Naruto: Evolution

The instant his attack failed, the man wasted no time and, with a precise movement, slid his katana back into its sheath, his dark eyes fixed on Gen with a cold expression.

Swish

Without pause, he lunged forward once again. His speed was terrifying, as if death itself loomed over the battlefield.

His murderous intent could be felt in the air, almost like a tangible presence. He unsheathed his katana with deadly fluidity, executing a horizontal slash that whistled toward Gen.

But Gen did not look away, and his eyes reflected the same murderous intent. He knew that if his reaction had been a fraction slower before, even if he hadn't died, he would have been gravely injured.

But instead of retreating, he advanced.

At the last second, he propelled his body into the air with an explosive movement, rising above the trajectory of the sword.

The blade passed harmlessly, slicing through the wind just beneath him, and at that very moment, he twisted in the air and launched a downward kick with all his strength, aiming directly at the head.

The man's eyes narrowed. He showed neither panic nor hesitation. With refined instinct, he tilted his body to the side, spinning with the momentum of his katana to evade the attack.

And he didn't stop there.

Taking advantage of the motion, he released the hilt of his sword with his left hand and threw a punch directly toward Gen's groin.

Because in a real battle, there are no rules, no honor. Only one thing matters: taking down the enemy as quickly and efficiently as possible.

'Disgusting old man!'

The curse flashed through Gen's mind the moment he perceived the attack, but his reflexes were instantaneous. With an explosive twist of his body, he dodged the punch and, without losing momentum, spun in the air and launched a downward strike with all his strength.

Boom

With the Strength Jutsu activated, his fist struck the ground as if a mountain had suddenly fallen. The moment the impact occurred, a massive shockwave spread in all directions.

The ground didn't just tremble—it collapsed. A crater at least six meters deep and twenty meters in diameter opened up, swallowing everything above it.

Around it, a network of gigantic cracks spread like fractured spiderwebs, devouring the area with destruction.

However, his target wasn't there.

The armored man had reacted at the last moment, pushing off with his feet and swiftly retreating just before the impact.

He landed several meters away, the echo of the strike still ringing in his ears.

Turning to see what had just happened, his eyes widened in disbelief.

"Who the hell is this brat from Konoha…?" he murmured, his throat suddenly dry. "How can he have such strength…?"

The ground was still trembling when Gen landed inside the crater, but he didn't waste a second. The moment his feet touched the bottom, he bent his legs and leaped, stepping on the shattered edges to return to the surface in an instant.

His sharp gaze scanned the area. It didn't take long to locate the armored man, who remained a few meters away, watching him cautiously.

Gen didn't hesitate. Like a leopard pouncing on its prey, he charged forward at full speed.

As he closed the distance, his right arm tensed before shooting forward with a punch aimed directly at the man's face.

The armored man knew perfectly well what would happen if that punch landed. It would be suicide.

With agility, he tilted his body to one side, dodging the punch by the smallest margin. At the same time, he took advantage of the momentum and counterattacked.

Gripping his katana with both hands—one on the hilt and the other in a reverse grip—he slid the blade in a slash aimed at Gen's waist.

Swish

The blade whistled through the air, but Gen reacted in time. With a subtle touch on the ground, he swiftly retreated, avoiding the slash.

Both landed a short distance from each other. In just a couple of seconds, they had already exchanged offense and defense, but this was only the beginning.

The silence between them lasted only an instant. Then, without the need for words, they both launched into the attack once more.

The gleam of the sword cut through the air with terrifying speed. Gen's punches and kicks were brutal, breaking the sound barrier with every movement.

Their attacks were relentless, but the armored man was no less fierce.

This was not like the enemies Gen had taken down before. His skill and experience were evident. Every move was calculated, every dodge precise, every counterattack lethal.

Gen was using the Strength Jutsu, but even with his immense power, he couldn't overpower him.

"Isn't this man… Baishi Ryunosuke, the A-rank rogue ninja from Kirigakure?!"

Inside the caravan, Hayato's face was filled with disbelief as he recognized the armored man's face.

When he had shouted his warning, his original intention had been to intervene. But after seeing how Gen dodged the first slash and retaliated with the same ferocity, he stopped.

He observed more closely. Then, the truth struck him.

The strongest ninjas often carry fame with them. Some even receive legendary titles: the White Fang of Konoha, the Sannin, the Yellow Flash…

Baishi Ryunosuke hadn't reached that level of renown, but his reputation was still feared. He had been a Jōnin of Kirigakure, one of the Five Great Villages, before deserting and becoming a rogue ninja.

And rogue Jōnin never go unnoticed.

It was obvious that Gen was facing a dangerous opponent. But what truly left him speechless wasn't Baishi… it was Gen.

That boy was exchanging blows with a Jōnin. And not only that—he was doing it on equal footing.

"It's not just the Strength Jutsu… He's been hiding far more power…"

As he marveled at Gen's strength, his eyes reflected an indescribable gleam.

In theory, if a Jōnin-level enemy appeared, he himself was supposed to intervene…

But after looking at Gen once more, seeing the intensity in his fight, he made a different decision.

Without a word, he turned on his heels and ran in Momo's direction.

Boom

The ground trembled as Gen came down with a devastating kick, like a hammer. The earth gave way under the pressure, opening into a massive crater.

Baishi barely managed to evade the attack. He retreated quickly, his feet sliding across the shattered terrain as he kept his eyes fixed on the boy.

In a matter of seconds, they had already exchanged more than a hundred blows.

Baishi took a deep breath, his eyes locked onto Gen.

"Is this the true power of Konoha…?"

He couldn't deny what he was seeing—this boy was a monster.

Most prodigies had a limit. Even so-called geniuses hit natural barriers that only time and experience could overcome. But this brat…

Another glance at the devastation around him made him grit his teeth. Everything pointed to a strength that made no sense for someone his age.

This was impossible.

And yet… there he was, standing before him, with that childlike face and those cold eyes that seemed to look at him as if he were just another obstacle to crush.

________

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