Sasuke, after awakening his Two-Tomoe Sharingan, undoubtedly became a stat and mechanic monster. But he encountered Yakumo, whose stats and mechanics surpassed his.
At the beginning of the battle, Sasuke immediately released Genjutsu: Unknown Fire through his Sharingan. Yakumo, on the other hand, bypassed Genjutsu Creation and directly used Terrifying Illusion.
The intangible illusion unfolded. Yakumo's face showed surprise because Sasuke, just like before, was pulled into the illusion.
Although he had indeed become much stronger, he still hadn't surpassed her in genjutsu.
Time slowly passed.
The illusion was dispelled by Yakumo.
Sasuke, pale-faced, slumped to the ground. After being drawn into the illusion, he was trapped in endless combat, eventually being released utterly exhausted.
Sasuke stared blankly at Yakumo.
Hadn't he already awakened his Two-Tomoe Sharingan? Why couldn't he still defeat her? What exactly went wrong?
The joy of awakening his Two-Tomoe Sharingan vanished without a trace at this moment. His confident words before the battle turned into sharp swords piercing him; he was now ashamed, embarrassed, and wanted to flee.
He wondered how his father and brother would view him. As a proud Uchiha, he had actually lost two matches in the practical exam.
Sasuke fell into a state of self-isolation. He stood up and silently left the arena.
"Winner, Kurama Yakumo," Kitazawa announced.
From the first row of the audience stands:
"Yakumo's Bloodline Limit is truly terrifying," Hiruzen exclaimed. "At such a young age, her genjutsu skill is already on par with a Jonin specializing in genjutsu."
"She still has potential," Tsunade said casually.
She understood Yakumo better than Hiruzen. After all, she was Yakumo's primary Medical Ninja.
"When she grows up, perhaps—" Hiruzen paused, not explicitly mentioning the Mangekyo Sharingan. After all, there were many ninja around them.
With Hiruzen's strength, he wasn't afraid of the Uchiha Clan, but the Mangekyo Sharingan was full of uncertainties.
When he learned of Uchiha Shisui's Mangekyo Sharingan's ocular jutsu, even he couldn't help but feel suspicious.
Kotoamatsukami could silently alter a target's subconscious. Would Uchiha Shisui use it on them?
"Tsunade, it's a good thing you returned to the village; otherwise, Konoha Village would have lost a powerful genjutsu user," Hiruzen Sarutobi said with relief.
The future Yakumo could undoubtedly become a genjutsu master of Mangekyo Sharingan level. Most importantly, her emotions were more stable and controllable than those of the Uchiha Clan's ninja.
And with the relationship between Kitazawa and Tsunade, Yakumo was not only obedient to Konoha Village but also extremely loyal.
"It has nothing to do with me," Tsunade shook her head and said.
She returned to the village for the Psychological Medical Ninja program and the funds allocated by Konoha Village.
"It's fine, Kitazawa's credit is your credit," Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a chuckle. "Besides, you truly were the one who cured Yakumo's body."
The ninja world highly values the teacher-student relationship. It can be said that the honor and disgrace of teachers and students are intertwined.
"Just speak plainly, why are you beating around the bush?" Tsunade snorted, asking with dissatisfaction. She had heard the hidden meaning in Hiruzen's words.
It was nothing more than him urging her to quickly decide to take Kitazawa as a student.
"Everything I said is true," Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't mind her attitude and said with a smile.
Not far away:
"No wonder the Kurama Clan used to be as famous as our Uchiha."
Although Fugaku had heard Sasuke mention Yakumo before, he hadn't paid attention at the time. Now that he saw her, she far exceeded his expectations.
"But there are pros and cons," Uchiha Itachi nodded and said. "The Kurama Clan's Bloodline Limit is too strong in the early stages, making it difficult to awaken."
"That's why our Uchiha Clan is now the largest ninja clan in Konoha Village." Fugaku smiled faintly, with a hint of pride in his tone.
