Tayuya sat frozen, eyes wide in disbelief.
She had lost—just like that.
Not even a full minute had passed, and she hadn't landed a single attack.
Across from her, Hinata stood in silence, equally dazed.
That was… it?
She hadn't expected her opponent to crumble so easily. Tayuya's confidence had left such a deep impression—arrogant, sharp, unshakable—that Hinata had braced herself for a long, grueling fight.
And yet, the match had ended almost before it began.
"Winner: Hinata," Kitazawa announced with an approving smile.
The words hit Tayuya harder than the Gentle Fist strikes had.
She clenched her fists, frustration boiling in her chest.
She hadn't even had time to play her flute. Her Genjutsu, her Summoning Techniques—her real weapons—hadn't been used at all.
A true ninja battle was a contest of strategy, not just raw ability.
And she had been outplayed from the very first move.
Replaying the fight in her mind, she realized her mistake—she hadn't known about the long-range Gentle Fist.
Had she understood that earlier, she never would have drawn her flute so carelessly.
She would've dodged first—or summoned her Nuki Oni immediately.
Instead, she had walked straight into a trap.
Tayuya bit her lip hard, the taste of iron filling her mouth. Asking for a rematch now would only humiliate her further.
"That was… clean," Kiba muttered after a beat, trying to find the right word. "Clean and fast."
Naruto rubbed the back of his head. "Guess she only had Sasuke's confidence, not his skills."
Ino sighed, half-pouting. "Hinata's too serious sometimes. She could've gone easy—it's Tayuya's first match here."
"Hinata doesn't do easy," Shikamaru said, hands tucked behind his head. "She's always serious."
Tenten nodded. "You can't really blame her. She just fought the way a ninja should."
No one said it out loud, but everyone understood the meaning: Hinata had simply been the better shinobi.
From the corner of his eye, Sasuke glanced at Kimimaro.
He'd better not go down that easily, he thought.
But Kimimaro wasn't even looking his way. His calm eyes were fixed on the arena, already analyzing how he would counter Hinata's Gentle Fist.
The only solution was to rely on Shikotsumyaku—his bones as armor. If she couldn't reach his tenketsu, she couldn't seal his chakra.
For the first time, he felt a quiet, genuine pressure.
"Tayuya, you alright?" Ino asked gently as she approached.
"I'm fine," Tayuya muttered stubbornly, though her voice betrayed her irritation. "I just underestimated her. Next time, I won't lose!"
Kitazawa's voice cut through the crowd. "First round, second match: Ino Yamanaka versus Sakura Haruno."
"Finally!" Sakura's eyes lit up. She clenched her fists and smirked. "Ino, get ready—because I'm knocking you out with one punch!"
"Hmph!" Ino shot back, flicking her hair. "You? Please. The one on the floor will be you!"
Their gazes locked, sparks flying.
Tayuya watched them take the field, unimpressed. "Neither of them has a kekkei genkai or real combat experience. This won't be interesting."
Still, she couldn't help glancing toward Hinata again. That gentle-looking girl had completely shattered her expectations.
As Kitazawa raised his hand, both girls took their stances.
"Begin!"
Ino moved first. "Ninja Art: Hundred Petal Storm!"
She scattered a storm of petals across the field, her figure vanishing into the swirling pink cloud.
But Sakura had already anticipated it. The moment she saw the petals move unnaturally, she dispelled the illusion with practiced precision.
The haze vanished, revealing Ino mid-step, eyes wide.
"Too predictable."
Realizing her trick had failed, Ino didn't hesitate. Six shuriken flew from her hands in quick succession.
Sakura dodged fluidly, her fingers flashing through a series of seals.
"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet!"
Chakra swirled around her as a torrent of water coalesced into a massive dragon, roaring toward Ino.
Ino's eyes widened. "B-rank ninjutsu?!"
She leapt into the air, barely avoiding the surging wave—until Sakura's smirk made her blood run cold.
"Too slow."
The water dragon twisted mid-flight, following her trajectory.
