In springtime Konoha, Training Ground No. 26 was both a training base and a scenic spot. Once the pear blossoms bloomed, the entire field became breathtaking. Snow-white petals danced through the air, carpeting the ground like a thin layer of fresh snow.
The earth beneath their feet was covered in petals, as if winter had returned in disguise.
"Sorry! Sorry—am I late?"
Yuhi Shinku glanced up at the sun, then continued,
"You all came early. I clearly said nine o'clock—Tsubaki, Shinno, and Ran."
Looking at the three standing beneath the pear trees, petals scattered across their shoulders, Shinku felt a hint of embarrassment.
"No need to apologize, Teacher Shinku," Ran said calmly. "We arrived early."
"That's right," Shinno added with a grin. "You know us, Teacher—we always show up ahead of time. It's only been a couple of months since our last mission together, and you've already forgotten?"
"Ah—well…" Shinku waved it off. "Alright, alright. Enough about that. Since you're here early—have you introduced yourselves properly?"
"Of course," someone replied lightly. "We all know each other already. Uchiha Ran is pretty famous at the academy, in his own way."
The one speaking was Inuzuka Tsubaki.
She had short black hair that gleamed brightly, vivid blue eyes like polished gemstones, and healthy, wheat-colored skin. Though petite, her physique was balanced and athletic, radiating energy and vitality. Her lips were soft and full, often curved into a cheerful smile.
She wore light ninja attire—a tight black top, a deep-blue short skirt, black gloves, and a red belt at her waist holding various ninja tools.
Most striking of all were the red fang-shaped markings painted on her cheeks—the unmistakable symbol of the Inuzuka clan, vivid and eye-catching, lending her an untamed charm.
"That's right," Shinno said happily. "We're from the same class. Tsubaki and I graduated a year early—Ran stayed behind an extra year."
"I see," Shinku nodded. "Then Shinno and Tsubaki, your strength already qualifies you for the Chūnin Exams. This time, make sure you look after Ran properly."
"Leave it to us, Teacher."
"Then," Shinku said, his tone sharpening slightly, "we'll begin the essential strength test. Same as always—three of you together."
"Huh?" Shinno blinked. "We still have to do that test?"
Standing in the training field, sunlight filtering through the branches above, Shinku looked at Tsubaki's puzzled expression and smiled faintly.
"Tsubaki," he said slowly, "this three-person test—fighting your jōnin instructor together—isn't just to determine whether you're fit to leave the academy."
His voice dropped, a subtle pressure spreading through the air.
Everyone listened intently.
"More importantly," Shinku continued, "it's to let you understand each other—to learn your teammates' strengths."
"A ninja must be able to spot openings instantly, even in sudden situations. With nothing more than a glance, you should be able to form a basic battle plan."
Silence fell over the training ground.
As ninja, sharp perception and rapid response were essential. Only at critical moments could true strength be displayed.
"Here's what you bring to the team," Shinku said calmly.
"Tsubaki—sensing and taijutsu.
Shinno—ninjutsu and medical ninjutsu.
Ran—genjutsu and swordsmanship."
"Come," he said with a smile. "Show me how you work together."
Shinku stood at the center of the field, wearing a crimson kimono, confidence radiating from him. Several meters away, the three students formed a triangular formation, bracing themselves.
The sun climbed higher.
Suddenly—whoosh—
Three shuriken burst from Shinku's sleeve, flashing coldly through the air like meteors, tearing forward with lethal precision.
"Tch—don't underestimate us, Teacher!" Tsubaki shouted.
She snapped her wrist, a kunai slicing through the air and deflecting the incoming shuriken with pinpoint accuracy.
Beside her, a large yellow dog lunged forward like a released beast, muscles coiled, eyes fierce, a low growl rumbling from its throat.
Shinku's eyes gleamed.
As the battle began, his hands moved like fluttering butterflies, shuriken dancing between his fingers. His body flowed with agility, every movement precise, every strike measured.
Tsubaki and her dog coordinated flawlessly, weaving around him. Tsubaki spun like a silver whirlwind, while the dog lunged savagely, fangs bared, attempting to block Shinku's path.
But Shinku had anticipated this.
His footwork was immaculate. He evaded every strike with ease, countering with shuriken that streaked like shooting stars, dismantling Tsubaki's assault piece by piece.
"We're going too!" Shinno shouted.
He exchanged a glance with Ran—understanding passed instantly.
"Tsubaki!"
Hearing Shinno's call, Tsubaki leapt backward without hesitation, disengaging.
"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"
Shinno formed seals rapidly. A violent gale erupted from his mouth, surging toward Shinku. The technique wasn't complex, but its scale depended on the user—and Shinno's goal was clear: suppress Shinku's movement and create an opening.
"Tsubaki—Akamaru! Human Beast Transformation!"
With a bang, the yellow dog transformed into a perfect copy of Tsubaki.
In an instant, two Tsubakis stood on the field.
And at that moment—
Shinku's eyes sharpened.
Ran had already moved.
As Shinku reacted to the raging wind, he saw Ran draw his sword.
"Unveil yourself—Life Is But a Dream."
For a split second, a vision flashed before Shinku's eyes—
His daughter.
Grown up.
After endless hardship, finally standing in a wedding dress.
Genjutsu!
Shinku reacted instantly.
At the moment of the draw…?
Without hesitation, he disrupted his chakra flow.
Reality snapped back—
Just in time to see Ran's blade descending.
Under the blazing sun, Ran gripped his sword and slashed downward in a lightning-fast arc. For Shinku, the world narrowed to a single line of brilliant steel.
Bang!
A sharp sound shattered the moment.
Substitution Technique.
Shinku vanished, reappearing a distance away as Ran's blade cleaved through a wooden training dummy. Splinters exploded outward.
Shinku exhaled slowly, eyes shining.
So fast…
That strike alone—most chūnin wouldn't have been able to react in time.
"And now—!" Tsubaki shouted.
"Akamaru—Fang Over Fang!"
Two spinning vortexes roared toward Shinku.
Ran adjusted his grip, rotating the hilt in rhythm with Tsubaki's attack—and advanced again, blade flashing as he pressed the assault forward.
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