Chapter 526: Powerful Milotic
At the same time, the audience exploded into discussion.
"Oh? What kind of Ninja Beast is that? I have never seen it before." The Land of Fire Daimyo gently waved his paper fan, his eyes lighting up as he watched Milotic appear.
The Land of Fire Daimyo had seen many rare and exotic Ninja Beasts, but this was still his first time seeing something as beautiful and unique as Milotic.
From his perspective, Milotic's scales shimmered under the sunlight like countless tiny gemstones embedded along its body, giving off a captivating glow.
"I have not seen it either. It is truly elegant and beautiful," the Land of Rain Daimyo agreed with a nod.
Milotic's posture was tall and graceful. Even while simply floating on the water, it carried an indescribable charm.
"I wonder where I can buy one. If I kept one in a pond, it would be extremely pleasing to the eye," the Land of Fire Daimyo said, liking it more and more the longer he looked.
"Me too," the Land of Rain Daimyo admitted.
The wealthy merchants and nobles nearby, none of whom lacked money, shared the same thought. A Ninja Beast this beautiful would not only be pleasing to raise, it would also bring prestige.
The ninja in the crowd were also amazed by Milotic's beauty, but they were even more curious about something else.
How did Milotic appear?
They had not seen Rin perform another Summoning Technique.
"Ang!"
Milotic released a threatening cry, staring straight at Kakashi while shielding Rin behind it.
Kakashi looked at the tall Milotic with interest. The change from Feebas to Milotic was far greater than Fire Dragon evolving into Charmeleon. He was curious about Milotic's current strength.
Kakashi stepped back several paces, preparing to test what Milotic could do. Feebas had been completely harmless before, so Kakashi had no reference for Milotic's abilities now.
"Tornado!"
Milotic gathered strength and whipped its powerful tail.
In an instant, a whirlwind erupted. With water nearby, the vortex sucked up a massive amount of water, forming a towering water tornado.
"Wind Release chakra nature transformation?" Kakashi chose not to meet it head on. He retreated while quickly analyzing.
He had just assumed Milotic might possess Water Release chakra nature transformation, since Feebas had been a fish. That would have been perfectly reasonable.
But now he was no longer certain.
Milotic looked more like a snake now, and if it lacked Water Release, that would almost feel normal.
"Lil' Beauty, you have really gotten stronger!" Rin exclaimed when she saw Milotic create a tornado over six meters tall with a single tail swing.
Before evolving, it had no combat power at all. After evolving, it looked like it might even be stronger than her. Ninja Beasts truly were astonishing.
Milotic lowered its head and pressed its forehead to Rin's, its ruby eyes filled with joy.
It could finally fight for Rin like the other Ninja Beasts did.
"Let's try a normal attack first." Kakashi pulled out five shuriken, infused them with chakra, then injected Lightning Release chakra nature transformation into them.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!
Five shuriken wrapped in lightning shot out in a straight line.
Milotic was large enough that Kakashi did not even need to aim carefully.
Sensing the attack, Milotic raised its head and gathered chakra.
"Aqua Jet!"
A thick stream of water burst from its mouth with heavy impact, knocking all five shuriken off course.
"Roar!"
Milotic cried out clearly, glanced back at Rin, then dove under the water and swam straight for Kakashi at high speed.
"Does it want me to stay put and not move?" Rin understood the meaning behind Milotic's cry.
The feeling was strange.
Not long ago, she had been telling Feebas to retreat to safety. Now Milotic was telling her not to take risks.
She really had raised it with her own hands.
"As expected, it has water based abilities." Kakashi silently recorded that information while tracking Milotic's movement beneath the surface.
Whoosh!
The moment Milotic closed in, Kakashi used Body Flicker and retreated.
Splash!
Milotic's slender body burst out of the lake right where Kakashi had been standing, throwing water everywhere.
"Water Pulse!"
After missing its collision, Milotic immediately fired the Water Release chakra ball it had condensed in advance.
Kakashi, in Transparent World, saw the attack clearly and reinforced his body with Lightning Release chakra, moving at extreme speed.
Boom!!
