As Hyuk ventured deeper into the Forest of Death, he felt a surge of exhilaration wash over him. The dense trees and underbrush enveloped him, creating a labyrinth of shadows and whispers. With each step, the darkness within him stirred, awakening an undeniable hunger for power. He relished the idea that he was allowed to kill without consequence in this unforgiving environment, and the thought sent a thrill through his veins.
It wasn't long before he stumbled upon a clearing where three familiar figures loitered. The sound ninjas—Dosu, Zaku, and Kin—were gathered, their smug expressions betraying their confidence. They were part of Team Dosu, and Hyuk remembered their earlier antics during the written exam, where they had threatened the weaker contestants.
"Look who we have here," Dosu taunted, noticing Hyuk's approach. "A pink-haired little brat who thinks he can take on the sound. You'd best turn back before you get hurt."
Hyuk felt a flicker of annoyance. They had been a nuisance before, and he had little patience for their arrogance now. "I'm not here to play games," he replied, his voice cold as ice. "You picked the wrong day to mess with me."
The trio exchanged glances, sensing the growing menace in Hyuk's demeanor. Zaku smirked, attempting to intimidate. "You think you can take us on alone? You're outnumbered, kid."
With a twisted grin, Hyuk replied, "Outnumbered? I see only three weaklings standing in my way."
Without another word, he focused his chakra, feeling the familiar coldness swell within him. The air around him began to crystallize as he unleashed his new technique: "Ice Release: Cryobomb!"
A massive sphere of ice shot forth, exploding on impact with the ground, sending shards of razor-sharp ice spiraling in every direction. The blast engulfed the sound ninjas, encasing them in a frigid prison. Within moments, jagged spikes erupted from the icy mass, piercing through the helpless genin with brutal precision.
The cries of the sound ninjas echoed through the clearing, quickly silenced by the overwhelming force of Hyuk's technique. He watched with a detached fascination as the ice cocooned them, leaving only a chilling stillness behind.
As the last remnants of their struggle faded, Hyuk approached the frozen remnants, a sinister grin creeping across his face. He retrieved the Earth Scroll from their lifeless forms, feeling a surge of satisfaction.
With his prize secured, he stepped back, surveying the aftermath of his dominance. The thrill of power coursed through him, the darkness inside him momentarily satiated but always lurking, waiting for its next opportunity to rise.
Hyuk turned on his heel and began to leave the clearing, the sound of silence enveloping him. He felt invincible, a predator in this deadly jungle, eager to continue his path of conquest.