to worry about.
Team Nine continued to take missions as usual. According to the previous punishment, all three D-Rank missions were assigned to Yamashiro Rinne and Kato Megumi.
The two were initially downcast, but soon became happy again because the three missions were weeding a yard, milking a cow, and taking care of a child.
The originally boring missions unexpectedly became warm under the circumstances of the two exchanging glances from time to time.
Alex and Yamashiro Aoba were just watching and were already nauseated by the sour smell of love. These two completely stopped pretending after being discovered and were openly showing affection.
However, Alex didn't care because he wasn't single. Only Yamashiro Aoba, the old bachelor, suffered a critical hit.
After taking D-Rank missions for a few more days, Sarutobi Hiruzen arranged a C-Rank mission outside the Village for Team Nine again, which was just to suppress bandits in a nearby village.
This mission was also very smooth.
The bandits were just a group of ordinary people and had no ability to resist the Ninja's suppression.
The reason they were killed was simply because this group of bandits had already harmed the village, not only robbing the villagers' money but also killing many villagers. Such people deserved to die and there was no need for mercy.
It was the first time Alex and the other two had killed people. Fortunately, the three of them were only uncomfortable for a while and quickly accepted it.
In such a world, killing is unavoidable, as long as you don't become a scoundrel who indiscriminately kills the innocent. Not everyone is like the saintly Naruto, who never killed anyone from beginning to end, and can even shout "Don't laugh at Obito's dream" to his mortal enemy who killed his parents.
Getting off topic.
Team Nine quickly completed the mission and returned to the Village by noon the next day.
Yamashiro Aoba, to reward his three students, specifically invited them to eat Ichiraku Ramen. Just as they ordered their noodles, there was a commotion from behind them.
"Alex! You're eating ramen too!"
A joyful female voice came, and the next second Tenten was on Alex's back. "Yesterday you said you were going out on a mission, I didn't expect you to be back today. Your team is quite efficient."
Yamashiro Aoba, Yamashiro Rinne, and Kato Megumi all looked at the girl with the twin buns hairstyle and immediately recognized her as Alex's girlfriend. For a while, they were all curious and looked her over. They couldn't help but be curious because Alex often talked about his girlfriend, and some things even required his girlfriend to make the decision, making the three of them wonder what kind of person Alex's girlfriend was.
Seeing her today, they found her quite cute, but she didn't seem that powerful.
"Tenten, be a little more reserved, everyone is watching."
Alex reminded her, then introduced, "This person wearing sunglasses is our Team Nine's sensei, Yamashiro Aoba. These two are my teammates, Yamashiro Rinne and Kato Megumi. Everyone, this is my girlfriend Tenten. The ones standing behind her are Tenten's teammates, Neji Hyuga and Rock Lee, and their sensei, Konoha's strongest taijutsu Ninja, Might Guy-sensei!"
Hearing this, Alex gave a thumbs-up, revealing his bright white teeth, and laughed: "Hahaha! Excellent introduction, Alex my boy! I am Konoha's Proud Blue Beast, Might Guy!"
Lee also spoke up: "Are you Alex's teammates? Please take care of me!"
Neji also nodded in greeting, appearing relatively cool.
Yamashiro Rinne and Kato Megumi stared blankly, scanning the two small kappa and one cool, handsome Byakugan user. Comparing them, they found that Sister Tenten was the most normal one.
The two also quickly greeted them: "H-hello... Hello, Sister Tenten!"
Tenten's face turned slightly red upon hearing this. It was the first time she had been called 'Sister', but she still smiled generously: "Hello, thank you for taking care of my Alex."
The two quickly waved their hands: "You're too kind, Sister Tenten, we're the ones being taken care of by the boss."
Ichiraku saw that there were quite a few customers and quickly had Ayame add a few stools. Team Guy also sat down and ordered a bowl of ramen each.
Alex also took the opportunity to chat with Yamashiro Aoba: "Aoba, your team has good spirit."
Yamashiro Aoba adjusted his sunglasses: "Speaking of spirit, Guy, your spirit is the strongest. The members of your team also look very capable. However... compared to Alex in our team, they are still far behind."
It seemed there was a hint of showing off.
Aoba-sensei, are you really that kind of person?
Unexpectedly, Alex laughed: "Hahaha! I naturally know how capable Alex is! And it's perfect, since our two teams have met, how about we have a spar? I also want to see what level Alex has trained the Eight Gates to."
Yamashiro Aoba was surprised to hear this. He just wanted to show off that his team had a genius, but he didn't expect Alex to directly challenge them.
However, looking at Team Guy's capable appearance, they really were good opponents.
Seeing that the annual Chunin Exams were approaching, it was a good opportunity to let Runya and Megumi fight against others and see what level they had reached.
He just looked at his three students: "Teacher Alex wants our two teams to spar, what do you think?"
Alex shrugged: "I'm fine with it, after all, I'm very familiar with Team Guy."
Yamashiro Rinne and Kato Megumi exchanged glances, both nodded, and said firmly: "Aoba-nii / sensei, then we'll compete with Team Guy, but we'll definitely win!"
Very good, very spirited, it's just that I don't know if they'll be hit hard later!
Lee was already eager: "We're going to fight Team Alex? I'm really looking forward to it!"
Neji, on the other hand, focused his gaze on Alex. He had trained hard for a year and wanted to see how big the gap between him and Alex was now. He believed that Alex was still a formidable opponent, and defeating Alex was his biggest goal at the moment.
Alex and Tenten exchanged glances, feeling it was quite fun.
Chapter 82: Team Aoba vs. Team Guy (20,000 words reached)
After lunch, the two teams slowly made their way towards a training ground, treating it as a way to digest their food.
By the time they arrived at the training ground, they had mostly digested, and it wouldn't hinder their fight.
As soon as everyone stood still, Lee stepped forward, extending his bandaged hand: "Then, I'll ask for guidance first. Who will be my opponent?"
Yamashiro Rinne decisively stepped forward: "I'll do it!"
The others stepped back one after another, leaving the space open. Alex served as the referee, and after the two formed the confrontation seal, he immediately shouted "Begin!".
Lee instantly darted towards Yamashiro Rinne, his speed astonishing.
"Leaf Whirlwind!" Swish! A whip kick swept over with wind.
"Good timing!"
Yamashiro Rinne also became excited at this moment, raising his hand to block Lee's whip kick, only to feel its immense power, even his arm was numb from the shock, and he immediately made some judgment about Lee's strength.
When Lee swept another whip kick, he no longer blocked it, but chose to evade.
Stomping his foot, the Body Flicker Technique erupted, and he instantly flashed behind Lee, his punch heading straight for Lee's back of the neck.