The Water Release chakra ball slammed into the water's surface, and the violent ripple turned the arena's small lake into chaos.
Waves surged up. A wall of water high enough to swallow Kakashi crashed toward him.
"What a terrifying increase in strength," Kakashi thought, secretly alarmed after stabilizing himself.
Feebas could have been handled by an ordinary civilian.
Milotic now possessed strength that even an average Konoha jonin might not have.
To avoid an upset, Kakashi quickly formed a hand seal and used Earth Release. The ground cracked and shifted, accelerating the disappearance of the water terrain Kisame had left behind.
If it was only Rin, that would be one thing.
But letting Milotic keep a constant terrain advantage would be dangerous.
After repeatedly missing, Milotic's mood grew agitated.
It finally decided to use its strongest technique so far.
Milotic swam rapidly toward Kakashi while condensing an enormous amount of chakra at the tip of its tail.
Kakashi was extremely fast with Thunder Breathing, but this was water, Milotic's home ground, and the distance between them kept shrinking.
"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!"
Rin rapidly formed hand seals, using the last of her chakra to assist Milotic.
She had already noticed the water level dropping quickly. That was not because the arena's drainage was excellent. Kakashi had clearly used a jutsu.
Roar!
A fierce water dragon coiled around Rin, then surged toward Kakashi.
At the same time, Milotic converted the massive chakra at its tail tip into Water Release chakra and swung its tail hard toward Kakashi.
"Aqua Tail!"
Splash!!
Milotic's tremendous force stirred the remaining water and sent a wave crashing forward along with its tail strike.
Combined with Rin's Water Dragon Bullet, it looked like Kakashi had nowhere to run.
"You are doing great! That's exactly how it should be!" Obito cheered from the lounge.
Where Milotic came from did not matter.
What mattered was that Milotic was about to help Rin defeat Kakashi.
In that moment, Obito only regretted not bringing a camera. If he had one, he would have recorded this scene forever.
"Kakashi, your life is like a candle in the wind," Obito thought, laughing as he mocked him.
He always spouted theories, but he was still going to lose to Rin, who was clearly weaker.
Bang!!
It seemed unavoidable. Kakashi tried to dodge, but still got hit and slammed heavily onto the ground, splashing muddy water into the air and obscuring his figure.
By now the water was less than 0.5 meters deep, and it was still draining.
"Did I win?" Rin could hardly believe it.
She truly had not expected to defeat Kakashi when he was not holding back. The gap between them had been obvious, and she had no clear way to counter him.
Yet Feebas had been summoned together with Katsuyu, then evolved into Milotic, and Milotic's strength had become overwhelming.
Everything felt unreal.
Buzz, buzz.
A hand covered in yellow mud rose from the water.
Electric crackles sounded, and dazzling purple light coated the mud on the palm.
A disheveled Kakashi climbed to his feet.
Without Rin giving any command, Milotic immediately fired a stream of water at Kakashi.
Kakashi released lightning without hesitation, countering the water head on.
Rin had no chakra left for taijutsu or ninjutsu. She could only retreat quietly and create distance, avoiding being caught at the wrong moment.
But while Rin was focused on Milotic and Kakashi's exchange, she failed to notice a hand silently rising from the ground beside her feet.
"Earth Release: Headhunter Jutsu!"
Rin's expression changed when she felt something wrong around her calves.
But she had no time to use Water Instant Body, and no chakra left to smash the ground apart with brute strength.
A powerful pull dragged most of her body underground.
Kakashi crouched beside her and pointed a kunai at her.
The referee hesitated for a moment, then announced directly, "Kakashi Hatake wins!"
Even though Milotic still had plenty of energy to keep fighting, this was Rin's match.
In a real battle, Rin would already be dead.
"That damn white haired bastard, he has no martial ethics!" Obito yelled.
Instead of fighting Milotic properly, Kakashi tricked and ambushed Rin when she was out of chakra.
"As expected of you, Kakashi. You were not really hurt just now, were you?" Rin said with a helpless smile.
Her emotions had been like a roller coaster.
When she thought she would surely lose, she suddenly seemed to win. When she thought she had won, she lost again.