Unlike the Kurama Clan's Bloodline Limit, the Uchiha Clan's Sharingan can slowly upgrade, all the way to Mangekyo Sharingan.
During this process, the body and mind are matched. Situations like Yakumo's, where strong mental power leads to a weak body, are rare.
"Why are there so many geniuses in First Year Class A?" Uchiha Mikoto felt heartache watching the self-isolating Sasuke. His strength should have easily placed him first in the Ninja Academy.
"It's because Teacher Kitazawa teaches well," Itachi thought for a moment and said. "Even Sasuke's strength has been rapidly improving since he met Teacher Kitazawa."
"That's good too," Uchiha Fugaku said calmly. "Pressure creates motivation."
He wasn't disappointed by Sasuke's two consecutive losses. After all, the losses were understandable.
Moreover, Sasuke awakened his Two-Tomoe Sharingan at the age of seven, and his future was limitless; what more could he be dissatisfied with?
"The third match of the third round, Shino Aburame versus Kiba Inuzuka," Kitazawa announced.
He waited for Sasuke and Yakumo to leave the arena, then drew two more small slips of paper from the lottery box.
Since the Student Council selection practical exam wasn't over yet, he wasn't in a hurry to find Sasuke.
"Kiba, huh?" Shino Aburame adjusted his glasses, deep in thought.
His first reaction was whether he could use Kikaichu against Kiba Inuzuka's Shadow Clone. If so, without the Shadow Clone, he wouldn't be able to merge into a Hellhound.
Even if he could merge, it would be a merger with Kikaichu. But on second thought, it wasn't necessary.
After all, a Shadow Clone's explosion, upon returning to the main body, would also cause mental trauma.
"Watch out, Shino!" Kiba said confidently.
"Let's begin," Shino Aburame said calmly.
"Merge!" Kiba shouted, colliding with his Shadow Clone. Chakra merged into one, and from the smoke, a fierce two-headed dog appeared.
"Secret Jutsu: Kikaichu!" Shino Aburame raised his hands.
Countless Kikaichu flew out, gathering in an instant like a dark cloud. The two-headed dog unhesitatingly raised its giant paw and swatted it out.
Bang!
More than half of the Kikaichu were crushed or stunned. But the remaining insects clung to its paw and climbed up its arm.
Kiba felt his scalp tingle. The two-headed dog suddenly shook its arm, flinging a large number of Kikaichu away.
"Secret Jutsu: Insect Gathering!"
Shino Aburame formed hand signs. All the nearby insects were summoned, mixing with the Kikaichu and swarming toward the two-headed dog.
"So troublesome!"
Kiba gritted his teeth, not bothering to deal with the small and agile insects. The two-headed dog leaped, instantly closing the distance to Shino Aburame.
Once in front, it swiped. Its sharp claws pierced toward Shino Aburame like kunai.
"Secret Jutsu: Insect Wall!"
Shino Aburame had anticipated this. Kikaichu flew and swirled in front of him, forming a black shield.
Boom!
The insect wall trembled violently twice. The immense force caused the shield to break in the middle.
But it wasn't a real wall—the moment a gap appeared, Shino filled it with Kikaichu.
"Secret Jutsu: Insect Cocoon!"
More Kikaichu poured out from Shino's body. Under his control, they rapidly climbed up the two-headed dog's arm.
By the time Kiba reacted, his right arm—or rather, the two-headed dog's foreleg—was already completely covered.
His heart tightened. Just as he tried to shake them off, a biting pain spread across his foreleg.
Kiba's eyes widened, and he couldn't help but cry out. The two-headed dog instantly reverted to a normal form, shaking its entire body. Many Kikaichu were flung away, stunned.
"Secret Jutsu: Insect Cocoon!"
Shino Aburame stood in place, continuing to produce Kikaichu with his chakra.
Kiba had lost the initiative. No matter how much the dog struggled, the insects on its body only increased.
