Five minutes later, all the students of Class Five at the Ninja Academy had arrived at the Playground and assembled. They stood there quietly, waiting for Asuma Sarutobi to speak.
"Today, we're having a practical combat assessment! First, I'll announce the matchups!"
With that, Asuma Sarutobi picked up the sheet in his hand and began reading. "Yamanaka Fū versus Senju Lishang... Reika Hyuga versus Akagimaru... Momokusa Harukawa versus... Ruri Hyuga versus Uchiha Itachi!"
Listening carefully below as Asuma Sarutobi read the list, Uchiha Itachi said happily, "Ruri, it looks like this is fate. We've been paired up!"
Looking at the delighted Uchiha Itachi, Ruri thought, If I'm not mistaken, the pairings this time should be based on strength!
Soon, the practical combat assessment began. The first match was between Yamanaka Fū and Senju Lishang.
The moment the match began, the two launched into a fierce fight. Their figures constantly crossed as they fought, leaving the watching students dazzled. Within just a few minutes, Yamanaka Fū's practiced taijutsu was already close to overwhelming Senju Lishang.
The students watching from the sidelines thoroughly enjoyed it. As Ruri watched the two fight, he thought to himself, This Yamanaka Fū looks pretty impressive! Although he can't use the Yamanaka Clan's secret techniques yet, he's practiced his taijutsu and Substitution Technique very well, and he's putting them to good use in the match! It looks like, aside from the few of us, he's the strongest in class!
No wonder that old fox Danzo recruited him into Root at such a young age in Naruto...
"Yamanaka Fū wins this match!" The result was soon decided, and Asuma Sarutobi announced it as he looked at the victorious Yamanaka Fū in the arena.
Asuma Sarutobi looked at the sheet in his hand and said, "Next up is