The moment she was dragged underground, one thought flashed through her mind.
If she had been at full strength, and Milotic had been there, would she have won in the end?
Still, Rin's mindset was steady.
Her original goal had been to last three minutes against Kakashi and deal a little damage. That would have been success.
Reaching this point was already far beyond her expectation.
Kakashi nodded.
Although the clash looked fierce, Kakashi had only been hit by Rin's Water Dragon Bullet and the aftershock of Milotic's Aqua Tail.
He had used Armament Haki to protect his vital areas, so he only looked messy. His actual injury was minor.
To end the fight safely, the moment he fell, Kakashi used the muddy water as cover and secretly created a Shadow Clone. The clone burrowed underground with Earth Release and attacked the exhausted Rin, while Kakashi's main body used Lightning Release to draw attention and stall Milotic.
After confirming the victory, Kakashi cancelled the Shadow Clone and used Earth Release to release Rin from the ground.
Seeing Rin also covered in mud, Milotic gathered chakra and formed a ball of blue green water beside her.
The water burst over Rin, washing away the mud and healing all the scratches from being dragged underground.
Even Kakashi, standing nearby, felt his body lighten as his minor injuries recovered.
"Such comfortable chakra," Katsuyu said, staring at Milotic with curiosity.
"Is that Water Release chakra nature transformation, or Yang Release chakra nature transformation?" Kakashi could not tell right away.
The effect felt like Yang Release. The recovery was extremely fast, and the body felt lighter.
But the healing came from Milotic's blue green droplets, so it was also possible this was Milotic's own special water based ability.
After all, Shisui's Zorua had special genjutsu. It would not be strange if Milotic had special Water Release too.
"Aww…"
Milotic lowered its head and avoided Rin's eyes, its cry subdued.
This had been its first battle at Rin's side, and yet such a crucial moment had been lost because of its carelessness.
"It's okay. You did your best. This one is on me," Rin said, gently stroking Milotic's milky white body.
Milotic evolved mid battle. Rin did not know its full abilities, and she could not coordinate with it properly.
Also, being suppressed earlier had cost her a huge amount of stamina and chakra.
If blame had to be assigned, Rin would take the biggest share.
Milotic shook its head. Its red fin like hair swayed as it moved.
If Rin had not been there, it would never have had the courage to fight like that, and it would never have evolved.
"Cough, cough. The winning contestant should return to the lounge to rest. The defeated contestant may go to the stands," the referee reminded them.
Kakashi understood and said goodbye to Rin before heading back to the lounge.
Rin stood on her toes and stroked Milotic's head once more, then dismissed it and left the arena for the stands.
Because he was covered in mud, Kakashi did not return immediately. He went to the facilities near the lounge and washed up first, cleaning off the mud and grit.
"Milotic's strength jumped too much. The current Obito probably cannot defeat Rin and Milotic together," Kakashi thought as he wiped his dripping white hair with a towel, replaying the battle.
If Rin had not been nearly out of fighting strength before Milotic evolved, Kakashi would not have won so easily.
He had barely fought Milotic at all.
He won by targeting Rin.
"It seems I underestimated the Ninja Beasts Teacher Mugetsu gave us," Kakashi thought.
Perhaps Rockruff would become a true combat force faster than he expected.
Milotic had no combat experience, yet it already had such strength just by using ninjutsu instinctively. If it trained for a month, it could probably suppress Obito alone with Water Release countering Fire Release.
Kakashi's anticipation for Rockruff's evolution grew even stronger.
After washing up, Kakashi returned to the lounge.
"Kakashi, is that creamy big water snake Rin's new Ninja Beast?" Obito asked the moment he saw him.
Kakashi's expression turned strange.
Milotic was that beautiful, and you called it a creamy big water snake.
"It's Lil' Beauty," Kakashi replied flatly.
"How is that even possible? This is…" Obito was completely stunned.
Fire Dragon evolving into Charmeleon still looked like the same creature growing up.
But Milotic and Feebas did not even seem remotely related.
"No matter what you think, it's reality," Kakashi said calmly.
Obito scratched his head. "Alright, that really is ridiculous. And it got so much stronger all at once."
