Satoru's sharp observations stunned more than just the light-haired ninja who had been exposed.
Kiyota Sato, who was fighting nearby, was also taken by surprise.
He's too sharp.
He figured out the truth so quickly?
Before Sato could process it further, the enemy took advantage of his distraction and attacked swiftly.
The sword slashed dangerously close to his forehead, grazing his hair.
Sato quickly snapped back to attention and stepped back, narrowly avoiding the blow. A few strands of hair fell to the ground, carried by the cold light of the blade.
*That was close!* he thought.
He refocused, turning his attention back to his opponent, and resumed the battle.
However, his ears couldn't help but stay tuned to Satoru's movements. It wasn't out of curiosity—it was just that the revelation Satoru had made earlier was too shocking to ignore.
---
Satoru, still smiling brightly, turned his innocent gaze to the light-haired ninja.
"Are you sick?" he asked, his voice light. "Why's your face so ugly?"
This wasn't like using some drug to make skin and hair pale.
What's going on here?
He had never heard of the Boulder Clan having this kind of characteristic.
The innocent look on Satoru's face belied his sharp words.
He didn't seem to realize how critical his observations were.
He was simply trying to be helpful, offering a "friendly reminder."
It wasn't his fault their camouflage was poor.
He gave an almost smug smile, preparing to continue his "helpful" commentary.
"Look," Satoru said, turning his attention to the enemy again. "That Boulder ninja—he's used to close-range combat combined with ninjutsu. Every time he closes in, his fingers tense as if preparing for a seal. So, next, he'll probably move in on the captain and use ninjutsu for a surprise attack."
Satoru paused for dramatic effect.
"The best technique for close quarters would be... Thunderstorm!"
No sooner had he spoken the words than the enemy ninja shouted, "Thunderstorm!"
It was almost as if to verify Satoru's prediction. The Boulder ninja unleashed the Lightning Release technique immediately after Satoru finished speaking.
Naoya Kuchigi, the captain, reacted quickly, gaining an extra moment of awareness thanks to Satoru's warning. He dodged the attack just in time.
The powerful thunderclap struck the ground, leaving a deep mark in the earth.
At this point, all combat stopped. Everyone turned to look at Satoru, who had been casually explaining the battle moments before.
Ninjas were known for their keen sense of hearing, and even the faintest sound could be heard clearly.
It wasn't just his voice—it was the undisguised manner in which Satoru had spoken. It left everyone in stunned silence.
Satoru, now the center of attention, furrowed his brow slightly, confused by the sudden quiet.
"Hey!" he exclaimed, looking at the group. "What's with the stares?"
"Why aren't you fighting?"
"..."
"..."
"..."
The tension was palpable. Neither the Konoha ninjas nor the Boulder Clan members knew how to respond.
*Why don't we fight?*
Didn't Satoru realize the situation?
The Konoha ninjas were still trying to process Satoru's unexpected brilliance. They marveled at his sharp acumen, his uncanny judgment, and his unorthodox methods.
But the Boulder Clan members? They were in turmoil.
Not only had their techniques been completely exposed, but their cover had been blown wide open. They felt as if they were standing in front of the emperor in his "new clothes," surrounded by mockery.
They turned to Satoru, their expressions darkening in silence. The mood had shifted completely.
Satoru, feeling the sudden tension, stroked his blindfold and glanced around, unsure of how to break the uncomfortable silence.
*What's going on? Why is everyone suddenly so quiet?*
He tilted his head, pondering how to address the awkwardness.
Finally, he spoke again, trying to lighten the mood.
"That's why I said," he began, "ninjas can disguise their skin and hair color, but their essence doesn't change easily."
"Body shapes, habits—those change from region to region. It's hard to hide these physical traits and differences."
He looked around at the stunned faces and continued, "You see? Don't you see it?"
---
Unfortunately, Satoru's attempt to ease the tension only made it worse. His words, instead of calming the situation, seemed to only deepen the discomfort.
A few members of the Boulder Clan exchanged glances, and without a word, they turned and fled, their faces cold and resolute.
There was nothing left to say.
What if they couldn't control themselves and attacked the white-haired boy, starting a war with Konoha?
They didn't want to take that risk. Their thoughts were clear: they didn't want to deal with him in the short term.
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 90 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
Gimme power stonesssss
Also, leave a review FFS