However, Lee was extremely sharp, actually tilting his neck to avoid it, and counterattacked behind him with a punch and a palm, getting faster and faster, actually forcing Yamashiro Rinne to retreat step by step.
Kato Megumi watched with a tense expression, wanting to shout encouragement but afraid of disturbing them.
Tenten smiled and patted her head: "Don't worry, although Lee is very reckless, he is very measured when sparring and won't hurt your boyfriend."
Kato Megumi blushed slightly, stubbornly saying: "He, he's not my boyfriend yet..."
Not yet, means it's almost there, just missing a confession, right?
Tenten smiled without speaking.
On this side, Yamashiro Aoba's expression was not good: "This guy Runya, his taijutsu is still far behind. How has he been training on a daily basis?"
It was clear that Yamashiro Aoba had high expectations for this clan cousin of his, was usually strict, and had taught him everything he knew. Now seeing that Yamashiro Rinne's taijutsu wasn't great, he immediately got angry.
Alex could only advise: "Aoba-sensei, don't be angry. It's not that Runya's taijutsu isn't good, but that Lee's taijutsu isn't weak. Teacher Alex is Konoha's number one taijutsu expert, it's normal for the disciples he teaches to be powerful in taijutsu."
Yamashiro Aoba naturally understood, but his own taijutsu wasn't weak either.
If the clan cousin he taught lost too badly in taijutsu, wouldn't that be a slap in his face?
Actually, Yamashiro Aoba was expecting too much. It was true that his taijutsu was powerful, but Yamashiro Rinne had only been learning from him for a very short time! Even a genius has a growth process, right? Compared to that, Lee had been learning from Alex for over a year. It was normal for him to be more powerful. If Lee, on the contrary, was at a disadvantage in taijutsu, wouldn't that be unfair to Lee's desperate training for over a year?
In the battle circle, Yamashiro Rinne saw that he couldn't beat his opponent and decisively used the Four Illusionary Appendage Technique, wanting to maneuver with four hands.
"Four Illusionary Appendage Technique? Alex and Tenten have both used it, I'm familiar with this move!"
Lee wasn't flustered at all, but instead sped up his attack, and before long, he blew up the two hands behind Yamashiro Rinne.
Yamashiro Runya forced himself to calm down, and quickly used the Art of Scattered Crows to control the crows to harass Lee, while he looked for an opportunity to attack with the Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique, which indeed caused Lee quite a bit of trouble.
However, in the end, Lee burst out from the flock of crows and completely knocked down Yamashiro Runya.
"Rock Lee wins!"
With Alex's announcement, the battle came to an end.
Yamashiro Runya made the reconciliation sign with a mournful face, and for a moment, he didn't have the face to look at Kato Megumi's expression, feeling that he had lost face in front of his beloved.
Lee, however, reached out his hand and smiled sincerely: "Runya, right? You're very strong! I look forward to fighting you again!"
Yamashiro Runya was stunned, and immediately felt even more ashamed. The opponent's strength and mentality were both stronger than his own, so it seemed normal that he couldn't defeat him.
So he took a deep breath, reached out and shook Lee's hand: "Lee is strong, but I will train hard, and I won't lose to you next time!"
"Oh! What a youthful friendship!"
Alex suddenly howled, with wide tears streaming down his cheeks, looking very strange.
Unexpectedly, Lee also suddenly started crying: "Oh! I'm also very moved! Teacher Alex, this is youth!"
"Lee!"
"Teacher Alex!"
The big and small Kappa hugged each other, and behind them was a freeze frame of waves crashing on the shore, so beautiful that it made others feel embarrassed.
Tenten just felt her mouth twitch, and forced a smile: "Heh, hehe, everyone doesn't need to mind, just get used to it."
Yamashiro Runya and Kato Megumi immediately cast sympathetic glances at Tenten: Sister Tenten is really not easy!
At this time, Yamashiro Runya walked up to Kato Megumi and lowered his eyes, saying: "Megumi, I'm sorry, I lost."
Kato Megumi, however, said in a gentle voice: "Yes, I saw. But it's okay, you'll win next time. Let me see if you're hurt anywhere? I'll heal you."
Upon hearing this, Yamashiro Runya immediately scratched his head with a silly smile, and the two of them started showing affection on the spot.
Seeing this, Yamashiro Aoba didn't want to scold his clan brother on the spot, and also saw that his clan brother had trained for a short time, thinking that he would need to add more training later.
Soon it was the second match, which was naturally Kato Megumi against Tenten, and the result was naturally without suspense, Kato Megumi lost very cleanly.
To be honest, Kato Megumi's strength is not bad among Genin, and coupled with starting to learn Medical Ninjutsu, it is not an exaggeration to say that she is an excellent Genin, but who made her opponent Tenten.
Tenten's strength is already able to fight Neji for a long time without losing without using her trump card, not to mention that the Water Release Ninjutsu used by Kato Megumi was taught by Alex, and Tenten is too familiar with Alex's moves, so it is natural for Kato Megumi to lose, but fortunately, Kato Megumi was not in a bad mood because she lost.
At this time, Neji stood out: "Alex, it's been almost a year, I'm very happy to fight you again!"
Alex also stepped forward: "It seems that Neji, you have trained very hard this year, but I haven't been standing still either, I won't hold back this time either!"
"Then let's go all out! I want to see how far I can fight with you!"
As Neji spoke, he directly activated the Byakugan, and with a start from Alex, he actually charged forward on his own initiative.
Alex was not ambiguous either, he quickly formed hand seals and pressed them on the ground: "Earth Release: Earth Wall!"
Neji quickly braked, and just as a earth wall suddenly rose from the ground in front of him, if he hadn't stopped just now, he would have been pushed into the air by the earth wall, and at that time, he would have been full of weak points, no different from a target.
It can be seen that Alex's control of timing is still very precise.
Moreover, Neji avoided this earth wall, but it was not over yet. He saw earth walls rising behind him and on both sides, and even the top of his head was covered by earth walls.
For a time, he was trapped in a matchbox-sized earth house.
Chapter 83: Fighting Neji Again
Alex was not idle either. He quickly formed hand seals with both hands and split into two Shadow Clones. One stepped on the Moon Walk to go into the sky, and one used Earth Release to sneak underground, while the main body rushed towards the matchbox.
Everyone watched with rapt attention, it was because Alex's movements were too fast.
From using Earth Release to trap Neji, to releasing two clones, it seemed as if it had been planned long ago, without any hesitation.
However, this move might work against others, but it might not be enough against Neji who has the Byakugan. After all, the Byakugan can observe in all directions without blind spots, and Neji was probably watching Alex's operation from inside the matchbox the whole time.
This won't have the effect of a sneak attack!
"Eight Trigrams Palm!"
The matchbox earth house exploded, and Neji stood in place, ready for Alex's attack.
