Chapter 7: Lessons Beyond the Classroom

The first week of the Academy had passed in a blur of lessons, training drills, and growing rivalries. By now, most students had settled into their own rhythm—some excelling in ninjutsu, others showing promise in taijutsu, while a few struggled to keep up. For Ōtsutsuki Ryūsei, however, this was just another step forward.

He sat near the window in the classroom, the sunlight casting a soft glow on his bluish-white hair. His gold-tinted Byakugan flickered, idly observing the flow of chakra around him. Despite his quiet nature, he had drawn considerable attention.

His unorthodox combat style—a mixture of Moon Ōtsutsuki techniques and fluid adaptations of Gentle Fist—had left an impression after his spar with Hyūga Hideo. The Hyūga Clan had taken notice, and so had Hiruzen.

Today's lesson, however, was different.

Hiruzen stood at the front of the class, his usual gentle yet firm presence commanding their attention. "There is more to being a shinobi than just fighting. Strategy, teamwork, and survival—these will determine whether you live or die in the field."

The room fell into silence at the weight of his words.

"For today's exercise, we will go beyond the Academy walls. You will be tested on your ability to navigate and survive outside the safety of Konoha. This is not a mission—merely a practical lesson." His gaze swept across the room. "Those who treat it lightly will not only fail but will hinder their team."

Ryūsei listened intently. He had already experienced combat training under Mito Uzumaki, but experiencing a structured shinobi training exercise would be a new experience.

Hiruzen continued, "Your teams will be assigned, and each group will be given a specific task to complete in the training fields. You will be graded on your adaptability, problem-solving skills, and teamwork."

A student raised his hand. "What's the task, Lord Hokage?"

Hiruzen smiled faintly. "That… you will find out when you arrive."

A mix of excitement and tension spread through the students.

Team Assignments

The class was divided into groups of four.

To Ryūsei's mild amusement, his team consisted of:

• Tsunade Senju – Confident, outspoken, and already demonstrating impressive physical prowess.

• Jiraiya – Unpredictable but a natural talent in ninjutsu.

• Orochimaru – Calculated, composed, and always observing.

Ryūsei exhaled through his nose. This would either go very well or horribly wrong.

Hiruzen smirked slightly as if expecting this reaction. "Your goal is simple: reach the designated checkpoint and recover a hidden scroll before the other teams do. However, you are permitted to engage and steal from opposing teams."

Jiraiya grinned. "So it's a free-for-all?"

"Not quite," Hiruzen said. "Think of it as an exercise in strategy. You will only fail if your team fails to retrieve the scroll or if you're unable to complete the task together."

Orochimaru's eyes narrowed slightly. "So fighting alone won't be enough."

"Correct."

With that, the groups were dismissed.

Into the Forest

The moment they entered the training field, Tsunade cracked her knuckles. "Alright, we need a plan. We can't just charge in and expect to win."

Jiraiya smirked. "Or we could just steal a scroll from another team and call it a day."

Orochimaru sighed. "That would work if we knew where the other teams were. But since we don't, the best course of action is to secure our own first."

Ryūsei crossed his arms, his golden-tinted Byakugan activating. "I can scan the area, but I won't waste chakra searching aimlessly. We need to move efficiently."

Tsunade nodded. "Agreed. Let's head toward the checkpoint first."

They moved swiftly through the trees, their movements already far more coordinated than most teams. As they approached the area, Ryūsei paused, his eyes narrowing.

"Two teams ahead," he murmured. "They're waiting near the checkpoint. One scroll is unguarded, but it's a trap."

Jiraiya frowned. "A trap?"

"Yes. The other team is hiding nearby, waiting for someone to take the bait."

Orochimaru's lips curled slightly. "Clever."

Tsunade grinned. "So… how do we steal it first?"

Ryūsei considered their options. "We have two choices—engage them head-on or outmaneuver them."

Jiraiya cracked his knuckles. "Let's fight."

Tsunade rolled her eyes. "Let's not rush in like idiots."

Orochimaru smirked. "Ryūsei, what do you suggest?"

Ryūsei exhaled. "We'll let them think their trap worked. I'll take the scroll and draw them out. When they move, we counter."

Tsunade crossed her arms. "Risky."

"But effective," Orochimaru added.

Jiraiya grinned. "Alright, let's go with that."

The Battle Begins

Ryūsei moved first, stepping into the clearing. He pretended to hesitate before reaching for the scroll. As expected, the moment his fingers touched it, three students burst from the trees.

One threw a barrage of kunai. Ryūsei tilted his head slightly, dodging them with unnatural ease. Another lunged, attempting a sweeping kick—Ryūsei blocked it effortlessly.

Then, the real attack came.

The third opponent, a Uchiha, used the Body Flicker Technique, appearing right behind Ryūsei.

For a moment, everything slowed.

Ryūsei's golden Byakugan glowed faintly, his vision expanding. His opponent's chakra flared—he was already forming hand seals.

"Fire Release: Phoenix Flower Jutsu!"

Tiny fireballs erupted toward Ryūsei, each weaving unpredictably. But Ryūsei didn't move back—he moved forward.

His hand shot out, striking pressure points on his opponent's wrist. The jutsu faltered. A second strike to the chest sent the Uchiha stumbling back.

"Now!" Ryūsei called.

Tsunade and Jiraiya burst from cover, launching a surprise counterattack.

Tsunade overpowered the first enemy, knocking him out with a well-placed punch. Jiraiya distracted the second, while Orochimaru snatched the real scroll.

The opposing team was defeated in seconds.

Hiruzen, watching from afar, smiled.