"The two students with number two, please enter the centre," Kitazawa called out after finishing his assessment of Hinata and Shino Aburame.
"Don't lose, Ino." Sakura said with a grin, "If you lose too badly, I'll be too embarrassed to let you buy me that skirt tomorrow."
"I won't lose!" Ino replied with fiery determination. "And tomorrow, you're the one paying!"
"That's impossible." Sakura stood confidently with her hands on her hips. "The final first place will belong only to me and Sasuke-kun!"
"Sigh..." Shikamaru groaned, "Losing is bad, but winning is also a pain."
"You two, good luck!" Akimichi Choji said with a smile, staying neutral as always.
Hinata didn't pay much attention to the upcoming spar. After defeating Shino Aburame, she was still immersed in the joy of victory. If it weren't for the restraint instilled by Hyuga clan upbringing, she might've already broken into a radiant smile.
It wasn't just about proving her training had paid off—more importantly, she hadn't disappointed Kitazawa-sensei. Her heart brimmed with newfound confidence.
Even if she had to spar against Hyuga Neji next semester, she now felt it might not be impossible to win. After all, she still had Kitazawa's special training to look forward to during summer vacation!
Hinata wished she could rush home right now and share the good news with Hyuga Hiashi and Hyuga Hanabi.
Sasuke wasn't paying attention to Shikamaru and Ino's match either. His mind was focused on the upcoming showdown with Uzumaki Naruto. He had already visualized the battle repeatedly in his head.
Ino and Shikamaru stepped into the centre. The contrast in their expressions was stark: one was filled with energy, the other with laziness.
"Shikamaru," Ino said, looking across at him, "You've improved a lot, but if you're this unmotivated, you'll never beat me!"
"Sorry, Ino," Shikamaru sighed and took a deep breath. "But I have to win."
"You're not the only one who's gotten stronger!" Ino huffed with a confident smirk.
Mind Body Switch Technique… Shikamaru had already begun strategizing.
Compared to his own Shadow Imitation Technique, the Mind Body Switch had more vulnerabilities. First, if the target was harmed or killed while possessed, the damage would also affect the user.
Second, once the technique succeeded, the user's real body became immobile and required protection. Third, if it failed, their consciousness wouldn't return for several moments—leaving them vulnerable.
"Take this punch!" As soon as the match began, Ino rushed in close and swung at Shikamaru. Other than Mind Body Switch Jutsu, her only combat skill was basic Konoha-style Taijutsu, so close-range fighting was her only choice.
Shikamaru was the same. They both engaged in close-quarters combat using Taijutsu techniques.
Thanks to Kitazawa's special combat training and his natural strength advantage, Shikamaru quickly gained the upper hand.
Swish, swish, swish! Ino suddenly retreated and threw Kunai from both hands while backpedaling.
Shikamaru understood her tactic immediately and gave chase, dodging the projectiles while forming hand seals.
"No you don't!" Ino abruptly stopped and launched a kick aimed at his hands to stop his seals.
Caught mid-run, Shikamaru couldn't dodge in time. He had no choice but to abandon the jutsu and raise his arms in defense.
Bang! Ino's kick landed on his arms, sending him stumbling backward.
Now's my chance! Ino twisted mid-air and punched his shoulder, knocking him down.
Mind Body Switch Technique! She quickly formed seals and sent her consciousness rushing toward Shikamaru's body.
But in that instant, the "downed" Shikamaru suddenly leapt to his feet! He evaded the spiritual attack, lunged forward, drew a Kunai, and pressed it against Ino's neck.
"You lost, Ino," Shikamaru said flatly.
A few seconds later, Ino's consciousness returned. Her face immediately soured.
She had been tricked—completely. Shikamaru had faked weakness, baited her into using Mind Body Switch, then exploited its delay to counterattack.
"I'll treat you to barbecue next time," Shikamaru said, lowering his Kunai.
"That's more like it." Ino smiled and left the arena without complaint. She didn't really mind losing to Shikamaru—his strength was indeed greater.
"Why do I feel like I always lose the most?" Shikamaru muttered with a sigh. "Money and effort..."
Still, the finals were finally over. He had pushed himself hard for the sake of his summer vacation—putting everything into both the written and practical exams.