However, the Shadow Clone in the sky first sent a few Wind Release: Gale Palm slashes as a greeting, and Neji had to dodge, and then quickly found that the Shadow Clone underground was about to reach out and grab his ankle, so he could only quickly jump back.
But Alex's main body was not just watching. At this time, he had already rushed to the front, and attacked quickly with the Iron Skin boxing technique.
Neji had no choice but to quickly parry. Before, he had set up the Eight Trigrams formation waiting to use the Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms, but he didn't expect Alex to break his rhythm by using the sneak attacks of the upper and lower Shadow Clones. Now he had to face Alex's quick attack and had no chance to use the Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms, which was very passive.
"As expected of Alex, he is truly one step ahead, and every step is faster. I am already caught in his rhythm!"
Neji thought to himself, but his hands did not dare to slow down at all, constantly parrying Alex's iron fists. After several exchanges, his hands began to feel numb, because Alex's hands were truly iron hands.
But Alex suddenly changed his moves, and the Iron Skin boxing technique turned into a quick attack with Finger Gun.
Finger Gun is the ironification of the finger, and the fingertip is extremely sharp. If hit, it will definitely be poked with a hole.
Neji's parrying became more difficult. Even if his palms were covered with Chakra, he did not dare to go head-to-head with the Finger Gun, and could only keep retreating. In addition, he also had to guard against attacks from the air and underground.
This is also the reason why Alex split into two clones to go into the sky and underground, which can greatly restrain Neji.
The others were amazed, Alex's move was indeed difficult to deal with. First of all, Alex's main body's quick attack was very troublesome, and then there were occasional sneak attacks from the sky and underground. Not to mention Genin, many Chunin would probably not be able to last long, and it was already extremely rare for Neji to be able to parry for so long.
So, if Shadow Clones are used well, they can definitely achieve unexpected results.
It's not like Naruto, who sends a group of Shadow Clones to their deaths, and the key is that his taijutsu is so bad, that's why he often gets frustrated.
Neji was a little anxious at this time, because Alex's offensive was getting faster and faster, and if this continued, his defeat was only a matter of time, which he could not accept.
He hasn't even forced out Alex's true strength yet.
So he gritted his teeth, and his body began to rotate, and a hemispherical Chakra shield immediately formed around him.
"Eight Trigrams Palm: Rotation~!"
Alex decisively stopped his quick attack, and even the Shadow Clone in the sky stopped its sneak attack. It was because the Rotation defense was somewhat invincible, and it was not easy to break through. However, there was no protective shield under Neji's feet. This was a weakness that was discovered when fighting Neji last time, and now there was still a Shadow Clone underground.
The next second, only a earth wall was seen suddenly rushing up from under Neji's feet.
Neji, who was spinning, was thus sent flying by the earth wall, and the Rotation technique was also interrupted. Neji in the air was full of weak points.
Alex's Shadow Clone in the air immediately used Wind Release: Gale Palm to cover Neji, but Neji could only try his best to twist his body to dodge, and also frantically struck with his palms, shattering the Wind Release: Gale Palm.
However, the palm power of the Eight Trigrams Palm needs to be combined with footsteps and waist strength to be maximized, and it is very limited in the air.
Soon, Neji landed covered in blood, and before he could react, Alex's main body was already behind him, with a Kunai pointed at his throat.
"Neji, thanks for the match."
As Alex spoke, he put away the Kunai, and by the way, dispelled the two Shadow Clones.
Neji gritted his teeth unwillingly, but still took a deep breath and said: "I lost."
He had no choice but to admit defeat. Although he took the initiative to attack from the beginning of this battle, he was completely controlled by Alex's rhythm, and he couldn't even use the Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms. Moreover, in the end, he used Rotation, which is an absolute defense, but was sneak attacked by the Shadow Clone underground, and a Earth Wall sent him into the air.
Leaving the ground, Rotation couldn't even turn!
As expected, Rotation has a weakness. It can defend from all directions and even above the head, but the feet are the weakness. As long as Earth Release is used, the move can be broken!
He clearly knew it last time, but he still couldn't help but believe in the defense of Rotation, and the result was like this, even Rotation was broken, how could he not lose?
"I still couldn't force out your full strength!" This was the part where Neji was unwilling.
"It's okay, I'll wait for you, you can challenge me anytime!"
Alex knew that Neji's mentality seemed to have changed a lot after being defeated last time. He no longer thought that Byakugan + Gentle Fist was the strongest, and he no longer thought that Rotation could not be broken. This was a good change.
To be honest, the Hyuga Clan is stuck in its ways, and has not made any progress for a thousand years, always indulging in the glory of their ancestors and unable to wake up. Little do they know that the times are developing, and if the Hyuga Clan does not know how to change, it will be abandoned by the times sooner or later.
Look at history, after several Fourth Shinobi World Wars, which famous Hyuga strongman is there?
Konoha White Fang, One of the Sannin, Yellow Flash, Shisui of the Body Flicker, what does the Hyuga Clan have to do with it?
Just a decaying clan!
Now that Neji can become sober after being defeated and also knows how to change, the future of the Hyuga Clan may really have to rely on Neji to become strong again, but Neji is from the branch family, and the decaying main family and branch family system is suppressing Neji, this genius, the Hyuga Clan will personally push its own ancient family into the abyss!
However, this has nothing to do with Alex, he is just sighing.
The battle is over, but it's not over yet.
Alex raised his hand to Alex and invited him: "Teacher Alex, let's have a fight today by the way, so you can see how I'm doing with my Eight Gates training."
"You want to fight me? Yosh! Come on!"
Alex stepped onto the stage with his hands on his hips, and quickly assumed a defensive stance, not underestimating Alex at all.
Alex took a deep breath, and the next second, a powerful airflow erupted around him: "Eight Gates, Third Gate, The Gate of Life, open!"
Bang! The Chakra airflow stirred up a storm, blowing away all the surrounding sand and stones, which made several people, except Yamashiro Aoba and Tenten, unable to help but be shocked.
Neji decisively activated the Byakugan, his expression solemn: "Is this the Eight Gates? This is the first time I've seen it. This is opening the acupoint restrictions in the body and completely releasing the Chakra, erupting with terrifying power in a short time. I now believe what Tenten said, Alex can erupt with such power just by opening the Third Gate, if Teacher Alex really opens the Gate of Death, he might really be able to cripple the Six Paths Sage!"
Chapter 84: Naruto and Sasuke's True Love, Sakura the Third Wheel
Lee was trembling all over at this time, his eyes full of fighting spirit.
He didn't expect Alex to be able to open the Third Gate already, and judging by Alex's relaxed appearance, he might be able to open the later gates as well.
