Chapter 31: Water Style vs. Fire Style!
At the border of the Land of Fire, gathered around the campfire and listening to Shikimaru Kagemori’s account, Genichi Kusashita finally grasped the details of their mission.
The destination was once again the Land of Rivers, and the task was to protect an iron mine.
This was essentially a continuation of their previous assignment.
After the daimyo of the Land of Rivers was slain by Uchiha Namiichi, the Land of Fire swiftly supported the rise of a new daimyo there, not only reclaiming the lost interests but even gaining additional profits.
That was the objective of this mission.
The mine had been paralyzed due to attacks from bandits and rogue ninja.
Therefore, a wealthy merchant from the Land of Fire had paid a hefty price to hire a ninja squad from Konoha for protection.
Bandits? Rogue ninja?
It was likely that the Wind Country and Sand Hidden Village were stirring trouble.
Otherwise, why would two squads be needed to deal with mere bandits and rogue ninja?
Though among the jonin present, only Shikimaru Kagemori was from the higher ranks.
After explaining the mission, they began to chat casually.
Uchiha Namiichi asked with curiosity, “Genichi, what ninjutsu did you choose?”
Kusashita Genichi smiled faintly. “A sealing technique called the Yin Sealing.”
Uchiha Namiichi and Yamanaka Honoo were both surprised. “A sealing technique?”
Honoo asked, puzzled, “Why choose a sealing jutsu? Since you’re skilled in Water Release and genjutsu, wouldn’t it be more natural to select something from those?”
At that moment, Sarutobi Shinnosuke and the others also turned their attention.
Genichi Kusashita replied with a smile, “For Water Release, I already have enough jutsu mastered: offense, defense, area attacks, single-target strikes—all covered.”
“Genjutsu as well.”
“On the contrary, my chakra reserves are somewhat limited. The Yin Sealing allows me to store unused chakra and release it when needed.”
Uchiha Namiichi’s cold expression twitched involuntarily. “But your chakra reserves should be quite substantial, right?”
“Compared to both you and Honoo, I’m not lacking at all.”
Honoo nodded repeatedly, wanting to chime in with the same observation.
Then Sarutobi Shinnosuke said, “Water Release tends to consume a lot of chakra, especially in environments without water. To maximize its power, besides mastering water nature transformation, a vast chakra pool is also necessary.”
Genichi Kusashita nodded. “You’re right, Shinnosuke-senpai. The battlefield isn’t always a place you can choose on your own.”
“Namiichi, what ninjutsu did you select?”
Changing the subject, Uchiha Namiichi answered, “A Fire Release technique: the Fire Dragon Flame Bullet.”
Immediately, Kusashita Genichi’s mind conjured the image of Sarutobi Hiruzen’s battle against the reanimated First and Second Hokage.
That Fire Release was ferocious, at least when wielded by Hiruzen.
However, the Second’s water barrier had blocked it, prompting even the ANBU to gasp, while Hiruzen himself seemed somewhat stunned.
In a waterless environment, using Water Release to counter such a fierce Fire Release—truly worthy of a master of the Sea Style.
“The Fire Dragon Flame Bullet is a Fire Release technique favored by the Third Hokage. It boasts fast attack speed and considerable range,” Shikimaru Kagemori commented.
Uchiha Namiichi nodded, valuing the speed above all.
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In truth, the Uchiha clan was abundant in Fire Release techniques, of various kinds.
But since he could choose one, Namiichi still preferred Fire Release.
Yamanaka Honoo chuckled, “Namiichi, Genichi—you specialize in fire and water, respectively. I’m quite looking forward to seeing you two face off.”
Uchiha Namiichi looked at Kusashita Genichi, a hint of eagerness flickering in his stern eyes.
He had already witnessed Genichi’s Water Release at the daimyo’s residence in the Land of Rivers.
Very impressive.
But that was in a watery environment. What if there was no water?
Kusashita Genichi turned to Shikimaru Kagemori.
Shikimaru Kagemori said, “You should try it out, gain some experience in fire and water dueling.”
Genichi Kusashita and Uchiha Namiichi exchanged glances, then both vanished from their spots.
A few meters away, they stood five or six meters apart.
