Chapter 237: Star Shinobi Graduation Exam: Stealing Bells?
The morning sunlight shone through the clean glass windows, sprinkling into the spacious and bright dining room of Uzumaki House.
Kimimaro Kaguya walked out from the bedroom on the second floor, still wearing a plain white kimono, his pale hair neatly combed, his expression cold and detached.
After washing up, he quietly arrived at the dining room.
Mizuki Haku was already sitting there, dressed in light blue casual clothes, his demeanor gentle and warm, sipping warm water in small mouthfuls.
Seeing Kimimaro, he showed a mild smile: “Good morning, Kimimaro.”
“Morning, Haku.” Kimimaro nodded slightly and sat down in the seat next to him.
On the other side, Karin Uzumaki was swinging her legs boredly, her red hair tied into two buns. Seeing Kimimaro, she immediately greeted him cheerfully: “Good morning, Brother Kimimaro!”
“Morning, Karin.” Kimimaro’s tone remained flat, but his gaze softened slightly.
At the main seat in the dining room, Kushina Uzumaki was holding a copy of the 《Star Capital Daily》 and reading it carefully, with steam rising from the coffee in front of her.
A hired middle-aged maid was busy in the kitchen, the aroma of fried eggs and toast filling the air.
Ever since coming to Star Capital and being adopted by Kushina Uzumaki, Kimimaro and Haku had been living here.
For them, who had experienced hardships since childhood and were even regarded as weapons by their clan members, Uzumaki House gave them rare family warmth and sense of belonging. Deep in their hearts, they had already regarded Kushina Uzumaki as their mother.
Breakfast was soon served: simple bread, fried eggs with milk.
The atmosphere during the meal was quiet yet warm.
After finishing breakfast, Kushina put down the newspaper, pushed up her glasses, and looked at the three children: “There’s a graduation exam at the Ninja Academy today, and the scene should be quite grand. Kimimaro, Haku, take Karin to see it, let her see what excellent peers look like, and motivate her a bit.”
As she spoke, she glanced at her daughter with a hint of helplessness: “This child clearly inherited the Uzumaki Clan’s excellent physique and sensing ability, yet even now she struggles to master the most basic chakra shape manipulation, nowhere near early graduation.”
Karin immediately pouted, a bit unconvinced but unable to retort, so she muttered softly: “I… I’ll work hard…”
Haku smiled gently and comforted: “Aunt Kushina, Karin is still young. Staying a few more years at the Ninja Academy to build a solid foundation will make her future path steadier. Rushing won’t help.”
Kimimaro nodded too, concisely agreeing: “Haku is right. Foundation is important.”
Kushina looked at the two defending their sister, shaking her head helplessly, but with a smile at the corner of her mouth: “Alright, you two always protect her. Go on, I should head to the Administration Building too.”
The group split up.
Kushina headed to the Administration Building, while Kimimaro and Haku took the excited Karin to the Ninja Academy.
The closer they got to the Ninja Academy, the livelier the atmosphere became.
Many students and parents were streaming into the campus.
Before they even entered the school gate, they ran into several familiar figures.
“Yo! Kimimaro! Haku! Over here!” A loud, carefree voice called out.
Shita Junhito was waving vigorously, wearing the uniform of a Star Ninja reserve, with short black hair and full of energy.
Beside him stood Murahashi Hazuki, the girl with neat light brown short hair, curiously eyeing the growing crowd around.
On the other side, Oyakushiro Chino walked over too, her white short hair conspicuous in the sunlight, her blood-red pupils scanning the crowd, nodding slightly as a greeting.
Her demeanor was much more steady than a year ago, but that unyielding spirit seemed etched into her bones.
“Sister Yukimi is here too!” Karin spotted her and pointed to the distance.
Yukimi came jogging over, her brown medium-length hair swaying in the wind, her freckles making her look lively.
She greeted everyone with a smile, her deep blue eyes full of excitement.
These were the earliest batch of genius youths from Land of Stars to graduate early, now new sharp forces in the army. Their names and deeds were still widely talked about among Ninja Academy students, serving as benchmarks admired by many newcomers.
“Everyone’s here.” Haku smiled and looked around.
“It’s been a while since we’ve all gathered like this.”
Shita Junhito slapped Kimimaro’s shoulder hard, but Kimimaro subtly dodged. He sighed: “Yeah! Two years since we graduated in a blink! Feels like the Ninja Academy suddenly has so many more people!”
