The Transformation Technique, Clone Technique, and Substitution Technique were all basic Ninjutsu that proved highly useful in actual combat. Though simple, they could still turn a battle around.
Over his two months at the Ninja Academy, Ruri had practiced these three techniques until they became second nature. It could be said that, as long as his enemies were not particularly powerful, Ruri could defeat almost any of them in an instant.
Ever since his last Ninjutsu sparring session with Ruri, Uchiha Itachi had thrown himself into competing with him at school, insisting on challenging him in every area.
Everyone acknowledged Ruri's talent and strength, and everyone acknowledged Uchiha Itachi's strength as well. But Ruri always ranked first at school, while Uchiha Itachi ranked second, just one place behind him.
Even so, Uchiha Itachi had never given up trying to catch up with Ruri. Though he currently ranked second, he was far ahead of the other students.
As far as Uchiha Itachi could remember, from the moment he was born until he met Ruri, no one had ever been a match for him.
Among children his age, not one could get the better of him. Ever since meeting Ruri, however, he had been thoroughly outclassed, without the slightest chance of turning things around. Even so, he had not given up, and gradually, Uchiha Itachi had also come to deeply admire Ruri.
And so, the two competed fiercely every day. As the days passed, a little friendship developed between them.
That day, Ruri was sitting in the classroom, laughing and chatting with his deskmate, Momokusa Harukawa, when Uchiha Itachi rose from his seat. Looking at Ruri, he said, "Ruri, I heard we're having a combat assessment today. I'd like you to be my opponent!"
Ruri raised his head, looked at Uchiha Itachi,