The wind shifted across the Challenger Arena of Kumogakure.
Both fighters stood several meters apart.
The earlier exchanges had changed the atmosphere.
Before, Riku Seishin had been studying.
Now—
He was fighting.
And the difference was clear.
The Strategist Attacks
Riku moved first.
His advance was controlled.
Measured.
No explosive speed like Kaito Raigane.
No overwhelming force like Daigo Mizuta.
His movement was deliberate.
Every step placed exactly where it needed to be.
His hand snapped forward.
A quick jab toward Raizen's collarbone.
Raizen blocked.
But the strike wasn't meant to land.
It redirected his guard upward.
The second strike followed instantly.
A palm thrust toward Raizen's ribs.
Raizen twisted aside—
But Riku's leg swept low.
Raizen jumped back just in time.
Students murmured.
"That combo was insane…"
Akari Mizuta nodded.
"He's targeting weak points in the guard."
Daigo Mizuta scratched his head.
"So basically… he's annoying."
Akari didn't disagree.
Astra's New Function
Inside Raizen's mind, Astra spoke.
"Attempting combat attribute estimation."
Raizen kept his focus forward.
"Now?"
"Optimal time for data collection."
A faint outline formed.
Riku Seishin — estimated analysis
Speed: High
Strength: Moderate
Agility: Very High
Chakra: Moderate
Combat Skill: Extremely High
Tactical Intelligence: Extremely High
Astra added calmly,
"Accuracy uncertain."
Raizen almost smiled.
Still useful.
Because it confirmed what he already sensed.
Riku wasn't overwhelming physically.
He was outthinking his opponents.
The Trap
Riku attacked again.
Three quick strikes.
Raizen blocked the first.
Deflected the second.
But as he shifted to counter—
His foot slipped.
The stone beneath him had become slick.
Water.
Raizen's eyes flicked downward.
A thin layer of moisture coated the arena floor.
Subtle.
But enough.
Riku's kick followed instantly.
Raizen barely recovered in time to block.
Students gasped.
"He changed the terrain!"
Akari nodded.
"He set that up earlier."
During the first phase—
Riku had been preparing.
Now the effect revealed itself.
Raizen's mobility had been compromised.
Adjusting the Storm
Raizen exhaled slowly.
Smart.
Very smart.
But the tactic revealed something.
Riku relied on preparation.
Environmental control.
Predictable responses.
Raizen lowered his stance.
Looser.
Then he moved.
This time—
He stepped directly onto the slick surface.
Sliding.
Riku's eyes sharpened.
Because Raizen had adapted.
The unstable ground became momentum.
Raizen surged forward.
Faster than before.
Riku barely blocked the incoming strike.
They exchanged blows rapidly.
Palm.
Elbow.
Kick.
Block.
Counter.
The fight had shifted.
Respect… and Rivalry
Riku stepped back.
For the first time—
His expression changed.
Not frustration.
Interest.
"You're adjusting faster than expected."
Raizen shrugged.
"I try."
Riku studied him.
Then nodded once.
"Good."
Then—
He raised his hands.
Forming seals.
Students leaned forward instantly.
Until now—
He hadn't used ninjutsu.
The calm strategist revealed the next layer.
The Next Phase Begins
Wind swept across the arena.
Thunder echoed faintly through the mountains of Kumogakure.
Riku completed the final seal.
Water from the arena floor lifted into the air.
Rising.
Forming several floating streams around him.
Students gasped.
Akari's eyes widened slightly.
"So that's his affinity…"
Water Release.
But his control was precise.
Surgical.
Not overwhelming.
Refined.
The streams moved around him like controlled currents.
Each one a potential weapon.
Riku lowered his hands.
"Let's see how well you adapt now."
Raizen smiled faintly.
Because now—
This fight had truly begun.