Chapter 15: You Passed
Bang!
Tsuruma Nobuyuki and Hyuga Neji's fists collided, the sharp impact echoing through the training hall.
However, Nobuyuki wasn't foolish enough to engage in a direct clash with the Gentle Fist. A single misstep could disrupt his chakra flow. Instead, he skillfully maneuvered, blocking Neji's wrist with precise taijutsu, using his superior footwork to evade a direct strike.
Neji narrowed his eyes. "Hmph! You're avoiding a head-on clash? Afraid of my Gentle Fist?" he sneered.
But despite his taunting, Neji was secretly alarmed.
In a typical taijutsu duel, the defender is usually at a disadvantage. Yet, Nobuyuki was countering his attacks with ease—a clear sign that his taijutsu skills were superior.
This realization made Neji frown. If Nobuyuki also understood Gentle Fist, defeating him wouldn't be easy.
Thinking quickly, Neji adjusted his tactics.
Rather than relying on Gentle Fist as his finishing move, he began mixing it into normal taijutsu strikes, making it harder for Nobuyuki to predict.
For Nobuyuki, who didn't have the Byakugan and couldn't see chakra, every incoming attack had to be treated as a potential Gentle Fist strike. If a single blow landed, it could damage his chakra network—possibly even sending him to the hospital.
Realizing this, Nobuyuki let out a sigh in his heart.
"So, Byakugan and Gentle Fist might be useless against the monsters who fight in giant mechs later on… but for Genin and Chunin relying on pure taijutsu, it's an absolute nightmare."
Despite this frustrating reality, Nobuyuki had no intention of losing his second official fight in the academy.
Whoosh!
He swiftly leaped back, forming a hand seal as he focused his mind.
Chakra Sensory—Activate!
In the next instant, Nobuyuki's world shifted. His vision didn't change physically, but it felt as if he had gained an extra pair of highly nearsighted eyes.
Within a radius of about three to four meters, everything became dull gray—except for Neji, whose body glowed with chakra.
Certain areas shone brighter:
His head and torso emitted the strongest glow.
His limbs were dimmer.
And then, as Neji launched his next strike—his left hand flared with intense chakra.
Nobuyuki instantly understood.
"That hand is using Gentle Fist!"
With this knowledge, he moved in a flash.
Darting to Neji's right, he dodged the strike—and countered with a clean punch to the head.
Bang!
Neji staggered, his mind racing. "He predicted my move?!"
Gritting his teeth, Neji retaliated, using Gentle Fist in both hands to parry Nobuyuki's next attack.
Nobuyuki quickly withdrew, waiting for the chakra in Neji's hands to fade before striking again.
But now that his ability was exposed, Neji wasn't pleased.
"You can sense when I'm using chakra in my hands, can't you?" he muttered, eyes dark with frustration.
---
Observers' Shock
In the corner of the training hall, Utatane Hayate—their instructor—narrowed his eyes slightly.
Meanwhile, the second-year students watching the fight were completely confused.
"Wait, what's going on? Only Byakugan users should be able to see chakra!" one student whispered.
Utatane Hayate, always calm, provided a rare explanation. "It's not just the Hyuga Clan. Some rare individuals possess chakra-sensing abilities."
He paused, then added, "But even among sensors, being able to detect such subtle fluctuations in battle is rare."
With that, Hayate fell silent, letting the fight continue.
---
Endurance Battle
Nobuyuki exhaled sharply, refocusing on Neji.
Even though he had an advantage now, his combat style relied purely on taijutsu. That meant he couldn't immediately turn the tide of battle—one mistake, and Neji's Gentle Fist could still take him down.
"The ninja world is ruled by eyes…" he thought bitterly.
"Even Byakugan, which people say isn't on the same level as Sharingan or Rinnegan, is still an overwhelming power against normal shinobi like me."
If he were an ordinary ninja, this would be the moment to accept a draw or outright surrender.
But Nobuyuki was not ordinary.
"As long as I keep gaining experience, I can fight you forever!"
Without hesitation, he launched another attack.
---
The Most Annoying Fight Ever
His strategy became clear:
If Neji used Gentle Fist, he backed off.
If Neji didn't, he went in for a punch.
This back-and-forth continued endlessly.
Each dodge, each attack—Nobuyuki's taijutsu skill increased.
+1
+1
+1
From an outsider's perspective, the fight became almost ridiculous.
Nobuyuki stepped forward.
Neji assumed a stance.
Nobuyuki immediately stepped back.
Repeat.
Again. And again. And again.
Slowly but surely, Neji's chakra reserves started to deplete.
Jump!
Dodge!
Jump again!
Dodge again!
Wait, you didn't use Gentle Fist? BAM! Punch to the face.
Still not using it? BAM! Another punch.
By this point, Neji was doomed.
He was covered in bruises, panting hard—but still, he refused to admit defeat.
---
End of the Match
The second-year students watching had gone through three phases of emotions:
1. Excitement (Cool, a fight!)
2. Boredom (Why is this taking so long?)
3. Discomfort (Neji is really getting beaten up…)
Some of the more soft-hearted girls whispered, "Neji…" in concern.
Seeing this, Utatane Hayate finally stepped in.
With a blur of movement, he appeared between them, halting the match instantly.
"That's enough. Form the Seal of Reconciliation."
Neji staggered slightly, his expression dark with frustration.
Nobuyuki, gasping for breath, felt a wave of relief.
"Damn, even with all the experience points, that was exhausting."
Fighting Gentle Fist with pure taijutsu was like walking a tightrope the entire time. One misstep, and he would've been finished.
Ignoring the emotions of the two fighters, Hayate turned to the students.
"This match didn't demonstrate pressure point strikes as I intended."
"But it showed you something even more important than ninjutsu."
He let his words sink in before continuing.
"A true ninja never lets their guard down, even when victory is near.
A true ninja never gives up, even when defeat seems certain."
"Even I couldn't have done better."
His gaze shifted to Nobuyuki.
"Tsuruma Nobuyuki, you've passed."
Then, with a small nod, he added—"Also, after class, deliver a message for me. That kid Iruka has a good eye."