Kirigakure Training Grounds
The training field buzzed with energy, a sea of shinobi gathered under the misty sky, their murmurs a low hum of anticipation. Ye Liangnai stood at the center, his arms crossed, his expression a mix of irritation and amusement. "Didn't expect such a crowd," he muttered, his voice barely audible over the chatter. "Feels like I'm a damn monkey in a cage. Not exactly my vibe."
He hated the spotlight, the weight of countless eyes dissecting his every move. Shaking off the discomfort, he turned to Ringo Ameyuri, Hozuki Suigetsu, and Shima Isshin, their faces set with determination. "So, who's first?" he asked, his tone casual, almost dismissive, as if the challenge was a minor inconvenience.
Ameyuri stepped forward, her grip tightening on her dual blades, her eyes blazing. "I'll go."
"Let's get started, then," Ye Liangnai said, his voice flat. In a blur, he closed the distance, his eyes locking onto hers. "Genjutsu: Binding Illusion!" His enhanced technique, now three times stronger and lasting three seconds, took hold instantly. Ameyuri froze, her body rigid, unable to resist.
Ye Liangnai's katana flashed, stopping an inch from her throat, the cold steel glinting. He released the genjutsu, his expression neutral. "You lose."
"Damn it!" Ameyuri's curse was a low growl, her fists clenching as she stepped back. The gap's this wide already? Just half a month ago, at their graduation exam, Ye Liangnai had struggled to subdue her. Now, he'd done it effortlessly, as if she were a child. Is he getting stronger by the second?
Ye Liangnai's gaze shifted to Suigetsu and Isshin. "Next?"
Suigetsu swaggered forward, his smirk brimming with confidence. "Don't think you'll take me down so easily," he taunted. As a Hozuki, his clan's Hydrification Technique made him nearly untouchable, his body able to liquefy at will. Without a specific counter, striking his true form was a fool's errand.
"Ready when you are," Ye Liangnai said, his eyes narrowing. He locked gazes with Suigetsu, feinting as if to cast another genjutsu. Suigetsu, wise to the trick, shut his eyes and leaped back, grinning. "Not falling for that twice!"
"Oh? Who said I was using genjutsu?" Ye Liangnai's voice was closer—too close. Suigetsu's eyes snapped open, but it was too late. The cold bite of Ye Liangnai's blade pressed against his neck, the boy's speed outpacing even Suigetsu's liquid reflexes. "You lose," Ye Liangnai said, sheathing his katana with a grin.
"Tch!" Suigetsu's face twisted, his bravado shattered. He'd boasted loudly, only to be humiliated in seconds, his vaunted abilities unused. The sting of defeat burned, his pride bruised as he retreated.
The crowd erupted, cheers and gasps mingling. "Secured Ameyuri with genjutsu, outsmarted Suigetsu with a feint—Chill's untouchable!" one ninja shouted. "No one his age can touch him," another marveled. "It's like he's playing a different game."
Ye Liangnai's movements were fluid, almost effortless, a masterclass in precision and strategy. Monster, the onlookers thought, awestruck by his dominance.
Finally, Ye Liangnai's eyes settled on Shima Isshin. "Your turn."
Isshin bowed politely, his demeanor calm but resolute. "Please, go easy on me," he said, drawing his blade.
"Polite as ever," Ye Liangnai replied, a faint smile tugging at his lips. His expression hardened, and he charged, his speed a blur.
"Water Style: Water Formation Wall!" Isshin's hands flew through seals, summoning a dense water barrier to block Ye Liangnai's advance. He retreated, already weaving new seals. "Water Style—"
He didn't finish. Ye Liangnai's katana sliced through the water wall with a single, devastating swing, the enhanced blade parting the jutsu like paper. Crack! The barrier collapsed, water splashing uselessly.
Gasps rose from the crowd. "He cut through a ninjutsu?!" a ninja stammered. "That's insane!" The feat was beyond comprehension, a display of raw power that left even seasoned shinobi reeling. Facing such an opponent felt like staring into an abyss.
"Water Style: Water Gun Jutsu!" Ye Liangnai's seals were a flicker, two high-speed water bullets rocketing toward Isshin. The boy dodged, the projectiles punching gaping holes in a tree behind him, splinters flying. Too close, Isshin thought, sweat beading on his brow.
"Watch out!" the crowd's shout snapped him back. Ye Liangnai was already there, his face filling Isshin's vision, a fist rocketing forward. Bam! The blow struck Isshin's chest, sending him flying like a ragdoll, crashing to the ground in a heap.
As Isshin struggled to rise, Ye Liangnai's blade hovered before his face, its edge gleaming with menace. "You lose," Ye Liangnai said, his voice calm, almost bored.
The crowd fell silent, then exploded into murmurs. "He's on another level," one ninja said, shaking his head. "No wonder he faced Kakashi—his peers don't stand a chance."
"The gap's too wide," another agreed. "White Chill's a force of nature."
Even the veterans felt the pressure. Ameyuri, Suigetsu, and Isshin stood frozen, their confidence shattered, the weight of Ye Liangnai's strength a suffocating reality. He's not just ahead—he's untouchable, Ameyuri thought, her fists trembling.
Momochi Zabuza watched, his eyes narrowing. A few days, and he's leaped forward again. This kid's a freak. Biwa Juzo squinted, his thoughts grim. That sealing speed… even we'd struggle against him. He's a nightmare.
The spectators dispersed, their minds buzzing with what they'd witnessed. From that day, Ye Liangnai's title as Kirigakure's top young shinobi was cemented, a moniker he personally found overblown but couldn't escape.
In her prison cell, Terumi Mei heard the news, her laughter bright and proud. "Young top dog, huh? That's my Little Ye—unstoppable!"
A Month Later
Life settled into a rhythm of ANBU duties—patrolling the village, guarding key points, and training in survival, first aid, and tactical analysis. Ye Liangnai thrived in the grind, his days packed with purpose. His current strength was formidable, and a brief pause in earning Enhancement Points didn't faze him. I'm strong enough for now. Time to hone what I've got.
When Terumi Mei was released, Ye Liangnai was there, waiting at the prison gates. "How's it feel, Sis? Fresh air's better, right?" He grinned, gesturing to the rare clear sky above Kirigakure, the sun breaking through the village's perpetual mist. "Blue skies, green grass—world's looking good."
Mei stretched, her smile radiant despite the faint weariness in her eyes. "Even the heavens are celebrating my freedom," she said, chuckling. "A perfect day." A month in confinement, even with her influence, had left its mark, but her spirit was unbroken, her presence as commanding as ever.