Konoha, the Ninja Academy training grounds.
The air was somewhat dry, and the sunlight was gently warm.
Three squads were undergoing rigorous training on the spacious grounds.
Sharp moves sliced through the air, and sunlight glittered in the beads of sweat. They looked quite proficient.
Although these were only basic exercises, the children performed them meticulously, without slacking off at all.
"All right, take a break."
The blue-haired Jonin leading them clapped his hands, a pleased smile on his face.
The children stopped training in twos and threes, then scattered.
Longjian Senju wiped the sweat from his forehead. His steps paused, and he tilted his head slightly, raising his left hand.
The next second, a fist intent on a sneak attack came at him from behind. It grazed his cheek before his waiting palm caught it, almost as though it had delivered itself straight into his grip.
He clamped down on the wrist, pulled the elbow, and crouched slightly, using his shoulder as a fulcrum to give a deft tug.
Thud.
An over-the-shoulder throw left Obito Uchiha dazed, lying on the ground in front of Longjian Senju with little stars dancing before his eyes.
Longjian Senju relaxed his left hand and withdrew his right, which had protected the back of Obito's neck to keep him from getting a concussion.
"You lost. Go buy water. I want the most expensive one." He grinned freely, brushed the dust off the back of his hand, and casually offered the Seal of Reconciliation.
"Aw, come on! I'll beat you next time!"
Obito Uchiha lay in Longjian Senju's shadow and gave a defiant huff.
He extended his right hand, formed the Seal of Reconciliation, and lightly hooked it upward. Then, without the slightest ceremony, he pulled himself to his feet.
Everyone nearby was so accustomed