Chino crossed her arms, recalling: “I remember my batch, the fourth period expanded recruitment, about sixty-something people. After annexing three countries, the fifth period recruited even more. Now in the Ninja Academy, there must be over a hundred students, right?”
As the daughter of Finance Minister Miyashiro En, she was a bit sensitive to these numbers.
Murahashi Hazuki asked curiously: “I heard the new vice principal, Nono Yakushi, is a very gentle and capable person? The previous vice principal seems to have been transferred to the Justice Department?”
Chino nodded: “Principal Nonō is indeed very gentle, and her medical ninjutsu and intelligence processing skills are both outstanding.”
Having received guidance from Nonō before, she had authority on this.
Meanwhile, Yukimi was chatting with Haku: “Haku, any new progress with your Ice Release lately? I always feel my bloodline limit isn’t just vaporizing… Sometimes I sense another power surging in my body, but I can’t grasp it.”
She frowned slightly, looking troubled.
Haku listened patiently: “Developing a bloodline limit can’t be rushed; it needs patient sensing and guidance. My Ice Release was explored gradually too. Maybe we can train together sometime and exchange insights?”
Kimimaro was quieter, holding the looking-around Karin’s hand to keep her from getting lost.
But his thoughts drifted to last night’s opponent in the illusionary space, Neji Hyuga.
That boy’s talent and resilience were indeed astonishing. Though Kimimaro never showed it outwardly, he had to admit inwardly that if Neji hadn’t grown up in the oppressive Konoha Hyuga Branch Family but had received systematic and open training in Land of Stars from childhood, his strength might truly challenge Kimimaro’s position as the “new generation chief.”
This inexplicable competitive spirit made him look forward to today’s exam even more.
How many hidden talents were there among Land of Stars’ new generation?
The group chatted as they entered the Ninja Academy and arrived at the huge First Training Ground in the back.
It was already bustling with noise.
The training ground was clearly divided into several areas.
The audience
Most eye-catching of all, the appearance of that figure on the high platform on one side of the Training Ground elicited waves of suppressed excited murmurs.
Lord Shura rarely took off his signature White Three-Eyed Fox Mask today, revealing his handsome and serene face.
He wore a black-based miko robe with red edges, standing there with an aura of authority that commanded respect without anger.
He was speaking in a low voice with Uchiha Hikari, Uzumaki Kushina, and Nonō Yakushi beside him, his gaze sweeping over the bustling crowd below.
And in a slightly forward position in the audience seats, Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki were also sitting there.
Minato looked at this grand-scale, well-organized scene, especially the boys and girls in the audience with their fervent gazes and full of vigor, and couldn’t help but sigh softly to Kushina beside him: “It’s really… even more grand and vibrant than the Konoha Ninja Academy graduation ceremony back then.”
Kushina tightly gripped her husband’s hand, her eyes full of excitement and pride. This was the world their son had created!
And in the crowd not far from Minato and Kushina, Shisui Uchiha looked gravely at the lively figures on the training ground below, feeling for the first time that the Star Ninja force established by Lord Shura already possessed the ability to continuously cultivate fresh blood!
Below, the students participating in the assessment had already formed five relatively neat square formations according to their classes.
Standing at the very front were the slightly older students from the first, second, and third periods.
Most of them were orphans saved from the war and ruins of the Land of Bears and Land of Demons during the early founding of the Land of Stars, or ninja clan disciples who followed Lord Shura early on.
From the initial thirty-plus people, with some genius youths successively added, there are now a total of sixty-four people, who are the main force for today’s assessment.
Although they are in different classes, they have similar experiences, and their eyes generally carry the resilience after experiencing hardship and the cherishing of their current lives.
Behind them were the students from the fourth and fifth periods.
The fourth batch consists of students normally recruited last year, while the fifth batch is the large number of new students expanded after annexing the three new counties this year, among whom there are no lack of talented commoner children and children of small ninja clans.
Their numbers were clearly greater, their eyes filled with envy for the seniors and longing for the future.
Around the training ground, many military ninjas wearing Star Ninja Vests were busy maintaining order, planning the exam venues, and setting up the assessment equipment.
In the audience seats, Kisame Hoshigaki, Mei Terumi, Natsuhi, Hotaru, Gōta, and other Land of Stars jonin and special jonin had all taken their seats. Their gazes swept over the trainees below like searchlights, preparing to scout fresh blood for their future teams or departments.
