They're attacking so quickly? Looks like this kid doesn't want to give me a chance to use ninjutsu. Fine, I'll spar with him in taijutsu.
Although I still had enough chakra to use Fire Release Ninjutsu twice, I wouldn't earn any Calamity Points unless I got hurt.
Isho thought it over, then swiftly and deftly pulled two shuriken from the ninja tool pouch on his back.
"Whoosh."
The shuriken cut through the air, striking toward Jingchuan Lirang's chest from the left and center.
"Clang!"
The Jingchuan Lirang in the center blocked them with a kunai, and the shuriken bounced away. The figure on the left had already vanished in a puff of white smoke.
At that moment, Jingchuan Lirang had charged to within two steps of Isho. The figure on the right leaped forward, its sharp kunai aimed straight at Isho's throat.
A glint flashed in Isho's eyes. Though he knew this was a clone, he didn't dare let his guard down. He abruptly leaned his head back, then kicked out with his right foot. The kick landed in the clone's stomach, and it promptly vanished.
The instant the clone disappeared, Jingchuan Lirang seized his chance and suddenly swung his right foot at Isho's left leg.
With a sharp slap, Isho felt a tremendous force sweep his leg out from under him, and he lost his balance, falling backward. As if he'd anticipated this, he braced himself with one hand on the ground and steadied his body. Then, using that hand for support, he abruptly thrust both legs toward Jingchuan Lirang's chest.
Seeing this, Jingchuan Lirang raised both hands in front of his chest to defend himself.
Tap, tap. Jingchuan Lirang staggered back two steps. Isho used the opening to quickly get back to his feet. As soon as they regained their footing, both gripped their kunai and lunged at each other.
Thud! Clang! The two traded blows, both using the same kind of taijutsu. But everyone present could see that Isho was at a disadvantage. Jingchuan Lirang's attacks were more ferocious and powerful, leaving Isho no choice but to react to each move.
Time passed, and about fifteen minutes later,
Isho's voice rang out to everyone. "Teacher, I give up."
Jingchuan Lirang's wary expression turned to surprise. Then he looked up and saw Isho put away his kunai and tend to his wounds and clothes.
Isho looked rather disheveled. His clothes were torn in several places, and a few small wounds were seeping blood. Beads of sweat covered his face.
By comparison, Jingchuan Lirang was in better shape. His clothes and wounds were in better condition than Isho's.
"All right, Jingchuan Lirang takes first place in this assessment.
"Rest this afternoon. You're dismissed." After speaking, the teacher leading the assessment strode away.
"I won! I actually came in first this time.
"But I was lucky, too. Isho clearly had a chance to use ninjutsu just now, but didn't. He must have run low on chakra."
Jingchuan Lirang murmured to himself with a smile. Luck is part of strength, too. Still, I'll have to work even harder. I won't get this lucky next time.
Soon, the teacher dismissed everyone. Isho walked over to one of the better-looking female medical ninjas. "You should get those wounds bandaged."
That was a pretty intense fight. I should have earned plenty of Calamity Points. But my explosive power and taijutsu are weak. I'll have to train more.
"Isho, why don't you seem excited? Are you disappointed you lost to Jingchuan in the end? I mean, you could've used that high-level ninjutsu one more time. You definitely would've won."
Tiancheng Changmu, a handsome, short-haired boy, and Akiyo came jogging up behind Isho.
"Of course he is. But second place is still pretty good. At least the two of us managed not to come in last," Akiyo said casually.
Isho smiled and turned to glance at his two friends before speaking.
"I was reviewing the fight and thinking over what I learned, but honestly, I'm already over the moon. Want to celebrate? I'll treat you to ramen."
"Sounds good. We've got the afternoon off, anyway. When I've saved enough money, I'll treat you next time," Akiyo replied.
"Me too," Changmu said with a nod, his eyes full of anticipation.
The three chatted for a while and agreed on a time, then went their separate ways.
That evening, at Isho's home,
Ring-ring! Ring-ring! Slap. Isho shut off the alarm with practiced ease and slowly rolled over to sit up.
He splashed some water on his face, and the coolness quickly shook off his drowsiness.
"I came home and went straight to sleep. I completely forgot to check my Calamity Points." Isho scratched his head, then said, "System, show me my personal page."
[Beep! Host: Uchiha Isho] [Ninjutsu: Three Basic Techniques, Great Fireball Technique, Shadow Clone Technique]
What he could be proud of was that, thanks to the Naruto Experience Card he'd used last time, Isho now knew the hand seals and how to master the Shadow Clone Technique. He'd studied and practiced during his free time, and after a few more attempts, he'd gotten the hang of it.
As for the Rasengan, he'd just made it past the balloon-popping stage.
At this thought, Isho shook his head helplessly.
"I have to get hurt against my will to earn Calamity Points. Who designed this lousy system? Were they worried the host would hurt himself, or did they just want to see him suffer?"
Isho thought the latter was more likely. He could only console himself that having something was better than nothing.
Looks like I'd better use Ninja Experience Cards less often from now on. If I get stronger, I'll have to take harder hits to earn Calamity Points.
Isho quickly changed into fresh clothes and pulled on long sleeves to cover some of the bandaged wounds on his arms. He retrieved some money from a hidden spot, then left home and made his way to Ichiraku Ramen, which he knew by heart.
Before long, he spotted Changmu waiting across the street. He waved and grinned.
"Changmu, you got here early. Are you that eager to eat ramen?"
"Isho, don't you know my house is close by? Besides, I really am hungry. I'm just waiting for you two."
"Of course I know. I just wanted to see if you were hungry. If you are, we can go order first."
Changmu shook his head. "Akiyo should be here soon. His house is the farthest away, but he usually comes early. He should be here any minute."
Isho looked down the other end of the street, but after watching for a few seconds, he still didn't see Akiyo. He found a clean spot to sit and wait.
"Isho, Changmu, sorry I'm late!"
Akiyo's booming voice attracted curious glances from people nearby even before he arrived.
Isho waved him over. Once Akiyo was close, he said helplessly, "All right, keep your voice down. We're just having ramen; no need to draw so much attention."
Akiyo scratched the back of his head, not the least bit embarrassed.
"Come on. Order whatever you want," Isho said, glancing at the two of them before leading the way inside.
The restaurant happened to be fairly empty, and soon three enormous bowls were set in front of them.
They savored their meal, alternating between noodles and meat. The noodles were firm and chewy, with a smooth texture, and the three of them ate with relish.
You could eat this ramen every day and never get tired of it. The hygiene and ingredients are top-notch. If this were a chain in my previous life, it'd have branches all over the world.
Before long, all three bowls were empty.
Isho got up to pay. Then the three of them rubbed their full stomachs and headed home, satisfied.
Before you continue