Yukino and Narumi faced each other, the tension between them palpable. The stillness of Azure Lake mirrored the calm before a storm, its serene surface betraying the clash about to unfold.
Narumi stood firm, his gaze locked onto Yukino. "You've got a spark, outsider. But sparks fizzle out against the tides."
Yukino's fists tightened, electricity faintly crackling at his fingertips. "Maybe it's time someone showed you what lightning can do to water."
Narumi smirked. "Let's see if you can back up those words."
Without warning, Narumi thrust his hands forward. Water surged from the lake, swirling into a wave that raced toward Yukino. Reacting instinctively, Yukino leaped into the air, his body crackling with electricity. He extended his hand, sending a bolt of lightning slicing through the water. Steam erupted, obscuring the battlefield.
From within the mist, Yukino heard Narumi's voice, calm and controlled. "Impressive reflexes. But can you keep up?"
The mist shifted suddenly, and tendrils of water lashed out from all directions. Yukino spun mid-air, releasing arcs of lightning to intercept them. Sparks flew as water and electricity collided, lighting up the dimming sky.
Narumi emerged from the mist, his kunai gleaming in one hand while the other manipulated streams of water with precision. He slashed downward, and a blade of pressurized water shot toward Yukino.
Yukino dodged, landing on the rocky shore. He planted his feet firmly and channeled his energy. "Lightning Arc Art!" he shouted, unleashing a web of electricity that surged outward in all directions.
Narumi reacted quickly, forming a protective sphere of water around himself. The lightning struck the barrier, sending ripples through it but failing to penetrate. Narumi dropped the sphere and retaliated with a sweeping motion, conjuring a spiraling column of water that hurtled toward Yukino.
Yukino raised his arms, summoning his own power. "Storm Wall Art!" A barrier of crackling energy materialized, shielding him as the water collided with it in a spectacular burst of light and steam.
Their battle raged on, the two warriors testing each other's limits. Yukino's lightning attacks were fast and relentless, but Narumi's mastery of water gave him versatility and control. Each move was countered with precision, each strike met with equal force.
Narumi grinned, his voice cutting through the chaos. "You've got potential, outsider. But raw power isn't enough to win."
Yukino gritted his teeth, determination flaring in his eyes. "I don't need you to believe in me. I'll prove myself!"
Narumi raised an eyebrow, his expression softening for a moment. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he unleashed a torrent of water shaped like a serpent. Its glowing blue form coiled menacingly before lunging toward Yukino.
Summoning every ounce of his strength, Yukino channeled his lightning into a crackling sphere. "Raikou!" he roared, hurling the concentrated energy at the serpent. Narumi raised his hands, shouting, "Seven Seas' Art of Kamizuki!" The two forces collided in mid-air, creating a deafening explosion that sent shockwaves across the lake.
When the dust settled, Narumi stood with a smirk on his face and the fierce form of Jiao still at his side. Narumi lowered his hands, his expression unreadable. "Not bad. Maybe you're worth more than I thought."
Yukino gasped for breath, his voice trembling. "Is that... really Jiao, the Great Water Dragon?"
Narumi stood cold and nonchalant, nodding his head. "Yeah. It's Jiao, or at least half of it."
He extended a hand, helping Yukino to his feet. "What really brings you to the Water Nation?"
Catching his breath, Yukino hesitated before answering. "I've come to learn about the Fivefold Path of Godai. I heard your Lord holds answers."
"Well, that's convincing enough for me," Narumi said with a chuckle. "You've got heart. And honestly? I've got nothing better to do. I'll help you on this journey."
"Are you sure?" Yukino asked, skepticism in his voice. "A minute ago, it seemed like you hated me."
Narumi shrugged. "Look, in case you haven't noticed, people around here don't exactly like me. They're wary, scared. I'm not going to pretend I'm a saint, but... I think we could make this work."
Yukino studied Narumi, weighing his words. "Alright, but it's not going to be easy."
Narumi smirked. "Good. I'd be bored otherwise. Lead the way."