The training field outside the Ninja Academy.
It had been half a month since Sarutobi Suiga began conducting practical training sessions for the students. During this time, they had already undergone one practical lesson focused on shuriken throwing techniques and accuracy tests. Today's session, however, was a one-on-one sparring match—an event that would bring excitement to some and dread to others.
Those who had trained diligently felt confident, knowing that even if they lost, they could understand where they needed improvement. On the other hand, the ones who slacked off would likely end up being punching bags.
"Torifū, do you feel confident about today's sparring session?" Uchiha Naori asked with concern.
Ever since that day when Kumotsuru Torifū embarrassed Uchiha Kyo in front of everyone, Naori had been worried that Kyo might seek revenge.
After all, she knew very well how vengeful Kyo was. While he might not be as strong as his older brother, Uchiha Setsuna, he was still considered one of the top prodigies in their class. It was said that he had already learned ninjutsu even before entering the Academy.
Naori didn't know much about Torifū's actual strength. She only knew that he was an intelligent person with impressive ideas, but whenever she asked about his abilities, he would always downplay them, claiming to be weak. This made her even more anxious.
"Ah, well, I guess it'll be fine." Torifū scratched his head. "I doubt I'll be unlucky enough to get matched against Uchiha Kyo, right?"
That was exactly what worried Naori. She knew Kyo and his brother well—both were extremely vindictive. If someone offended them, they would definitely find an opportunity to retaliate.
Seeing Torifū's carefree attitude only made her worry more.
However, Torifū was simply concerned about accidentally beating Kyo too badly.
Noticing Naori's concern, he casually reassured her, "Don't worry. Did you forget? I always rank first in every practical session."
Torifū consistently ranked at the top of the class in both theoretical and practical exams. Despite his achievements, he never bragged or acted arrogant, earning the admiration of his peers.
"…Alright."
Seeing how confident Torifū was, Naori decided not to nag any further. She didn't want to seem overly worried—after all, she had already warned him.
Once the students were settled, Sarutobi Suiga began explaining the rules of today's session. "Today marks the first official sparring session for Class 1. I expect all of you to give it your best."
"Although this is combat training, safety remains the priority. Remember to stop before causing any serious injuries."
Since this was the students' first real fight, their excitement could easily lead to recklessness. Suiga emphasized safety multiple times before starting the match assignments.
"Nara Masato versus Hyuga Keisho."
"Akimichi Daiji versus Yamanaka Taichi."
"Sarutobi Shike versus Shimura Den."
...
"Uchiha Naori versus Yuhi Shinku."
Naori glanced at Torifū and gave him a subtle smile, as if to say, 'Don't worry, I won't hurt your friend.'
Torifū nodded in appreciation. It wasn't that he looked down on Yuhi Shinku, but the difference in skill was simply too great.
"Maruboshi Kosuke versus Umino Ikkaku."
Hearing his opponent's name, Kosuke frowned in disappointment. He had hoped to make Uchiha Kyo kneel and beg for mercy today.
However, Suiga was known for his strict adherence to rules—once a matchup was decided, there was no changing it. Kosuke could only clench his fists and swear to settle things with Kyo next time.
"And lastly, Kumotsuru Torifū versus Uchiha Kyo."
Torifū facepalmed. He had jinxed himself.
He had no interest in playing out the typical '30 years in the east, 30 years in the west—don't underestimate the poor!' revenge drama. He just wanted to finish this quickly—he had a lunch date with Naori at the Akimichi clan's barbecue restaurant. Eating was the real priority here!
Kyo, on the other hand, maintained his usual arrogant stance, his expression a mix of five parts mockery, two parts indifference, and three parts feigned nonchalance.
Torifū shivered. That gaze made him uncomfortable.
He leaned over to Naori and whispered, "Has Uchiha Kyo been reading some domineering CEO novels lately? What's with the complexity in his eyes?"
"Huh? What's a domineering CEO?" Naori was confused. Torifū's words were always strange.
"Nothing, nothing. Just a term I made up. No wonder you don't get it."
"…Alright." Naori didn't press further. She had a feeling that understanding Torifū's thought process would lead her to learn things she didn't want to know.
With Suiga's command, the first match began.
As expected, Nara Masato lost quickly. No one was surprised—after all, the Nara clan's real strength lay in their secret techniques, whereas the Hyuga clan specialized in Byakugan and taijutsu.
One by one, students took the field. Suiga meticulously recorded their strengths and weaknesses to tailor future training plans.
Naori and Yuhi Shinku's match concluded without much suspense. Shinku was skilled, but against Naori, the gap was too wide.
Meanwhile, the fight between Umino Ikkaku and Maruboshi Kosuke was evenly matched, but in the end, Ikkaku's stamina gave out first.
"Just get off the stage already! That weak performance is embarrassing."
Uchiha Kyo sneered openly, his insults echoing across the field. However, most of the students ignored him, treating him as if he weren't even there. Only Kosuke seemed angered by the taunt, but Ichikaku held him back.
Kyo then turned his gaze to Torifū. "Come on, peasant boy. Today, I'll show you the true power of the Uchiha clan! Let's see if you dare act arrogant after this!"
Without waiting for a response, Kyo strode confidently onto the field. Torifū, however, merely yawned and lazily walked up, looking utterly uninterested.
Naori grew anxious again. Was Torifū truly this confident, or was he just pretending to be unfazed?
"Begin!"
At Suiga's command, Kyo vanished in a blur, instantly closing the distance. His kunai thrust straight toward Torifū's right arm.
"Fast!" Maruboshi Kosuke's pupils shrank in shock. Kyo's speed exceeded his expectations. He clenched his fists, realizing that he wasn't a match for Kyo at all.
Yet, with a simple sidestep, Torifū effortlessly dodged the attack. Catching Kyo's wrist mid-strike, he twisted and disarmed him in one fluid motion before casually tossing Kyo backward.
Kyo gritted his teeth. "Damn it! He's so fast!"
He was surprised. He had practiced that move for a long time, but it was easily countered.
He threw five shuriken at Torifū, trying to suppress him. Wooden shuriken had limited lethality, but they could still cause bleeding.
But the shuriken were no threat to Torifū, who easily blocked them with his kunai.
At that moment, Kyo lunged forward, using the shuriken as a distraction. Just as he reached Torifū, he leaped and aimed a powerful kick at his shoulder.
But before Kyo could react—
Torifū grabbed his leg mid-air, holding him in place.
Kyo struggled, but Torifū's grip was like iron.
"Damn it… Am I really going to have to use that?"
Furious, Kyo roared, "Let me go!"
"Alright." Torifū smirked and casually released him.
Kyo tumbled backward, completely unprepared.
Then—WHAM!
Torifū's foot slammed into Kyo's stomach, sending him flying.
"Gahhh!!!"
Kyo's spit splattered everywhere as pain shot through his body.
"Argh! Die!"
Consumed by rage, he made a reckless decision.
Out of sight from the others, he swiftly swallowed an unknown pill and formed a rapid series of hand seals:
Snake-Ram-Monkey-Boar-Horse-Tiger
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"