Chapter 14: Byakugan! Open!
"Hey, freshman, you're pretty cocky!"
A group of second-year students stared at the slight smile on Tsuruma Nobuyuki's lips, their expressions filled with righteous indignation.
Just like how different neighborhoods in the village formed tight-knit communities, each grade at the Ninja Academy was its own small group.
Within these groups, students were united, but toward outsiders—especially those from different grades—there was a subtle sense of exclusion.
This divide became even more pronounced after the war, when Konoha abolished early graduation and grade-skipping.
That's why, in the original story, even after spending five years in the Academy, Neji Hyuga had only "heard of" Sasuke Uchiha, another top student, rather than actually interacting with him.
So, in the eyes of these second-years, Tsuruma Nobuyuki, a mere first-year, coming to their class to "audit" was already a major offense.
Now, seeing him act so calm and self-assured? That was nothing short of provocation.
Among the second-years, those with hotter tempers began rolling up their sleeves, getting ready to teach him a lesson.
But before things could escalate, a cold, sharp voice cut through the room like metal scraping against metal.
"What are you all doing?"
At that moment, the classroom fell into complete silence.
Nobuyuki turned his head and saw a square-faced Chunin standing before him.
Before he could introduce himself, the man looked him up and down with an expressionless gaze and said,
"So you're the genius Iruka mentioned?"
"I am Utada Hayabusa."
"Find a seat. Class is starting."
With just a few words, Utada Hayabusa made it clear that he was nothing like Iruka Umino.
Faced with such a strict teacher, Nobuyuki had no intention of making small talk. He simply nodded and walked toward the back of the classroom, looking for a seat.
After scanning the room, he quickly found the perfect spot—beside Neji Hyuga.
The Academy's classrooms resembled small lecture halls, divided into three sections, each filled with rows of long desks that could seat four students.
But Neji Hyuga, much like a lone predator, occupied an entire row by himself, with empty spaces in front and behind him.
Without hesitation, Nobuyuki strode over and sat down beside him.
Neji looked up, his pale eyes cold and unreadable.
Nobuyuki simply smiled and sat down as if nothing was wrong.
The entire class stared at him.
If, before, they only suspected he was provoking them…
Now, they were completely sure of it.
"Incredible! Is this the legendary connection between geniuses?"
A sudden, excited voice broke the tension.
Everyone turned to see Rock Lee, who had yet to adopt his signature green jumpsuit.
His interruption slightly diffused the heavy atmosphere, though many students still sent wary glances toward Nobuyuki.
At the same time, just as many eyes were fixed on Neji Hyuga, watching his reaction closely.
Neji frowned, visibly annoyed.
Meanwhile, from the front of the classroom, Utada Hayabusa observed everything with interest.
Then, without warning, he knocked on the blackboard and pulled out a large anatomical chart of chakra meridians and acupressure points.
"A ninja extracts chakra from the 130 trillion cells in their body, channeling it through their acupoints and circulating it via the meridian system."
"Understanding the precise locations of acupoints and meridians is the foundation of ninjutsu."
"Originally, I planned to lecture on each acupoint one by one."
"But now, I have a much better idea."
As he spoke, his gaze shifted toward Nobuyuki and Neji Hyuga.
"The Hyuga clan's Byakugan grants them the ability to see these acupoints and meridians."
"And their Gentle Fist technique allows them to attack them directly."
"Neji Hyuga, you will use Gentle Fist to spar with our freshman here, so everyone can see firsthand how acupoint strikes affect a ninja."
As soon as he finished speaking, murmurs erupted across the classroom.
Even the second-years who disliked Nobuyuki were shocked.
"He's making Neji fight him? And with Gentle Fist?"
"Did this freshman offend Teacher Utada or something?"
"Isn't this a bit much? The kid's still a first-year…"
Before the whispers could spread further, Utada Hayabusa's voice rose, sharp and grating.
"Silence, you fools!"
"A real ninja is not bound by 'common sense'!"
"In a battle, there is no such thing as 'too much'!"
His voice rang like clashing metal, instantly silencing the entire room.
Then, after a long pause, he turned back to Nobuyuki and asked,
"Well, freshman genius, have you made up your mind?"
"You still have time to back out."
Nobuyuki was momentarily puzzled.
Did he unknowingly offend this teacher, prompting him to use this as an excuse to put him in his place?
Or did Utada Hayabusa genuinely believe he was a genius and wanted to use this fight as a learning experience for the class?
Either way, it didn't matter.
Fighting Neji Hyuga was one of the reasons he came here in the first place.
With that in mind, Nobuyuki stood up and replied calmly,
"When do we start, Sensei?"
For the first time, Utada Hayabusa smirked slightly.
"Right now."
Nobuyuki turned to see Neji Hyuga slowly rising from his seat, his face as cold as ever.
The two of them stepped forward, standing face to face in the center of the classroom.
Utada Hayabusa moved the podium aside, clearing space for their battle.
"Form the Seal of Confrontation!"
Both Nobuyuki and Neji performed the traditional pre-fight seal.
Then, Neji calmly settled into his Gentle Fist stance.
His voice was low, laced with quiet mockery.
"How foolish."
"Before the Byakugan, your so-called talent is nothing more than a joke."
At those words, Nobuyuki shook his head.
And then—
Bang!
In a flash, a shadow launched forward at high speed.
Before Neji could react, a foot smashed into his temple, sending him crashing to the ground.
Gasps filled the room.
Standing on one leg in Neji's former position, Nobuyuki smirked.
"Here's some advice—"
"If you're going to brag, at least win first. Otherwise, you'll just look like an idiot."
A brief flicker of anger crossed Neji's face.
But he quickly composed himself and stood up.
A pulse of chakra surged through his body, veins bulging around his eyes as he activated his bloodline ability.
His once-gentle expression turned fierce.
"Byakugan! Open!"
"Eight Trigrams, Two Palms!"
"Save your advice for yourself!"