Chapter 23: Fuma’s First Lesson in the Shinobi World (Part 2)
"Bang! Bang! Bang—!"
With Fuma's flick of his fingers, bursts of chakra shot through the air with an unsettling whoosh, flooding towards Fugaku from all directions.
Fugaku's Solar Dance had barely begun, and his blade light hadn't yet fully gathered. He was forced to halt and switch to a defensive stance.
He quickly retracted his katana, slashing left and right, his footwork constantly shifting.
Against the oncoming waves of chakra, he alternated between attacking and dodging, as if fighting an invisible opponent.
Watching Fugaku's evasive maneuvers, Fuma continued to gather chakra, slightly increasing the frequency and speed of his attacks.
The sealing and binding chakra streaked through the air, drawing white lines that restricted Fugaku's movement space.
Nawaki watched Fuma in shock. In his understanding, the Water Dragon Bullet technique demonstrated by his academy teacher was one of the strongest jutsus in the world.
Gritting his teeth, Nawaki was about to muster the courage to support Fugaku when a chakra wave sliced past his face and embedded into the brick ground like cutting through tofu.
Recalling Fuma's earlier words, he was torn but ultimately moved to stand quietly beside Tsunade, watching intently.
Fuma observed Fugaku's footwork, exertion, and mastery of swordsmanship, evaluating his weaknesses.
The cutting chakra waves targeted the blind spots in Fugaku's sword technique, striking at his most vulnerable, unconscious flaws.
Fugaku was indeed talented. Initially, he was unaccustomed to such fierce and sharply-angled attacks.
Though not entirely disheveled, he was certainly scrambling.
Strangely, while defending against the chakra waves, it felt as though someone was guiding his hand.
His sword technique became increasingly fluid, his attacking steps smoother, and his force application more cohesive.
Even the swordsmanship realm that had long puzzled him began to loosen, giving him new insights.
Being a smart individual, he immediately immersed himself, focusing entirely on the joy of this one-on-one master instruction.
The wind of his sword swished more sharply, his steps grew more straightforward, his spine drove his whole body to exert force swiftly and fluidly.
Fugaku practiced with increasing vigor, fully absorbed in the continuous cycle of correction and breakthrough.
His clothes were soaked with sweat, his once neatly styled bangs now plastered to his forehead, but his eyes shone brightly with battle spirit.
Fuma inwardly praised him. As expected of the future head of the Uchiha clan, his comprehension and skill were exceptional.
He moved in close, launching a horizontal kick at Fugaku.
Fugaku's gaze grew firmer. Without hesitation, he struck out with his sword!
"Uchiha Style Kenjutsu: Mirror Flame destruction!"
The high-quality chakra metal blade, imbued with fire attribute chakra, and propelled by Uchiha's secret technique, could unleash a massive flame shockwave, reputed to emerge from hell itself.
The blade clashed directly with the kick, but there was no time for a standoff. Fugaku was immediately sent flying, crashing into the wall.
Kushina gasped, anxiously clutching Minato's hand, "Will Fugaku be alright? I'm worried about him."
Minato shook his head, gently patting her, "Don't worry. I've known Fuma-sensei for seven years, and haven't I come out just fine?"
The surrounding people gave Minato a strange look, then turned to Fuma, inwardly marveling at the twisted teacher-student pair.
Fugaku struggled to stand, glaring at Fuma in frustration. He hadn't expected to be unable to withstand even a single blow.
Fuma looked at him and said calmly, "The scariest thing on the battlefield is not knowing what kind of opponent you'll face."
Honestly, Fuma didn't intend to give him a harsh lesson. He had noticed Nawaki's dejection and, as his brother-in-law, felt compelled to boost his confidence by teaching Fugaku a lesson.
But Fugaku didn't see it that way. He bowed deeply, saying, "I appreciate your guidance!"
Maintaining his bow, he respectfully asked, "Fuma-sensei, would you show me your full strength?"
Fugaku suddenly lifted his head. This kid had bowed deeply to gather genjutsu chakra, preparing for one last move!
"Genjutsu: Sharingan: Golden Binding Technique!"
The Golden Binding Technique was a powerful genjutsu usually cast by a three-tomoe Sharingan.
With his two-tomoe Sharingan, Fugaku needed to charge up to use it.
Normally, Fugaku disdained such sneak attacks, but after hearing Fuma's lecture to Nawaki, his mindset changed.
What good is pride? It's superfluous! Victory is what really matters!
The surging genjutsu chakra formed several towering golden spears from the void above, thrusting towards Fuma with ferocity!
Fuma looked at Fugaku with a hint of appreciation. This was a teachable student.
All that Uchiha pride and centuries-old legacy meant nothing compared to survival and growing stronger.
The golden spears approached Fuma, but before they could pierce his flesh, their tips shattered and could advance no further.
Fugaku's eyes widened. Such a situation only occurred when the difference in mental strength and genjutsu proficiency was too vast for the genjutsu to take hold.
No wonder the renowned genjutsu ninjas in the clan never spoke of Fuma's genjutsu prowess. They were all waiting for the next unlucky person to suffer!
These hypocrites, so obsessed with saving face! Fugaku fumed inwardly.
Before he could plan his next move, the fear and helplessness he felt during the clan meeting washed over him again.
The violent bloodlust flooded the training ground, extending to the entire Uchiha district, manifesting as a fierce tiger hungrily eyeing Fugaku.
"I'm pleased with your progress. But as punishment for ambushing your teacher, I'm going to hit you."
"If you can't take it, you might die."
Although Fugaku knew Fuma was joking, the demonic figure and overwhelming bloodlust filled him with extreme anxiety.
This wasn't distrust of Fuma but a primal fear of overwhelming power.
Fugaku watched Fuma with full alertness, adrenaline pumping, his heart racing.
Fuma disappeared, leaving only an afterimage.
With his two-tomoe Sharingan desperately searching, Fugaku's heart sank as he saw nothing ahead. He turned slowly.
Fuma was already behind him, fist poised for a devastating punch!
Fugaku closed his eyes in despair. His bloodlust-addled mind was awash with chaotic thoughts.
"Tap."
Fuma flicked his forehead, signaling Fugaku to open his eyes.
"Don't provoke the strong. That's the most important lesson in the shinobi world."
Fuma leisurely walked towards Nawaki. He still had to give the young man some encouragement.
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