The Yakuza's Heir

Part 6

Several days had passed since Sakura's arrival at the Senju compound. The atmosphere within the grand estate was still charged with the fallout from the tense family meeting. Nawaki remained sullen, his discontent simmering beneath his surface. The usual morning routines were overshadowed by a palpable tension.

As Sakura and Tsunade sat down for breakfast, Nawaki's mood was evident. He barely touched his food, his eyes frequently darting towards Sakura with a mixture of disdain and curiosity. Hashirama, trying to maintain a sense of normalcy, engaged in light conversation with Tsunade, while Sakura tried to remain composed.

"Uncle Nawaki," Sakura began, her voice calm and polite as she addressed Nawaki with a hint of feigned warmth, "I was wondering if you'd be interested in sparring today. Just a friendly match, of course."

Nawaki's eyes widened in surprise. "Sakura, don't you think that's a bit presumptuous? We're still getting to know each other."

Hashirama, clearly uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation, interjected. "Sakura, I don't think it's appropriate to—"

"I promise," Sakura cut in, "no weapons. Just a spar to show what I've learned and to clear the air."

Nawaki turned to his father, his expression pleading. "Come on, Dad, let her have her way. It could be good for everyone to see what she's capable of."

Hashirama sighed, glancing at Tsunade and then back at Nawaki. "Fine. But if it gets out of hand, I'll step in."

After breakfast, the family moved to the sparring and training areas of the compound. The atmosphere grew more intense as they arrived, with Hashirama, Tsunade, Tobirama, and other key figures observing from the sidelines. The large training ground was now the stage for a confrontation that had been brewing for days.

Sakura and Nawaki faced each other in the center of the arena. Nawaki, though he was not a young man, still carried himself with the confidence of someone who was well-versed in combat. His stance was strong, and his eyes held a determined glint.

Sakura, on the other hand, displayed a blend of grace and focus. She had been training rigorously and was ready to prove herself. Her demeanor was calm, yet her eyes betrayed a steely resolve.

The match began with Nawaki making the first move. He lunged forward, attempting a series of quick strikes. Sakura anticipated his movements, dodging with fluidity and countering with well-placed kicks and punches. Nawaki's attacks were swift, and his experience showed, but Sakura's agility and precision allowed her to evade the majority of his strikes.

The spectators watched intently. Hashirama's face was a mask of concern, while Tsunade and Tobirama exchanged glances, evaluating the combatants. Nawaki, though clearly irritated, fought with a seriousness that underscored his disapproval of the entire situation.

Nawaki managed to land a few blows on Sakura, his strikes powerful and accurate. Sakura winced but quickly recovered, her resolve hardening with each impact. Her responses became more strategic, exploiting Nawaki's occasional openings with well-timed counters.

As the match progressed, Sakura began to dominate. She used her superior speed and agility to wear Nawaki down, her movements becoming more fluid and precise. Nawaki's strikes grew less frequent as he struggled to keep up with Sakura's relentless pace.

Finally, with a deft maneuver, Sakura disarmed Nawaki and executed a controlled takedown. Nawaki fell to the ground, his breath coming in heavy gasps. Sakura stood over him, her stance unwavering.

Nawaki looked up at her, a mix of grudging respect and lingering irritation in his eyes. "You've got some skills," he admitted, his tone begrudging. "But don't think this changes anything."