As expected, Teacher Alex's Eight Gates is the strongest, and he has learned Teacher Alex's moves, he will definitely be able to prove his dream in the future, and become a powerful Ninja even if he can't use Ninjutsu!
"Hahaha! This is youth! Since that's the case, I'll join in, Eight Gates, The Gate of Life, open!"
Buzz! Alex's whole body was also covered by Chakra airflow, and then he instantly disappeared from where he was.
Alex also disappeared, and only two afterimages were seen flying rapidly in the air. Each collision was like a muffled thunderclap, and the airflow generated was almost enough to blow away large trees.
However, it was only a sparring match after all, and some powerful moves would not be used.
Even the Front Lotus, Alex didn't use it, he just relied on the speed and strength of the Third Gate to fight Alex with punches and kicks, but even so, it gave everyone a strong shock.
Half an hour later, the two stopped, both a little out of breath.
Alex wiped his sweat with satisfaction, revealing his bright white teeth: "What a youthful contest! Alex, your application of the Eight Gates is already very proficient, I have to say your talent is really good."
Alex, while accepting Tenten's help to wipe his sweat, said humbly: "It's still far from defeating Teacher Alex, I still have to continue to work hard."
"Haha! You're still far from defeating Konoha's 477 Green Beast!"
"No, no, I think it's fast!"
"Oh ho! Young man, it's good to have ambition, but you can't talk big. Alright, when you defeat me someday, I'll give you a set of my treasured tight clothes!"
"Absolutely not!"
Tenten couldn't help but interrupt, "Teacher Alex, Alex doesn't want tight clothes! My boyfriend can't become a Kappa!"
Lee was immediately dissatisfied: "What nonsense are you talking about, Tenten! This is a symbol of youth, not a Kappa! Are you even Teacher Alex's student?"
"Anyway, I don't like it, and I won't let Alex be assimilated by you!"
"Only by being assimilated by us can you truly become strong! Teacher Alex is the strongest, and becoming like Teacher Alex can also become the strongest!"
"Ah ah ah! Anyway, I just don't want it!"
The two argued incessantly, and everyone couldn't stop laughing for a while.
After the match ended, they naturally had a good meal. Tenten, the little rich woman, generously treated everyone and took them to BBQ Q for a feast, which made everyone very happy.
During the meal, Lee accidentally drank a glass of wine, which scared Alex so much that he quickly threw him onto the street.
Just as everyone was wondering, they saw Lee acting drunk and actually started fighting with Drunken Fist, and he was surprisingly good at it.
Fortunately, Alex threw him out of the BBQ Q in time, otherwise Lee would have probably torn down the restaurant after a few moves, and they would have to pay for it for nothing. Even if Tenten's family was rich, they shouldn't waste money like that, right?
"Lee's Drunken Fist is not bad, it's fine to fight Chunin, the problem is he might not even know it himself." Neji couldn't help but comment.
"Yeah, it's a shame his alcohol tolerance is too poor, he got so drunk after only one glass, it's probably very difficult to get him to develop Drunken Fist. Forget it, don't think about it, if he learns Drunken Fist, he'll probably tear down Konoha!"
Alex decisively gave up on this idea. People with poor alcohol tolerance shouldn't learn Drunken Fist, because they're not even conscious, no matter how good their boxing is, it's useless.
After a farce, Lee was sent home by Alex, and everyone else went their separate ways.
Alex and Tenten were not in a hurry to go home either, they walked hand in hand on the street, it was rare that neither of them had a mission, so they had a date together and relaxed.
However, they didn't expect to run into Team Seven who were bored and playing cards while strolling around.
Naruto was still very addicted to cards, insisting on pulling Sasuke and Sakura to play cards, and the two of them had no choice but to agree, and playing cards was actually quite interesting.
It was just that Naruto's card skills were terrible, often making the two of them so angry they would curse loudly.
"Yo! The three of you are quite free!" Alex greeted them.
"Huh! Alex and Tenten? Are you two... Oh, you must be on a date!" Sakura looked at the two holding hands and strolling, her face full of envy.
How great it would be if she could also hold hands with Sasuke and go shopping on a date, but Sasuke seemed to have no interest in dating, which made her very troubled.
But perhaps she had never thought, how could someone burdened by a deep blood feud possibly have the mind to date?
She completely couldn't understand Sasuke's feelings; it would be strange if Sasuke liked her!
"Alex! Tenten! Want to play cards with us?" Naruto called out.
"Forget about playing cards."
Alex flatly refused, "Speaking of which, why are you guys just idling here? No missions lately? Where is Kakashi-senpai?"
Upon hearing this, Naruto immediately became smug: "Hehe, Alex, you probably don't know, but we just got back from an outside-the-Village mission! This time, we completed a B-rank mission, believe it!"
"B-rank? Impossible! Lord Hokage couldn't possibly assign such a high-level mission to newly graduated Ninja!" Tenten was the first not to believe it.
"It's really true, believe it! Let me tell you, this mission we went to the Land of Waves..."
Here it comes, the Land of Waves mission!
After Naruto's scattered narration, Alex also roughly understood. It seemed similar to the original story; even though all members of Team Seven learned tree-climbing and water-walking early, their strength didn't increase much, and the situation didn't change at all after encountering Zabuza and Bai.
Zabuza and Bai still died together in the end.
What a pity, you know many people followed Hokage because they saw the story of these two.
Naruto's talk-no-jutsu didn't work. Bai lived only for Zabuza and died for Zabuza, and only after Bai died did Zabuza realize that he had long been unable to leave Bai.
Tenten was quite moved after listening and didn't know what to say for a while.
Alex, on the other hand, sighed: "What a tragic and beautiful love story, it's truly a pity for this couple!"
Huh? Love story? Couple?
The three members of Team Seven were a bit stunned. Sakura weakly raised her hand and explained: "Xia, Alex, although the boy named Bai is very cute, he's a guy, and he and Zabuza are not in a romantic relationship."
Naruto and Sasuke nodded in agreement, meaning Alex had misunderstood.
Alex, however, had a look of course: "You guys, why don't you understand? Although the boy named Bai said he was a guy, he never said Zabuza wasn't a girl!"
Ah? Can you understand it that way?!
So, Momochi Zabuza is a girl?!
"Moreover, who told you two guys can't date? Just like Naruto and Sasuke, didn't you two give your first kiss to each other?"
"Alex, shut up! Don't mention that!"
Naruto and Sasuke were furious, wishing they could rush up and choke Alex to shut him up, while Sakura was in disarray remembering that moment.
Sakura: So, Naruto and Sasuke are actually in love? Am I the third wheel?
Chapter 85: Evaluation of the Land of Waves Mission
Tenten had a look of disbelief: "Uso! You two are actually... Uh, I'm not discriminating against you, I will respect you!"
"No way! Tenten, don't listen to Alex's nonsense!"
