OBS Chapter 678 Gale, Watch Your Balance
Chapter 678 Gale, Watch Your Balance
Night fell like soft velvet, gently spreading across the training grounds of Konoha Forest. Moonlight filtered through the dense foliage, casting dappled silver light. The air was filled with the fresh scent of earth and grass, occasionally punctuated by the chirping of insects. However, this tranquility was soon shattered by two figures, the crisp sound of wooden swords clashing echoing through the forest.
Xiyan wielded her wooden sword with fluid and swift movements, each strike carrying a sharp edge. Sweat trickled down her temples, but it did nothing to distract her focused gaze. Her sparring partner was Jifeng, whose physique was somewhat slender, but whose sword-wielding was equally earnest. The wooden swords clashed, producing muffled "thuds." Although it was just training, both of them were giving it their all.
"Jifeng, watch your balance! That last strike was too far forward!" Xiyan shouted softly, and with a swift motion, she swung her wooden sword upwards. Jifeng barely managed to block it, but was forced back two steps by her subsequent change of move.
Ji Feng was panting, his forehead covered in fine beads of sweat. "Xi Yan, your progress is astonishingly fast. I feel like you've made another breakthrough recently."
Xi Yan's lips curled slightly, a hint of barely perceptible smugness in them. "Of course, Teacher Zhang Hai said I estimate I'll meet his requirements within a week." She paused, a trace of worry in her eyes as she looked at Ji Feng. "But you, Ji Feng, lately..."
Jifeng's breathing was a little rapid. He tried to hide his discomfort, but his pale face and slightly trembling body betrayed him. He forced himself to stand firm and regained his stance. "I'm fine, just a little tired. Let's continue."
The two sparred for a few more rounds, and Xi Yan clearly felt that Ji Feng's movements began to slow down, and he was even almost hit by her wooden sword several times. Her heart tightened, and she was about to speak when she saw Ji Feng's body suddenly sway, and the wooden sword in his hand fell to the ground. Just like yesterday, he collapsed softly to the ground, his face even paler than before.
"Gale!" Xi Yan exclaimed, quickly dropping her wooden sword and rushing forward to support him. "What's wrong with you?!" She crouched down, anxiously checking on Gale's condition. His breathing had become even weaker, and cold sweat was constantly sliding down his forehead.
Meanwhile, in an open area not far from the training ground, Zhang Hai was practicing his newly mastered Illusion Blade Technique alone. Under the moonlight, his figure was like a ghost, his katana flashing, leaving behind a blurry afterimage. Wherever the blade passed, the air seemed to ripple with barely perceptible waves—the traces left by the genjutsu chakra. His swordsmanship didn't pursue extreme destructive power, but rather precisely integrated genjutsu into every slash and thrust, making it impossible for his enemies to defend against.
With a "whoosh," the final strike ended, the tip of the blade lightly touching the ground, and Zhang Hai's figure froze abruptly. He was slightly out of breath, a satisfied glint in his eyes. This illusionary sword technique was unlike any sword technique he had ever learned before; it focused more on eroding and confusing the mind than on simple physical damage.
A graceful figure emerged from the shadows of the trees not far away—it was Zhen Hong. She crossed her arms and stared at Zhang Hai with a complex expression. "Your Illusion Blade Technique has improved quite a bit, Zhang Hai."
Zhang Hai looked up at her and smiled slightly, "Zhen Hong, when did you arrive?"
“From the third minute of your practice.” Shinku walked to his side, picked up a fallen leaf from the ground, and with a gentle rub of her fingertips, the leaf turned into dust. “If you had used that move to assassinate me just now, I’m afraid I would be dead.” Her tone was serious and amazed.
Zhang Hai's eyes narrowed slightly. "The Illusion Blade Technique does indeed have its unique aspects. In terms of destructive power, it may be the weakest among all sword techniques, since illusion techniques are not known for their destructive nature. However, in terms of practicality in killing, it is the strongest." He paused and looked at Zhen Hong. "On a real battlefield, a single strike is far more efficient than a thousand cuts."
"Is this why you gave up pursuing ultimate physical destruction and turned to studying illusion sword techniques?" Shinku asked.
Zhang Hai did not answer directly, but looked into the depths of the night. "For us, many times, being able to complete the mission alive is far more important than acting recklessly."
Just as the two were talking, Yugao's exclamation from the training ground not far away caught Zhang Hai's attention. He frowned, instantly disappeared from his spot, and Shinku followed closely behind.
When Zhang Hai and Zhen Hong arrived, they saw Xi Yan anxiously supporting Ji Feng, who had fallen to the ground. Ji Feng's face was as pale as paper, and his body was twitching slightly.
"Swift Wind!" Zhang Hai rushed forward, kneeling beside Swift Wind and taking his pulse. It was icy cold to the touch, the pulse erratic and weak. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes, then he looked at Xi Yan, "What happened? Wasn't he already..."
With a sob in her voice, Xi Yan said, "Teacher Zhang Hai, Ji Feng... he collapsed again, and it's worse than yesterday. We were just practicing with wooden swords when he suddenly..."
Zhang Hai took a deep breath, understanding dawning on him. Ji Feng's old ailment was more serious than he had anticipated. Watching Ji Feng struggle in pain, his worry deepened. If this continued, it might leave even more serious hidden dangers.
"Stop training," Zhang Hai said in a deep voice, his tone leaving no room for argument.
However, Jifeng, who had fallen to the ground, suddenly opened his eyes. He struggled to get up, his eyes filled with resentment and stubbornness. "No! Teacher Zhang Hai, I... I can continue! I... I've improved today compared to yesterday!" He reached out tremblingly, trying to reach the wooden sword that had fallen to the ground, as if that wooden sword was his only support.
Zhang Hai looked into Ji Feng's stubborn eyes, a complex light flashing in his own. He admired Ji Feng's persistence; this thirst for power and pursuit of becoming stronger were essential qualities for becoming an excellent ninja. However, as their teacher, he couldn't bear to see his students overwork themselves through training.
He reached out and gently pressed down on Jifeng's shoulder, stopping his struggle. "Jifeng, I've seen your progress today. But, health is the foundation of everything. Without a healthy body, even the greatest strength is just a castle in the air." His tone softened, but remained firm. "Listen to me, that's enough for today. You can't do any more high-intensity training tomorrow either."
Jifeng's eyes dimmed, but his lips moved a few times before he ultimately didn't refute him. He knew that Teacher Zhang Hai was doing it for his own good.
"Don't worry, Gale, I won't let you stagnate." Zhang Hai's voice carried a hint of comfort and determination. "I will help you find a solution to your physical problems." He looked at Xi Yan, "Xi Yan, help Gale up."