Uchiyama's old mouth twitched three times.
He flipped open the outline. Closed it. Then opened it again.
It stated in black and white—Week Seven Teaching Plan: senior elite demonstration sparring, with participants designated by the homeroom teacher.
"Um... Senju Clan student." Uchiyama's voice sounded even weaker than he did. "Today's practical combat class needs a student to step up for a demonstration..."
"Sure." Nawaki rose to his feet before Uchiyama could even finish.
The entire class drew a sharp breath.
Three beads of sweat appeared on Uchiyama's forehead. "No, no, no, you're not supposed to fight—you're supposed to watch—"
"What's interesting about watching?" Nawaki had already reached the aisle. He casually stuffed the half-bag of dried fish left on his desk into Kushina Uzumaki's hands. "Hold onto this for me."
Kushina mumbled around a mouthful of dried fish, "Go easy on them."
"Got it."
... Ninja Academy training ground.
Four senior students stood in the middle of the field.
The leader was Akiyama Raiga, a collateral relative from a branch family of the Nara Clan. He had just entered the academy's highest grade and ranked among the top five in his year. Beside him stood the heir candidates from the Inuzuka Clan, Aburame Clan, and Akimichi Clan, each one a carefully selected outstanding student.
All four stood ramrod straight.
Their legs were trembling.
Not obviously, but they were trembling.
Raiga glanced sideways at Aburame Shiro beside him. Shiro's face was expressionless, but the kikaichū inside his left sleeve were emitting an almost imperceptible buzz—an instinctive reaction of the swarm when it was nervous.
"Everyone—" Uchiyama stood at the edge of the field, pinching his fingers behind his back. "This is a friendly sparring exercise. Senju Clan student Nawaki volunteered to take part in the demonstration, so everyone... everyone..."
He said