Although he had not fought it, Obito could tell from the power of its ninjutsu that Milotic's strength was frightening.
At that moment, Obito wished Charmeleon would secretly learn Lightning Release overnight just to escape its miserable Fire Release disadvantage.
"Uchiha Shisui wins!"
While Kakashi, Obito, and Guy were talking, Shisui won his match and returned.
When Shisui came back, he asked Kakashi a similar question, though far more politely.
"I see. Evolution can bring such massive changes and growth," Shisui said thoughtfully.
Comparing Charmeleon and Milotic, he felt even more certain that not every Ninja Beast's evolution would be equally dramatic.
Feebas's helplessness was exactly what made Milotic's brilliance so shocking.
Next, the four of them discussed their experiences raising Ninja Beasts while watching the remaining battles.
Only three matches were left in the second round, and they were all familiar faces to them. The final match was Obito's.
In the third to last match, Asuma won with sharp Wind Release.
In the second to last match, Mei Terumi used her two Bloodline Limits and powerful Water Release with great flexibility, successfully entering the top eight.
In the last match, Obito faced a talented Grass ninja. He went all out from the start, entering Flame Breathing Chakra Mode and instantly defeating his opponent with large scale Fire Release.
Even if Fire Release was at a disadvantage against some, it was still perfect for bullying weaker opponents.
With that, the second round ended.
The top eight of the Youth Martial Arts Tournament were set, and the first day of the elimination battles concluded. Contestants and spectators began leaving.
"Senior Hanzo, how do you feel?" Mugetsu asked with a smile as he looked at Hanzo.
"Geniuses in the ninja world are as common as carp crossing a river," Hanzo commented.
Before coming, he never imagined there would be someone who might truly contest Nagato for the title.
Nagato had the Sage's Eye.
Now Hanzo's greatest motivation for watching was to see Nagato lose, then observe Sōsuke's reaction.
Among the top eight, only Nagato remained as a Shinobi Sect contestant. If Nagato failed to reach the Four Finals, the Shinobi Sect would have to hand over the prizes.
"It's a pity there are none from Amegakure," Kakuzu added.
Hanzo's expression darkened instantly. There was no need to rub it in.
"Since we're partners, Senior Hanzo, I can show you a clear path. The Shinobi Sect now takes commissions to train ninja. If the Rain ninja don't know how to teach, you can pay us to train them," Kakuzu said, revealing his true purpose.
Nothing else.
He wanted money from Amegakure, and he also wanted a simpler long term method of handling Amegakure in the future without destabilizing the Land of Rain.
"Originally, the Shinobi Sect didn't have time, but Iwagakure offered a high priced commission, so we started this business."
"So that's how it is. No wonder there are so many Iwagakure working in Six Paths City," Hanzo said, realizing.
Kakuzu's pitch was honestly persuasive. It had Iwagakure involvement, and it had the reputation of the Ninja Master as a guarantee.
"For now, there's no need to trouble the Shinobi Sect," Hanzo refused.
No matter how good it sounded, it would let the Shinobi Sect insert spies among the Rain ninja too easily.
Kakuzu did not push further. He stopped the moment Hanzo refused.
He had expected that answer. Hanzo was not foolish, and would not agree casually.
This was only groundwork. These things could not be achieved in a day.
…
Because Milotic was so elegant and beautiful, after Rin went to the stands, many people chased after her to ask where they could buy one.
Not only merchants and nobles, but also many ninja asked.
Milotic had proven in battle that it was not just a pretty face. It had beauty and terrifying strength.
But Milotic's egg had been given by Mugetsu, and Rin had never asked where he obtained it. She could not answer anyone.
Seeing today's matches had ended, Rin, completely overwhelmed, hurried to Mugetsu.
"It was something I found by chance. If you're interested, you can try searching for it, but I don't recommend it. I already took it," Mugetsu said casually, naming a remote place to send them away.
With the renowned Raging Sun Mugetsu speaking, no one dared continue pestering Rin.
"Young lady, your name is Rin Nohara, yes?" The Land of Fire Daimyo activated his strongest ability: throwing money at the problem.