The torrent loomed over her like a living beast. She could see every ripple, every spiral of pressure within its form.
With no other choice, she hurled a single, specially crafted Ninja Flower downward.
Boom!
The flower exploded in a burst of chakra and fragrance, blasting apart the dragon in a spray of shimmering water.
Tayuya blinked. "What the hell… Sakura can use a B-rank Water Release?"
That same Sakura who used to squeal over Sasuke every recess?
Unbelievable.
Both combatants landed on opposite sides of the drenched field, soaked and breathing hard.
Their eyes met again. No hesitation this time.
Ino's hands blurred through seals—simpler, faster.
"Mystical Illusion: Place Transfer!"
Sakura's vision warped. For an instant, she saw Sasuke's face smiling gently at her.
Her heart skipped—then her mind caught up.
"Release!"
She dispelled it immediately—but Ino had already vanished into another shower of petals.
"Another illusion?" Sakura muttered, scanning her surroundings.
Her instincts screamed, and she leapt aside just as a blur dropped from above.
Ino's knee slammed onyo her where she stood, the impact sending dust flying.
Substitution Jutsu.
The "Sakura" beneath her knee turned into a splintered log.
Ino's eyes sharpened. She sprang back, tossing four shuriken in rapid succession.
But Sakura was ready. "Water Release: Water Formation Wall!"
A surge of water erupted around her in a perfect circular barrier. The shuriken clanged harmlessly off its surface.
Ino's brow furrowed. She had to break through now or lose control of the tempo.
"Demonic Illusion: Tree Binding Death!"
Chakra surged through her fingers, and roots burst from the ground. Within seconds, ethereal branches coiled around Sakura, locking her in place.
"Got you," Ino whispered.
But Sakura only smirked. The wall of water still spun around her, enclosing her in a perfect circle.
"If you can only attack from above…"
Her hands flashed once more.
"Mystical Illusion: Place Transfer Technique!"
Ino's control faltered for a split second—and that was all it took.
Six shuriken whistled upward from below.
Ino reappeared midair—right in their path.
Her pupils shrank. She barely had time to parry three of them before the other three came within inches of striking.
Then a firm hand caught her from behind, pulling her safely out of the air.
Kitazawa landed lightly, setting her down beside him. "Match over."
"Winner—Sakura Haruno."
The class erupted in cheers.
Sakura's eyes lit up. "Yes! I finally won!" she cried, fists clenched in triumph.
She had trained hard, pushing past her own limits, and for once—she had beaten Ino fair and square.
Ino, still catching her breath, bit her lip. It stung—but deep down, she knew Sakura had earned it.
"Ino," Kitazawa said gently, resting a hand on her head, "you're evenly matched. Next time, you might win instead."
He wasn't merely being kind.
If Sakura had dispelled that last illusion even a heartbeat slower, the result could've gone the other way.
Ino exhaled, her expression softening. "I understand, sensei."
Seeing her calm acceptance, Kitazawa smiled.
She'll bounce back stronger.
Then, as if on cue, a familiar chime echoed in his mind.
[Current Mission: Help Ino Yamanaka defeat Sakura Haruno once.]
[Reward: Ninja Art – Mind Body Communication Technique.]
[Accept mission?]
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow. Just as I thought.
The reward was excellent—the Yamanaka Clan's secret telepathic jutsu. Direct mental communication would be perfect for teaching or coordinating missions.
No shouting, no distractions—just thought to thought.
He smirked faintly. That's going to be useful.
And just like that, the next thread of the Genius Class's story began to weave itself.
"What… what's going on?"
Tayuya's voice was barely a whisper. She stared at the field, utterly bewildered.
Moments ago, she'd watched Sakura unleash a B-rank Water Release, while Ino had countered with an equally powerful B-rank Illusion.
The two girls she'd once dismissed as harmless—more suited for gossip than battle—had suddenly transformed into tigers before her eyes.
Meanwhile, she felt like a lost kitten.
Not only had she been crushed by Hinata in seconds, she hadn't even fought back.