When everything was ready, Menma walked to a microphone set up in front of the high platform.
He didn’t need to shout loudly; his voice was clearly transmitted throughout the entire Training Ground through the amplification equipment.
The originally noisy venue instantly fell silent, with all the students, and even many of the audience members, holding their breath in concentration, their gazes fervently fixed on that figure on the high platform.
He is the founder of the Land of Stars, the “god” who saved them and gave them new life, the supreme idol in the hearts of countless people.
Menma’s voice was steady and powerful. He did not discuss the specific assessment rules, but instead elaborated once again on the fundamental difference between “new era ninja” and old era ninja.
“Old Era Ninja are the blades in the hands of nobles and the Daimyo, tools of slaughter, chains of the Cycle of Hatred.” His voice spread throughout the entire field.
“And we ninjas of the Land of Stars are the power that breaks the shackles, the shield that guards peace, the cornerstone of building the future! The chakra and ninjutsu we master are not for creating hatred and division, but for eliminating injustice, for bringing true, permanent peace and stability to this world!”
His words were like a huge boulder thrown into a calm lake surface, stirring up massive ripples and resonance in the hearts of the boys and girls.
The audience immediately erupted into thunderous, fanatical cheers, with countless pairs of eyes shining with adoration and resolute light.
Immediately after, Vice Principal Nonō stepped forward and began announcing the specific assessment content, rules, and the enticing generous rewards.
Rewards of the top nine elite classes, Jonin leading the team, D-rank, C-rank, and even B-rank Ninjutsu scrolls…
Each item made the students below breathe rapidly, their eyes becoming sharper and more filled with fighting spirit.
She also encouraged the students who failed to enter the top nine not to be discouraged, as the Land of Stars’ army and all departments would forever open their doors to qualified graduates.
The assessment officially begins!
Three Special Jonin and nine experienced Chunin dispatched by the military served as examiners, conducting a strict basic assessment of the sixty-four students from the first three periods: proficiency in the Three Body Technique, as well as mastery of at least one practical ninja tool technique or offensive ninjutsu.
The assessment process was tense yet orderly.
What surprised even Menma on the high platform was that ultimately, thirty-two people successfully passed the rigorous basic assessment!
The pass rate exceeding half far surpassed his expectations.
He keenly noticed that these children’s foundations were extremely solid, and the chakra control and tactical thinking displayed by many of them, with just a little more experience, could fully reach the level of a chunin.
“It seems Nonō and the previous vice principal put a lot of effort into education.” Menma said softly to Kushina and Nonō beside him.
Both revealed relieved smiles.
After the basic assessment ended, combat training followed immediately.
Thirty-two students were divided into sixteen groups through drawing lots and would compete in designated areas.
The rules are simple and direct: within the stipulated time, continue until one side admits defeat, loses combat power, or is knocked out of bounds.
The atmosphere instantly became even more heated.
The sound of air breaking from ninja tools, the clash of ninjutsu, the dull thuds of taijutsu clashes, and the students’ strenuous shouts rose and fell one after another in the training ground.
The jonin in the audience seats watched even more carefully.
Uchiha Hikari, accompanied by several members of the jonin class, calmly assessed each student’s performance like a precise scanner.
Her gaze lingered for a moment on a girl with blonde hair, black eyes, and a baby face.
The girl named Suzuhara Ai displayed unexpected calmness and resilience when facing an opponent strong in taijutsu. Not only did she engage with proficient taijutsu, but at critical moments, she also used quite eye-catching medical ninjutsu for support, evasion, and counterattacks, with very clear tactical thinking.
Kisame Hoshigaki sat together with Mei Terumi with his arms crossed. There was no expression on the shark face, but a hint of interest flashed in those small eyes.
He noticed a silver-haired, black-eyed boy who seemed to be named Ida Tasuke.
This boy’s swordsmanship style is ruthless and sharp, carrying an obvious aura of real combat slaughter, completely different from the swordsmanship routines taught at ordinary ninja academies, clearly having a different inheritance.
His disposition also appeared unusually steady, with his eyes remaining as firm as a rock throughout the intense battle.
Even Minato Namikaze on the audience seat couldn’t help but lean forward slightly.
His gaze was drawn to a red-eyed boy with black medium-length hair, a scar on his right eyebrow, and eyes somewhat like those of the clumsy disciple in his memory.
