Chapter 8: The First Clash
The rogue ninja's blade met Nicolas's with a sharp clang, the force of the impact reverberating through his arms. Nicolas gritted his teeth, pushing back with all his strength. The rogue's smirk widened, his eyes gleaming with malicious intent.
"Not bad for a rookie," the rogue sneered, twisting his blade in an attempt to disarm Nicolas. "But you're out of your depth."
Nicolas's focus sharpened as he stepped to the side, narrowly dodging a second strike. His training with Tsunade echoed in his mind: Stay calm. Control your movements. Find their weakness.
The rogue's attacks were fast and brutal, but they lacked precision. Nicolas analyzed his movements, looking for an opening. With a swift pivot, he countered, aiming a strike at the rogue's exposed side. The rogue barely managed to block, his smirk faltering.
"Looks like I underestimated you," the rogue growled, leaping back to gain distance.
---
Meanwhile, Shikaku and Rina had their hands full dealing with a flurry of kunai and explosive tags set by the rogue as traps. Shikaku's sharp mind quickly devised a strategy.
"Rina, cover Nicolas from a distance," Shikaku ordered, deflecting a kunai with a well-timed swipe. "I'll take care of disabling these traps."
Rina nodded, forming a series of hand seals. "Got it!" she replied, sending a stream of water projectiles toward the rogue to keep him distracted.
Nicolas used the opportunity to press his advantage. He dashed forward, his sword glowing faintly as he infused it with chakra. The rogue blocked again, but the force of Nicolas's strike sent him staggering.
"You're stronger than I expected," the rogue admitted, a hint of unease creeping into his voice. "But you're still just a child playing with powers you don't understand."
Nicolas didn't respond. His focus was absolute. He could feel the energy coursing through him, a sensation he still didn't fully comprehend. But for now, it didn't matter. All that mattered was stopping this man before he could hurt anyone else.
---
The battle raged on, each clash of blades sending sparks into the air. Nicolas's movements became more fluid, more confident, as he adapted to the rogue's fighting style. He wasn't just reacting—he was predicting, staying one step ahead.
Suddenly, the rogue unleashed a powerful jutsu, slamming his hands together. "Shadow Flame Barrage!" he shouted, sending a wave of black fire toward Nicolas. The intense heat seared the air, forcing Nicolas to retreat.
Rina quickly stepped in, forming a series of hand seals. "Water Style: Aqua Barrier!" she called, creating a wall of water that absorbed the flames.
"Thanks!" Nicolas shouted, taking a moment to catch his breath.
"Don't mention it!" Rina replied, her voice steady despite the strain of maintaining the jutsu.
---
As the flames dissipated, Shikaku emerged from the trees, having successfully disarmed the traps. "Enough games," he said, his voice calm but firm. "We end this now."
The rogue glanced around, realizing he was outnumbered and outmaneuvered. His smirk returned, though it lacked its earlier confidence. "Fine. Let's see how you handle this."
With a sudden burst of speed, the rogue charged at Nicolas, aiming for a decisive blow. Nicolas braced himself, channeling every ounce of chakra into his blade. As the rogue's attack descended, Nicolas met it head-on, their weapons colliding in a blinding flash of light.
For a moment, time seemed to freeze. Then, with a final surge of energy, Nicolas pushed forward, disarming the rogue and sending him crashing to the ground.
---
The rogue groaned, clutching his side as he struggled to stand. Shikaku stepped forward, binding him with chakra-infused restraints. "You're done," he said simply.
Nicolas lowered his sword, his chest heaving with exertion. He glanced at the rogue, who glared back at him with a mix of anger and grudging respect.
"You've got potential," the rogue muttered. "But potential alone won't be enough to survive what's coming."
Before Nicolas could ask what he meant, the rogue fell silent, his head drooping as exhaustion overtook him.
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As the group made their way back to the village, Nicolas couldn't shake the rogue's final words. What did he mean by 'what's coming'?