Her gaze drifted toward Naruto and the others, expecting shared shock or disbelief—but they all looked calm.
Almost bored.
As if such displays of power were… normal.
A chill crept up her spine.
Could what Kitazawa said be true?
I really can't even make the top five in this class?
Her face flushed red with frustration.
No way. I don't believe it!
"Sakura's gotten strong." Kiba muttered, watching the fading water on the field. "Too strong, actually. If this keeps up, I might not even beat her next time."
"Ino's catching up too," Shikamaru added, thoughtful as ever. "Her timing with that illusion was perfect. Dispelling something like that takes serious chakra control."
And chakra control was Sakura's specialty—hers was the best among all of them.
"Ugh, everyone's improving too fast," Tenten groaned, massaging her temples. "I'm starting to feel the pressure."
"Pressure?" Lee jumped to his feet, thumb gleaming with determination. "That's what youth is all about! Push forward through the fire of rivalry!"
Naruto instantly matched his pose. "Lee's right! I can feel my youth burning already!"
"…" Tayuya blinked. What the hell are these people even talking about?
"They're all stronger than me," Jugo admitted quietly after a long silence. "At least… when I'm not using Sage Transformation."
Kimimaro nodded slightly beside him.
He wasn't afraid of Water Release—but illusions were another matter.
If he faced Ino, he'd have to avoid eye contact completely and rely on his bloodline speed and range.
"Third match, first round—Inuzuka Kiba versus Shino Aburame."
Kitazawa's voice echoed across the field.
Kiba's expression instantly soured. "Seriously? Why Shino?"
He knew Shino too well. Calm, precise, impossible to fluster. His chances of winning were low.
If it weren't for that secret technique Kitazawa had recently taught him, he would've forfeited right then and there.
From the spectator area, Kiba's sister Hana chuckled. "Would you rather face Sasuke or Naruto?"
Kiba paled. "…Never mind. I'll take Shino."
Naruto grinned. "Aw, come on! You and I haven't fought yet. Our youthful bond is still incomplete!"
Kiba groaned. "Yeah, let's keep it that way."
"Go get 'em, Kiba!" Naruto called. Then, without missing a beat, he added cheerfully, "And you too, Shino!"
Kiba twitched. Your encouragement means nothing, idiot.
Both contestants stepped into the ring.
Tayuya leaned forward, eager. Let's see just how strong these "geniuses" really are.
"Three-Headed Hellhound!"
Kiba didn't waste a second. His chakra flared, and in a burst of smoke, three massive wolf heads emerged—his own body fused with two shadow clones into one towering beast.
Tayuya's jaw dropped. "What kind of jutsu is that?!"
Shino stood his ground, silent and unnerving. Kikaichu crawled across his skin like living armor, an unsettling sight that made Tayuya quickly avert her gaze.
The Hellhound roared and stomped down with enough force to crack the ground, sending shards of rock flying.
"Secret Technique: Parasitic Destruction Insects!"
Shino extended a hand, releasing a swarm of Kikaichu that devoured the airborne debris before turning toward their true target.
The insects darted forward in a dark wave.
Kiba met them head-on, smashing down with the Hellhound's massive paw, crushing dozens at once.
But then—
"Argh!" He winced. The surviving insects latched onto his forelegs, biting deep, draining chakra.
"Fang Bullet!"
The Hellhound opened all three mouths, chakra condensing into spiraling orbs before launching them in rapid succession.
"Secret Technique: Insect Wall!"
A barrier of Kikaichu rose before Shino like a living shield.
The first bullet hit—blocked.
The second exploded—shattering the wall.
The third roared forward, unstoppable.
"Secret Technique: Insect Sphere!"
Shino didn't move. His sleeves flared as specialized Kikaichu burst outward, enveloping the incoming chakra bullet.
The projectile shrank midair, collapsing into nothing as it was completely devoured.
Kiba's eyes widened. "You've got Kikaichu that can absorb chakra directly?!"
He didn't get time for an answer. The next moment, a black storm of insects surged toward him from every direction.
