Naruto: My Progress in Konoha.

Zzzt~

The sound of a blade slicing through flesh rang out.

Yamada Shinichi had exerted every ounce of strength to dodge the previous deadly strike, but he couldn't avoid this seemingly ordinary second slash.

Uchiha Haruki didn't give his opponent any time to react. The moment he used his Body Flicker, he unleashed the Phantom Blade Technique, taking advantage of Shinichi's unstable state and severing his throat in one clean motion.

Clang~

The kunai dropped from Shinichi's hand.

Yamada Shinichi stared at Uchiha Haruki, clutching his throat. His lips trembled as if he wanted to say something—but in the end, not a word came out.

Thud~

His body collapsed heavily to the ground.

Haruki exhaled slowly, then turned his head toward the two others who were entangled by his shadow clones.

At that moment, those two had also noticed the disturbance and saw Yamada Shinichi fall in battle.

Kiritake Zangetsu remained calm. He had always prided himself on his strength and believed that even if he wasn't a match for Uchiha Haruki, he wouldn't be easily defeated either. Therefore, he felt little fear.

In stark contrast, Takashima Ichirou, the special jōnin, reacted with widened pupils and a surge of dread.

He knew Shinichi's strength—stronger than his own.

Now that Shinichi had died by Haruki's hand, it meant he wouldn't fare any better. In fact, he might fall even quicker.

And judging by Haruki's gaze, it was clear who his next target was.

Though Ichirou showed no fear on his face, Haruki noticed his apprehension immediately.

Seeing Ichirou's left arm still bleeding profusely, Haruki didn't hesitate. He vanished with another Flash Blade Technique, sprinting straight toward him.

Not long ago, Ichirou had interfered in Haruki's duel with Zangetsu, managing to slash Haruki's left arm. He had only escaped due to Yamada Shinichi's intervention.

But now Shinichi was dead—who else would save Ichirou?

Whoosh~

Haruki appeared.

The shadow clone that had been fighting Ichirou instantly halted its jutsu, and without needing orders, abandoned its opponent and dashed toward Kiritake Zangetsu.

Clearly, the clone intended to join forces with the other shadow clone to apply pressure on Zangetsu.

Seeing this, Haruki nodded to himself. "As expected, no matter the situation, my coordination with myself is always the most seamless."

The clone, inheriting his combat instincts and memories, understood his strategy without verbal cues.

In a single, silent moment, they switched targets.

Ichirou didn't even get a chance to flee.

Haruki saw the pale figure before him—drained from blood loss—and struck without hesitation.

Cling~

A crisp metallic clang echoed.

Kunai met blade. Ichirou felt a powerful jolt run up his arm, causing him to stumble half a step backward.

But that half-step made his already dire situation even worse.

Without pause, Haruki stepped forward, swinging his blade again. This time, he once more used the Phantom Blade Technique, aiming for a fatal second strike.

Though weaker, Ichirou was still a seasoned jōnin. He wasn't going to fall for the same trick twice.

Sensing something wrong, he bit his tongue, using the pain to snap out of the genjutsu just in time.

Cling~

Blade clashed with kunai, producing sparks.

Using the recoil, Ichirou retreated again, trying to put some distance between him and Haruki.

But Haruki wasn't going to let that happen.

A shimmer of blue light appeared on his body.

In the next instant, he vanished.

"That technique again?"

Having seen Haruki use the Flash Blade Technique multiple times, Ichirou recognized the blue light immediately.

He heightened his senses.

Ichirou specialized in reconnaissance and stealth. His sensory abilities were stronger than most ninja. With preparation, it was easy for him to detect Haruki's movements.

Unfortunately, it made little difference.

All he could do was dodge.

In a head-on clash, he stood no chance against Haruki. And Haruki never gave him time to escape.

So the fight dragged into a stalemate.

But no defense lasts forever.

Haruki's relentless attacks made Ichirou's defense more and more strained.

Like a cold machine, Haruki used his Sharingan to analyze Ichirou's patterns, patiently seeking a weakness.

Minutes passed.

Roughly three minutes later.

Just as Ichirou dodged another strike and tried to retreat, Haruki's eyes lit up.

He saw an opportunity.

Without hesitation, Haruki pulled several shuriken from his pouch and hurled them toward Ichirou.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh~

The sharp sound of blades cutting air rang out.

Ichirou, always tense, spotted the incoming shuriken immediately.

Though he lacked the Sharingan's precision, years of combat had taught him that Haruki had sealed off his escape routes.

Dodging would likely lead to worse consequences.

So, Ichirou raised his kunai and blocked the shuriken head-on.

Of course, he kept a close eye on Haruki—this move was clearly not just about blocking his escape. Haruki must have a follow-up.

Sure enough, as soon as he shifted his gaze, Haruki had already finished weaving hand signs.

He opened his mouth and cast a jutsu—Fire Style: Dragon Fire Technique!

Fwoosh~

A line of flame shot from Haruki's mouth.

In the blink of an eye, it transformed into a crimson dragon, barreling toward Ichirou.

At that moment, Ichirou had just deflected the shuriken. His strength depleted, he hadn't yet gathered enough chakra to cast a defense.

He had no choice but to dodge sideways.

Boom~

The fire dragon slammed into the ground, blasting out a scorched crater and scattering charred debris everywhere. Several chunks struck Ichirou, but he had no time to care.

Because the next moment, a barrage of fireballs closed in—it was Fire Style: Phoenix Fire Technique.

Unlike before, when the shadow clone used this jutsu with limited precision, Haruki's true body could now aim perfectly.

This accuracy immediately caused trouble for Ichirou.

He weaved and dodged, trying to avoid the incoming fireballs.

But they seemed to chase him like homing missiles.

Only thanks to his quick reflexes—and the fireballs' inability to sharply change direction—did he avoid being incinerated.

Still, he barely lasted through that first wave.

Then Haruki launched a second volley of Phoenix Fire Technique with no delay, this time secretly mixing in several shuriken.

One of the burning shuriken sliced across Ichirou's waist like lightning, leaving a scorched wound and drawing a cry of pain.

Then the remaining fireballs descended upon him, engulfing him in a storm of flames.

When the inferno finally died down, only a charred silhouette remained.

Step step step~

Haruki calmly approached.

The scorched figure weakly raised his head, eyes filled with unwillingness.

Thwip~

A kunai flew from Haruki's palm and pierced his heart with deadly precision.

"You—"

The intense pain caused Ichirou's pupils to dilate. He struggled to say a word, but it was the last breath he would ever take.

Ssszzzz~

A faint crackling sound emerged.

Ichirou's hand slackened, revealing a burning explosive tag.

A moment later—BOOM!—a thunderous explosion shattered his corpse into pieces. A searing fireball consumed everything nearby.

Haruki raised an arm to shield his face, watching in silence as the flames died down. The shockwave and smoke rolled past him, but he remained motionless.

Though Ichirou had feared him in the end, Haruki acknowledged his courage to attempt a mutual death.

But an enemy was still an enemy.

Haruki would never show mercy.

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