Konoha’s White Fang Shines

Chapter 48: Iwashi's Resolve

"Do you think he might become overconfident and arrogant?"

"He shouldn't. People who are grateful tend to stay humble."

"Easier said than done. If he gets lost in the glory, it could ruin him."

"Relax. Kakashi's still around."

"Kakashi?"

Genma, Ebisu, and Yuuji Kamase were huddled together, not joining the others in cheering for Guy. Instead, they were analyzing the potential downsides of Guy participating in the competition.

The entertainment events hosted by the Land of This Daimyo, such as the Gourmet and Martial Competitions, were rare in this era. These stages encouraged people to strive for excellence but also came with the risk of fostering excessive pride.

Yuuji Kamase clearly didn't understand the intricacies of Guy's relationship with Kakashi. Nevertheless, it was him who had brought the group together to discuss this.

Guy, after finishing his gratitude-filled bows to the cheering crowd, immediately resumed his training as if the applause and adoration had never happened. Watching this, Yuuji had opened his mouth to speak but found himself at a loss for words.

Guy was still Guy. Despite the accolades, he remained the most hardworking of them all. Realizing this, Yuuji let go of his earlier concerns and turned his attention to the next match: Iwashi's battle.

---

Iwashi, much like Ebisu, was being heavily targeted. But unlike Ebisu, the targeting was far more intense.

The three of them—Guy, Ebisu, and Iwashi—being part of the same group made it obvious to others that they knew each other. While the trio's youthfulness drew amazement, it also made them targets.

Iwashi initially attempted to follow Ebisu's strategy of wearing down his opponents. Unfortunately, his opponents were well-prepared, taking turns to rest while pursuing him. Their coordination only improved as the match went on.

Iwashi soon found himself in dire straits with no clear path to victory. Unlike Guy, he lacked the raw speed and power to overcome such odds without chakra. Faced with no other options, Iwashi resolved to go all out.

He studied the patterns of his opponents' movements, identifying moments when they were furthest apart. Then, with determination, he charged toward the closest one.

His initial punch was more of a probe than a decisive strike, testing his opponent's reactions. However, his opponent, seasoned in combat, calmly blocked and maintained a defensive stance, waiting for Iwashi to make a mistake.

Despite his efforts, Iwashi remained trapped in a two-on-one scenario, where the opposition relentlessly pressured him. As the battle dragged on, it became clear that Iwashi was fighting not just to win but to endure.

---

The match quickly devolved into one of the fiercest three-way brawls so far.

Iwashi, being smaller, targeted his opponents' lower bodies, disrupting their movements. This forced them to split their focus and defend their legs, limiting their attacks.

However, their longer reach meant that Iwashi took several hits to his upper body, leaving him bruised and battered. His face swelled so much he barely resembled himself, yet not once did he cry out in pain.

He bit his lip so hard it bled, a sight that left his opponents visibly uneasy.

What's with this kid?

Do they all have this kind of resolve?

The longer they fought Iwashi, the more the two men felt their confidence waver. Guilt gnawed at them. Two grown men ganging up on a child—it was shameful. And yet, no matter how much they pressured him, he refused to fall.

When Iwashi staggered but did not collapse, one of the men finally called out,

"Enough! Stop! Kid, we don't want to hurt you anymore."

The other man nodded in agreement, his voice tinged with exasperation.

"You're still just a kid. This match is important to us, but you have so many opportunities ahead of you. Why not stop before you really get hurt? You'll still have matches later this afternoon."

Iwashi's swollen eyes cracked open slightly, his voice hoarse but resolute.

"I… I've always felt like the one holding everyone back. But I can't just give up. At the very least… I have to take one of you down."

---

"Ebisu, what's going on with Iwashi?"

Guy's voice carried both shock and concern as he watched Iwashi continue his grueling battle. Though usually quiet and unassuming, Iwashi's display of perseverance left Guy in awe.

"Maybe he has something he wants to prove," Ebisu replied, frowning as he struggled to understand Iwashi's mindset.

---

Iwashi's unyielding determination was evident to everyone watching. The audience, the competitors, even the referee—all were silent, captivated by the tenacity of this young boy.

Even his two opponents hesitated, unsure how to proceed. Exchanging a glance, they both gritted their teeth and launched simultaneous punches, aiming to finish the fight decisively.

"Bang!"

Their fists connected, but not with Iwashi.

Standing before them was a man with a scarred face, his expression dark and unreadable. He had taken their punches without flinching.

Both men froze, stunned into silence.

The man turned away from them and knelt to straighten Iwashi's disheveled clothing. His voice was steady but filled with pride.

"You've done more than enough, Iwashi. Your perseverance makes me proud."

"Sensei, I…"

"You've shown strength today. You're young, and your skills will only grow from here."

As sunlight streamed onto Nomura Nozomi's face, it seemed to radiate warmth, melting away Iwashi's remaining doubts. Tears streamed freely down the boy's cheeks as he nodded silently.

---

With a bow of apology, Nomura addressed the referee.

"I'm sorry for interrupting, but my student yields."

"Alright, get off the stage then," the referee grumbled, clearly displeased by the disruption but relenting nonetheless.

"Thank you," Nomura replied, escorting Iwashi off the stage.

---

The team immediately began treating Iwashi's injuries. None of them had any medical ninja training, so they relied on basic first aid. Genma even applied some salve and acupuncture to help alleviate Iwashi's pain.

Throughout it all, Iwashi sat quietly, not resisting as the others worked to patch him up. By the time they finished, his head was so heavily wrapped in bandages that he looked more like a mummy than a ninja.

The group refrained from discussing the match, instead finding other topics to lighten the mood.

Ebisu, ever observant, sniffed the air and noticed something odd about Nomura, who had just returned. The man was rubbing his neck, his movements strangely stiff and awkward.

"Hey, Iwashi," Ebisu whispered, leaning in close. "Did you notice anything about Sensei's neck when he was on stage?"

Iwashi blinked, trying to recall.

"When he blocked those punches, the sunlight hit him, and… I think I saw red rings. A lot of them, overlapping."

Ebisu's eyes widened in understanding but kept his thoughts to himself.

"I see. Don't worry about it. Just focus on getting better. You've done more than enough for today."

---

Iwashi's voice wavered as he looked at his teammates.

"I'm sorry… for dragging everyone down again."

"What are you talking about, Iwashi?" Ebisu responded firmly. "Guy and I think you're one of the most reliable people on this team. On the battlefield, I know you'd fight just as hard to protect us."

"You really think so?" Tears welled up again in Iwashi's eyes.

"I… I won't let anyone hurt you. We're a team. We're Fifth Squad."

"Alright, enough with the dramatics," Ebisu teased, handing Iwashi a handful of sweet potato chips.

"Eat up and recharge, okay?"

"Thanks, Ebisu," Iwashi mumbled, his voice full of gratitude.

End of Chapter 48