Naruto and Sasuke really exploded, not expecting Tenten to actually believe Alex's ghost stories.
It's true they kissed, but it was an accidental bump, there was absolutely no love involved, don't you know not to believe or spread rumors?
However, at this moment, a voice that terrified them rang out: "Oh, I just arrived and heard such explosive news. It seems that as a teacher, I still don't quite understand you. Naruto, Sasuke, I didn't expect you two to have such a relationship. I thought you didn't get along; it seems Teacher was mistaken."
Kakashi appeared on the rooftop at some point, and the words he spoke were enough to make Naruto and Sasuke die of anger.
Naruto immediately stamped his foot: "Kakashi-sensei! How could you also believe Alex's nonsense, believe it! It was an accident! Sasuke and I accidentally kissed, believe it!"
Sasuke's face changed: "Idiot Naruto! Stop talking!"
That idiot is so loud, now the whole world is going to know they~ kissed!
As expected, Kakashi's eyes widened: "So you really kissed? Alex wasn't talking nonsense? Tsk tsk, the world is truly wonderful, but don't worry, I won't discriminate against you!"
"No way! Kakashi-sensei - don't talk nonsense either!"
Naruto and Sasuke had truly exploded, while Sakura was still in disarray.
Not afraid of making things worse, Alex took out a photo, showed it to Tenten first, which instantly made Tenten cover her mouth in shock, and then he tossed the photo to Kakashi.
Kakashi took it, a bit stunned, and after one look, he was even more astonished: "It seems it's true, and there's even a photo as a souvenir!"
Alex laughed: "This was precisely sneakily taken by me, a super photographer. The theme is called 'Naruto and Sasuke's Love'. Or perhaps 'The Beautiful Scenery of Team Seven'. Kakashi-senpai, look closely, isn't Sakura's disheveled expression also in the background?"
Kakashi looked closely again, marveling: "You really did capture a good angle, Team Seven was all there, it's truly beautiful!"
"Haha! Right, right? I'll give this photo to Kakashi-senpai. This is a treasure for Team Seven!"
"A treasure for Team Seven? Very good, I'll take it. If any of the three of them are disobedient in the future, I'll go to the photo studio, get a large print, and post it on the street, so everyone can come and watch this beautiful romance!"
"Please don't, Kakashi-sensei!"
The farce finally ended with Alex treating them to Ichiraku Ramen as an apology. As for the photo, it was impossible to destroy; this was beautiful youth after all.
Inside Ichiraku Ramen, the four members of Team Seven ate heartily, while Alex and Tenten were drinking beverages.
They had just eaten barbecue and didn't feel hungry.
Naruto looked up and asked while eating: "Alex, how did you and Kakashi-sensei meet, believe it?"
Alex didn't hide it and pointed to Tenten: "Tenten's squad leader, Might Guy, knows Kakashi-senpai. I happened to want to ask Kakashi-senpai for guidance, so I asked Teacher Alex to help introduce us."
"I see."
Naruto nodded, but then felt something wasn't quite right, "Not just that, right? I heard Kakashi-sensei speaks very highly of you, believe it. Your relationship must not be that simple, believe it!"
Alex rolled his eyes: "Naruto, you're quite nosy. Take care of yourself first. I haven't even talked about you yet. You completed this mission like that, and you were just proudly showing off to me. I wanted to scold you."
Huh? The other members of Team Seven immediately looked over, and even Kakashi was surprised.
Sasuke was unhappy: "Alex, do you think we didn't do well on this mission?"
Alex, however, looked at Kakashi: "Kakashi-senpai..."
Kakashi put down his chopsticks, having surprisingly already finished his ramen: "Perfect, I also want to hear others' insights on this mission. Go ahead and speak freely, don't worry about me."
Naruto, however, had already stood up: "Alex, you can't just belittle our Team Seven like this because you're jealous that we did a B-rank mission, believe it! This time, we completed the mission excellently, even Lord Hokage praised us and raised the original C-rank to B-rank. What did we do wrong?"
Alex glanced at this guy: "See? I haven't even said anything specific yet and you're already anxious. With such an impatient personality, can you do missions well? You must have caused quite a few jokes during the mission because of your rashness, right?"
Naruto choked, unable to refute.
Even Sasuke and Sakura couldn't help but nod.
In reality, it was true; Naruto's personality was very rash, and he caused quite a few jokes along the way.
Alex organized his words before speaking: "Firstly, from the moment you discovered Tazuna was hiding something and that there would be Ninja enemies in the mission, you continued the mission without any clear information. That was truly reckless."
"Then are you telling us to just abandon Uncle Tazuna and the Land of Waves?" Naruto got anxious again.
"Did I say to abandon them? I said you were reckless! Shut your mouth first and let me finish speaking!"
Alex's tone also became unpleasant, "Leaving aside Tazuna's mistake of hiding information, just continuing the mission when you basically knew nothing about the enemy's information was an extremely dangerous act. If something went wrong, people would die! You think Tazuna and the Land of Waves are pitiful, but don't you think the lives of your comrades from the Village are also very important? Couldn't you have paused the mission, returned to report to Lord Hokage, and then properly thought of a solution?"
Naruto opened his mouth but couldn't make a sound. In reality, having experienced this mission, he also knew it was very dangerous.
If another team had done it, perhaps they wouldn't have been as lucky as their team, and people really would have died. If Konoha Ninja died then, Konoha would not only fail to help the Land of Waves but would also hold Tazuna accountable.
Therefore, what Alex said was actually correct!
Wanting to act heroically and help them, they still couldn't be reckless, and even less could they put their comrades in danger!
Sakura weakly raised her hand: "Alex, the Land of Waves is very poor, Uncle Tazuna didn't have the money to post a high-level mission..."
Alex chuckled: "Is that a reason? If they didn't have money, couldn't they pay in installments? Couldn't they pay the reward in other ways? Is our Lord Hokage the kind of cold-blooded, unreasonable person? If Tazuna had just been honest and explained clearly, would Lord Hokage not send people to help? Couldn't he pay the reward after he built the bridge, started his business, and made money? But he chose to hide it, chose to put Konoha Ninja in danger. Was he right to do that? Did you trust Lord Hokage?"
Sakura opened her mouth but had nothing to say.
Kakashi scratched his head and said sheepishly: "Well, I actually have some responsibility in this matter too."
Chapter 86: Team Seven's Discouragement
Kakashi did have responsibility. He thought it was just a small matter and that with him there, he could solve all problems.
Therefore, rashly continuing the mission was a dereliction of duty for him as the squad leader.
If he had been more cautious and chosen to return to the Village to let the Hokage rearrange things, perhaps it wouldn't have been so dangerous.
