Chapter 22 — Clever Tricks Won't Work
"Spiral Flash Super Wheel Roar, Third Form!"
"Rubber Sky-Covering Cloud-Sweeping Palm!"
Namikaze Minato's technique had a flashy name. A sphere about the size of a glass ball formed in his hand. Not wanting to be outdone, Kinoshita Hikaru concentrated his wind-nature chakra in his own hands, and shouted a flashy name of his own.
The two attacks collided with a thunderous boom, the Rasengan striking against the Gale Palm, creating a powerful shockwave.
Dust flew in every direction. The jutsus neutralized each other, and Hikaru's right leg swept toward Minato.
Minato's gaze grew serious. He didn't dare take it head-on and dodged sideways.
Having eaten the Rubber Fruit, Hikaru's body attacks were unpredictable. He could bend his limbs at will. What had been a dodged kick now bent back 80 degrees and came at Minato again.
Bang! At the last moment, Minato blocked with both hands. The force was so great that he was still sent flying.
Hikaru stood his ground, not pursuing, and asked,
"How's that? You okay, Minato?"
Minato rubbed his arm, which had turned red—despite chakra shielding, it would've been bruised otherwise.
"I'm fine."
"And? That was a new move I just came up with. Pretty awesome, right?"
Hikaru beamed with pride. With chakra assisting him, he had excellent control over his body.
Being a rubber man gave him a natural advantage. His body could be hard or soft, attack or defend.
It was like Luffy's Fourth Gear: Snake Man form—attacks could curve mid-flight. With chakra boosting his techniques, his strikes were even more fluid.
Even the extremely quick Minato could be caught off guard if he was slightly inattentive.
Hikaru stepped forward to check Minato's arm, joking,
"Minato, your jutsu names are so weird!"
"Uh… (︶︿︶)" Minato was already exasperated with his friend.
"Sky-Covering Cloud-Sweeping Palm" — what part of that covers the sky or blocks the sun? Not descriptive at all.
Clearly, your name is even stranger.
But now wasn't the time to argue about names. There were more important matters.
Minato changed the subject.
"It's getting late. Let's hurry."
He grabbed Hikaru and headed toward the Senju residence.
Just yesterday, Kushina had invited Hikaru over.
They moved quickly; Minato couldn't wait to see Kushina.
"Boys out and about should be cautious, Minato. Besides, love can make you blind. You're still too young to handle it," Hikaru thought.
Ever since meeting Kushina, Minato had been caught smiling absentmindedly from time to time. Hikaru had lost words for his friend. He wanted to warn him, fearing that if this continued, Minato might become hopelessly infatuated.
After a short while, they arrived at the Senju residence. Minato straightened his clothes and smoothed his hair.
"How do I look? (-o-)／"
Hikaru gave a thumbs-up.
"Absolutely awesome. Let's knock."
(๑＞＜๑)
They entered the Senju residence through the guards.
It was Hikaru's first time here. The compound was large but sparsely populated. All he saw were older elders.
This was because the Senju followed the will of the First Hokage. The younger generation had dispersed throughout Konoha, branching out and establishing themselves.
Those left behind were lonely elders from the Warring States era.
At that moment…
Hikaru truly admired Senju Hashirama. He was a great ninja, worthy of the title "God of Shinobi."
"Hikaru! Minato!"
Hikaru turned at the call and saw Senju Nawaki running out energetically, his face glowing with a bright smile.
Following him were Kushina and Tsunade. Only 21, Tsunade's long golden hair and heroic bearing were striking.
Now, her stunning face carried a faint maliciousness, and Hikaru's expression stiffened.
Why was she home?
Hikaru kept his distance from Tsunade. Her personality was far too harsh—every time they met, she wore a scowl. And the last time Hikaru asked her about the Super Strength Technique, she had scolded him, accusing him of trying to pry into the Senju secrets.
So unfair! He was just asking a question, not saying he wanted to learn it.
Though, admittedly, he did want to learn…
But he hadn't even said that yet!
Hikaru's mouth twitched. He turned and started to leave, not wanting to linger any longer.
"Huh?" he looked at Namikaze Minato in confusion. "Why are you holding me?"
Minato didn't answer. He simply gripped Hikaru firmly, smiling as he gazed at Kushina.
(＞﹏＜)
"Let go of me!"
Minato seemed not to hear, only keeping his eyes on Kushina.
"Minato, you traitor! You've betrayed the friendship between us!" Hikaru's mind roared.
"小 brat, where do you think you're going?" Tsunade grabbed Hikaru by the collar, lifting him off the ground. Her eyes flashed dangerously.
Hikaru dangled in midair, unable to break free.
Damn it!
"Rubber… Rubber Octopus!"
He stretched his limbs and wrapped them around Tsunade, binding her tightly.
Tsunade hadn't expected him to resist. Off-guard, she was wrapped up firmly. When she realized it, her body was taut, and she looked down to see Hikaru lying across her.
A strange feeling surged through her.
This brat…
Her face turned slightly awkward. "Little brat, let go."
Hikaru ignored Tsunade and looked at Senju Nawaki. "Your sister is way too rough. She wants to hit people as soon as she meets them. Is this really how the Senju family entertains guests?"
"Uh…"
"Sis, you went too far."
To Nawaki, Tsunade was being terribly impolite. How could she treat a friend like this?
But his words were like lighting a powder keg. Tsunade couldn't tolerate it; chakra erupted as she sent Hikaru flying.
Furious, she prepared to teach both Hikaru and the foolish little brother a lesson.
"Enough! How many times have I told you, girls should be gentle?"
Mito stepped out of the room, immediately intervening.
"But—" Tsunade protested, feeling wronged. She'd been taken advantage of. Though he was just a little brat, there were some things a girl shouldn't be touched.
"Alright, put away your dirty thoughts. He's only six years old."
With that, Mito ignored Tsunade and approached Hikaru. "Little Hikaru, welcome! Grandma really likes you."
Her face was full of warmth as she patted Hikaru and glanced at the others with a smile.
"Little Hikaru, your bloodline limit awakening leans toward Taijutsu. Shall Grandma teach you the Super Strength Technique?"
Hikaru's eyes lit up. He wanted to say yes immediately but understood that nothing in this world came for free. He asked,
"Why?"
Mito blinked, pretending to be sad. "Looks like Grandma isn't worthy of your trust, Little Hikaru. So sad…"
"Uh…" Hikaru was speechless. Come on, you're the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki.
He silently thought this, knowing he had no reason to refuse. If he wanted to learn someone's secret technique, it naturally came at a cost.
Whether hidden or overt, it was worth it.
And don't underestimate these Warring States era elites. By the time Hikaru asked, there was no escaping the assessment—his bloodline limit potential had already been comprehensively evaluated.
"Very well, then I'll leave it in your care."
Tsunade pouted, not contradicting Mito, but grew increasingly annoyed at Hikaru.
That brat… let him have his moment of pride first.