Chapter 6: First Lesson, First Clash

The midday sun hung high over the Konoha training grounds, casting long shadows over the students gathered for their first formal lesson. Today marked the start of their shinobi training—a moment that would define their path forward. Among the fresh batch of students stood Ōtsutsuki Ryūsei, his presence drawing attention even among the heirs of powerful clans.

His pale white skin gleamed under the sunlight, his Byakugan—pure white with a faint golden tint— calmly scanning the field. His bluish-white hair was loosely tied, swaying in the breeze. He wore a white shirt adorned with nine black magatama patterns on the collar, a subtle yet unmistakable sign of his lineage.

Standing at the front of the class was Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Sandaime Hokage himself. Unlike most years, where a standard instructor led the first lesson, today was different. Hiruzen wanted to personally oversee the next generation of Konoha's shinobi.

One by one, the students gave their introductions. When it was Ryūsei's turn, he simply stepped forward.

"Ōtsutsuki Ryūsei."

That was all. No grand declaration, no speech about dreams or ambitions. Just his name, said with quiet confidence.

Some of the students frowned at the short introduction, but Hiruzen only smiled. He had seen enough shinobi in his time to recognize when words weren't necessary.

Once the introductions were done, Hiruzen addressed the class.

"Becoming a shinobi is not just about strength," he said, his voice calm yet authoritative. "It is about understanding, adapting, and protecting. Power without purpose is dangerous, and skill without wisdom leads to ruin. Today, we will evaluate your abilities—not to judge, but to guide you toward growth."

He stepped forward, hands behind his back. "To that end, you will each engage in a spar. This is not a competition. It is a lesson."

The students straightened at his words.

Hiruzen's gaze flickered toward Ryūsei. "Ryūsei, step forward."

He did.

"And your opponent will be… Hyūga Hideo."

The murmurs began immediately. A Hyūga prodigy against an unknown style? This would be interesting.

Ryūsei met Hideo's gaze. Unlike most Hyūga, Hideo did not display arrogance. He simply activated his Byakugan and assumed the Gentle Fist stance with precision and discipline.

Before they began, Hiruzen raised his hand and gestured to both of them.

"Before combat, you must perform the Seal of Confrontation—a shinobi tradition that marks the start of a battle."

Both Ryūsei and Hideo raised their right hands, forming the Seal of Confrontation. Their fingers interlocked briefly before they stepped back into their stances.

"Begin," Hiruzen commanded.

Hideo moved first, dashing forward with a classic Gentle Fist strike, his palm aiming for Ryūsei's chest to close a chakra point.

Ryūsei sidestepped, his movement so seamless it seemed almost instinctive. He countered immediately—not with a chakra-sealing strike, but with a direct, forceful palm strike aimed at Hideo's ribs.

Hideo barely managed to deflect it, his eyes narrowing.

"That's not Gentle Fist," he muttered.

He attacked again, unleashing a flurry of rapid palm strikes. Ryūsei did not block—he redirected, his hands flowing like water, slipping through the gaps in Hideo's technique. Then, in one swift motion, he struck—not at the chakra points, but at the center of Hideo's balance, sending him sliding back.

A sharp intake of breath came from some of the Hyūga students.

Tsunade, watching from the sidelines, grinned. "He's toying with him."

Orochimaru observed with interest. "His style… It's similar to Gentle Fist, yet it's not. It lacks its rigidity, yet it's sharper in its execution."

Jiraiya, munching on a rice ball, smirked. "And he hasn't even activated his Byakugan yet."

Hideo took a deep breath. He adjusted his stance. This time, he feinted—a palm strike aimed at Ryūsei's chest, but at the last second, he redirected toward his shoulder.

But Ryūsei didn't fall for it.

His body flowed like liquid, twisting mid-air before landing effortlessly. He retaliated with a precise palm strike—not at a chakra point, but at Hideo's solar plexus, disrupting his movements.

Hideo stumbled back. Silence followed.

Hideo exhaled, then straightened. "I yield."

Hiruzen watched closely before finally nodding. "Winner, Ōtsutsuki Ryūsei."

As Ryūsei stepped away, Hiruzen placed a hand on his shoulder.

"You fight with instinct and control," he said, his voice quiet but firm. "But remember, control without wisdom is wasted potential. Learn from your victories, not just your defeats."

Ryūsei gave a small nod.

Hiruzen then looked at both of them. "Now, to conclude the match, perform the Seal of Reconciliation."

Ryūsei and Hideo stepped forward. They clasped their hands together in the sign of reconciliation, a mark of respect between two shinobi after combat.

As he walked back toward the group, Tsunade fell into step beside him. "You could've ended that faster," she teased.

Ryūsei smirked. "I was testing him."

Jiraiya grinned. "Well, you definitely put on a show. Pretty sure the Hyūga guys are still processing what just happened."

Orochimaru, standing slightly apart, spoke up. "Your fighting style… It carries heritage, yet it is not bound by tradition." His golden eyes flickered with interest. "Where did you learn it?"

Ryūsei met his gaze.

"It's in my blood."

Orochimaru studied him for a moment, then simply nodded.

As the group walked away, Ryūsei felt it—a shift, a recognition. He had left an impression.

And this was just the beginning.