Chapter 19: The Proving Grounds
A wide, mischievous grin spread across Uzumaki Naruto's face as Hiraoka agreed to witness his "masterpiece." He led the way to a nearby clearing, buzzing with excitement.
"Alright, get ready to be amazed!" Naruto announced, striking a dramatic pose. His hands flew through a sequence of seals. "Harem Jutsu!"
POOF!
In a massive cloud of smoke, the clearing was suddenly filled with two dozen stunning, smoke-shrouded women, all bearing a distinct resemblance to "Naruko." They winked and blew kisses in Hiraoka's direction.
Hiraoka stared, his mind struggling to reconcile the spectacle with the knowledge that every single one of these figures was, at his core, the knuckleheaded boy standing nearby. He let out a long, controlled breath, forcibly steadying his racing heart.
Compose yourself. They're all just Naruto in a fancy dress. Composure is key.
"Dispelling the jutsu, Naruto beamed. "So? What do you think? Pretty great, right?"
"It's... certainly an evolution of your unique skill set," Hiraoka managed, choosing his words carefully. "You've left your old technique in the dust."
Naruto's grin somehow widened. "Yeah! I knew it! Come on, I'm buying you Ichiraku Ramen!"
The promise of his favorite food was all the confirmation Naruto needed that his new jutsu was a resounding success.
Seven days later, the atmosphere was entirely different. Iruka led his class into a vast, open training ground reserved for official ceremonies. Standing at the front, flanked by his personal guards, was the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Hokage-sama," Iruka said with a respectful bow. "The candidates for the final assessment are present."
Kamikawa Hiraoka observed the legendary leader. So this is the God of Shinobi, he thought, the man who holds the fate of this village in his hands.
As if sensing the weight of his gaze, Hiruzen's eyes briefly met Hiraoka's. A spark of recognition and appraisal flickered within the Hokage's wise, weary eyes before he turned his attention to the gathered students.
"Those of you standing here have already proven your basic competency," Hiruzen began, his voice carrying easily across the field. "The forehead protector is already yours. This second test is not a barrier, but a gift. A simulated battle to hone your skills here, in safety, so that you do not pay for a lack of experience with your life on a real mission."
He paused, letting his words sink in. "Learn from your opponent. Learn from your own performance. That is the true purpose of today."
Iruka stepped forward. "Then, let the matches begin! The first match: Kamikawa Hiraoka versus Uchiha Sasuke!"
A ripple of excitement went through the crowd. This was the showdown everyone had been waiting for.
Hiraoka and Sasuke stepped onto the marked field simultaneously. Their eyes locked, a silent declaration of war passing between them. The carefree rivalry of their first spar was gone, replaced by something sharper, more intense.
"I won't hold back," Sasuke stated, his voice as cold as steel. The Uchiha massacre had forged him into a weapon, and every battle was a step toward his ultimate goal.
"Good," Hiraoka replied, a confident, almost arrogant smirk on his face. "I'd be disappointed if you did."
"Hmph. We'll see," Sasuke retorted, his pride a palpable force.
"A fascinating match to start with," a new, rasping voice cut through the air. All heads turned as Shimura Danzo emerged from a side entrance, leaning heavily on his cane. He moved to the viewing stand and took the empty seat beside a visibly tense Hiruzen without an invitation. Two masked Root operatives stood behind him like statues—one from the Fūma clan and the other from the Yamanaka, Hiraoka noted.
Danzo's presence cast a shadow over the proceedings. This was no longer just a graduation exam; it was a political stage.
As Hiraoka and Sasuke formed the Seal of Confrontation, the system's chime echoed in his mind.
"Ding! Host, please choose."
"Option 1: Defeat Uchiha Sasuke."
"Reward: Lightning Nature Affinity + Lightning Release: Thunder Falcon Thrust."
"Option 2: Force Uchiha Sasuke's Surrender."
"Reward: Lightning Nature Affinity + Lightning Release: Earth-Surfing."
"Option 3: Surrender to Uchiha Sasuke."
"Reward: Lightning Nature Affinity."
Forcing a surrender from the proud Uchiha was a fantasy. The choice was clear.
Option one.
A sharp, crackling energy coursed through him. The knowledge of molding chakra into the lightning element and the specific hand seals for a powerful piercing jutsu settled into his mind.
The moment the proctor shouted "Begin!", Hiraoka was already in motion. A volley of shuriken flew from his hands, not meant to hit, but to test Sasuke's reflexes and close off his angles.
Sasuke, his Sharingan now active with two tomoe spinning, deflected them with contemptuous ease, his kunai a blur. He didn't retreat; he charged, meeting Hiraoka head-on.
The center of the field became a storm of clashing steel. Kunai met kunai in a series of sparks, their movements a deadly dance. They were evenly matched in taijutsu, a testament to Sasuke's intense training since the tragedy. They broke apart, breathing slightly heavily, having exchanged dozens of blows in mere seconds.
Hiraoka reassessed his opponent. He's faster. Stronger. The Avenger is a quick study. This would not be as simple as their first encounter. The real fight was just beginning.
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Sasuke deadass married just Sakura. Didn't bro want to restore his clan?
STONESSS