Sato Sayun, this boy’s fighting style was full of bold and sweeping passion, his Fire Release Ninjutsu had considerable power but control was somewhat crude, his taijutsu was aggressively offensive but with obvious defensive flaws, that impulsive drive and occasional hot-blooded recklessness made Minato vaguely see the shadow of Obito Uchiha in his youth, causing him to lose focus for a moment…
Meanwhile, Menma on the high platform swept his gaze over the entire field, finally locking onto a figure, a trace of imperceptible surprise flashing in his eyes.
That is Otsutsuki Toneri.
This Otsutsuki descendant from the Moon was actually standing quietly in the line of participating students.
He was currently using Byakugan to counter his opponent’s attacks, his movements fluid and precise, faintly revealing a transcendent demeanor that clashed with the surrounding environment.
Menma’s mouth curved into a slight arc.
Tenseigan User’s participation undoubtedly added more variables and expectations to this already intriguing graduation exam.
Sixteen into eight, eight into four…
Each battle was more intense than the last.
The students all gave their all for the precious spots and honor.
During the break, they could only receive Military Rations Pills to quickly replenish their stamina, simulating the harsh battlefield environment, which was also a great test for their willpower.
Finally, when the afternoon sunlight began to tilt westward, the final four were born!
Otsutsuki Toneri, Ida Tasuke, Suzuhara Ai, Sato Sayun.
The intense semifinals and finals are about to begin, pushing this graduation exam to its climax!
The atmosphere of the entire training ground was also tense to the extreme.
The edges of the wide field paved with grayish-blue stone bricks were crowded with people.
The deep blue standard Star Ninja Vests of the Star Ninjas were particularly eye-catching in the crowd, while the Ninja Academy students wore uniform dark training uniforms, excitedly whispering to each other.
In the center of the training ground, four boys and girls stood in a row, like four young pines facing the wind and frost, or like little lions holding their heads high.
Otsutsuki Toneri stood straight, his snow-white eyes swirling with a pearl-like sheen under the sunlight; Ida Tasuke habitually pressed his left hand on the hilt of the ancient-style sword at his waist, his silver hair framing eyes as calm as a deep pool; Suzuhara Ai slightly pursed her lips, her golden hair tied into a neat ponytail at the back of her head, her small figure tensed like a drawn bow; Sato Sayun grinned, flames of eagerness flickering in his crimson pupils, the scar across his right eyebrow coming alive with it.
Nonō Yakushi stood on the high platform, about to announce the matchup draw.
“Wait.” Menma suddenly raised his hand.
A playful smile played at the corners of the boy’s mouth.
He took a few steps past Nonō Yakushi, walked to the edge of the high platform, and swept his gaze over the four people in the center of the field, his smile widening a bit.
“You four are the most outstanding students of this class. But ordinary sparring practice cannot forge true sharpness.”
He raised his hand and snapped his fingers, and a deep blue figure silently landed at his side.
Uchiha Hikari wore a sleek deep blue stand-collar combat uniform, with her headband worn like a headband on her head, holding back her jet-black long hair, her eyes calm and unruffled.
Menma took out a small bronze bell from his sleeve and gently tossed the bell to Uchiha Hikari.
“I’ll switch opponents for you.” Menma’s voice carried amusement: “You four temporarily team up and fight her. There’s only one rule…”
“If you snatch this bell from her hand, you win.”
The audience seats instantly erupted in an uproar.
“Lord Hikari?!” Someone cried out in shock.
“What a joke!” Sato Sayun blurted out, his red pupils suddenly contracting sharply.
“Lord Hikari… Lord Hikari…” Suzuhara Ai’s little face instantly paled, and she subconsciously retreated half a step.
Ida Tasuke’s hand gripping the hilt suddenly tightened, his knuckles turning white, his heart pounding fiercely.
Even the usually calm Tenseigan User had the muscles at the corner of his eyes twitch almost imperceptibly, as if recalling the massive Susanoo from the battle on the Moon.
Uchiha Hikari, Star Ninja Army Commander-in-Chief, the acknowledged strongest Star Ninja under Lord Shura!
She just stood there, a faint smile on her face that was somewhat indistinct and carried a scrutinizing meaning.
That aura precipitated from years of accumulated battles, the absolute confidence belonging to a strong practitioner, the intangible oppression came like a tsunami, weighing heavily on the hearts of the four boys, making them involuntarily swallow their saliva, with their palms slightly sweating.
