I Was a Small Fish When I Reincarnated, but It Seems That I Can Become a Dragon, so I Will Do My Best - Extra Chapter 16

2-1. Results of Training

A slightly strong wind passes through the forest. The grass and trees sway, creating a gentle melody. The forest is rich with nature, inhabited by insects and animals, their sounds filling the air.

It’s a truly abundant natural forest. However, maybe the trees are a bit too densely packed?

Yet, this is a natural forest, constructed solely by the forces of nature without human intervention. In such places, the trees remain healthy, firmly rooted in the ground.

As if joining the network of roots, a person is buried in the ground. A roaring sound echoes as they sink into the earth. Despite taking an attack that would normally be fatal, the person crawls out with a slightly disgruntled expression.

“Ugh… couldn’t catch it.”

That darn Uchikage-Ojichan… he really sends me flying. If it wasn’t me, they could be seriously injured! Here we go!

Using the strength of my arms, I leap out from the buried ground. As I land smoothly, I instinctively lower myself to avoid an incoming attack. I haven’t finished my training yet…

A mass of black, slimy substance clings to a large tree. There’s no definite face, but it seems to aim at me, staring in my direction.

That’s Uchikage-Ojichan’s skill, ‘Dark Medium.’ It can take various forms and act independently, sometimes as a monkey, a sword, or a person. When it chases me, it usually attacks in the most powerful form, a blob of slimy substance.

The reason I was just buried in the ground is because I got hit by that ‘Dark Medium.’

“I don’t feel like I can win at all…”

This training has been going on for five and a half years already. I started the special training just before I turned seven, so now I’m twelve. Lately, I’ve been wondering what the point of all this is, but both Uchikage-Ojichan and Mom say it’s better to be able to fight. Is it really necessary?

While contemplating, the Dark Medium begins to contract. It’s a sign of an assault. If I stay still, I’ll be an easy target, so I immediately start running.

” ? Bakkuken? !”

Bam! I shoot an exploding fist at the ground, propelling myself with a big leap. Since my body is still small and light, I can fly even with a relatively small explosion.

I’m already used to handling this Exploding Fist! With other skills acquired, today I’ll catch Uchikage-Ojichan’s Dark Medium for sure!

The usual training involves capturing the Dark Medium completely. It attacks me seriously, blowing me away each time. This has become my routine lately. But today, I have a secret plan!

At that moment, I felt a strong impact on my waist. I can tell something hit me. As evidence, I’m being blown away at an incredible speed again.

“Nuaaaa! I was told that flying was not allowed!”

In the air, there’s no footing, and while flying, I can only move in the direction I’ve decided, making it easy for someone skilled in combat to aim at the landing point or shoot me down while I’m airborne.

Uchikage-Ojichan is the oldest oni, having lived for over four hundred years. His combat experience is… too extensive!!

“Waaaaah!”

Bam! Bang! Crash!

I hit the ground with force, smashing rocks and snapping three large trees in a straight line. The Dark Medium possesses half of Uchikage-Ojichan’s power. Even with that, it’s still hard to believe. I probably can’t win against that, so he won’t train me without a fight. Ugh… it was a problem before using my secret plan…

Alright, this time for sure!

I stand up briskly and rotate my shoulders. Since three trees have fallen, my view is obscured, but Uchikage-Ojichan’s Dark Medium actively attacks.

It saves time not having to search for it, but… how many times have I been blown away today? Well, never mind!

Rustle, rustle.

Amidst the fallen trees, I hear the sound of branches and leaves being pushed aside. It should definitely be there. I quickly turn my hands and use the newly acquired skill.

” ? TsutaNawa? !” (Ivy Rope)

The vines entwined around the fallen trees suddenly move as if they have a will of their own. They immediately fly towards the direction of the sound, wrapping around and securely capturing the intended target.

But it has only half of Uchikage-Ojichan’s power. To be safe, I use all the surrounding vines to entangle it completely.

If I wrap it up like this, it’s definitely fine!

I felt the sensation of capturing it! Hehe, finally, I got one!

“Yay! I w…bhueee!”

Thunk!

A familiar impact strikes my side.