Cursing under his breath, he dispersed the Hellhound form.
"Triple Fang Over Fang!"
Kiba and two shadow clones spun into tornadoes, tearing through the air toward Shino.
Shino's glasses glinted. "Secret Technique: Insect Cocoon!"
An ocean of Kikaichu poured from his body, forming a whirling black vortex that met Kiba's spinning trio head-on.
Wind and insects collided violently, creating a swirling maelstrom that shook the field.
Even Tayuya had to shield her face from the debris.
How are these guys this strong?
Her heart pounded as she watched.
Each fight she saw only widened the gap between her and everyone else. Was this what the "Genius Class" truly meant?
She clenched her fists. No. My summoning beasts can still fight. I can still prove myself.
Kimimaro, too, had grown solemn.
Even he could feel the strength radiating from these so-called "ordinary" Konoha kids.
Finally, one of Kiba's shadow clones dissipated in smoke, followed quickly by the other.
With his chakra drained and the Kikaichu closing in, Kiba stopped spinning, panting hard.
"I surrender!" he shouted.
The insects halted instantly.
Kitazawa nodded. "Winner—Shino Aburame."
No one argued. It was expected.
Kiba trudged off the field, drenched in sweat and frustration. "Man… talk about bad luck."
"Fourth match, first round—Rock Lee versus Jugo!"
"Lee!" Naruto shouted, striking a ridiculous pose. "Unleash your youth!"
"Yes, my youthful rival!" Lee cried, eyes blazing. "Bear witness to the flame of my passion!"
Tayuya pinched the bridge of her nose. "Jugo, please don't lose to this weirdo."
"I'll… try," Jugo said softly, stepping into the ring.
"I wonder how strong this one is," Tenten murmured, curious.
"Probably around Tayuya's level," Ino guessed.
Tayuya twitched. "Excuse me—?"
She wanted to protest, to say Jugo was far stronger, especially when transformed—but bit her tongue. No point ruining her image now.
"Leaf Whirlwind!"
Rock Lee launched the first strike, spinning into a high kick.
Jugo raised his arms to block—the impact rattled his bones.
So strong!
Within seconds, they were trading blows in a flurry of motion, each impact echoing across the training field.
"Leaf Great Whirlwind!"
Lee's foot struck Jugo square in the stomach, sending him tumbling backward.
When the dust settled, Jugo was sitting calmly on the ground.
"I surrender," he said simply.
The spectators blinked.
"Why didn't you use that…?" Tayuya asked afterward, her voice a mix of confusion and irritation.
Jugo smiled faintly. "Because… I think this class is pretty good."
Tayuya stared at him.
She wanted to call him a traitor—but the words wouldn't come out.
Because deep down… she understood.
Just a little.
"Fifth match of the first round—Uzumaki Naruto versus Kimimaro!"
The moment Kitazawa's words echoed across the field, the entire class fell silent.
"Kimimaro, you'd better win!" Tayuya said, fists clenched tight. "If you lose, our Otogakure pride's done for!"
Kimimaro said nothing. His calm, empty gaze focused straight ahead.
"I won't lose."
He stepped into the arena, expression as cold and sharp as bone.
"Oi, Naruto," Neji called. "Be careful of his bloodline—Shikotsumyaku. Avoid close combat if you can."
Shikamaru yawned. "Don't bother. You think he listens?"
"Yeah," Kiba agreed with a wry grin. "When has Naruto ever been careful?"
Choji crunched on a chip. "Doesn't matter. Close-range or long-range, Naruto's got this."
Tayuya stared at them, dumbfounded.
Are these people insane? Do they even know what Shikotsumyaku is?!
Kimimaro was a walking weapon.
His bones were blades—his body, armor.
There's no way a loudmouth like him could—
She stopped mid-thought.
Because Naruto was already grinning, stepping forward with that unshakable confidence that made the impossible feel… possible.
And for the first time that day, even Kitazawa's calm smile hinted at something good.
The real battle was about to begin.
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