Me fight Uchiha Hikari?!
Really? For real?!
Menma seemed very satisfied with the four people’s reaction of instantly tensing up as if facing a great enemy, and with a smile on his face, he continued to add: “Of course, Lord Hikari will suppress his strength to the Chunin level. He won’t use the Sharingan either.”
He paused, turned his head to look at Uchiha Hikari, and smiled, saying: “How about it?”
Uchiha Hikari weighed the copper bell in her hand, which felt as light as nothing.
“Fine.” Her voice was clear and cold, a rare glint of interest flashed in her eyes, and the corners of her mouth curved up ever so slightly.
“If you can hold out against me through the assessment, I will take you as my disciples. Even if your development direction doesn’t match my area of expertise, I will recommend the most suitable jonin mentors for you.”
These words were like igniting a fuse.
Shock was instantly swept away by wild joy!
To be taken as disciples by Lord Hikari?
Or personally recommended jonin mentors by Lord Hikari?
This was the starting point dreamed of by countless ninjas of the Land of Stars!
Four pairs of young eyes instantly blazed with scorching firelight, making even the air feel hot.
This was the supreme commander of the Star Ninja Army, a powerful ninja who could stand shoulder to shoulder with Lord Shura!
To clash with such an opponent, even in an assessment, was enough to make them tremble with both fear and excitement.
“You have ten minutes,” Menma pointed to a patch of shade by the edge of the field: “Adjust your state and formulate tactics. Let me see if you are worth this promise.”
The four turned around almost simultaneously and quickly walked toward the shade of the tree.
They might have been opponents just moments ago, but now they had become comrades who must stand back-to-back.
On the audience seat, all eyes were focused here.
The Star Ninjas curiously wanted to see how the Commander would “guide” these rookies; the students held their breath, both envious and sweating for the four on the field; even Shisui Uchiha leaned forward slightly, his scarlet three-tomoe Sharingan revealing thick interest, wanting to see what outstanding performance these seedlings favored by Lord Shura could show in this confrontation.
On the other side, Kushina Uzumaki couldn’t help but burst out laughing the moment Menma took out the bells, forcefully patting Minato’s shoulder beside her: “Hahaha! Minato, look! This kid Menma! He even learned that bell-grabbing assessment method passed down through your generations!”
Minato Namikaze was also stunned by this sudden sense of déjà vu, then chuckled, quickly clasping his hands in an apologetic gesture to the puzzled onlookers around, his face full of nostalgia and a hint of wry amusement: “It really is… I didn’t expect him to use this method.”
The ten minutes of tactical discussion time was extremely precious.
Under the shade of the trees at the edge of the field, the four who were potential opponents just moments ago quickly huddled together, while Menma also had someone deliver four sets of earpiece walkie-talkies.
“Situation is urgent, keep it short.” Ida Tasuke spoke first, distributing the earpiece walkie-talkies to everyone.
“We must cooperate.” His silver short hair framed sharp and steady eyes, a calmness mismatched with his thirteen years of age.
“I’m Ida Tasuke, first cohort, skilled in close-quarters taijutsu and a practical swordsmanship inherited from wandering samurai, focusing on speed and one-strike kills, but lacking ranged means.”
Surprisingly, no one showed disdain because his inheritance came from “wandering samurai.”
In this country composed of wanderers, war orphans, and the rescued, strength and disposition were far more important than origins.
“I’m Suzuhara Ai… um, second cohort.” Suzuhara Ai took the earpiece walkie-talkie and continued softly, her cute doll-like face showing tension but an effort to stay composed: “I… I’m better at basic medical ninjutsu and some taijutsu evasion, my ninja tool pouch has over a dozen kunai and shuriken, my throwing technique has decent accuracy.”
She subconsciously touched the ninja tool pouch behind her waist.
“I’m Sato Sayun, second cohort.” Sato Sayun slapped his chest forcefully, his red pupils burning with fighting spirit, the scar on his right eyebrow flaring up, his voice booming: “I’m good at two Fire Release ninjutsu, taijutsu is decent too, leave frontal assaults to me!”
His straightforward and bold nature became a morale-boosting trait at this moment.
Finally, the three pairs of eyes focused on Otsutsuki Toneri, who had the most unique demeanor.