"I give up!" Kiba shouted urgently. "Quickly get your insects off me!"
Shino Aburame, hearing this, waved his hands and recalled the Kikaichu.
"Shino, your insects are truly—troublesome."
Kiba dispelled his merged state, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead.
He originally wanted to say disgusting, but since they were classmates, there was no need to be so blunt.
"Your Hellhound is very good. It just lacks some offensive techniques," Shino Aburame said with a slight nod.
"You're right. So I plan to ask Teacher Kitazawa for help during the winter break." Kiba clenched his fists. "By next semester, it won't be so easy for you to defeat me!"
Although not as laid-back as Shikamaru, Kiba was still playful. But Naruto's recent growth had stimulated him.
If he didn't catch up quickly, he'd have to treat Naruto to Ichiraku Ramen after every monthly exam. That would be too embarrassing.
Shino paused. Reminded by Kiba, he thought of his Kikaichu mutation plan. Perhaps he could start it during the winter break.
"Winner, Shino Aburame," Kitazawa announced promptly.
"Let's go."
Kiba casually put his arm around Shino's shoulder. The two walked off the stage together.
Kiba was satisfied with his performance. Although he didn't win, he had made a name for himself with his Hellhound.
"The fourth match of the third round: Uzumaki Naruto versus Hyuga Neji," Kitazawa said with a smile.
Neji hadn't triggered a new mission in a long time. Although Kitazawa didn't know if Naruto could help him trigger one, there was no great loss in trying.
"Me against Naruto?" Neji was surprised.
The opponent he wanted most was Sasuke. He had been bothered by his careless loss to Sasuke's genjutsu before.
But no matter how many practical tests there were, he never faced him. Even in the third round of the Student Council selection exam, he still hadn't met Sasuke.
However, Naruto was close enough. After all, he had just defeated Sasuke.
Neji walked onto the stage with a solemn expression. He wasn't confident he could defeat Naruto.
Both the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu and the Rasengan were very tricky. But—there was still a chance. As long as he got close, Byakugan plus Gentle Fist would be invincible.
"Who do you think will win?" Ino asked curiously.
"I think it's Naruto," Kiba exclaimed. "Rasengan is the ninjutsu of the Fourth Hokage-sama!"
"Not necessarily. The power of Gentle Fist lies in sealing the chakra. Even if Naruto learns more ninjutsu, he won't be able to use them," Shikamaru said, shaking his head.
"That's true." Kiba scratched his head, unable to figure it out, and decided not to think too hard. Instead, he said with interest, "This match definitely won't be worse than Sasuke's—Mmm, mmm, mmm."
Before he could finish, Shikamaru covered his mouth.
Kiba instinctively glared at him, but quickly understood. His gaze shifted to Sasuke, who was emanating a chilling aura not far away.
He had been like that ever since he left the stage, standing silently in place. No matter how much Sakura tried to talk to him, Sasuke ignored her.
"Neji, he—" Shino Aburame was interrupted mid-sentence.
"Neji won't lose!" Tenten said decisively.
Rock Lee scratched his head. He didn't know who to support.
In the first row of the audience seats—
"Gentle Fist, huh? That's a bit troublesome." Hiruzen frowned slightly.
He hoped Naruto would win, and his thoughts leaned toward Naruto's perspective.
"Maybe Kitazawa taught Naruto how to deal with it." Tsunade watched Naruto with interest.
"Hmm." Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, saying nothing more as he focused on the match.
"Here I come, Neji!" Naruto formed hand signs loudly and shouted, "Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
In an instant, thirty Shadow Clones appeared.
Neji immediately took a Gentle Fist stance. But just then, the thirty Shadow Clones scattered, dividing into three teams.
Neji's pupils suddenly contracted, sensing trouble. He hadn't expected Naruto to use Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu and kunai throwing right from the start.
Swish, swish—
The first team of Shadow Clones threw twenty kunai. Neji dodged to the left without hesitation.
