Been a while. I find it A Marvel that a single question from a reader (different reader) managed to yet again knock me entirely off course for what I initially planned to write.
Not doing a rewrite again before most of you freak out. Just explaining why there haven't been updates for days now. Anyway,
New week, New Chapter.
If you like what you read, don't forget to drop your powerstones.
...
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Levi's POV
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The sun dipped behind the towering walls of Trost, casting long shadows across the deserted streets. Near the slums, where the stench of blood lingered thick in the air, a tense confrontation was unfolding.
Two figures stood in the clearing—one male, one female.
From their perch atop a distant structure, the Special Operations Squad observed in silence. The five of them had arrived unseen, their vantage point giving them a clear view of the situation below.
Levi stood at the forefront, eyes sharp as he observed the figure draped in black, standing over a freshly slain corpse. Beside him, Petra let out a quiet breath, eyes narrowing as she saw Ren frozen in place, her rifle lowered unnaturally.
"Damn it," Gunther muttered under his breath. "What the hell is she doing? She had a clean shot."
"More like she forgot how to pull the trigger," Eld murmured, fingers tightening around his blades.
"Never thought I'd see the day. The MP's actually getting targeted …" Oluo uttered in a low tone, much to the agreement of everyone else.
Levi remained silent, assessing.
It had been a minute since the group of Five arrived at the warehouse. The scene that unfolded was honestly beyond their expectations.
MP's dead. It was a rare occurrence. The last time Levi had seen MPs getting slaughtered like this…
'Kenny.'
The name crossed his mind unbidden, and his expression darkened.
Before he could think further, Petra's voice cut through his thoughts. "Captain… what do we do?"
The man exhaled, Turning his attention back to the scene. It didn't matter if this was related to him. He would find the answer soon enough.
For now, They had an unidentified enemy, an unresponsive soldier, and too many unknowns.
'Most likely, The officer's current state is his doing as well'. The way the officer stood—stiff, vacant, unmoving—was unnatural. It was clear that whatever happened wasn't due to hesitation. Something was wrong.
How exactly? This was another unknown, but they were going to find out.
"Take him."
Levi made his decision.
In a single motion, he fired his ODM grapple. The wire streaked through the air like a silver fang, aimed directly at the target's legs, meant to pierce through and incapacitate.
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Seiji's POV
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The air was thick with the scent of blood.
Seiji barely paid it any mind. His gaze lingered on the stiff, unmoving form of the woman beside him—her eyes unfocused, her breathing slow.
Even if no one caused her pain, The Genjutsu would wear off eventually. The humans of this world didn't have chakra, hence a sustainable Genjutsu was impossible.
The rest wasn't his concern. He had spent enough Time in Trost anyway.
Thinking of this, he lost all Interest and turned to leave.
'Alright Then, let's just …'.
It happened then.
'Huh?'
His eyes shifted. The moment it was launched, Seiji's Sharingan Quickly locked onto the attack The faint silver gleam under the last rays of sunlight, distant but growing closer.
The young Uchiha didn't think—his muscle memory doing all the thinking for him. His body tensed, muscles coiling like a spring before he launched himself into the air.
The silver wire sliced through the space he had just occupied. Midair a heartbeat later, his Sharingan spun, catching sight of the attacker—a man, dressed in orange clothing, wielding blades. ODM gear.
His gaze flickered past the attacker, scanning the rooftops. More. Four others, all poised, weapons at the ready. Their expressions were a mix of shock and wariness.
Instantly, his gaze locked onto the Emblem embedded on their uniform. Freedom wings, Five people. 'Levi …'.
In the distance, Levi had his brows narrow.
'He … Dodged'.
The surprise wasn't limited to him alone.
'Did he just?…'
'… By The Walls …'.
'Impossible'.
The rest of the squad were also shocked at what they saw. Not expecting the attack to be dodged at all.
'Guess it won't be that Easy'. Levi thought 'In that case …'. The grappling cable that missed its mark was retracted. Simultaneously, a second one was fired straight towards the roof of the opposite building at Seiji who just landed on the roof.