His Byakugan was the only bloodline limit among the four, and it would be the key to this assessment.
“Otsutsuki Toneri, third cohort.” Toneri’s pale face showed no expression, his snow-white pupils turned to the three, his voice ethereal and calm: “My Byakugan provides 360-degree vision without blind spots, able to see through chakra flow and taijutsu movements. I have knowledge in taijutsu and basic ninjutsu, can take on main attack or support roles as needed by tactics.”
After speaking, he hung the earpiece walkie-talkie on his cheek.
Toneri’s bloodline limit and calmness gave an inexplicable sense of reliability.
Ida Tasuke nodded heavily; all three temporary teammates could communicate—this was the best situation. He quickly digested the information, his brain racing.
His past experiences leading wandering little friends in skirmishes with street thugs and even small gangs over food turned into the most primal tactical command instinct at this moment.
“Good!” Ida Tasuke’s eyes sharpened: “Time is tight, I’ll propose a plan, everyone add to it.”
“Tactics as follows: Sato, you and I main attackers. Your Fire Release creates restraint and draws attention; I’ll flank for close sword technique strikes. Suzuhara, support from the rear, monitor our status with your medical ninjutsu, use ninja tools for ranged interference, look for opportunities.”
“Toneri, your Byakugan is crucial, handle full warnings, discern Lord Uchiha Hikari’s movement intentions, and remind us promptly. Also, please protect Suzuhara at all costs!”
The arrangement was clear and reasonable, considering everyone’s strengths.
He even added: “In battle, situations change; if I lose consciousness or command ability, Toneri takes over command!”
This calm, thoughtful arrangement—even considering commander succession—slightly surprised the other three, making them look at the silver-haired boy in a new light, their tension inexplicably eased.
Sato Sayun grinned: “Got it! Frontal assault is on me…”
At that moment, “Gurgle—” a loud stomach rumble suddenly came from Sato Sayun’s belly, breaking the brief serious atmosphere.
Sato Sayun instantly turned beet red, embarrassedly scratching the back of his head: “Uh… I have a big appetite usually… that Military Rations Pill earlier didn’t fill me up… but I guarantee! It won’t affect the fight!”
Seeing his embarrassed yet earnest guarantee, Suzuhara Ai couldn’t help but smile, carefully taking a Military Rations Pill from her ninja tool pouch, saying softly: “I… I don’t eat much, saved one earlier just in case… here, take it.”
She was clearly a thoughtful girl who planned ahead for herself.
Toneri also silently took a Military Rations Pill from his sleeve and handed it to Ida Tasuke, tone flat: “The earlier opponent didn’t drain much of my stamina, and I don’t like the taste of Military Rations Pills.”
Ida Tasuke and Sato Sayun were stunned, then solemnly accepted them.
“Thanks!” The Military Rations Pill was bitter in the mouth, turning into a warm flow that spread through limbs and body.
Though just two small Military Rations Pills, at this critical moment, this energy boost and companion support greatly boosted morale.
A preliminary trust and bond based on the battlefield quietly formed among the four.
On the audience seat, Kimimaro, Bai, Shita Junhito, and others also watched this scene.
Shita Junhito grinned: “Hey, these little guys are interesting! Calm under pressure, know to support each other!”
Kimimaro watched silently, his gaze lingering a bit longer on Toneri and Ida Tasuke, lost in thought.
The ten-minute break passed in a flash.
Uchiha Hikari slowly walked to the center of the Second Training Ground and stood, not even assuming any battle stance, just casually hanging the bell with the red ribbon on her waist, a playful smile on her lips.
The entire Second Training Ground erupted in thunderous cheers and shouts.
Countless gazes burned hotly on her, mixed with awe and fanaticism.
“Lord Hikari! Go for it!”
“Show them what you’ve got!”
“Go on, kids!”
Opposite, the four boys took a deep breath, exchanged glances, nodded firmly, then spread out in a semi-encirclement formation toward the center, expressions resolute, like facing a great enemy.
“I declare—” Uchiha Hikari’s clear cold voice rang out, clearly reaching everyone’s ears, with a hint of barely perceptible expectation.
“Final assessment, begin!”
“You may attack.”
The moment the words fell, the battle erupted!
“Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!” Sato Sayun didn’t hesitate, hands rapidly forming hand seals, chest swelling, fiercely spitting a massive blazing fireball with a whistling sound, first striking at Uchiha Hikari!