But as soon as he landed, he was met with kunai thrown by the second team. Neji quickly clapped his hands, swiftly batting them away.
The moment it took effect, he immediately retreated.
The kunai from the third team missed.
Neji took a deep breath, then suddenly accelerated, rushing straight toward Naruto.
Although he didn't have the Shadow Clone Technique and couldn't break through three points like Sasuke, he had Byakugan and Gentle Fist.
Byakugan gave him an all-around view, and Gentle Fist could deflect kunai. Amidst the storm of kunai, Neji closed the distance.
"So powerful!" Naruto exclaimed, then charged forward, "Konoha Whirlwind!"
Neji narrowed his eyes. He liked Naruto's reckless fighting style—it was something he could counter. But he still didn't let his guard down.
After all, Naruto had shown flashes of battle intelligence in his fight against Sasuke.
Neji extended both palms, striking Naruto's right foot. His body swayed slightly—Naruto's strength exceeded expectations. But it didn't matter.
In that instant, Neji sealed two chakra points in Naruto's right leg.
Naruto felt numbness spread through his leg. He instinctively pulled back, stumbling from the disrupted flow of chakra.
Neji was about to press his advantage when—
Whoosh!
"Dynamic Entry!" A Shadow Clone leapt in, kicking at him.
"Konoha Double Whirlwind!" Two more Shadow Clones followed from the sides.
"Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms!" Neji cursed inwardly at the nuisance, then unleashed six consecutive strikes. The three Shadow Clones were blown away.
But before he could catch his breath, more Shadow Clones surged forward. Neji was forced to dodge and counterattack nonstop.
Barehanded or not, Gentle Fist's precise strikes allowed him to maintain an aura of invincibility. Naruto's clones collapsed with just two or three palm strikes.
Still, fighting Naruto in chakra endurance was unwise.
Neji's Byakugan swept the field, searching for the real Naruto. Though it couldn't directly distinguish Shadow Clones, he quickly found his target.
Naruto's sealed chakra points made his movements stand out.
"Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms!" Without hesitation, Neji rushed to Naruto.
Twelve palms landed in quick succession. Naruto staggered, then fell.
But the endless Shadow Clones swarmed again, ruining the opening Neji had carved out.
Even so, he wasn't worried. Naruto had already been struck with point sealing. All Neji needed was to close in one more time.
And most importantly, Naruto could no longer make more Shadow Clones. Victory was within reach. Neji couldn't help but feel a flicker of triumph.
"Rasengan!" Naruto's voice suddenly came from behind him.
Not good! Neji instinctively turned.
Naruto charged forward, a swirling Rasengan in hand.
What's going on? Was I tricked? Wasn't that the main body? A flood of thoughts raced through Neji's mind. But it was too late to use Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms.
He could only dodge left—
—but two Shadow Clones blocked his path.
The delay sealed his fate. The Rasengan roared forward, momentum undiminished.
Neji froze. But Kitazawa appeared instantly, a casual push redirecting him away.
The Rasengan smashed into the ground, blasting out a deep crater.
Neji clenched his fists, shaken. Was this still that Naruto?
But a loss was a loss. There was no room for excuses.
He felt unwilling. Once, his talent and hard work had earned him the title of genius. But now, he was repeatedly defeated by other geniuses.
The disparity weighed heavily on him.
"Winner, Naruto." Kitazawa glanced at Neji. Judging from his expression, this battle had achieved its purpose.
He had only told Naruto one thing: Byakugan can't see through Shadow Clones.
With that hint, Naruto had created countless strategies.
In the audience seats—
"Naruto did well!" Hiruzen's old face beamed with joy.
The current Naruto finally carried a trace of Minato Namikaze's aura.
--
--
Show your support with Power Stones, guys!
If we make it into the top 20 rankings at the week's end, I'll drop 2 bonus chapters as a thank-you!
P@atreon/Arvinstorm (45+ Advanced Chapters)