"I'm very interested in that Ninja Beast. I'm willing to offer fifty million ryo for it. What do you think?"
The Land of Rain Daimyo, who had also intended to buy Milotic, immediately closed his mouth after seeing the Land of Fire Daimyo speak.
"Lord Daimyo, I apologize, but Lil' Beauty is very important to me. It cannot be measured by money," Rin refused decisively.
Rin had never been greedy for wealth. She would never sell a precious companion for money.
More importantly, Rin did not even feel she had the right to buy or sell Milotic.
They were equals.
"Then ninety million ryo?" The Land of Fire Daimyo nearly doubled the price, assuming it was simply not enough money.
Rin still refused without hesitation.
"In that case, there's nothing to be done. Mugetsu, if you ever find another like it, please keep me in mind. My price won't change," the Land of Fire Daimyo said.
If Rin would not sell, then he could only ask the discoverer to look again and later issue an S rank mission to capture such a Ninja Beast.
Mugetsu nodded.
"As expected, the great nations have money," Mugetsu thought internally.
If Kakuzu had heard that, Mugetsu suspected Kakuzu would have tried to transform into Milotic on the spot just to collect the reward.
Ninety million ryo was an absurd number.
It was worth roughly two and a half Asumas.
"Teacher Mugetsu," Obito and the others, having left the lounge, greeted him.
Mugetsu smiled and responded, then looked in a certain direction.
Sasori walked expressionlessly for a while, then naturally changed direction.
The moment he turned, his brows furrowed.
"Raging Sun Mugetsu is here too, and he even seems to be Kakashi's teacher," Sasori realized, and the difficulty of killing Kakashi rose sharply again.
Even Sasori, wandering the ninja world, had heard of Raging Sun Mugetsu's achievements.
Just a glance from a distance, and Sasori understood Mugetsu was no mere fame without substance.
Sasori had tried to conceal himself earlier and only observe with his peripheral vision, yet he was still discovered instantly by Mugetsu.
"I need to investigate and study this area more," Sasori concluded.
Now was not the time to assassinate. He needed to familiarize himself with Six Paths City first.
Even with a famed opponent like Mugetsu, and geniuses like Guy and Shisui around Kakashi, Sasori still believed he could kill Kakashi.
He had no doubt in his assassination ability.
The Third Kazekage, known as the strongest Kazekage, had died to Sasori's assassination.
No matter how strong Raging Sun Mugetsu was, Sasori did not believe he could be stronger than the Third Kazekage.
"Is something over there?" Obito followed Mugetsu's gaze and saw nothing, asking in confusion.
"Nothing," Mugetsu replied with a faint smile.
Although this was only a Shadow Clone and could not read Sasori's data, Sasori dreaming of hiding from him was simply a dream.
Mugetsu did not even need to identify him.
Sasori's data had already been seen by Mugetsu's main body during registration.
Mugetsu's goals for holding the Youth Martial Arts Tournament were clear.
First, solve the Shinobi Sect's economic problems.
Second, train his own disciples.
To prevent overly bizarre monsters from slipping in, Mugetsu had identified every participant.
Sasori thought he was hidden, but in Mugetsu's eyes, he simply was not worth using the main body on.
"Rin, your battle was incredible. You almost won even in that situation," Obito said excitedly as he turned to Rin.
"It wasn't as exaggerated as you say. Lil' Beauty did most of the work," Rin said honestly.
"But Lil' Beauty is your Ninja Beast. Its strength is your strength," Obito said as if it were obvious.
Obito was truly envious now. If he compared evolved Ninja Beasts, he felt Milotic could knock Charmeleon unconscious with a single tail whip.
Whether it was size or raw power, Charmeleon was nowhere near Milotic.
Kakashi showed a faint look of regret.
He had been hoping Obito would keep calling Milotic a creamy big water snake. Something entertaining might have happened.
"Rin, can you tell me the details of Lil' Beauty's evolution?" Shisui asked.
He wanted to learn from Rin's excellent experience.
"Of course," Rin agreed immediately.
TL: Check out my newly released fanfic:
Transmigrated into The Legendary Mechanic
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