Battle Test

Orochimaru showed no expression after hearing Shuichi's words, but inwardly, he was shaken.

"...Yes, Shuichi-kun. Just like how we met today, you really have surprised me." As he spoke, Orochimaru stuck out his tongue and licked his lips.

Uh, I might have overdone it. Though Shuichi had genuinely spoken from the heart, his reaction had been too intense, and now he could feel that Orochimaru had truly become interested in him.

"Hehe, we can discuss the meaning of life slowly in the future. Since Teacher Sarutobi entrusted you to me, I'll teach you in my own way. You'd better prepare yourself." As Orochimaru spoke, he took three Scrolls from his vest.

"These are your father's belongings. Teacher Sarutobi entrusted them to me. I don't yet know what your talents are like, so I haven't decided whether to give them to you directly."

"Now, let's have a test. Use every method you have and come at me!" Orochimaru put the Scrolls away, intending to personally test Shuichi's talent and potential.

Neither of them found Orochimaru's words abrupt.

At the Ninja Academy, he had already noticed that Shuichi had prepared a ninja tool pouch today. That was also why Orochimaru had become interested in Shuichi so quickly.

Before a battle, ninjas always tried every possible way to gather intelligence. When he saw Shuichi's attire at the Ninja Academy, his evaluation of Shuichi rose another level.

During the Three Basic Ninjutsu Techniques examination, Shuichi had specifically brought a ninja tool pouch. Ordinary graduates had no idea there would be a Genin selection test after graduation.

It could be said that Orochimaru had already taken notice of Shuichi the moment they met.

He did not know how Shuichi had learned this information, but judging from his equipment, Shuichi had already prepared for a battle today.

In fact, even for the Genin selection test, the first day was usually just for the mentor and students to get acquainted. The actual test would not begin until several days later.

But Orochimaru's way of thinking was different from most people's. Before coming today, he had already decided to test this future disciple directly.

He had initially taken a rather casual attitude, but when he saw Shuichi fully armed at the academy, he immediately gave him silent praise.

The caution Shuichi had developed after transmigrating to the Ninja World had helped him here. If he had assumed today was only for the graduation examination, he would have had to face Orochimaru empty-handed.

"Be careful, Teacher Orochimaru!" Shuichi did not waste a single word. He channeled Chakra into his feet and swiftly retreated.

At the same time, his hands flashed as he drew two Shuriken. To an outsider, it would have looked like his hands merely twitched before the two Shuriken flew toward Orochimaru.

Orochimaru's reaction was astonishing. He seemed to have no intention of going easy on Shuichi just because he was a graduate, drawing a Kunai and knocking both Shuriken aside.

The moment the Shuriken left his hands, Shuichi began forming the hand seals for the Clone Technique at top speed.

BOOM! Three Shuichi clones were already charging toward Orochimaru as the Shuriken were knocked away. When Shuichi saw Orochimaru draw a Kunai, his real body followed behind the clones and rushed at him.

At the same time, the instant the line of sight between them was blocked by the clones, three Shuriken followed closely behind the clones and shot toward Orochimaru.

When Orochimaru first saw the Clone Technique, he was still guessing at Shuichi's purpose. He knew Shuichi definitely could not use the Shadow Clone Technique. So the purpose of using the Clone Technique is to let the real body get close? Hmm?

Whoosh! As the clones neared Orochimaru, he heard an unusual sound.

BOOM! Just as the three clones were about to attack Orochimaru, the Shuriken from behind struck and burst them apart. At the same time, the Shuriken flew toward Orochimaru from the left, center, and right.

"Interesting. Using the clones to conceal the Shuriken's trajectory?" Orochimaru lightly dodged to one side while knocking away one Shuriken flying at him from the side.

Seeing the direction Orochimaru moved in, Shuichi gathered a large amount of Chakra in his arm as Orochimaru intercepted the Shuriken. He drew a Kunai and hurled it at Orochimaru with the momentum of his charge.

The Kunai was much heavier than a Shuriken, and not only was it closer to Orochimaru this time, it also carried the force of Shuichi's forward rush. The Kunai shot toward Orochimaru's lower body at a speed far greater than the previous attacks.

But the strength of a Genin was still difficult to use against a ninja of Orochimaru's level. Orochimaru seemed to quickly draw a little Chakra from within himself, kicked off the ground, and moved away from the Kunai before easily twisting aside to evade it.

No choice. I can only fight at close range. I've learned too few techniques so far. Shuichi felt rather helpless and could only steel himself for close combat. After all, the Ninja Academy had only taught him so much. It was difficult for him to employ more complicated combination tactics.

As Orochimaru turned sideways, Shuichi drew another Kunai and rushed to his side, viciously stabbing at him.

Smack. Shuichi's hand was caught firmly. He immediately released his grip, and as the Kunai fell, he caught it with his other hand and continued stabbing at Orochimaru.

Orochimaru yanked Shuichi toward him and simultaneously slipped to the side. At that moment, Shuichi's entire body was within range of attack. Shuichi also knew that if this had been a real fight, he would already be dead. Now, he could only struggle with all his strength once more.

Even as Orochimaru pulled him off balance, Shuichi still used his exceptionally fast reactions and thoughts to control his muscles. He pushed off with his right foot, drew a semicircle through the air with his left heel, and turned to smash his foot toward Orochimaru's throat.

Smack. The kick was completely caught before it could land. Orochimaru used both hands to shove Shuichi forward, sending him flipping twice through the air before he landed.

Now that his ninja tools were used up, Shuichi could only attack Orochimaru with taijutsu using all his strength.

"Phew, phew, phew..." After who knew how many minutes of fighting, Shuichi's stamina was nearing exhaustion for the first time since his rebirth.

Orochimaru was also somewhat surprised by Shuichi's physical qualities and endurance. At this age, he was several times stronger than ordinary children. His reaction speed, tactical arrangements, and everything else he displayed during their exchange also satisfied Orochimaru.

No wonder that old Third Hokage said he was no worse than Namikaze Minato. He really is a good prospect. Judging by his stamina, his Chakra reserves must be substantial too. After the test, Orochimaru was quite satisfied with his newly accepted disciple.

"Alright, I have a rough understanding of you now. Shuichi-kun, you really have given me quite a surprise.

"Meet me here at this time tomorrow. I'll discuss your arrangements with Teacher Sarutobi." After saying this, Orochimaru turned and left.

"Also, spend the rest of today thinking carefully about what questions you want to ask tomorrow. Although you have officially become my disciple, there are still many troublesome missions in the village.

"In the future, I may only teach you once every so often. With your talent, I trust you know what to do..."

Only after Orochimaru left did Shuichi finally catch his breath. After resting where he was for quite some time, he slowly began collecting the ninja tools he had dropped.

As for his performance today, Shuichi felt that he had done well enough. Although his opening sequence had been easily dismantled, the exchanges afterward had still displayed his talent.