Aren't Ninjas Amazing?!

Qingyu had been completely lost at first, but after trying it out for himself, he discovered... it actually helped a little.

Aren't ninjas amazing?!

When he tried using chakra to sense the ground, he could faintly feel the subtle differences beneath his feet: where it was harder, where it was softer, where there were bumps.

When he tried treating every landing as "building up power," his movements became noticeably smoother, and he used less chakra.

"Interesting..." Tobirama commented in his mind.

"This idea of 'moving with the whole body' is more efficient than traditional footwork. The theory isn't fully developed yet, but it's highly practical."

"Flashy nonsense," Izuna scoffed.

"When you're on a battlefield, there's no time to 'feel the ground.' You rely on instinct and experience."

"So this Shisui has systematized and theorized 'instinct and experience,'" Tobirama said, unusually willing to praise an outsider—especially a Uchiha.

"That's what a genius does."

As Qingyu practiced, he listened to the two old masters in his head praise Shisui more and more, and felt conflicted.

On one hand, having such a powerful teacher was a stroke of luck.

On the other... the stronger his teacher was, the higher the expectations for him might be—and the greater the risk of exposing himself.

"All right, that's enough for today." Shisui glanced at the sky.

"The final round of the Chunin Ninja Exams draw is tomorrow. Get some rest today and make sure you're well rested."

Qingyu stopped and nodded, panting. "Thank you, Shisui. I've... learned a lot these past few days."

He meant it.

During practice, he had a vague sense that his reflexes had gotten faster, as if some indistinct intuition was growing inside him, though he couldn't explain what it was.

The training methods were rather "mystical," but at least the results were tangible.

"No need to thank me." Shisui smiled and patted his shoulder. "One last piece of advice."

"Please, go ahead."

"After the draw tomorrow, whoever your opponent is, don't try to study their tactics, ninjutsu, or weaknesses in advance," Shisui said.

"The Clan Head and Itachi will help you organize that information. You only need to do one thing..."

He pointed at Qingyu's chest.

"Trust the instincts you've developed over these past few days. Trust that your shuriken will fly where they need to go.

Trust that your steps will land where they need to. Sometimes, 'knowing too much' can hold you back."

Qingyu stared at him for a moment, then nodded solemnly. "I'll remember."

"Good." Shisui turned and waved.

"See you tomorrow. Oh, right..."

He looked back and winked. "If you draw a tough opponent, like that genius from the Hyuga Clan or the Jinchuriki from Sunagakure...

Don't get too nervous. Just treat it as a chance to test what you've learned in special training."

With that, he leaped away and disappeared into the depths of the woods.

Qingyu stood where he was, mulling over Shisui's words.

That vague feeling from before had grown clearer, as if his body was silently responding to the results of his training.

Izuna suddenly spoke in his mind. "That kid... he's no ordinary shinobi."

"Mm." For once, Tobirama didn't disagree.

"His teaching seems casual, but every word gets to the heart of the matter. And it seems like he's deliberately encouraging Qingyu to become independent."

"What do you mean?" Qingyu asked.

"He doesn't teach you specific techniques. He teaches you methods," Tobirama explained.

"The Heart-Intent Style for shuriken, the footwork based on sensing as you move—those teach you how to fish, rather than giving you a fish.

He wants you to learn how to fish for yourself, instead of only eating what he gives you."

"Mm," Qingyu replied, falling silent.

"The core of his teaching is to foster independence. He doesn't teach specific techniques, only methods. It's like teaching someone how to fish."

Izuna was quiet for a moment, then grudgingly admitted, "...It's true. This kid's teaching style is more... 'hands-off' than the way my brother taught me."

Qingyu scratched his head, a little embarrassed. "So Shisui really is a great guy."

"But you still need to be careful," Tobirama warned.

"The kinder he is to you, the higher the Uchiha leadership's expectations of you may be.

In tomorrow's final round, you'll need to put on a convincing performance."

Qingyu: You're really overthinking this. Shisui's reputation is impeccable!

Qingyu took a deep breath and looked toward the center of Konoha.

Tomorrow, the draw.

The day after, the final round.

He touched his ninja tool pouch. It held the results of his special training these past few days—and the two old relics in his head.

"Let's go," he said. "Home! Time to rest up."

Tomorrow, it would be time to show what he could do.

[Clink!]

[Hidden Quest: Heart-Intent Hand complete]

[Completion Rating: B+]

[Quest Reward: Special Passive Unlocked: Combat Intuition (Beginner). Slightly increases reaction speed and decision-making accuracy in critical moments. (Effect: When ambushed or required to make a split-second decision, reaction time is reduced by 5%–10%.)]

[New Prompt: The final round of the Chunin Ninja Exams is about to begin. Please prepare. Main Quest updated: Place in the top five.]

Qingyu looked at the system interface and clenched his fist.

Top five...?

That was a lot of pressure.

But then he remembered what Shisui had said.

Trust his instincts.

Then... he'd give it a try.

The day of the draw ceremony, at the Konoha Central Arena.

Qingyu stood in the waiting area and gazed at the enormous circular building before him, which could hold tens of thousands of people. His legs felt a little weak.

"This place is... huge!" he muttered. "I thought it'd just be a small field, with a few hundred people in the stands at most..."

"Not a bad venue," Izuna commented in his mind.

"But battles like this were happening everywhere during the Warring States period, so it's nothing special!"

Tobirama analyzed calmly. "The building has a bowl-shaped design, with a central arena 150 meters in diameter—suitable for mid- to long-range ninjutsu battles.

"The viewing stands have been angled to ensure all spectators have a good view. The ventilation system is concealed in the ceiling and can be used to clear poison gas or release knockout gas if necessary. A standard dual-purpose military and civilian design."

Qingyu: ...Teacher Tobirama, your "if necessary" is freaking me out. And Teacher Izuna's Warring States survival-of-the-fittest stuff isn't helping, either.

The waiting area had already filled with the twenty-four examinees who had passed the first two rounds: eight teams of three.

The atmosphere was so tense, it felt like they were about to be executed.

Qingyu glanced around and spotted some familiar faces:

The three members of Team Gaara from Sunagakure stood in the far corner. Gaara was resting with his eyes closed, while Temari and Kankuro warily watched their surroundings.

On Konoha's side, the Ino-Shika-Cho trio were huddled together. Shikamaru was yawning, while Ino scolded Choji for snacking again.

Neji Hyuga's team had the strangest mix of personalities: a cold genius, a hot-blooded kid, and a weapons expert.

Tenten: Do you know what the strongest weapon is? That's right, it's...

There was also Sasuke Uchiha, standing alone by the wall with his arms folded, his cold gaze fixed on the draw platform in the middle of the arena.

Qingyu hesitated, but in the end, he didn't go over to greet him.

They weren't close, after all, and Sasuke's "keep your distance" aura was too strong.

Qingyu: His brother hasn't even killed anyone yet. Why's this kid already acting like that?

"Qingyu." A warm voice came from behind him.

Qingyu turned and saw Shisui standing there with a smile, while Itachi stood beside him, expressionless.