Combat Training

Due to Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzō Shimura's reasons, Takuma Senju canceled the afternoon lessons and switched to combat training.

In theory, combat training was a course usually reserved for upper grades, but Class A's students couldn't be judged by common standards, so starting early did no harm.

Takuma Senju stared at the list in his hand, deep in thought, running into a problem when choosing the matchups.

It was only the second day of school; he hadn't had time to gauge each student's strength.

He could only group them based on the morning's training performance.

Since each student's situation differed, he tried his best to pair two with similar strength.

Takuma Senju quickly drafted the matchup list and began calling names for combat training one by one.

"Yuki Hyuga, Motoya Nara."

"What rotten luck, I'm first." Motoya Nara wore a look of utter despair.

"Hang in there, I believe in you." Renye encouraged.

"Hope your words come true."

Motoya Nara shoved his hands in his pockets, sauntering slowly into the arena, still wearing that same lifeless expression.

"Give up now. You're no match for me."

Yuki Hyuga lifted his chin, his eyes revealing an innate arrogance and disdain as he spoke coldly.

"Damn, this guy's so full of himself!" Rin Uchiha scowled.

"Way too cocky. We've gotta corner him after school!" Hikaru Uchiha chimed in.

How could this Yuki Hyuga kid show off even more than them, the Uchiha?

For once, Renye agreed with the two—Yuki Hyuga was indeed laying it on a bit thick.

"What's the big deal? Don't underestimate me, alright?" Motoya Nara muttered under his breath.

Yuki Hyuga assumed the Hyuga clan's unique Eight Trigrams Palm starting stance. "Watch out—I won't hold back."

The moment the words left his mouth, Motoya Nara's eyes sharpened. He quickly formed hand seals and called out in a low voice: "Shadow Imitation Technique!"

A streak of shadow shot toward Yuki Hyuga like a nimble snake.

This was the Nara clan's signature secret technique.

Yuki Hyuga remained unfazed, his feet lightly tapping as he moved swiftly, easily dodging the shadow's pursuit.

Then, he lunged forward, his palms swinging rapidly, sending gusts of wind straight at Motoya Nara.

Motoya Nara dodged left and right, looking for a chance to counter.

Suddenly, Yuki Hyuga closed in, twisting sideways and landing a palm strike on Motoya Nara's chest.

Caught off guard, Motoya Nara was sent flying backward, crashing heavily to the ground.

"Yuki Hyuga wins."

The surrounding classmates let out a burst of gasps.

Yuki Hyuga's strength exceeded everyone's expectations, taking down Motoya Nara in no time.

Motoya Nara struggled to his feet, dusted himself off, and gave a wry smile. "You're really strong."

Yuki Hyuga nodded. "I know."

Motoya Nara: "..."

"Damn, he got to show off!" Hikaru Uchiha grumbled.

"We've gotta corner him in an alley after school!" Rin Uchiha gritted her teeth.

Renye watched Yuki Hyuga with a serious expression, murmuring:

"He really is strong."

Motoya Nara sat down next to Renye and asked, "Renye-kun, do you think you can beat him?"

Hearing this, Renye paused for a moment, then flashed a confident smile.

"He's tough, but I'm no pushover either."

"I see..." Motoya Nara feigned understanding, but inwardly cursed that they were all monsters!

He was considered a genius in the Nara clan, yet here he was, beaten in just a few moves.

Motoya Nara finally understood why his clan leader father had shoved him into Class A.

In this environment, it'd be weird not to want to get stronger.

"Danzō Shimura, Kagami Uchiha."

Renye looked curious, whispering, "Who's stronger, Kagami or Danzō?"

Hikaru Uchiha seemed to catch Renye's doubt and explained:

"Do you even need to ask? Kagami's obviously the stronger one!"

In the arena, their battle was about to erupt.

Just as Hikaru Uchiha had said, Kagami Uchiha was the better fighter, quickly defeating Danzō Shimura.

"Damn it!" Danzō Shimura lay sprawled on the ground in disgrace, slamming his fist into the earth in frustration.

He'd lost, and his mood was foul.

He'd already lost to Uchiha Renye and Hiruzen before, and now he'd lost to Kagami Uchiha too...

For all his pride as a genius of the Shimura Clan, he'd been beaten time and again.

It made him feel utterly humiliated.

"Danzō, are you alright?" Kagami Uchiha reached out a hand to help him up.

"Get away, I don't need your pity!" Danzō Shimura knocked Kagami's hand aside.

Then, gritting his teeth, he pushed himself up off the ground with his palms, struggling to his feet.

He swore silently to himself that he wouldn't lose again next time!

"Uchiha Renye! Hiruzen Sarutobi!"

At the center of the field.

Renye stood in a black ninja uniform, the hem of his clothes swaying lightly in the breeze.

He shifted slightly into a fighting stance, exuding an aura of confidence and power. "Hiruzen, I won't hold back."

"Got it, Renye." Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression was grim. "I'll give it my all!"

The surrounding classmates fixed their eyes on the two, even the "King of Show-offs," Yuki Hyuga, not exempt...

"Rin, do you think Uchiha Renye will win?"

"No idea, I don't know how strong he is."

"I should've cornered him in that alley yesterday..."

Renye overheard their exchange and couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth.

Seriously, were these two obsessed with alleys or what?

He'd definitely have to bag their heads...

At Takuma Senju's command, the battle erupted instantly.

Renye struck first, flashing in front of Hiruzen and driving his right fist straight at his face.

Hiruzen sidestepped to dodge, grabbing Renye's arm.

Renye reacted quickly, pulling his arm back, flipping his body midair, and kicking both feet hard into Hiruzen's chest.

Hiruzen hurriedly retreated, crossing his arms in front of him to block the blow.

The two separated briefly, each adjusting their stance.

Renye took a deep breath, forced to admit that Hiruzen was incredibly strong—no wonder he'd become Lord Tobirama's disciple and inherit the Hokage's seat someday.

The title of Shinobi Legend wasn't earned for nothing.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression was grave.

He hadn't expected Renye to match him blow for blow.

Even though he hadn't used his full strength or his best jutsu, he was still two years older than Renye!

Bullying the younger was already shameful, but fighting to a draw made it downright embarrassing, right?

Danzō Shimura saw this and smirked slightly. "At least I'm not the only one losing face now."

His own failure stung, but Hiruzen's failure brought him great comfort!

Just as the two were about to continue fighting, Takuma Senju called them to a halt.

"You both performed well. Return to your seats."

Hiruzen Sarutobi breathed a sigh of relief—he was afraid that if they kept going, he'd end up like Danzō, getting the worst of it against Renye.

If that happened... he'd never be able to hold his head up again.

Takuma Senju looked moved and murmured softly:

"As expected of the child Lord Tobirama raised!"

His strength had already far surpassed his peers.