Konoha: Who Says the Shinobi World Can't Play Hunter?

Chapter 38: Survival Exercise 7

"You really don't fight like a typical ninja, but I have to admit, your skills are impressive," Asaema said as their blades clashed, evaluating Kazama.

"Thanks for the compliment," Kazama replied nonchalantly, not interested in small talk. This range was dangerous—especially against an opponent who specialized in swordsmanship and Wind Release. He was already inside Asaema's absolute range.

Kazama made a decisive move forward—a diagonal downward slash, followed by another from the opposite direction, then immediately into a Nine-Headed Dragon Flash—nine rapid strikes in succession. The speed and unpredictability of the attacks momentarily disrupted Asaema's defenses, allowing Kazama to switch their positions and gain a bit of distance.

"So, you're still struggling?" Asaema noted Kazama's unwavering stance.

Kazama didn't reply, but Asaema's injured hand raised two fingers, while his other hand gripped his sword behind his back. This was the stance for Body Flicker + Swordplay, a deadly combination.

"Why would I give up? We're already this far in—there should be a clear winner."

"You talk as if you think you're winning."

"I don't know if I'll win, but I do know this—no one can catch me head-on. As long as I see an opening—" Kazama raised his left hand, which he had been secretly preparing.

Asaema's instincts screamed danger.

"Damn it—"

His Body Flicker activated instantly, his blade slicing through the air—in the blink of an eye, he had closed the distance, his sword now resting against Kazama's neck.

"Even if you have a way to escape, it's too late," Asaema declared.

"Not necessarily."

As soon as Kazama spoke, his body dissolved into a pile of yellowish mud.

"Earth Release: Earth Clone."

Asaema's experienced eyes immediately recognized the jutsu.

"So that's it. He used an Earth Clone as a decoy to buy time for his real body to escape underground."

He walked over and examined the pile of mud, noticing the hole beneath it.

"He must have already burrowed away."

Standing amidst the dense forest, Asaema suddenly felt exhausted.

"This damn cat-and-mouse game again..."

Now that Kazama had no teammates to worry about, he had even more room to maneuver. Asaema wasn't a sensor-type ninja, so tracking Kazama in this vast and complex forest would be nearly impossible.

Sheathing his sword, Asaema turned around and left.

The test was over—he had no reason to keep chasing.

"If he wants to hide, let him hide," Asaema muttered. "I'll just wait him out."

He returned to where he had captured Ichiro and Nobuko earlier and officially announced that all three had passed the test. Then, he left the forest and walked onto the open grasslands.

There, he casually struck up a conversation with Ichiro and Nobuko, sharing stories from his extensive ninja career. His experiences amazed and fascinated them, leaving them eager to hear more.

Meanwhile, Kazama watched from a distance, gritting his teeth.

Asaema's actions were blatantly calculated.

He had spent the entire fight forcing Kazama to reveal himself, but the moment Kazama finally resolved to fight back, Asaema called it quits.

"He just decided he's done? After all that?!"

Furious, Kazama retrieved his bow, disabled all the traps he had set in the forest, and stormed out.

"Oh, look who finally came out," Asaema said with a smirk. "We were just waiting for you. Since this is Team 6's first official day together, why don't we celebrate with a team dinner?"

"That sounds great!" Nobuko cheered, bouncing excitedly.

Ichiro didn't say anything, but the grin on his face gave away his enthusiasm.

Kazama, however, wore a stormy expression.

Anyone would be pissed after being toyed with over and over, only to have their opponent suddenly decide to stop playing. It was like throwing a punch into thin air—deeply frustrating.

"I'm not going," Kazama huffed, stomping on the grass.

CLANG!

The ground suddenly exploded with movement.

Hidden weapons, poison smoke, pit traps—all sprung into action at once.

Kazama's traps, still armed and ready, all triggered simultaneously in the area Asaema had been standing.

The jōnin twitched visibly.

"So that's why today felt so damn unlucky…"

He now realized why he had been caught in so many traps earlier—these three had prepared them all in advance, just waiting for him to fall in.

Nobuko, seeing the mess, gave a sheepish smile, then hid behind Ichiro.

"...Fine," Asaema sighed. "Meet at the Akimichi Clan's BBQ House. Any objections?"

"Nope!" Ichiro and Nobuko responded in unison.

"...Hm~?" Asaema turned to Kazama, raising an eyebrow.

Kazama remained silent.

"Come on, Kazama," Nobuko pleaded, sensing his frustration. "Free meat! It'd be a waste not to go. Besides, we've been at this all morning—it's time to recharge!"

Kazama sighed heavily.

"Tch. Fine. It's not like I can just ignore my teammates forever."

"...Alright. But I'm eating until I'm full."

"No problem," Asaema agreed easily.

But by the end of the meal, Asaema looked deeply regretful.

Because Kazama didn't come alone.

He summoned his three wolves, a red panda, and a freaking squirrel.

Asaema watched in horror as the barbecue vanished at an alarming rate.

Even Ichiro had a huge appetite, but once Kazama's summons joined in, the meat was being devoured at an absurd speed.

"Wow! This squirrel is so cute!" Nobuko squealed, hugging Yataro.

Ichiro, meanwhile, was gently stroking the red panda's fur, clearly fascinated.

Asaema, however, was less enthusiastic.

"Wait, these are all his summons?"

"Of course," Kazama said proudly. "They're my eyes and ears."

Understanding dawned on Asaema.

"So that's how he always knew where I was…"

He nodded thoughtfully.

"So that's why it felt like I was constantly under surveillance. You had them relaying intel to you?"

"Exactly," Kazama confirmed.

"...That's actually pretty smart," Asaema admitted. "I always thought summoning was just about combat power, but using them for reconnaissance is a great idea."

"Oh, they do more than just gather intel," Kazama said slyly. "Yataro, say hello."

The squirrel hopped onto the table, straightened up, and spoke:

"Hey there! I'm Yataro! I specialize in genjutsu and love crossbows and nuts!"

Asaema's eyes widened.

"A talking squirrel?!"

Nobuko gasped. "Wow! You can use genjutsu?"

"Of course!" Yataro grinned, showing off his teeth.

"Show us!"

"...Are you sure?"

"Come on, just one!"

"...Alright, but just one."

Yataro formed a tiny hand seal, then released a pulse of chakra.

Immediately, Nobuko froze, her body trembling violently.

Then she shrieked.

"AHHHHHH! SNAKES! SNAKES EVERYWHERE!"

Classic illusion.

Even though it was an old trick, Kazama had to admit—Yataro's genjutsu had improved.

Before, it only worked on regular people.

Now, it could affect a trained kunoichi.

Satisfied, Yataro proudly puffed out his chest, then hopped onto Nobuko's shoulder and released the genjutsu.

Asaema, watching all this, began to think deeply.

"...A summon that can talk, use genjutsu, and break illusions?"

His eyes flickered as a new idea took root.

"I should get a summon too…"

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You can read advance chapters ahead on patreon.com/fishkiss69, I will upload 1 extra chapter every day there.

THANK YOU

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