Chapter 7: Rivalry Ignited
Hokage's Office
Sarutobi Hiruzen lowered the intelligence report, a thin stream of smoke curling from his pipe. The document detailed the academy's shurikenjutsu results, with particular emphasis on two names. A slow, thoughtful smile spread across his weathered face.
"It seems we have another promising talent in Kamikawa Hiraoka," he murmured to the silent room. His gaze then drifted towards the window, looking out in the direction of the Ninja Academy. "The new generation always brings surprises."
Ninja Academy Training Grounds
The first phase of the assessment had concluded. While Kamikawa Hiraoka's spectacular aerial display and Uchiha Sasuke's flawlessly efficient technique were the talk of the field, the official scores resulted in a tie for first place between them.
"Now that the shurikenjutsu portion is complete," Iruka announced, calling the chattering students to order, "we will move on to the taijutsu spars! Remember the three core tenets!"
He held up a finger. "First! Begin every match with the Seal of Confrontation!" A second finger joined the first. "Second! Control your strikes! The goal is to subdue, not to injure!" A third finger rose. "And finally! End every match with the Seal of Reconciliation! You are comrades first, rivals second! Is that understood?"
"We get it, Iruka-sensei! Stop nagging and let's fight already!" Uzumaki Naruto yelled, pumping his fist in the air, his earlier failure seemingly forgotten.
Iruka's eye twitched. He took a deep, steadying breath, silently counting to three. "Very well. Since you're so eager, Naruto, you'll be first. Your opponent will be Aburame Shino."
A ripple of interest went through the crowd. Kamikawa Hiraoka raised an eyebrow. Shino? Naruto's first official spar is against the bug user? This is going to be a brutal lesson.
Naruto's triumphant posture deflated slightly as he looked at the stoic boy in the high-collared jacket and sunglasses. "Him? Why do I have to fight the creepy bug guy?"
Aburame Shino adjusted his glasses, his voice calm and monotone. "The reason is logical. My clan's primary combat method involves my insect partners, which are unsuitable for a projectile accuracy test. Therefore, I forfeited that portion of the exam, placing me at the bottom of the rankings alongside you, Uzumaki Naruto. Now, if you are finished with your unscientific assessment of my character, we should proceed. The delay is inefficient."
Naruto sputtered, rendered speechless by Shino's clinical verbosity.
"Enough," Iruka interjected. "Seal of Confrontation! Now!"
The two boys faced each other and formed the ram seal in unison.
"Begin!"
Naruto, predictably, charged forward with a wild yell, telegraphing a straightforward punch aimed at Shino's face. "Take this!"
Shino didn't move a muscle. He stood perfectly still as Naruto's fist connected. But instead of a solid impact, Naruto's hand sank into Shino's face as if it were made of loose, shifting sand. His eyes widened in shock as he tried to pull back, but his fist was stuck fast.
"What the—?!"
Before he could react, Shino's entire form dissolved into a seething, black cloud of tiny insects that swarmed up Naruto's arm, holding him completely immobile.
"It is over," Shino's voice stated flatly from behind Naruto. The real Shino was there, holding a practice kunai gently against the back of Naruto's neck.
Naruto slumped in defeat. "Tch... fine, you win."
"Aburame Shino is the victor!" Iruka declared. "Seal of Reconciliation!"
As the insects retreated, flowing back into Shino's clothing, Naruto shook his now-free arm vigorously, a grimace on his face. But true to his nature, the dejection lasted only a moment. He spun around, pointing a determined finger at Shino.
"Just you wait! I'll get stronger and beat you next time, believe it!"
Hiraoka smiled. That's the indomitable spirit that will one day save the world.
"The next match," Iruka called, consulting his clipboard. "Nara Shikamaru versus Hyuga Hinata."
Shikamaru, who had been watching the clouds, let out an epic sigh. "What a drag... a girl? It's too troublesome to fight a girl." He shoved his hands in his pockets. "I forfeit."
Hinata, who had been nervously preparing herself, blinked in surprise. Iruka just sighed, making a note on his clipboard. He was long past being surprised by Shikamaru's laziness.
Then, Iruka's gaze swept over the crowd, finally landing on the two boys who had dominated the first test. A spark of genuine anticipation lit his eyes. This was the match everyone was waiting for.
"Kamikawa Hiraoka! Uchiha Sasuke! Please step forward!"
A hushed excitement fell over the training ground. All whispers ceased. This wasn't just another spar; it was a clash at the top of the class.
"You will face each other," Iruka said, his voice carrying a new weight. "Remember the rules. Control your techniques. This is a spar, not a battle to the death. Understood?"
The two prodigies stepped onto the designated sparring area, their eyes locking. The air between them grew tense, crackling with unspoken rivalry. They raised their hands in perfect sync, fingers weaving the familiar signs.
Seal of Confrontation.
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