Meanwhile,
Landing on the roof, the first thing Seiji noticed was a second ODM cable firing towards him Under the vision of his Sharingan.
'Hmph!'
A slight cloud of smoke appeared under his wrists. Following which, a Kunai emerged in his hand.
Clang!
The sound of Metal striking against metal resounded as Seiji deflected the Grappling Line away.
Nevertheless, his actions didn't stop there. In one fluid motion, he pulled the Kunai back and launched it from his grip, aimed in the same direction the cable came from.
The blade tore through the air at rapid speed.
Levi's expression hardened instantly, raising his sword to block.
Clang!
Both weapons collided. In an instant, The Kunai changed course, moving downward before embedding itself into the roof a few inches away from the Oluo.
"Damn …" He exclaimed at the weapon now right next to him. His expression scared out of his wits.
"… Captain, you almost …" His voice halted, words strangled in his throat.
"Oh my …" Everyone looked towards Levi, wide-eyed. No other reason, a large crack had appeared on the sword Levi had used to deflect the blade.
Not to mention, a line of blood trailed down from the Newly opened wound on his cheeks.
'Tsk … Would you look at that.'? Looking at the injury from the blade, The Ackerman clicked his tongue.
'Just as I thought. The force behind that blade cracked mine … It's impossible for a normal person to achieve such throwing force. This, Is most likely related to Kenny'.
"Captain, you're …."
"Listen up…" Levi cut in before they could finish. "… The enemy is harder to deal with than I anticipated. Forget capture,"
He said while disengaging the cracked blade, before installing new ones. "Now, attack with the intent to kill. Treat him like you would treat a Titan."
In his youth, Levi had been told by Kenny the feeling they both shared. That feeling of being full of strength. Heightened senses, sharpened instincts. This person just displayed all three.
No, that jump was even more outrageous. From the ground to the roof, it was a full eight meters leap. As humanity's strongest soldier, such a feat was impossible, Even for him.
Levi didn't see the opponent wearing any ODM gear. Meaning he had done it himself. Coupled together, it meant this Teenager was probably just like him and Kenny.
Now, he had murdered the Military Police stationed here. That was enough to deem him a dangerous enemy.
It was imperative to make sure his subordinates didn't attempt holding back, before they got themselves killed.
Saying this, Levi didn't hesitate. Firing his grappling cables, he launched forward towards the enemy.
The stunned group reacted and followed after him.
'Let's see …'. The cable latched onto a nearby building. Levi at the forefront swung forward. '… Just how much of a Threat you really are …'.
The Thirty-Two year old man thought, blades ready.
On the other end, watching Levi and his squad attack, Seiji clasped his hands together.
His hands moved, forming seals with his fingers. Noticing the faster flow of Chakra, he momentarily marvelled at the innate Talent increase in Chakra control brought by awakening The Mangekyo.
This was Seiji's second use of Jutsu since he appeared in this world Two days ago. The firs being Earth Style, and this being a C Rank Offensive Ninjutsu.
In the hands of a master like Orochimaru, it could leave a mile long trail, destroying everything in its path.
In the hands of Seiji who hadn't even mastered The Chakra Nature Transformation of Wind Release, the effect was not even close.
Nevertheless, compared to his last memory of using this Technique, the power was greatly strengthened.
Plus, This wasn't the Ninja world, and the Targets of usage weren't even Shinobi. In an instant, The Chakra in Seiji's body was converted. Following which, a large gust of wind was expelled forward from his mouth.
'What is he? …'. Before Levi could finish his thoughts, it happened then.
'Wind Style: Great Breach/Fūton: Daitoppa'
Levi's expression changed as a powerful gust of wind blew forward, slamming into The Captain before he could react. The force so great that his cables latched onto the structure disconnected.
In an instant, Levi was sent flying into the distance, slamming on the roof of a nearby building.
"Captain!" Petra yelled in alarm.
"Dammit!…"
"What was that? …"
"No clue, stay sharp!" Eld yelled through gritted teeth.
As trained soldiers, the loss of their captain wasn't enough to disorient them. With Maneuver cables shooting in all directions, they circled around the building and flanked from all four sides.