Of course, if you follow the conspiracy theory, there might have been Sarutobi Hiruzen's calculations involved, perhaps Sarutobi Hiruzen wanted to take action against Gato, or had some intentions towards the Land of Waves, then just ignore what Alex said.
However, Naruto didn't learn his lesson and was still unconvinced: "But, but we completed the mission, and we're fine..."
"Fine? Naruto, do you want to hear what you're saying?"
Alex narrowed his eyes and stared at Naruto, "Actually, didn't Sasuke die once? Weren't you very desperate then? Wasn't Sakura very pained at that time? Haven't you tasted the feeling of losing a comrade?"
Naruto's and Sakura's pupils contracted.
Yes, Sasuke died once at that time, he even stopped breathing!
Naruto was incredibly helpless and desperate at that time, even releasing the Nine-Tails Chakra, while Sakura cried heartbrokenly. How could they forget?
How could they still proudly say they completed the mission excellently?
Sasuke said stubbornly: "Didn't I not die?"
Alex was so angry he laughed: "Did you not die? That was because the boy named Bai was kind and didn't kill you! So, did you complete the mission by relying on the enemy's benevolence and kindness? Is this what you call completing the mission excellently?"
Now, Team Seven was completely silent.
Kakashi looked at his three dejected students and shook his head helplessly.
Truthfully, Alex's point was correct. This Land of Waves mission was not something to be proud of; instead, they should deeply reflect on it.
If it weren't for the kind heart of the boy named Bai, who didn't deliver the killing blow, then Team Seven would have brought back Sasuke's corpse. Could they still smile then?
Alex summarized: "Naruto, you are reckless and rash, your strength is insufficient and you're not composed enough. Sasuke, you easily become complacent, thinking you're invincible with just a little progress. Sakura, what were you doing the whole time? What role did you play in the mission? Therefore, if I were to evaluate this Land of Waves mission, it could only be a failure!"
Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura lowered their eyes, not refuting.
Even the idiot Naruto wasn't incapable of thinking and could understand whether what Alex said was right or wrong.
But precisely because they understood, they felt so lost, and were even more ashamed of their previous complacency. What excellent completion of a B-rank mission? This was clearly a disgrace!
Seeing this, Alex apologized to Kakashi: "Sorry, Kakashi-senpai, did I speak too harshly?"
Kakashi waved his hand: "It's fine, it's fine. What you said makes a lot of sense. These kids are indeed getting a bit carried away. Your words are just right to make them reflect properly."
Hearing this, Alex didn't say anything more.
He just couldn't stand Naruto's smug look, so he had to strike him down.
To be honest, in the early part of the original story, Naruto was really quite useless, loved to boast, was unreliable, rash, and easily messed things up. Only his talk-no-jutsu was useful; his other performances were unbearable to watch.
If you don't scold him a bit, he'll think he's excellent and become complacent, completely failing to learn lessons.
Therefore, Alex vented his frustrations this time, and he felt completely relaxed.
At this moment, Naruto's voice was tinged with grievance: "Kakashi-sensei, did we perform very poorly?"
Sasuke and Sakura both looked at Kakashi, wanting to get their teacher's answer. Even though they understood that what Alex said was right, they still wanted to hear their teacher's opinion.
Kakashi scratched his head: "Well, you still have room to grow."
In other words, Teacher also agreed with Alex's words!
For a moment, the atmosphere of Team Seven became even more somber.
However, Sasuke suddenly broke the silence: "Alex, fight me."
"Huh? You want to fight me?"
Alex was very surprised. He thought Sasuke was going to say something else, not expecting him to choose a fight. But thinking about it carefully, it made sense. Sasuke wouldn't just talk nonsense like Naruto; he preferred to prove himself through action.
That's why Naruto could never convince Sasuke; because in the early stages, Naruto really couldn't beat Sasuke.
It's useless to say more if you can't win!
Sasuke looked Alex directly in the eye and said, "Maybe you're right, but just talking reason is useless, you need to show real skill. I lost to you in the last battle before graduation, and now I'm going to win it back, to prove that I'm stronger than you, to prove that what you say doesn't apply to me!"
Very good, this is very Sasuke.
Maybe I can't out-reason you, but as long as I'm stronger than you, I am reason...
As long as I'm strong enough, whether or not I do the Land of Waves mission is up to me, not for others to evaluate.
Alex understood Sasuke's meaning, smiled and agreed: "Alright, then let's have a fight. It just so happens that I have some things I want to ask Kakashi-senpai about, so let's do it together."
Kakashi was startled, knowing that Alex probably wanted to ask about Hatake Swordmanship, and didn't refuse.
"Alright, I'll be the referee. Let's go to the training ground."
Then, the several people went to the training ground together, Sasuke and Alex faced each other and formed the Confrontation Seal, waiting for Kakashi to give the command.
"Begin!"
Sasuke immediately took action, throwing several Kunai at Alex.
Alex casually dodged to the side, but saw Sasuke throw Shuriken again, which collided with the Kunai, and then all curved towards Alex.
"Nice! Sasuke-kun is amazing!" Sakura couldn't help but praise.
"..." Tenten didn't think there was anything amazing about it, wasn't it just Ninja Tools throwing?
Alex even stood still, suddenly reached out his hands quickly, grabbed all the Kunai and Shuriken, and then silently put them into his Ninja Tools pouch.
Since I accepted the challenge, there's no problem with me taking a bit of interest, right?
However, he also said: "Sasuke, I know the Uchiha's throwing technique is very powerful, but attacks like yours won't work. You should show some real skill. For example, activate your Sharingan?" 1.4
Sasuke took a deep breath, red light appeared in his eyes, and he actually activated his Sharingan, one comma and two commas, not symmetrical on the left and right.
But I have to say, it felt like Sasuke's aura changed.
"Then let you see the true power of the Sharingan!"
Sasuke got a bit carried away again, quickly rushed towards Alex, his punch aimed at Alex's head.
But Alex's figure suddenly flickered, his whole body suddenly disappeared, and the next second he appeared in front of and below Sasuke, kicking Sasuke's chin, sending Sasuke into the air.
Sasuke was shocked: "Why! I clearly saw your movements!"
Alex thoughtfully explained: "The Sharingan is indeed powerful, it can see my movements. But your body can't keep up, you're too slow!"
Saying that, he kicked twice more, sending Sasuke flying, as if recreating the scene from the school back then.
Chapter 87 Sasuke's Frustration
Seeing Alex so cleanly and decisively send Sasuke flying, Naruto and Sakura were both very shocked.
Although Alex had also won against Sasuke once before graduation, at that time Alex had used many methods, including one-handed hand seals and Water Release Ninjutsu, to make Sasuke suffer a loss.
But now, Sasuke has also experienced considerable growth, and logically speaking, he shouldn't be defeated so easily.
Has Alex become too strong?!
