A Preliminary Spar

After they had introduced themselves, Hizashi Hyuga led the three of them straight to the Training Ground to test their strength.

In these wartime days, there were no pointless examinations. Uchiha Feiyu and the other two were less Hizashi Hyuga's students than his subordinates. There was no such nice outcome as being sent back to the Ninja Academy.

At the Training Ground, Hizashi Hyuga swept his gaze over the three of them and said in a low voice:

"I have read all three of your files. You were all outstanding students at the Ninja Academy, and though you have only just graduated, you are already among the best Genin."

"However, files alone cannot tell me your true level. The three of you will join forces and spar with me now!"

As he spoke, Hizashi Hyuga assumed the stance of the Gentle Fist, signaling for them to attack.

Uchiha Feiyu's eyes lit up. His current strength was far from weak, but he truly had never faced a Jonin-level opponent before. His combat experience could be called severely lacking.

Even though he had Spirit Summons and Subjugation to let Hatake Sakumo fight in his place, gaining experience against an expert could only benefit him.

"Feiyu, let's discuss our tactics."

Kurenai looked at Hizashi Hyuga, who seemed utterly flawless once he had taken his stance, and spoke to Uchiha Feiyu. However, the two Tomoe in Uchiha Feiyu's eyes spun as he shook his head.

"You two, act according to the situation. Step in if you can. If you can't, don't force it..."

"What do you mean by that? Are you looking down on us?"

Asuma snapped angrily, but Uchiha Feiyu had no interest in saying another word to him. Lightning flickered over his entire body, and he shot forward like a bolt of electricity.

"So fast! What a sharp sword style!"

Seeing Uchiha Feiyu's blade slash down at his head, Hizashi Hyuga—who had initially intended to offer some guidance—almost failed to react in time. He swiftly retreated, and the chilling sword aura made goosebumps rise across his skin.

When Uchiha Feiyu had unleashed his first strike, he had held back slightly out of concern that Hizashi Hyuga might underestimate him and get hurt. He had not activated the Chakra sword aura unique to the White Fang Sword Style.

Now that Hizashi Hyuga had avoided the first slash, Uchiha Feiyu knew his opponent would no longer underestimate him. The short blade in his hand instantly flared with a foot-long edge of light, transforming it into a slightly shorter katana.

"This is... the White Fang Sword Style!"

A grave expression appeared on Hizashi Hyuga's face. He had no time to consider why an Uchiha like Uchiha Feiyu had learned Hatake Sakumo's sword style. His eyes widened slightly, veins bulging at the corners as he immediately activated his Byakugan.

Lightning surged, and his figure flashed like electricity. A faint white gleam stabbed toward Hizashi Hyuga at an unbelievable angle. Hizashi Hyuga gave a sharp cry and spun, his fists and palms nimble, his movements agile. Amid the razor-sharp white glimmers, he seemed to dance upon the tip of a blade, nimbly evading one sword aura after another.

The fierce wind rushing toward them forced Kurenai and Asuma to take two steps back. Asuma's eyes widened as he clenched his fists tightly.

"Just how much strength had Uchiha Feiyu been holding back before?!"

Kurenai spoke with the same solemn expression.

"No wonder he said not to force it if we couldn't intervene... I can't even see his figure clearly. At that speed, the two of us really have no room to interfere..."

"Doesn't that make us dead weight? Damn it..."

Regardless of what Asuma and Kurenai were thinking, Uchiha Feiyu felt nothing but exhilaration from the battle.

Hizashi Hyuga could be considered an elite even among Jonin. Moreover, the Byakugan and Gentle Fist were also well-suited for close combat. As long as he was not careless, Uchiha Feiyu did not need to worry about injuring him and could unleash his attacks to his heart's content.

Fighting a living person felt far better than chopping wood or stone!

Hizashi Hyuga, however, was having a much harder time. It was not that he could not defeat Uchiha Feiyu. Without letting Hatake Sakumo possess him, Uchiha Feiyu's displayed strength was merely that of a Special Jonin with high speed and powerful killing force.

However, the White Fang Sword Style was dangerous and unpredictable. Its blade aura could lengthen or shorten without warning, making Hizashi Hyuga, who fought barehanded with the Gentle Fist, deeply wary.

If he merely wanted to defeat Uchiha Feiyu, it would have been simple enough. But this was a spar between teacher and student. Defeating and restraining Uchiha Feiyu without either side being injured was much more difficult.

The two continued fighting for several minutes before Hizashi Hyuga finally found an opening. He spun like a top, and a powerful blue vortex instantly blasted Uchiha Feiyu away.

Uchiha Feiyu spun once in midair before landing on one knee. As soon as he looked up, he immediately raised both hands.

"You're amazing! As expected of the Hyuga Clan's perfect defense, Kaiten. I surrender!"

Hizashi Hyuga, who had intended to continue attacking, suddenly felt awkwardly suspended. During their exchange, he had already adapted to Uchiha Feiyu's White Fang Sword Style. If they continued, he was absolutely confident he could win quickly.

Unfortunately, Uchiha Feiyu had also noticed something from the growing pressure Hizashi Hyuga had exerted during their battle. He gave Hizashi Hyuga no chance to beat him up.

After calming himself slightly, Hizashi Hyuga turned his gaze to Asuma and Kurenai.

"Alright, I have seen Feiyu's strength. To be honest, he gave me a tremendous surprise. Now, you two attack me as well. Let me get a sense of your abilities."

Asuma and Kurenai exchanged a glance, then charged at Hizashi Hyuga.

The moment they clashed, Hizashi Hyuga breathed a sigh of relief. Asuma and Kurenai were outstanding among ninjas their age, but they were not as astonishingly extraordinary as Uchiha Feiyu. They were still within the realm of Genin. After a few moves, Hizashi Hyuga had figured out their abilities. With two casual strikes, he sealed their Chakra points and knocked them back.

"I understand your strength clearly now. Your foundations are both solid, so it seems I will not need to worry too much."

"Especially you, Uchiha Feiyu. As long as you complete more missions and gain more combat experience, even I would not dare say I could definitely defeat you."

"There is still plenty of time left today. We can pick up some missions and give you all some practical experience!"

"We can take missions today? Let's go, let's go! We're going to do missions!"

The moment he heard they could accept missions, Uchiha Feiyu was the first to get excited, leaving Asuma and Kurenai somewhat puzzled. Why was this guy so excited? It did not suit his personality at all!

Seeing their puzzled looks, Uchiha Feiyu rolled his eyes and said:

"What are you staring at? Don't forget, I'm an orphan. If I don't take missions, where am I supposed to get money to spend?"