The arena behind the administration tower was built into a steep stone hollow, a natural pit reinforced with chakra-treated sandstone. It wasn't where Genin trained. It was where Genin were measured.
Rai stood at its center, his hand poised near the deck sleeve embedded in his uniform's inner lining. The pit's edge rose high above him, where the Raikage sat with arms crossed like a silent thundercloud.
Rintaro, a seasoned Chūnin with a lean build and intense eyes, adjusted the wrappings around his forearms. His uniform bore the faint scuffs of real combat. Unlike Kaida, he didn't soften his gaze. He regarded Rai not as a student—but as a puzzle.
Kaida had introduced them and then stepped away, folding her arms near the observation rail.
"Begin when ready," the Raikage's voice boomed.
Rai inhaled, steadying his chakra.
"Masked Dragon," he called.
The dragon burst forth, wings flaring, and this time, Rai didn't hesitate. His fingers flicked another card into the field.
"Rush Recklessly."
A crimson aura burst around Masked Dragon, coating its scales with wild surges of power. The air around it shimmered.
Rintaro didn't flinch. His hands blurred into hand signs.
"Lightning Style: Spark Lance!"
Crackling energy formed a spear in his palm, which he hurled with precision. The enhanced Masked Dragon met it midair with a roar.
The impact shattered both constructs.
Rai stumbled slightly, he was truly surprised he had expected the buffed Masked Dragon to be able to pressure Rentaro at least a little bit.
in the lingering haze of smoke, something flickered in the peripheral of his chakra field.
"Masked Dragon has been destroyed," the system whispered. "Activating effect: Special Summon one Dragon-type monster from subpool. Reduced chakra cost applied."
A second later, a form emerged from the fading glow of the destroyed dragon—a sleek blue creature with glimmering sapphire scales and piercing yellow eyes.
"Luster Dragon?" Rai blinked. He hadn't drawn this one yet.
He didn't question it—there wasn't time.
The dragon arced upward, wings catching the wind.
"Let's see how high you can fly."
He leapt, caught the scaled hide, and directed it with his chakra like a living glider. Rintaro's eyes widened in brief surprise as Rai took to the air.
Then Rai played another card.
"Swords of Revealing Light."
Three glowing swords emerged in a triangular arc around Rintaro, slowing his movements, anchoring his stance.
A field of light shimmered around him—restraining, but not immobilizing. The effect was weaker than expected.
"Too strong to hold for long," Rai muttered, sweat starting to bead on his brow. The flight, the summoning, the traps—it was eating through his reserves.
He raised a hand, prepared another card—then hesitated.
He was too low. One more push and he'd collapse.
Kaida called out from the side. "That's enough!"
The Raikage stood. "Very well."
The swords vanished. Luster Dragon flickered, then disintegrated into a trace of blue mist.
Rai landed roughly, his knees bending to absorb the impact. His breathing was heavy, but his stance remained unbroken.
Rintaro gave a small nod, rubbing his arms. "You got more reach than I expected."
Rai bowed his head slightly. "Still learning the limits."
The Raikage gave a thoughtful hum. "Limits can change."
He turned and left, cloak billowing.
Kaida placed a hand on Rai's shoulder. "You impressed him."
Rai didn't respond. His eyes were on the deck.
He hadn't drawn Luster Dragon.
It had come when needed.