The new term at the Ninja Academy was about to begin, and the opening ceremony was underway.
Many had gathered to observe, mainly parents of incoming first-years.
All students were assembled on the training field.
Among them, Sora could feel the stares coming from the fourth-year group.
There was one particularly intense gaze, it came from Uchiha Osamu.
When Osamu noticed Sora looking back, he ran a finger across his throat, miming a throat-slit.
Predatory, like a vulture eyeing its prey.
Sora ignored him.
Instead, he turned his attention to the man on the podium, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
As principal of the academy, Hiruzen gave a speech every year to kick off the new term.
"Wherever leaves dance… there is fire. The shadow of the fire will shine upon the village… and allow new leaves to sprout.
Only when one seeks to protect what is most precious… will the true strength of a ninja be revealed.
You, the students training at this academy, are the most precious sprouts of the Leaf. When you grow and become fine shinobi yourselves, you will, in turn, protect the next generation.
This is the Will of Fire, it lives on, burning eternally!"
As Hiruzen finished, both teachers and students burst into applause.
"Now then, let's proceed with the rest of the opening day arrangements," Hiruzen said as he stepped down from the stage.
But just then,
"Lord Hokage, teachers!"
A voice rang out.
Uchiha Osamu stepped boldly from the ranks.
"Over a month ago, Sora Hanyū challenged me to a duel, one we agreed would be held on the first day of the new term.
I ask you all, Lord Hokage, teachers, and classmates, to serve as witnesses.
Let the match… begin now."
The crowd erupted in whispers.
Many had heard rumors about this challenge, but most thought it was a joke.
After all, a bottom-ranked first-year challenging the top fourth-year student? It sounded absurd.
But Osamu was dead serious, and to make the challenge in front of the Hokage?
Even some instructors began to frown.
"Sora Hanyū, do you wish to challenge Uchiha Osamu at this time?" Hiruzen asked, tone warm and even.
"Yes. Absolutely." Sora's reply was firm.
The training grounds buzzed with disbelief.
"He's actually doing it? I thought it was all talk?"
"Is he crazy? He's like… the same level as Obito!"
Despite his arrogance, Osamu had plenty of admirers, thanks to his handsome looks and outstanding grades.
As the criticism swelled, Guy, Obito, and Kurenai could only worry silently.
"Very well. Since both parties agree… begin."
Hiruzen's declaration cleared the center of the training field, leaving only Sora and Osamu.
At that moment, a new group arrived, all clad in Uchiha clan attire, their backs marked with the fan-shaped crest.
Leading them was a white-haired elder: Uchiha Seizan, the Uchiha clan's head elder.
"Lord Hokage," he greeted with a slight nod.
"Seizan… What brings the Uchiha patriarch to the academy today?" Hiruzen asked with a chuckle.
"Oh, nothing much. I heard my grandson was challenged, so I thought I'd watch.
I also heard his opponent was Orochimaru's student… I'd like to see what all the fuss is about," Seizan said, his tone polite, but laced with hostility.
"Haha… Yes, I only heard recently myself. I hope it's a good match," Hiruzen replied with a smile, but his concern was clear.
He knew both boys well.
Uchiha Osamu, top of his grade, the star genius of his generation.
Sora Hanyū, two years younger, and ranked near the bottom of his class.
He trusted Orochimaru's judgment, of course.
If Orochimaru chose Sora as a disciple, the boy must have exceptional potential.
But right now… the gap between them seemed far too wide.
"Let's just hope he doesn't lose too badly…" Hiruzen thought to himself.
"Place your bets! Place your bets!"
A boy in a white had opened a wagering ring.
"How long can Sora last against Osamu?
10 seconds or less, odds 1.5 to 1.
30 seconds, 2 to 1.
1 minute, 3 to 1.
3 minutes, 10 to 1! Don't miss your chance!"
"200 ryō on 10 seconds!"
"100 ryō on 30 seconds!"
"300 ryō on 10 seconds!"
Most of the students, especially Osamu's classmates, bet he'd end it in under 10 seconds.
Kurenai, tears brimming, pointed a finger at the gamblers.
"You're awful! Not even one of you bet that Sora might win?!"
"You're all too much! What makes you so sure that jerk Osamu will win?!" Obito shouted angrily.
"Sora wins?!" the betting boy laughed. "Alright! Sora wins, odds 500 to 1! Bet all you want! I, Hyuga Ei, will take every wager!"
But Guy and Obito were broke. Their families struggled financially and had no money to bet.
Kurenai's upbringing also forbade gambling. The three stood there, powerless.
"Haha! You all just talk! Deep down, even you don't believe Sora can win!" Hyuga Ei laughed gleefully.
Then,
"I'll bet 10,000 ryō on Sora Hanyū winning.
Do you dare take it?"
A cool voice cut in.
Silver-haired Kakashi Hatake stepped forward.
"Kakashi?! You already graduated!" Ei was stunned. Then he grinned.
"Of course I'll take your money. You're a genin now, don't blame me when you lose it."
In the center of the field, Sora and Osamu stood facing each other.
Following the instructor's signal, they made the traditional seal of confrontation.
Osamu smirked.
"Sora Hanyū, get on your knees now and beg. Maybe then I'll let you off easy."
Sora met his gaze head-on.
"A true shinobi never cowers in a fight."
"And you… I'm going to crush you."
Those words struck Hiruzen.
For Orochimaru, usually cold and detached, to have raised a student like this…
"With the right guidance, this boy could become a new generation's Minato… a torchbearer of the Will of Fire."
"Go Osamu!"
"Crush him in ten seconds!"
"Show him the power of the Uchiha!"
Osamu's fans screamed, drowning out the faint cheers of Guy, Obito, and Kurenai.
"Begin!"
The instructor's hand slashed down between them.
"Whoosh!"
Osamu launched a shuriken instantly.
Sora twisted his body to avoid it, but another shuriken was already coming.
He dropped and rolled just in time.
He stood up, but Osamu had already thrown five more shuriken from different angles, pinning down his head and limbs.
No space to dodge!
Sora leaped straight into the air.
"Fool," Osamu sneered.
"You just made yourself a sitting target."
Three more shuriken came flying at him, targeting vital points.
Sora spun in midair, twisting his body. He narrowly evaded the blades.
"Tch, " Osamu flicked his wrist.
Invisible threads connected to the shuriken snapped taut, and the three blades reversed midair, slicing back toward Sora!
Shuriken Manipulation Technique!
Osamu's eyes gleamed coldly.
"Perish… beneath the might of the Uchiha's blade."
<150 P.S = 1 Extra Chapter>