Uchiha Namiichi shouted sharply, “Here I come!”
With that, his hands rapidly formed seals.
Boar - Horse - Snake - Dragon - Rat - Ox - Tiger!
In just over a second, the seals were complete. Namiichi inhaled deeply, his chest swelling, then spewed forth a stream of fire.
The fire coalesced into a blazing orb about a meter ahead, which erupted violently.
A dragon-shaped flame surged forward with incredible speed toward Kusashita Genichi.
Fire Release—Fire Dragon Flame Bullet!
In just a few days, Uchiha Namiichi had already mastered this B-rank Fire Release.
Watching this, Sarutobi Shinnosuke subtly nodded, impressed by Namiichi’s skillful use of the technique.
Meanwhile, Kusashita Genichi began forming seals.
He stretched out both arms, left hand clenched into a fist, right palm supporting it, then withdrew his arms, smoothly forming the snake seal.
Water flowed rapidly around him, coalescing into a circular water curtain.
Sarutobi Shinnosuke’s eyes brightened.
The seals were simple, swift, distinctive, and visually striking.
“No wonder that guy Asuma wanted to emulate it,” Shinnosuke smiled faintly.
Though his younger brother was struggling, it didn’t stop him from enjoying the spectacle.
Boom!
The dragon-shaped fire clashed with the rotating water, instantly generating steam that obscured Kusashita Genichi’s figure.
Uchiha Namiichi maintained his assault but couldn’t break through Genichi’s Water Release defense.
He immediately ceased the technique and began forming new seals.
On the other side, as the steam dispersed, the surrounding water droplets quickly scattered.
Watching Namiichi seal again, Kusashita Genichi extended both palms forward, then snapped them together with a sharp clap.
Water swirled again around him, spinning upward like a rapidly ascending top, growing in intensity.
Water Release—Water Surge Wave!
“What a powerful Water Release!”
Nara Sumou and his companions were witnessing such a formidable Water Release without an available water source for the first time, their jaws dropping in astonishment.
---
At this moment, Shikimaru Kagemori thought silently, “Genichi’s choice was correct.”
Fire Release—Phoenix Lotus Fire Technique!
One after another, fireballs screamed forth, encircling and flying at Kusashita Genichi.
This Fire Release allowed control over the fireballs’ flight paths, enabling attacks from various angles.
Genichi spread his arms, and the water swirling around him surged outward, dousing each flaming projectile and sweeping toward Uchiha Namiichi.
Namiichi leapt up, evading the waves, landing lightly on the water’s surface.
Genichi crossed his arms.
The water behind Namiichi immediately reversed, rolling left and right toward him.
“What incredible control!”
Yamanaka Honoo exclaimed.
Akimichi Doushou couldn’t help but say, “I’ve never seen Water Release more impressive than his!”
Even Sarutobi Shinnosuke nodded, conceding that he might not surpass this young man.
However, Namiichi was familiar with this move; turning, he drew his sword and slashed through the incoming water waves with a roar of fire.
Uchiha Style Sword Technique!
At that moment, a hand thrust out from beneath the water, splashing with a loud plop, pulling Uchiha Namiichi beneath the surface.
Yet, behind Kusashita Genichi, another Uchiha Namiichi appeared, breathing out roaring dragon fire.
Fire Release—Dragon Fire Technique!
Boom!
The dragon fire engulfed Kusashita Genichi.
Bang!
Amidst the flames, Kusashita Genichi exploded into a cloud of smoke.
On the other side, Kusashita Genichi surfaced from underwater.
The Uchiha Namiichi he had dragged down was merely a shadow clone.
Genichi had used a shadow clone during the initial Fire Dragon Flame Bullet, which generated massive steam.
Namiichi’s shadow clone appeared after using the Phoenix Lotus Fire, also amidst rising steam.
The key was that Namiichi’s Sharingan detected Kusashita Genichi’s chakra hidden in the water.
But he couldn’t distinguish the real from the clone.
So, he left his shadow clone in place to distract Genichi, while his true body struck from behind.
Unexpectedly, both attacked only shadow clones.
At this moment, the two shared a glance and burst into laughter.
A draw!