"The Alex you know is not the real Alex."
Kakashi rarely spoke, "Back at school, he deliberately hid his strength, and even when he defeated Sasuke, he wasn't using his full power. He didn't like playing house at school, instead, he was fighting Ninja outside early on. When you were still playing at school, he had already defeated the Hyuga clan's genius, and shamelessly sought out Jonin like us to learn skills."
"So, you're saying Alex and Kakashi-sensei know each other, and Alex sought guidance from Kakashi-sensei? That's why he's so strong?"
Naruto and Sakura thought they understood, but in reality, they still didn't.
Kakashi nodded, but then shook his head. Alex was indeed seeking guidance from him and Alex, but he wasn't completely guided. Basically, he learned a lot on his own, and he was also very eager to become stronger, training diligently, never weaker than others. This is where Alex's strength lies. The current Sasuke is no match for Alex!
Tenten looked at the innocent Naruto and Sakura with even more pity. Team Seven's three members simply didn't understand how hard Alex worked to become stronger.
A person who fainted from pain in a BUG environment just to learn the Eight Gates, a person who spent day and night pondering and researching new Ninjutsu and new moves without any Ninjutsu inheritance, a person who shamelessly sought knowledge everywhere to become stronger, how could he be weak?
Even she, his girlfriend, was encouraged, guided, and then also became stronger.
If she hadn't met Alex, she would probably be as innocent and cute as the naive sweethearts of Team Seven now.
"Cough cough! The gap is quite big."
Sasuke got up, "It seems I still underestimated you. You are indeed very strong, and you are indeed qualified to evaluate me, but I won't easily admit defeat!"
Saying that, he quickly formed hand seals and was about to spit out a Great Fireball.
But he found that Alex suddenly disappeared, followed by a tightening at the back of his neck. Alex directly grabbed the back of his neck.
"You lost," Alex stated a cruel fact.
"...I, I lost."
Sasuke spoke with difficulty. He clearly had his Sharingan activated, yet he didn't see Alex's movements, and he didn't even know when Alex came up behind him.
The gap was too big, there was no comparison. Continuing to compare would only be self-humiliation.
Alex released his hand and silently formed the Reconciliation Seal, leaving Sasuke standing there in a daze.
Naruto and Sakura hadn't even reacted yet, and it was already over. The two obviously couldn't accept such a result. In their eyes, Sasuke was so strong, how could he lose so easily?
But, the fact is, that's how it is!
At this time, Team Seven couldn't distinguish between strong and weak at all, and Naruto was even more of a naive sweetheart.
For example, during the Chunin Exams, Team Seven encountered Orochimaru. Sasuke saw the gap between them and tried to run away first, but Naruto thought that Sasuke was clearly so strong, why would he run, why didn't he dare to fight bravely?
How could he know that just one look from Orochimaru scared Sasuke so much that he almost peed himself? If he didn't run, would he just go to his death?
Sasuke might not be afraid of death, but he wouldn't watch Naruto and Sakura die, which is why he chose to escape. Naruto, who didn't know anything, instead encouraged Sasuke to continue fighting, and as a result, didn't he cause Sasuke to be bitten by the snake?
Although Orochimaru would definitely bite Sasuke in the end, the situation would be different.
At the very least, he wouldn't go to his death ignorantly and fearlessly!
Getting off topic, let's get back to it.
Kakashi saw his student looking so dejected and felt a headache for a moment: "Alex, you've dealt them a bit of a blow."
Alex awkwardly argued: "Kakashi-senpai, don't worry, Sasuke has a strong inner heart. Only a big blow can stimulate his ambition to become stronger. I'm doing this for his own good!"
Kakashi was speechless, this guy was talking nonsense with his eyes wide open.
However, although this explanation was far-fetched, it was not without reason.
Sasuke is often hit hard, and then he works harder to become stronger. Perhaps this is also a good thing.
He didn't continue to dwell on this matter, but instead asked: "What do you want to ask me? Is it about swordsmanship?"
Alex took out two short swords from a scroll and threw one to Kakashi: "It is indeed a swordsmanship problem. I'm not using Lightning Flash smoothly, and I can't combine it with swordsmanship. I can only barely strengthen my swordsmanship by activating the Eight Gates to increase my speed. Please guide me on Lightning Flash, Kakashi-senpai."
"Lightning Flash? You're really giving me a tough problem."
Kakashi was helpless, but he could only agree. In fact, he also knew some Lightning Flash. After all, his Chidori was also very fast and combined with Body Flicker Technique, otherwise he wouldn't be able to hit anyone.
Since he had promised to answer Alex's difficult questions, it was hard to refuse now.
"Alright, come on."
"Thank you, senior!"
Alex was also not polite, his short sword wrapped in lightning, he rushed up.
For a time, sword light and shadows intertwined. Both of them were extremely fast, and their figures could not be seen at all, only the flashing electric light, which was very terrifying.
Sasuke, who was originally still very dejected, was now stunned. He fully activated his Sharingan but could still only see afterimages. He couldn't even see this level of battle clearly.
Naruto and Sakura were even more bewildered: "Alex is already strong enough to fight with Kakashi-sensei?!"
They knew how strong Kakashi was.
Not to mention the bell-snatching incident 477, just the Land of Waves mission, where Kakashi fought Zabuza alone, seemed exaggerated in terms of combat power in their eyes. Now they discovered that Kakashi also had a swordsmanship technique, so fast that he couldn't be seen, and yet a classmate from the same year could fight back and forth with Kakashi.
This blow was even bigger than before!
Sasuke trembled all over: "So, when he fought me, he was just playing? Impossible! The gap can't be that big!"
At this time, the three of them also noticed that Tenten's eyes on the side were moving rapidly, with a look of anxiety in her eyes, but not much confusion, as if she could see clearly.
Sakura couldn't help but ask: "Tenten, can you see?"
Tenten was startled, nodded and said: "Yes, I can see quite clearly."
The three were even more surprised: "Huh? How did you do that?"
"Well, maybe I'm just used to it. Alex's speed is often very fast, and when I fight with him, I have to adapt to his speed. Once you get used to it, it's fine. Besides, as long as you become strong enough, it's not difficult to see their movements clearly."
Become strong enough?
In other words, they are too weak now, and they can't even see the shadows of the two fighting?!
Sasuke pressed on: "Why is Alex asking Kakashi for guidance on swordsmanship?"
Tenten didn't hide anything: "Because Alex is learning the Hatake clan's swordsmanship!" .
Chapter 88 Chunin Exams Approaching
After a hearty battle, Alex vaguely felt that he had grasped something.
Kakashi was still above Alex in both speed and swordsmanship, especially in terms of speed. It always felt like it was Lightning Flash.
It seems I need to go back and think about it carefully.
