1 vs 1

Sakumo Hatake stood still, his presence as calm and formidable as ever, while Haruto, Shuisi, and Daichi prepared to give their all. This was the real test—a one-on-one spar against the legendary White Fang. They had been told to hold nothing back, and they wouldn't. Ninja tools, jutsu, chakra affinities—everything was on the table. Each of them knew that Sakumo would push them to their limits.

"Haruto, you're first," Sakumo announced, eyes sharp and focused.

Haruto vs. Sakumo

Haruto's heart raced, but he was in control. His Two Minds ability gave him a calm edge as one part of his mind began forming the strategy while the other engaged fully in the moment. He readied his Substitution Jutsu and Clone Jutsu, knowing they would play crucial roles in this fight. He gripped a handful of shuriken, his fingers deftly adjusting their position for maximum impact.

Without warning, Haruto hurled the shuriken toward Sakumo, who effortlessly dodged the incoming projectiles, his sharp eyes never leaving Haruto. But Haruto had planned for this—the moment the shuriken passed by, Haruto's hands flicked through hand seals. In an instant, two clones appeared, each launching more shuriken from different angles.

Sakumo, anticipating the tactic, blocked and deflected the attacks with ease. Haruto's second mind, however, was already thinking several steps ahead. While Sakumo's focus was on the clones, Haruto quickly performed a Substitution Jutsu, leaving a log in his place and appearing behind Sakumo with a kunai in hand.

Sakumo's reflexes were swift. He spun around, narrowly avoiding the kunai, but Haruto wasn't done yet. Using his enhanced speed from the Static Charge Jutsu, Haruto closed the distance between them in an instant, his hand glowing with chakra. He activated his Chakra Scalpel Jutsu, aiming a precise strike at Sakumo's arm, trying to disrupt his muscle movements.

Sakumo's eyes flashed with respect as he blocked the scalpel at the last second, redirecting Haruto's strike with minimal effort. But Haruto's two minds were working in tandem. While his first mind engaged in close combat, his second mind quickly assessed Sakumo's counters, predicting his next move. Haruto leaped back, flinging another kunai attached to an explosive tag.

Sakumo dodged just before the tag detonated, and he looked back at Haruto with a calm smile. "You're tactical. I can see your mind working through every scenario."

Haruto breathed heavily but smiled. He had held his own, even if for a brief moment.

Shuisi vs. Sakumo

Next, Shuisi stepped forward. His Sharingan flared to life, the two tomoe spinning as he locked eyes with Sakumo. Shuisi was confident but cautious. He knew Sakumo wouldn't hold back, so he wouldn't either.

Without hesitation, Shuisi formed quick hand seals, unleashing his Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu. The massive ball of flames rushed toward Sakumo, who calmly sidestepped the attack. But Shuisi was ready, his Sharingan tracking Sakumo's every movement. He immediately launched a follow-up attack, sending several kunai flying, each coated with flames from his fire chakra.

Sakumo dodged the incoming kunai with minimal effort, but Shuisi wasn't finished. He used the brief moment to close the distance, his Sharingan enhancing his reaction time. Shuisi engaged Sakumo in close combat, throwing a series of precise punches and kicks, his fire affinity enhancing his strikes.

Sakumo blocked each blow with effortless grace, but Shuisi's Sharingan allowed him to adjust his strikes mid-attack, reading Sakumo's movements and countering almost instantly. Still, even with the Sharingan, Sakumo's speed and reflexes were too much.

Sakumo parried Shuisi's final strike and sent him stumbling back with a light push. "Your eyes are strong, but don't rely on them alone," Sakumo advised, his tone instructive but kind.

Shuisi nodded, realizing that even with his advanced perception, there was much to learn.

Daichi vs. Sakumo

Daichi Uzumaki stepped forward next, his usual calm demeanor now focused and determined. He knew that Sakumo would be testing his chakra control and raw power. Daichi wouldn't disappoint.

Wasting no time, Daichi formed hand seals, summoning a wave of water from the ground. "Water Style: Water Bullet Jutsu!" Daichi called out, sending high-pressure water bullets hurtling toward Sakumo. Sakumo evaded the attack with a quick sidestep, but Daichi grinned. This was just the beginning.

With a surge of chakra, Daichi used his massive reserves to launch another wave of water, this time forming a powerful Water Stream Jutsu, aiming to trap Sakumo in the flowing water. But Sakumo, ever the expert, used his incredible speed to flicker out of range, reappearing behind Daichi.

Without missing a beat, Daichi spun around, sending a flurry of kunai toward Sakumo. The kunai were quickly deflected, but Daichi used the moment to gather his chakra. He needed to go all out.

"Water Style: Water Wall Jutsu!" Daichi summoned a towering wall of water, using it to block Sakumo's advance. But Sakumo, undeterred, moved swiftly around the wall, closing the distance in an instant. With a quick, fluid motion, he swept Daichi's legs from under him, sending him to the ground.

Daichi grinned, even as he panted for breath. "You're fast, sensei."

Sakumo offered a small smile in return. "You have raw power and endurance, Daichi. But control is what will make you stronger."

Sakumo's Conclusion

After each spar, Sakumo stood in the center of the training ground, his arms crossed as he assessed his students. They had all gone all out, using their tools, jutsu, and affinities to the best of their abilities, but it was clear that they had a long way to go.

"You all did well," Sakumo said, his voice carrying a note of pride. "Haruto, your use of the Substitution Jutsu and Clone Jutsu was impressive. You think several steps ahead, but refine your execution. Shuisi, your Sharingan is powerful, but as I said, don't let it be your only strength. Daichi, your raw power and chakra reserves are remarkable, but controlling that power is what will make you truly dangerous."

Each of the Genin nodded, absorbing the lessons Sakumo had imparted.

Sakumo smiled slightly. "You all have potential. With time and training, you'll become powerful shinobi. But remember—strength comes not just from jutsu or raw power. It comes from strategy, teamwork, and control."