Following Iruka, we arrived at the training ground. Although it was relatively small, it was more than sufficient for the students of the Ninja Academy.
"Next! Let's begin kunai throwing practice!"
Iruka shouted loudly.
He then had everyone line up. There were ten targets at this training ground. Students were grouped in tens and took turns practicing kunai throwing.
There were only about twenty students in the class, meaning two full groups and a partial third would complete a round.
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Uchiha Sasuke was in the first group, standing side by side with others. After Iruka gave the command, everyone threw their kunai toward the targets.
Swish, swish, swish!!!
The sharp sound of kunai slicing through the air followed, and soon the weapons embedded themselves into the targets.
It was clear that Uchiha Sasuke subtly tilted his wrist when throwing, indicating specialized training in kunai techniques.
Uchiha throwing style? I didn't expect Sasuke to already be training in it.
As for the others, none missed their targets entirely—the worst score was just one ring. Some looked like it was their first time trying, but still showed talent. As expected of Class A.
The standout performer was Uchiha Sasuke—he hit the bullseye!
"Uchiha Sasuke! Ten rings! Sakura Ooi! Three rings!"
"Inuzuka Kiba! Seven rings! Fujii Itsuki! Two rings!"
Iruka continued announcing results while Sasuke raised his chin proudly, casting a smug glance around the class.
Naruto found it amusing. After all, they were still kids, and competitiveness was normal.
Inuzuka Kiba, in particular, sneered at the girls surrounding Sasuke.
"Hmph! What's so great about that? I just messed up a little!"
Though Kiba had practiced kunai throwing at home several times, he had little interest in it. He was far more focused on his clan's ninja dogs. In a few years, he'd receive his own.
Naruto was in the second group—Hinata was with him too. He smiled at her, offering encouragement. He knew she needed it.
Soon, their group threw their kunai. Naruto intentionally hit eight rings.
Thanks to the God's Reward for Hard Work, Naruto had long since mastered kunai throwing at a Grandmaster level.
He could hit any ring he wanted—after all, the targets didn't move.
When he first received a kunai, he'd trained by targeting a large tree to perfect his aim.
"Uzumaki Naruto! Eight rings! Nara Shikamaru! Nine rings!"
"Haruno Sakura! Five rings!"
Surprisingly, Sakura—who had never trained in kunai throwing—scored five rings.
No wonder she eventually became Tsunade's apprentice. She clearly had talent. Though Naruto wasn't fond of Sakura, he had never felt any malice from her.
That might be why the original Naruto liked her. And honestly, she wasn't unattractive—pink hair, big eyes, and a cute face. Aside from a slightly wide forehead, she was basically a kawaii loli.
Almost no one in this class showed ill will toward Naruto. It made him wonder—were they specifically selected?
"Hyūga Hinata! Nine rings!…"
Soon, all the students had completed their throws. Two students in the last group even missed entirely—which was expected—but the fact that most hit at least a few rings showed natural talent.
Afterward, Iruka told everyone to keep practicing. This first round was simply to evaluate their potential.
Of course, it only tested talent in kunai throwing. Iruka knew some of the clan kids had trained in secret before joining the Academy.
Naruto was a little bored. He'd rather train on his own. Doing this felt like a waste of time.
After more than two hours of practice, most students had sore arms.
A few were slacking off—like Shikamaru, who found the training too easy. Chōji simply opened a bag of snacks and began munching contentedly.
At that point, Iruka announced a break—after which they would start practical sparring.
The room erupted in excitement—especially from Inuzuka Kiba, who already had a grudge against Sasuke.
Always stealing the spotlight!
Half an hour passed quickly.
"Fujii Itsuki versus Ono Jirō! Seal of Opposition!"
The two students stepped forward, performed the seal of opposition, and began circling each other cautiously before engaging.
Their battle lacked polish, but both used chakra to enhance their fists and kicks.
Despite their small size, their chakra-enhanced strikes were powerful enough to leave dents in the ground.
With chakra, even children could deliver blows more powerful than ordinary adults.
That's why civilians—even other kids—held such respect for shinobi. To them, a ninja's power was akin to that of gods.
After a few minutes of fighting, both students ran low on chakra. Their reserves were still small. They switched to pure physical combat. In the end, Fujii Itsuki narrowly defeated Ono Jirō using superior physique.
"Seal of Reconciliation."
The two completed the gesture, wiping away any animosity. One by one, the groups took their turns. During this time, Inuzuka Kiba protested his matchup—he wanted to fight Uchiha Sasuke!
But Iruka denied the request.
"Uzumaki Naruto versus Uchiha Sasuke! Seal of Opposition!"
As Naruto and Sasuke formed the seal, Naruto sighed inwardly. He knew he couldn't go all-out. If he won, people would start talking—and defeating the Uchiha clan head's son would cause waves.
While Naruto considered how much strength to use, Sasuke seized the moment and attacked first. Compared to Fujii and Jirō's earlier battle, Sasuke's speed was clearly superior.
Naruto quickly countered and struck back with a punch.
So fast!
Sasuke thought to himself as their fists collided. A tremendous force surged through his arm. He gritted his teeth and pushed through the numbness to continue attacking.
Naruto sensed the power of his strike and saw Sasuke endure it.
Hmm! As expected of the second pillar… he took one-twentieth of my strength without falling!
I need to survive! I must not reveal my true strength!
They continued trading blows and moving around the field. But Naruto suddenly noticed Sasuke's arm trembling.
Crap! Naruto, you idiot! Why did you hit so hard?!
Quickly switching tactics, Naruto pretended to be exhausted. After several more exchanges, Sasuke landed a kick that sent Naruto flying.
Thanks to Naruto's top-tier acting skills, no one suspected anything.
Sasuke, however, was puzzled. Was he really exhausted? How did he have that much power?
Hmph! Guess he wasn't so tough after all.
The ever-tsundere Sasuke resumed his cold demeanor.
"Yeah! Sasuke won! Sasuke is amazing!"
Sasuke's girl squad cheered wildly, leaving the boys grinding their teeth in frustration.
Why is he always the popular one?
End of the Chapter.
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