After thanking him, Alex left with Tenten.
Team Seven was silent for a long time, until Kakashi took out hot blooded paradise and started reading, only then did Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura react.
Naruto was the first to ask: "Kakashi-sensei, you actually passed down your family's swordsmanship to Alex?"
Kakashi blinked: "Is there a problem?"
Uh, it seems there's no problem.
The swordsmanship belongs to him, and he can pass it on to whoever he wants. Can you control it?
Sakura, however, asked a different question: "Kakashi-sensei, is Alex's girlfriend, Tenten, also very strong?"
Kakashi said as a matter of course: "Yes, Tenten is very strong. And her fighting style is very special, and she even has trump cards that I don't know about. In short, she's very strong. Anyway, you three are not Tenten's opponents right now."
Sasuke's pupils constricted. So not only could he not defeat Alex, he couldn't even defeat Alex's girlfriend?
How could this be!
After a moment of silence, Sasuke suddenly said: "Kakashi, teach me your ultimate move!"
Kakashi raised his gaze from the book: "My ultimate move?"
Sasuke nodded: "It's the swordsmanship you taught Alex!"
If he also learned that amazing swordsmanship, would he be as strong as Alex? Is it possible to defeat Itachi Uchiha?
Kakashi, however, shook his head: "That's not my ultimate move, that's my father's swordsmanship, and I basically didn't teach Alex. He learned it himself from a scroll."
"I don't care! That kind of swordsmanship, and your ultimate move, I want to learn them all!"
"You have quite an appetite."
Kakashi wasn't surprised, but rather smiled, "Learning my ultimate move is very hard, and my father's swordsmanship is even harder to train. Alex has only reached that level after a year of learning. Do you really have the confidence and perseverance?~"
Sasuke said resolutely: "Bring it on! I'm only afraid you won't teach me, there's nothing I can't learn!"
Naruto also quickly said: "Kakashi-sensei! Kakashi-sensei! I also want to become stronger! Teach me something too!"
Sakura raised her hand, but finally put it down, planning to talk to Kakashi privately. She knew clearly that she was useless, and she had just been questioned by Alex, so she naturally felt bad. She also wanted to become stronger.
"Alright! Since you've made up your minds, I won't be polite!"
Kakashi was in a good mood, seemingly having found the joy of guiding students.
Meanwhile, after Alex sent Tenten back to the Ninja Tools shop, he went home himself.
Tenten didn't stop him. She knew that Alex had an epiphany and urgently needed to grasp that feeling. Originally, she didn't even let Alex walk her home, but Alex insisted, so she didn't refuse.
She hoped that her boyfriend would become stronger and stronger, so that she could feel at ease.
After Alex returned home, he went directly into the gravity training room.
He was now gradually adapting to ten times gravity, but his physical strength was increasing very slowly. It wasn't because of his aptitude, but because of the world. It wasn't like the Dragon Ball world where you could become stronger just by training in the gravity training room for a certain period of time, nor was it like the One Piece world where you could become an Admiral in two years by working two hundred times harder than others.
None of them.
This world is centered around Ninjutsu, and if you have good comprehension, developing a powerful Ninjutsu within a month is not out of the question.
However, if you follow the Taijutsu path, even if you train desperately for ten or twenty years, you might not see results.
The most typical example is Alex; after years of honing his body, even opening the Eight Gates only managed to cripple Six Paths Madara.
If he were in the world of One Piece, he would have already become a Yonko.
Fortunately, Alex is not in a hurry either; there are still several years until the final battle, and he can continue to grow.
For now, let's solve the problem of Hatake Swordmanship.
He recalled his previous battle with Kakashi, thinking about Kakashi's movements, and felt as if the lightning was alive, capable of accelerating his body.
So he tried it and found he had a bit of a feeling, so he focused more intently on grasping this feeling.
If it didn't work once, he'd try twice; if twice didn't work, he'd try ten or a hundred times.
He refused to believe he couldn't learn it!
Fortunately, Alex's aptitude was truly excellent; he just hadn't thought of it before.
After Kakashi's guidance, he quickly learned Lightning Flash.
At this moment, he seemed to be covered in lightning, flickering wildly within the training room.
This was still at ten times gravity; if the gravity returned to normal, he would only be faster.
"Lightning Flash is finally fully mastered.
Next is the coordination of Lightning Flash and swordmanship.
I must reach White Fang's speed, or even surpass it.
By then, even Shadow Level experts will be easily cut down!"
Unconsciously, a month passed.
Alex's training progressed smoothly, which also improved his mood significantly.
Recently, Team Nine hasn't taken many missions; they've mainly been training.
Yamashiro Runya is currently undergoing special training with his clan brother, Yamashiro Aoba.
Kato Megumi has gone to the hospital to help.
Alex trains by himself, occasionally joining Team Guy for training.
Team Guy naturally wouldn't reject him; besides Alex being Tenten's boyfriend, everyone is also friends with Alex.
Moreover, Neji seems to have been possessed by Lee; every time Alex goes, he chooses to challenge him and doesn't get discouraged even when he loses.
Lee is even more insane; after challenging Alex, he challenges Neji, then turns around and spars with Tenten, but he's always completely overwhelmed.
Yet, he still maintains a positive and optimistic attitude.
On this point, even Neji couldn't help but admire him and learned a little.
The atmosphere in Team Guy also became extremely good because of this.
On this day, while Alex was buying groceries, he noticed that there were many Ninja from other villages in Konoha.
He even saw the Sound Ninja Trio: Zaku Abumi, Dosu Kinuta, and Kin Tsuchi, which meant the Chunin Exams were approaching.
However, even though Sarutobi Hiruzen already knew that Otogakure was connected to Orochimaru, allowing Sound Ninja to participate in the Chunin Exams seemed too risky.
Fortunately, this wasn't something Alex needed to worry about.
Sarutobi Hiruzen had his own considerations; in any case, he would be the one to die in the end.
It would be better for him to die so that Tsunade could take over, and Alex could then more openly display his true strength and ask Tsunade for more good things, such as Flying Thunder God Technique, Interlocking Exploding Talisman Technique, etc.
Things he wouldn't dare ask Sarutobi Hiruzen for, he could ask Tsunade for.
Isn't that amazing?
There are too many conspiracy theories; in any case, Alex didn't dare to trust that old man Sarutobi Hiruzen!
He could only wait for the old man to die and for Tsunade to take office!
As expected, the next day, Yamashiro Aoba distributed the application forms for the Chunin Exams.
Yamashiro Aoba said, "With your strength, you are more than capable of handling this exam.
Work hard and don't let your efforts go to waste!"
The three of them exchanged glances, then all took out green sunglasses, put them on, and loudly declared, "We are Aoba Team!
The Chunin Exams are nothing to us!"