Tian Yuan's taijutsu ability lagged behind this Sand Ninja, and that was only natural.
The key was the physical disparity: Tian Yuan was only eight years old, and his only kekkei genkai was Sharingan, which did not enhance his body's strength—so his taijutsu remained limited.
This ninja, by contrast, looked to be in his thirties and had likely reached the pinnacle of Chunin strength.
Earlier, the Sand Ninja had held back, allowing Tian Yuan to keep pace.
At full power, Tian Yuan could only endure the onslaught defensively.
Yet Tian Yuan refused to use his Sharingan—its existence must remain secret, for his overall strength was still modest.
If he grew stronger, that might change.
Besides, he could still handle the Sand Ninja's taijutsu; to eliminate all three would require strategy.
Two ordinary Chunin and one peak-Chunin made for a daunting lineup.
Of course, a Jonin here would resolve the fight swiftly—Jonin outclass Chunin more decisively than Genin do.
Jonin formed the backbone of the Hokage world's mainstream power.
"Bang." Tian Yuan was struck again and blasted backward. As the Sand Ninja advanced, Tian Yuan formed seals, mouth opening.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique."
A scorching fireball burst from his mouth, the intense heat warping the grass beneath. Several meters wide, it engulfed the Sand Ninja—but Tian Yuan showed no relief; a foe who fell so easily would not merit admiration.
A cold voice sounded from behind.
"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough."
A fierce gale, sharp as blades, swirled around Tian Yuan, shredding him into fragments. Yet no blood appeared—instead, he vanished into wood.
"Substitution Technique." The Sand Ninja's expression flickered. That reflex had saved Tian Yuan's life—one slower breath and the jutsu would have killed him.
"Lord, has he fled?" the two junior Sand Ninja asked.
"He's still nearby." their leader replied slowly. Though not a sensory specialist, he could sense any genuine escape.
Clearly, during the substitution, Tian Yuan had vanished to another spot.
The Sand Ninja exhaled, knowing that fierce combat so close to Konoha risked drawing ninja reinforcements. They had chosen this remote spot carefully, but any Konoha patrol might notice the disturbance. Captured, they would have no hope of escape.
Tian Yuan had indeed not fled; he crouched on a nearby tree stump, certain this Sand Ninja lacked sensory jutsu. He had a little more time.
"Use the Sharingan?" Tian Yuan's face hardened. The Two-Tomoe Sharingan would boost his power, but risked alerting the other two ninja—and if they fled, his secret would be exposed.
With three Sand Ninja present, he must focus on the strongest. If only one remained, he could handle the rest—and avoid revealing his eyes.
"First, let me see what this Standard video gave me." Tian Yuan checked his newly extracted fragment.
"Huh—One Piece." His brow lifted. One Piece's world brimmed with Devil Fruit powers and more—perhaps excellent treasures awaited. But as a Standard signal, good yield wasn't certain. Only higher tiers guaranteed quality.
"Let's extract." He initiated the draw with resolve.
Ding. "You have obtained Armament Haki."
The mechanical voice filled his ears, and a pleased light appeared in Tian Yuan's eyes—this was a timely boon. Armament Haki could greatly shift the battle's balance.
Behind him, the Sand Ninja's lips curled in a cold smile. Though not a sensory ninja, he had detected Tian Yuan's shift.
"Child, to your death." The Sand Ninja formed seals.
"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough."
He erupted a whirlwind of wind chakra that ripped through the great tree again.
Crack, crack. The trunk splintered, wood shards raining down and churning earth and rock.
"Impressive—truly Konoha's prodigy." The Sand Ninja glanced toward Tian Yuan, who stood clutching his Kunai after evading the vortex.
"But how long can you endure?" The Sand Ninja charged, but Tian Yuan flung several Kunai to encircle him.
Whoosh, whoosh. The oncoming ninja's eyes narrowed.
"Remarkable Kunai-throwing technique."
Clang, clang. The Sand Ninja deflected the blades and pressed forward—only to find Tian Yuan vanish in a wisp of smoke.
Close by, one subordinate screamed. The Sand Ninja turned to see Tian Yuan appear before his henchman, Kunai flashing as it severed the subordinate's neck. The man fell dead.
"Shadow Clone Technique." The Sand Ninja's face went ice-cold. "You deserve death."
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