Darui was momentarily taken aback by Reiki's response. He had assumed Reiki would jump at the chance to prove himself in a duel. Instead, Reiki calmly requested payment.
"How much?" Darui asked coldly, suppressing his irritation.
"10 million Ryo," Reiki replied casually, adding, "Oh, and better make it 20 million. I'll treat you after the fight, too."
Darui's eyes narrowed, but he tossed 20 million Ryo at Reiki. "Fine. If you lose, you'll withdraw from the Chunin Exam. If I lose, name your price."
"Teacher," Reiki turned to the nearby assessment ninjas, "is it alright if we fight here?"
"As long as you don't disturb others," one of them replied. "We'll be leaving in half an hour, so keep it quick."
In a flash, Darui stepped outside, readying his short sword. Ai, watching from the sidelines, glanced at a masked ninja. "You think Darui can win?"
The masked ninja shook his head slightly. "He won't. If anything, Konoha's rapid development suggests they're on a different level."
Ai's expression darkened. The implication was clear: if Konoha continued to grow unchecked, other villages would struggle to keep up.
---
Facing off against Darui, Reiki remained relaxed, holding a large sword he had just summoned from a scroll. Seeing the massive blade, Darui's mouth twitched. *Could this guy be as destructive as Tsunade?* he wondered.
But before he could ponder further, Reiki's voice cut through the air. "Thunder Release: Lightning Flash!" Reiki lunged, and with immense force, his sword struck Darui's raised guard, knocking him backward.
"On the battlefield, you'd be a corpse by now," Reiki said. "If you're just bored, there's no need to challenge me."
Darui steadied himself, his face flushed with anger. "Underestimating me was a mistake. We from Kumogakure are masters of Lightning Release!"
Reiki's swift movements interrupted Darui's retort. "Fighting isn't about talking," he said, moving in for another strike. Reiki's attacks came in a furious rhythm, each blow boosted by lightning, his heavy sword driving Darui back with each clash.
Darui found himself struggling to keep up. *I can't keep this up,* he thought, beads of sweat forming on his brow. *This… medical ninja… has a killing intent!*
"Thunder Release: Black Lightning!" Darui unleashed a surge of dark lightning, using the technique to create distance. But as he stepped back, Reiki's blade was already at his neck. For a brief moment, Darui was certain he'd lost—until he saw the blade clashing against his lightning, repelling Reiki with a burst of energy.
Panting, Darui touched his neck, realizing he was unharmed. He watched Reiki, who had staggered back, laughing lightly. "Your Black Lightning is tricky. I'm low on chakra, so… call it a draw?"
Still puzzled, Darui nodded. "Fine… a draw."
"Thanks!" Reiki said, putting away his blade and stretching. "Is that it? I've got a craving for some grilled meat from Takigakure."
The exam proctor stepped forward with a map. "Tomorrow is the last part of the Chunin Exam. It'll consist of team and solo battles. Use this route through the Forest of Souls to reach the final destination."
---
As the candidates dispersed, Reiki turned to the others with a grin. "Who's up for a little hunting? I spotted some good game in the Forest of Souls. Perfect for a team dinner!"
"Not a bad idea," someone chimed in. "I spent all my money on number cards anyway!"
A group of candidates rallied around Reiki, heading off to prepare a communal dinner, while others, satisfied with the day's events, headed back alone.
>>>>>
If You would like to read up to 75 chapters ahead you can access my Patr*on at [patreon.com/TranslatorHaven1972]