"I really hope there's no combat training next semester..." He shot a glance at Kitazawa, grumbling silently.
"Winner, Nara Shikamaru." Kitazawa declared with satisfaction. "Next, the students with number three—please enter the stage!"
Here it comes. The real main event.
Uzumaki Naruto versus Uchiha Sasuke.
Whether Kitazawa's mission could be deemed successful largely depended on this battle.
"I wonder who'll win?"
"My bet's on Sasuke. He's just six and already mastered several Fire Release jutsus. That's insane!"
"Don't count Naruto out. His Taijutsu's way stronger—and don't forget his Shadow Clone Technique!"
The atmosphere buzzed. Not only Kitazawa, but the entire First Year Class A erupted in whispered debates. Discussions about strength had always been captivating.
"Shikamaru, who do you think will win?" Ino asked curiously.
"No idea." Shikamaru shrugged. "They both trained under Kitazawa-sensei. No one really knows how strong they've become."
"True," Ino nodded. "Just like no one expected you to suddenly pop off like that."
"My little burst is nothing." Shikamaru glanced at Hinata. "Hinata's the one who changed the most."
"I… I…" Hinata still wasn't used to Shikamaru suddenly complimenting her.
"You were gonna say it's all thanks to Kitazawa-sensei, right?" Ino teased, her tone full of playful mischief.
Hinata's face instantly turned crimson. "But Kitazawa-sensei really is amazing."
"Still," Sakura Haruno pouted, "Why isn't Medical Ninjutsu tested in the practical exam?"
"You're being ridiculous." Ino huffed. "What kind of Medical Ninjutsu gets tested in the first year?"
"I feel like you guys—" Shino Aburame began adjusting his glasses, but his words were cut off.
"Sasuke!" Naruto beamed. "I can't wait—let's go!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi saw Naruto's grin and was momentarily lost in thought. So similar... truly similar.
Especially the confidence—he was almost a perfect reflection of Minato Namikaze. But while Minato's confidence came with calm elegance, Naruto's was filled with pure joy at the prospect of fighting Sasuke.
"If Minato and Kushina could see this," Hiruzen thought, stroking his beard, "they'd surely be very happy."
Uchiha Sasuke was already a recognized genius. But Uzumaki Naruto wasn't far behind either—just a bit weak in theory.
Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu! Uchiha Sasuke didn't waste a single word. Right at the start, he quickly formed hand signs and exhaled a massive fireball.
But then, his pupils constricted. He realized something was wrong. The moment he began weaving signs, Naruto had already moved—as if he had anticipated the technique—bypassing the fireball entirely and rushing straight toward him.
"Konoha Whirlwind!" Naruto shouted with excitement.
The reason he had seemingly predicted Sasuke's move was simple—Kitazawa. In every practical combat training session, Sasuke constantly used Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu, Phoenix Fire Jutsu, and Great Dragon Fire Jutsu.
After taking hits so many times, Naruto had memorized the hand signs for these three jutsu.
Sasuke reacted quickly, shifting to the side in a burst of speed, dodging the Konoha Whirlwind. Thanks to training alongside Might Guy and Naruto, he was also well-acquainted with the Konoha Whirlwind series of Taijutsu techniques.
"Konoha Great Whirlwind!" Seeing his initial kick miss, Naruto followed up with another—a powerful, lightning-fast kick that created a sharp whooshing sound as it tore through the air.
Konoha Whirlwind! This time, Sasuke didn't evade. He met the kick head-on.
Bang! Their legs collided, and both their bodies trembled slightly from the impact.
"Sasuke, when did you learn Konoha Whirlwind, too?" Naruto asked in surprise.
"It's simple Taijutsu. Watching it a few times is enough to learn." Sasuke replied coolly, though he was forced back two steps. In raw physical strength, he was still inferior to Naruto.
"As expected of my lifelong rival!" Naruto beamed. "Let's go all out in Taijutsu and unleash our youth!"
"I'm not an idiot." Sasuke took the chance to put some distance between them and immediately formed new hand signs.
Fire Release: Phoenix Fire Jutsu! The air around them heated up rapidly as a burst of flame bloomed like a fiery flower, surging toward Naruto.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Naruto scrambled to dodge, but the barrage was overwhelming—two fireballs struck him square in the back. Luckily, he reacted fast and peeled off his jacket just in time.
