As Mamoru's thoughts raced, Kurenai's offensive changed again. She leaped into the air, several explosive tags held between her fingers. The tags turned into a cherry blossom whirlwind, sweeping down toward Mamoru, every petal hiding a lethal intent.
Without a hint of hesitation, Mamoru fired a Blue, swallowing all the explosive tags within the cherry blossom whirlwind. Amidst the flashing blue light, the danger was quietly neutralized.
Suddenly, accompanied by a violent roar, a fierce fire vortex swept back toward Kurenai in mid-air, turning into cherry blossom petals that scattered everywhere.
When he retracted his gaze, Kurenai's figure appeared nearby. She was kneeling on one knee, having already completed the seals for a Ninjutsu.
In the next moment, the cherry blossom petals gathered into a cage, completely enveloping Mamoru. The petals interlaced to form a sturdy prison.
In the blink of an eye, Mamoru was bound to a massive cherry blossom tree. Thick branches tightly coiled around his limbs, while pink and white petals danced before his eyes.
The Genjutsu was breathtakingly beautiful, with the swirling petals creating a dreamlike scene. The sweet, cloying floral scent was almost intoxicating.
"Did it work?" Kurenai stood up, panting slightly.
Fine beads of sweat broke out on her forehead, and her tense nerves relaxed a little, her chest heaving slightly with her breath.
"It worked."
A familiar voice sounded from behind.
A palm lightly pressed against her back, and Mamoru peeked out from her side with a mischievous smile. "Got you."
"When did..." Kurenai's pupils contracted sharply, her voice trembling involuntarily before she realized what had happened. "A Shadow Clone?"
However, the fact that she hadn't noticed him circling behind her at all made her blood run cold, and her muscles tensed instantly.
While she was still in shock, in the brilliant rain of flowers ahead, Mamoru's original body suddenly broke free from the constraints of the cherry blossom tree.
Even within a meticulously constructed Genjutsu, he still moved freely. The branches binding him snapped inch by inch, dissolving into points of light.
He landed lightly and took a few steps forward, explaining calmly, "Before the battle started, I had a Shadow Clone hide nearby."
He had actually allowed himself to be caught in the Genjutsu on purpose, partly to avoid embarrassing her too much so her Genjutsu wouldn't seem useless, and partly to lower her guard and create an unexpected opening.
"That's how it is."
The Shadow Clone to the side shrugged at Kurenai before vanishing in a "poof" of white smoke, leaving only a wisp of light haze.
"I lost..."
Kurenai's brow furrowed involuntarily as she fell into a deep state of internal conflict. The cruel fact that she had lost to a newly graduated Genin made her fingertips tremble slightly, her nails digging deep into her palms.
Mamoru's tone was gentle, his gaze sincere. "I told you, our compatibility is too poor. It's not a matter of your strength."
To be honest, he had more than enough ways to win this battle.
The fact that Kurenai's specialty, Genjutsu, was completely countered had already sealed her defeat. The outcome of this duel was decided from the very beginning. Without her Genjutsu, her strength only reached the level of an Elite Chunin.
"You don't need to comfort me. Let me be alone for a moment." Kurenai turned her face away, her voice low, her long hair hiding her complex expression.
"Alright." Mamoru nodded and considerately took a step back, giving her enough space. "I won't tell anyone."
Hearing this, Kurenai shook her head, caught between laughter and tears, but a helpless smile tugged at the corner of her lips. This kid acted like an adult sometimes.
Silence spread across the riverbank, broken only by the rustling of leaves from the nearby forest and the occasional bird call.
After a long time.
Kurenai suddenly looked up, smoothing her wind-blown hair with her hand. Her gaze drifted toward a point on the horizon as she spoke softly, "My other Shadow Clone has also disappeared."
Mamoru rested his hands behind his head, leisurely watching the clouds drift across the sky. "The timing seems about right. The Hyuga clan's Byakugan is quite convenient for scouting and tracking."
He turned to Kurenai, inquiry in his eyes. "So, does this mean we've officially passed the test?"
Kurenai nodded slightly, a genuine smile finally appearing on her face. "I'll announce it once we've regrouped with the other two."
"Okay."
The two figures flickered and disappeared from the riverbank simultaneously, leaving behind only the traces of battle and the slowly fading phantoms of flower petals.
Back at the clearing where the test began, the sun had already risen high. The haziness and softness of early morning had gradually faded, replaced by a burgeoning, scorching heat.
Kurenai stood before her three subordinates with her arms crossed, her gaze slowly sweeping over each of their faces.
Shino adjusted his sunglasses, the gaze behind the lenses inscrutable.
Hinata had her hands clasped in front of her, her fingertips tightening slightly.
Mamoru stood with his hands in his pockets, his posture casual and nonchalant.
Kurenai's voice was clear, and a gentle smile graced her face. "Congratulations. Everyone passed the test. From today on, we are comrades of Team 8."
She took a step forward. "I look forward to working with you."
Hinata took a deep breath and bowed slightly. "Kurenai-sensei, I look forward to working with you."
A confident curve rose on Mamoru's lips. "Just leave it to me."
At this moment, a light breeze brushed across the Training Ground. The newly formed Team 8 stood in a line under the sunlight, the road to the future slowly unfolding before them.
—
The Hyuga clan's estate was ancient and solemn.
Kurenai explained her purpose to a Hyuga maid dressed in a traditional kimono. Natsu listened quietly, bowed slightly, and then silently withdrew to report.
Mamoru looked around the overly spacious and silent front courtyard, his tone somewhat casual. "By the way, is this really necessary? Making a special trip to the Hyuga Main Family."
Kurenai explained, her voice calm, "Hinata is not only my subordinate but also the heir to the Hyuga clan. It's only right and proper to come and pay our respects."
Mamoru replied noncommittally, "Is that so?"
In his view, Kurenai's actions were somewhat lacking in confidence, showing caution toward the influence of a great clan, fearing she might inadvertently offend someone. After all, the Hyuga clan was undeniably the number one clan in Konoha, and handling relations with them required careful prudence.
He couldn't help but think that if had she married into the Sarutobi clan earlier, with Hiruzen as her father-in-law to back her up, she might not necessarily own the place, but at least everyone would have to show her some respect.