"Don't give him a chance! Attack from all directions. …"
Under Seiji's gaze, the Four rushed over from all Four points. Each one having their blades aimed at a different area.
Honestly, their Coordination was impressive. The moment Seiji's Wind Release sent Levi spiraling backward, the squad regained their bearings quickly and sprang into action.
Gunther and Eld lunged from his left and right respectively. Their movements sharp and coordinated, years of experience guiding their blades toward a perfect kill.
Petra flanked from behind, aiming for Seiji's blind spot with a grappling Line. Oluo roared as he charged from the front, ODM cables hissing.
Truly an impressive display of Skill, Teamwork, and Tactic understanding.
Nevertheless, it mattered little. In an instant, Seiji's Sharingan moved in all directions, rapidly recording their movements.
It was barely for a second. The squad was already on him the next.
"Kill this Murderer!..." Each slashed at different areas, Head, legs, spine, stomach.
All at once, they attacked, leaving no room for dodging. Not surprisingly, they all missed.
Gunther's blade sliced through empty air where Seiji should have been. Eld's strike, meant to carve through flesh, met only the wind. Petra's grappling line shot past as Seiji simply flickered out of the Inescapable lock.
"What—?!" Eld gasped, eyes widening.
Petra's breath hitched. "How could? …"
"Impossible." However, their Troubles weren't over as a figure reappeared in the same spot after their attacks went through.
Gunther barely had time to register his failure before Seiji's foot slammed into his gut.
"—Gah!" Gunther choked, his body jerking backward. The impact sent him skidding across the rooftop, his breath stolen from his lungs.
Eld staggered. "Damn it—" He barely had time to raise his blades before a sharp elbow smashed into his ribs.
Pain exploded through his chest. He coughed, stumbling, knees threatening to buckle.
Petra reacted fast. Even as Seiji attacked the others, she aimed her cables, adjusting her line midair to avoid his counters.
It should have worked.
It didn't.
Seiji's hand flicked—a kunai materialized in his grip.
With one clean motion, he sliced through Petra's grappling line.
Her body jerked in the air.
"Wha—?!" Petra barely had time to process before gravity took hold.
She plummeted, landing hard on the rooftop with a pained grunt.
A sharp battle cry rang out.
"You Little Shit!" Oluo was already on him. "I'll Get You For That!"
Blades raised. Spit flying as he yelled, his face contorted in rage.
In response to this, Seiji simply turned his gaze. The moment both eyes locked, The Sharingan did its Job.
Oluo's pupils shrank as a foreign substance invaded his consciousness. What followed was predictable.
His mind blanked. His grip loosened. His blade wavered. His thoughts—gone.
As a result, the man attacking midair lost his balance. Losing control of his Maneuver Gear, he slammed face first into the rooftop. The pain instantly woke him up from the Genjutsu, yet before he could react—his momentum carried him over the edge.
For a brief, terrifying moment, he was weightless.
Then—he dropped. Eight meters down.
Tumbling to the ground in an unceremonious heap.
It had barely been Five seconds. The offensive ended Not long after it began. On the roof, Seiji raised an eyebrow in amusement.
"Wonderful skill, Too little power." he muttered apathetically, his voice halting as he senses the movement from behind.
In response, Seiji tilted his head slightly. A grappling line shot through the next moment, narrowly missing where his head should have been a moment ago before latching onto the roof.
From behind, Levi swung forward, charging at full speed. Seiji's body turned into a blur, utilizing the body flicker Jutsu and disappearing on the spot.
Levi's attack hit nothing but air.
'… How did he? …' The man questioned as he landed on the roof, his instincts screaming wildly. In an instant, his reflexes kicked in as he spun around and slashed flexibly.
The sound that followed was a muffled thud. The sword indeed slashed out, but was clasped firmly within one hand, covered within an Ash blue molded coat of Chakra.
"Wouldn't you agree?…" Both eyes locked, Seiji activated his Sharingan.
'Genjutsu'. The Chakra poured from his eyes into Levi's.
However …
Clang!
The sound of the sword disengaging resounded. Seeing his weapon being easily grasped, The Ackerman abandoned the blade, disconnecting it and leaping upward without hesitation.