"Violent: Konoha Adamantine Whirlwind!" Naruto spun swiftly, Chakra enveloping his leg in a brilliant blue aura. With a sweeping kick, he shattered the remaining smaller fireballs nearby.
What Sasuke didn't notice was the jacket falling to the ground—it landed with a thud, as if unusually heavy.
"Why does it feel like Sasuke has the upper hand?" Akimichi Choji looked anxious. Compared to Sasuke, his bond with Naruto was deeper.
"Isn't it obvious Sasuke will win?" Sakura crossed her arms. "How could a Taijutsu ninja beat a Ninjutsu user?"
In the current ninja world, Taijutsu specialists had little prestige. Many believed that relying solely on Taijutsu was not the path to true strength.
"Naruto's still a bit slow," Ino observed.
"It's not his speed—it's Sasuke's wide-range Fire Release jutsu that's the issue." Shino Aburame added thoughtfully. He was already contemplating—if he ever had to face Sasuke, could he actually win? But seeing those Fire techniques made him uncertain.
"Don't worry," Shikamaru said lazily, "The real fight is just beginning."
Everyone turned back to the arena, holding their breath.
"Shadow Clone Technique!"
Naruto stopped holding back. He formed hand signs and instantly split into two clones.
It's here. Sasuke wasn't caught off guard. In fact, he had been expecting Naruto to use Shadow Clones. After all, Naruto had revealed that card in previous matches. It no longer posed the same level of threat.
Especially since Sasuke now had access to the Fire Release: Great Dragon Fire Technique.
However, his Chakra reserves were still limited; at his current level, he could only use that B-rank technique once.
"Konoha Double Whirlwind!" The two Naruto clones charged in—one from the left, one from the right.
Sasuke frowned. Given Naruto's impulsive personality, he expected all three to attack simultaneously. But strangely, only two came forward.
Sasuke flicked his wrists, launching two Shuriken—aimed precisely at their heads. Among First Year Class A, his Shuriken skills were unmatched.
"Move aside!" The two Naruto clones were forced to stop their attacks and dive to the sides.
"Konoha Great Whirlwind!" The third Naruto had circled around and struck from Sasuke's blind spot with a sudden, sweeping kick.
Konoha Whirlwind! Sasuke, already wary of this trick, reacted in time. Their legs collided again. He was pushed back two steps.
"Konoha Double Whirlwind!" The two Naruto clones who had dodged the Shuriken returned to the fray.
This was it! Sasuke saw all three Naruto together and quickly began forming hand signs.
Fire Release: Great Dragon Fire Technique! A torrent of Chakra surged from his throat and erupted into three blazing dragon-shaped fireballs.
They roared as they surged forward, consuming the two Naruto in front.
Screams rang out.
Sasuke's lips curled into a confident smirk—this time, he had won. But then, his eyes narrowed sharply.
The last Naruto had vanished. No—he hadn't disappeared. His speed had exploded, leaving only afterimages behind.
What?! Sasuke's heart skipped a beat in alarm.
"Dynamic Entry!" Naruto flew in from above, delivering a brutal flying kick to his chest.
Sasuke instinctively raised his arms to block. But the force behind the kick was too overwhelming. He was launched backward and crashed hard into the ground.
Dazed. Dizzy. Sasuke looked up in confusion.
Why…? He glanced at Naruto—and finally saw the difference.
This Naruto had removed not just his jacket… but his leg weights as well. More importantly, both items were clearly weighted.
"You've been wearing weights all this time?" Sasuke stared in disbelief.
"Guy-sensei told me to wear them," Naruto said, scratching the back of his head.
"Then why didn't I get any?" Sasuke asked, stunned.
"Sasuke, you can't even complete the basic training. If you wore weights, you wouldn't be able to finish anything." Naruto replied honestly.
In fact, even Rock Lee didn't wear weights yet. But Naruto's body was remarkably durable, so Might Guy had made an exception.
"Damn it!" Sasuke grit his teeth and slammed his fists into the ground.
"Sasuke…" Naruto ran over, his cheerful face now filled with concern. "Are you hurt?"
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P@atreon/Arvinstorm (45+ Advanced Chapters)