In the shinobi world, there are always those who bear the title of "genius"—prodigies who display extraordinary talent from a young age. These gifted individuals possess abilities beyond the reach of ordinary shinobi, and their potential allows them to stand above the rest.
Without a doubt, Terumi Mei is one such genius.
Despite being born into a lower-status family in Kirigakure, she naturally possessed four chakra natures—a rarity even among the elite of the shinobi world. According to the original course of history, Terumi Mei would one day rise to become the Fifth Mizukage, bringing an end to the reign of terror known as the Blood Mist Era under the rule of Yagura Karatachi, the Fourth Mizukage. This alone was proof of her brilliance and immense potential.
Yet at this moment, the young Terumi Mei had yet to fully develop her talent into strength.
Facing her opponent, she sharpened her focus, raising her vigilance to the highest level.
Before stepping onto the battlefield, she had already analyzed her adversary's movements and unique traits from prior observation. The ninja cats before her had mastered Yang Release techniques, a branch of chakra manipulation known for enhancing physical prowess. Without a doubt, these opponents excelled in close-quarters combat.
Engaging in melee against them would be unwise.
The battle commenced in an instant.
The moment the proctor signaled the start, Terumi Mei wasted no time—she swiftly leaped backward, retreating to create distance, her strategy clear from the outset.
Just as she predicted, the enemy struck without hesitation. The ninja cat lunged at her with astonishing speed, its claws extending from its padded paws in a deadly arc. These claws weren't ordinary; instead of the raw power seen in Cat Nosuke's Yang Release augmentation earlier, this shinobi beast specialized in "enhancement," refining its physical traits to terrifying levels.
The metallic sheen of its claws glinted menacingly in the light, reminiscent of the infamous Kiba swords once wielded by Jinin Akebino, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.
Terumi Mei had no intention of engaging in direct combat.
She swiftly wove hand seals and expelled five fireballs, each the size of a human head.
"Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!"
The flames shot toward the ninja cat from multiple angles, cutting off its escape routes.
Faced with the incoming barrage, the beast had no space to maneuver. With no choice but to counter, it raised both its razor-sharp claws and began slashing at the fireballs with blinding speed. Each strike cleanly split a fireball in two, dispersing the flames before they could reach their mark.
Yet even as the fireballs were extinguished, glowing embers scattered in all directions, igniting the thick fur of the ninja cat's body.
The beast hissed in annoyance, dropping to the ground and rolling swiftly to douse the flames.
Terumi Mei's eyes narrowed. This exchange had provided her with crucial insight—her opponent was a pure melee fighter with formidable Taijutsu skills and enhanced agility from Yang Release. Engaging in close combat would be a losing strategy.
She had to keep her distance.
Without wasting time, she initiated another jutsu.
"Fire Release: Dragon Fire Technique!"
A concentrated stream of flames roared from her mouth, snaking toward her target like a fiery serpent. Compared to the Phoenix Sage Fire Technique, Dragon Fire was a more focused attack, increasing its power and accuracy.
However, this time, her technique was rendered ineffective.
The ninja cat's muscles bulged unnaturally—its hind legs thickened, its lower body swelling as chakra coursed through its frame. With a single explosive motion, it vanished from its previous position, dodging the incoming flames with only a fraction of a second to spare.
"So fast…!"
Terumi Mei's eyes widened in shock.
Before she could react, the beast was already closing in.
Its twin claws slashed through the air, a blur of lethal precision. Ten razor-sharp talons bore down on her in an instant.
In a desperate attempt to defend herself, Terumi Mei drew a kunai and raised it to block.
CLANG!
The moment her kunai met the beast's claws, it shattered.
"What—?!"
Her pupils contracted.
SLASH!
A spray of crimson painted the battlefield.
From the audience stands, Mizuki Ryosuke's gaze darkened.
Terumi Mei staggered backward, clutching her shoulder. Deep gashes, carved to the bone, oozed fresh blood, staining her garments. Across the battlefield, the ninja cat flicked its claws, shaking off the excess blood.
At the last possible moment, Terumi Mei had activated the Body Replacement Technique, swapping herself with a nearby log. But even then, her reaction had been a fraction too slow—her enemy's speed was simply overwhelming.
No sooner had the replacement taken effect than she activated the Body Flicker Technique, retreating several meters away.
The Body Flicker Technique was an advanced form of movement, often mistaken for teleportation due to its sheer speed. However, it was not an actual space-time jutsu—rather, it was an extreme acceleration technique fueled by chakra.
Few could master it completely. Among those who did, Shunshin no Shisui—Uchiha Shisui—was famed for his unparalleled use of the technique.
For Terumi Mei, utilizing the Body Flicker Technique placed immense strain on her body. She had planned to reserve it for a critical moment, but given the dire situation, she had no choice but to use it now.
Yet even as she created distance, her opponent remained relentless. The ninja cat readjusted its posture and charged toward her once more.
"How can I counter this…?"
Terumi Mei's mind raced.
Close combat was entirely out of the question—her opponent wasn't just fast but wielded claws that could cleave through metal with ease. Fighting barehanded against such an adversary was suicide.
Using high-powered Ninjutsu wasn't an option either—more advanced techniques required extensive hand seals, and her enemy wouldn't give her the time to complete them. Meanwhile, lower-tier jutsu lacked the destructive force needed to break through its defenses.
Could she use Genjutsu?
It was a risky gamble. Genjutsu wasn't her forte, and banking everything on an untested illusion at such a crucial moment was too dangerous.
As she weighed her options, her gaze sharpened.
No matter what, she had to win.
In that instant, a new resolve ignited within her.
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