He perfectly executed the main attack to draw fire duty.
Almost simultaneously, Ida Tasuke crouched low, hugging the ground, using the fireball for cover, rapidly advancing from the flank, his training short sword half-unsheathed at his waist, eyes locked on Uchiha Hikari’s movement trajectory.
Suzuhara Ai quickly retreated, holding a shuriken in each hand, eyes focused, seeking throwing opportunities, while faint medical chakra began flowing in her body, ready for possible injuries.
Otsutsuki Toneri stood still, Byakugan activated, veins bulging around his eyes, 360-degree vision covering the entire battlefield, calmly reporting via earpiece walkie-talkie: “Three o’clock direction, no abnormal chakra flow, movement intent… evade!”
Sure enough, facing the surging fireball, Uchiha Hikari didn’t even form hand seals, just lightly tapped her foot, body floating backward weightlessly, perfectly avoiding the flame’s strongest impact range, movements elegant and composed.
But at the instant she landed from retreating!
“Now!” Ida Tasuke’s eyes flashed, seizing the tiny gap of old force exhausted and new force unborn, suddenly exploding with speed!
Short sword fully unsheathed, slashing a sharp cold gleam straight at the bell hanging on Uchiha Hikari’s waist!
This strike was fast, accurate, ruthless, showcasing the wandering samurai’s practical killing techniques to the fullest—not at all like an attack from a Ninja Academy student!
Low gasps of surprise rose from the audience seat.
However, Uchiha Hikari seemed to have anticipated it.
Her body twisted at an almost impossible angle, left index and middle fingers casually extending—
“Clang!”
A light ring; her two slender fingers actually arrived later but struck first, precisely clamping Ida Tasuke’s full-force sword tip!
The powerful force instantly dissolved into nothing!
Ida Tasuke’s pupils shrank, trying to withdraw the sword, but found it clamped like by iron pliers, immovable!
“Too impatient.” Uchiha Hikari commented faintly, fingers exerting slight force.
Ida Tasuke felt a clever force travel along the blade, sharp pain in his tiger mouth, short sword nearly flying out, body uncontrollably staggering backward.
“Careful!” Toneri’s warning rang out again.
But it was too late.
Uchiha Hikari’s figure vanished like teleportation, next moment appearing beside Suzuhara Ai who was trying to interfere with shuriken.
“Ah!” Suzuhara Ai only saw a blur, cried out, her wrist lightly tapped, two shuriken clattering to the ground.
Uchiha Hikari didn’t attack her, just brushed past like a whirlwind, the wind pressure making her unsteady and fall sitting.
“Medical ninjas are important, but first learn to protect yourself on the battlefield.” The clear cold voice left a sentence by her ear.
“Don’t underestimate us!” Sato Sayun raged at the sight, forming hand seals again: “Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu!”
Several small fireballs scattered, trying to block Uchiha Hikari’s paths.
Simultaneously, recovered Ida Tasuke charged fearlessly again, sword moves even more sharp and tricky.
Toneri’s Byakugan operated frantically, constantly reporting predictions: “Right shift! Crouch! Retreat! She’s counterattacking!”
In the field, Uchiha Hikari’s figure danced like a butterfly through flowers, strolling leisurely amid fireballs and sword gleams.
Her movements didn’t look fast, yet always evaded all attacks by a hair’s breadth, every block and dodge perfect, employing “chunin”-level chakra and taijutsu to near-artistic heights, giving the four a vivid combat lesson.
Pressure!
Immense pressure enveloped the four boys!
They gave their all, coordination growing more tacit; Sayun frontal assault, Ida Tasuke flank harassment while central command, Toneri battlefield warnings, Suzuhara Ai’s occasional medical ninjutsu support and precise ninja tool throws playing a role.
Yet they couldn’t even touch Uchiha Hikari’s clothes, let alone the bell swaying mockingly at her waist.
The chasm in strength and gap in experience were laid bare.
But no discouragement in their eyes; instead, even fiercer fighting spirit burned!
Chance to clash with such a strong practitioner was once-in-a-lifetime; every attack, evasion, failed lesson absorbed and grew them at astonishing speed!
This bell-grabbing assessment had transcended graduation test, becoming true baptism and instruction of strong over weak.
Everyone watched riveted, shocked by Uchiha Hikari’s effortless power, more expectant if these four unyielding boys could create a miracle.
The battle continued!