'Hold on … he just ..'.
In that Moment, Seiji felt surprise for the first time in this battle.
'He ignored My Genjutsu'. He had lost count of how many Times he used Genjutsu since arriving here. None had failed him, despite the natives of this world having no Chakra or Chakra Pathways to sustain it.
Now however, he had met the first exception.
Meanwhile, Levi leaped backwards into the air. His mind reeling from the battle.
'Damn it. Just who is this guy?'
That fighting style… it wasn't Kenny. He was sure of it now. It had been many years but ... Not judging from what he'd seen, Not even Kenny could avoid his attack at such close range.
It wasn't just implausible, it was impossible. Literally impossible. And yet, it happened right before his very eyes. This couldn't be Kenny's handiwork.
If it was, then the man had gotten much more terrifying after many years of separation to be able to train someone to achieve this. The way Seiji moved—it was too sharp, too refined, too… unnatural for a normal human.
He thought as he reattached a new blade midair before firing his Grappling Lines once again.
He swung to a nearby rooftop, landing there and observing the opponents movements while coming to a decision.
'This isn't good. The only thing I can do now is go at full speed and strike from multiple angles as fast as I can … But … My gear hasn't been refilled since yesterday. Not to mention, the Terrain isn't the best fit.'
It had been Two days since their last expedition. The last time he refilled his gas was during the return Trip to Trost. Now, Two days later, he reckoned his gas was almost on empty.
Forget about supporting his all out attacks. Once he lost The support of Maneuver gear, things would take a turn for the worst.
He and his squad would most likely …
"Alright …" Levi's thoughts were cut short. In the distance, Seiji continued. "… I've seen enough."
Under Levi's gaze, he put away his offensive stance, much to his confusion.
"I must say, Levi Ackerman. You're quite a Fighter. Perhaps you could have been much stronger if you were born in my world."
Levi frowned, his brows narrowing once more. "What the hell are you saying?"
Seiji didn't answer. Instead, turning his gaze towards the distance. Levi looked in the same direction.
Not far away, several figures could be seen advancing towards them. Just from their figures, it was clear they were Garrison soldiers coming to investigate.
'Those are reinforcements ...'. Looking at The Garrison soldiers, Levi understood. Just like him and his squad, they had most likely come to investigate the gunshots.
'A little Late'. This couldn't be helped. The Special Operations squad were closer and arrived earlier.
"This has been, interesting. But it's about time I take my leave."
"Tch … Is that so?" Levi uttered. "And what exactly makes you think I'll let you leave?" Seeing the Garrison appearing, Levi had made up his mind to buy as much time as possible.
Throughout the very short battle, Levi had come to the conclusion that for the first time, he had met an enemy he couldn't take down on his own.
Such a dangerous individual, it would be best to permanently keep him here for the good of everyone. Hence, despite knowing it would be difficult, he was ready to stall.
However …
In response, Seiji chuckled. "Well .... That's because, I was never here to begin with." Following which, he shrugged and clasped his hands together.
'This again?' Instantly, Levi went on alert. The weird wind that suddenly came out of nowhere was still fresh in his memory.
He couldn't explain what that was, but it all started with that same move. Seiji didn't mind. "Trust when I say, we will definitely meet again someday. Till then, goodbye, Levi Ackerman."
Puff!
Those were his last words before Seiji Uchiha exploded into a ball of smoke.
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Meanwhile,
Far from Trost, moving at a speed no human should, Seiji's real body barely faltered as the memories surged into him. The moment his clone had dispersed, it all came flooding back—the weight of the battle, the instant Levi had resisted his Genjutsu, the sharpness of the man's instincts.
He feels into thought for a moment, before a soft chuckle escaped his lips.
"An Ackerman, huh…" His eyes gleamed, thoughts shifting between the fight and what it meant for the world he had entered.
Perhaps, this world had more to offer him after all. Though severely lacking compared to the Ninja world, Even here, there were those who defy reason.
He exhaled, adjusting his pace as the towering walls of Sina drew closer.
Interesting.
And with that, he disappeared into the night once more.