Chapter 13 - Victory

Chapter 13 - Victory

For the students of the Ninja Academy, setting foot in the main venue was already an honor. To be noticed by the Third Hokage himself, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was a dream few dared to hope for.

It wasn't even about securing first place—just making it to the finals, standing in that grand arena, and earning the attention of Konoha's leader was an achievement in itself.

But to fight through every obstacle, surpass all expectations, and emerge as the final victor? That was a different level of glory. The one who claimed first place would be recognized as the strongest prodigy of their entire generation.

The structure of the finals reflected this prestige. While the semifinal matches took place on the outskirts of the main arena, the grand finals were reserved for the very center—a stage where only two would stand, surrounded by the watchful eyes of Konoha's elite.

---

Meanwhile, in the Main Venue…

With the four semifinalists now in position, Hiruzen Sarutobi rose from his seat, his sharp gaze sweeping across the arena before making the official announcement.

"The final assessment… begins now."

The moment those words left his lips, murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"Who do you think will take first place?"

"Much as I hate to admit it, the Sharingan at this age is terrifying. It has to be that Uchiha kid."

Among those standing behind Hiruzen was one of the Legendary Sannin—Jiraiya. His arms were crossed, expression thoughtful as he glanced toward the battlefield.

At the Ninja Academy, Uchiha Makoto had reigned as the undisputed number one in every aspect, crushing his competition time and time again. He had outperformed even Namikaze Minato at the same age, making his status as a genius impossible to ignore.

Because of this, Konoha's higher-ups had already taken notice of him.

Hiruzen, upon hearing Jiraiya's assessment, frowned slightly but gave a small nod. He couldn't deny the truth in his student's words. Every generation of the Uchiha Clan produced remarkable talents, and their Jonin accounted for nearly half of the village's total. Though they lacked individuals at the absolute pinnacle of power, they remained a formidable force.

But before the discussion could continue, a new voice entered the conversation.

Orochimaru approached, his expression unreadable, though the faintest trace of amusement lingered in his golden eyes.

"Oh? Is that so? I wouldn't be so sure."

Jiraiya turned, already irritated by the mere sound of Orochimaru's voice.

"What? You think someone else can surpass him at this age?"

Orochimaru barely acknowledged the question. Instead, he cast a glance toward the field, his smirk deepening.

"Watch carefully," he murmured.

Jiraiya and Hiruzen followed his gaze.

---

On the Battlefield

Kazane—and Itsuki Tachibana had already engaged in a heated battle.

"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"

Itsuki, though still an academy student, had already gained control over ninjutsu. Knowing that Kazane excelled in swordsmanship, he wisely kept his distance, launching a powerful burst of wind to disrupt his opponent's footing.

The air howled as the jutsu surged forward, tearing across the battlefield.

But before it could strike, a sharp glint cut through the chaos.

A single, fluid motion—Kazane's wooden sword sliced through the wind blades as though they were nothing but air.

Itsuki's eyes widened in shock.

"Impossible! How can a wooden sword cut through my jutsu?"

Doubt flickered in his mind, but there was no time to hesitate. With the Third Hokage watching from above, backing down was not an option.

Gritting his teeth, he shifted tactics. If a direct jutsu couldn't break through, then he would force Kazane into close combat.

Tightening his grip on a kunai, he lunged forward, aiming straight for Kazane's weapon. If he could break the wooden sword, he could corner him into hand-to-hand combat, where he would hold the advantage with his ninjutsu.

It was a solid plan.

But Kazane was faster.

"Three-Sword Style: Ghost Slash."

A smirk tugged at Kazane's lips as he clenched his wooden sword between his teeth, shifting into an unorthodox stance.

With a burst of movement, he vanished from Itsuki's sight.

Then—

A flash of steel.

The impact came before Itsuki could react. His kunai was knocked clean from his grasp, sent spiraling through the air. The next thing he felt was the cold press of wood against his neck.

The battle was over.

The Chunin instructor observing the match wasted no time in declaring the outcome.

"Kazane Hatake wins! Both participants, perform the Seal of Reconciliation."

Despite the strict neutrality required of an instructor, there was unmistakable appreciation in his gaze as he watched Kazane.

At the same time, on another side of the battlefield, Uchiha Makoto was still locked in an intense duel with Hyūga Izuna.

Jiraiya, watching from the stands, found himself frowning.

"This is unreal… Someone is actually keeping up with Uchiha Makoto?"

The realization set in, sending a wave of murmurs through the audience.

The first finalist… wasn't Makoto?

Behind him, Orochimaru chuckled, his amusement evident.

"Heh… Is it really that impossible?"

"This is getting interesting," another voice chimed in.

Tsunade approached, her presence commanding as she surveyed the battlefield. Her sharp eyes locked onto Kazane with intrigue.

"That's Hatake Kazane, isn't it?"

Orochimaru nodded.

Jiraiya, who had placed all his faith in Makoto's victory, felt his expression tighten upon hearing Kazane's full name.

Hatake Sakumo's son.

The pieces fell into place.

Jiraiya clicked his tongue in irritation, unwilling to admit that Orochimaru had been right about Kazane's potential.

"So what if he made it this far?" Jiraiya muttered. "The Sharingan is the perfect counter to his fighting style. There's no way he can beat Uchiha Makoto."

A low chuckle escaped Orochimaru. His amusement only grew.

"A master swordsman, a calm mind, and an exceptional battle sense… That boy may even surpass your student, Namikaze Minato, one day."

The weight of his words settled over the audience like a stone.

Some scoffed at the idea. Others fell silent, uncertain.

Even Hiruzen, though typically reserved in his judgment, found himself pausing.

He had, of course, heard of Kazane before.

For years, the boy had been dismissed as an underachiever. But now, seeing him move, seeing his control, his decisiveness…

The rumors about the eliminated Mist ninja scouts—could it have been Kazane who took them down?

Could he already be at a level capable of taking on Chunin-level opponents?

The realization sent a ripple of unease through Hiruzen's mind.

If Kazane truly possessed this level of potential, then he had to be guided carefully.

There was no way he was letting Danzo take him.

His gaze sharpened with newfound focus.

Kazane stepped into the center of the final stage, his posture unwavering. Above him, the Third Hokage watched in silence, flanked by the Legendary Sannin.

Tsunade studied him carefully before giving a quiet nod of approval.

"His eyes are impressive," she murmured.

Calm. Controlled. Yet burning with restrained intensity.

This was not the look of an ordinary prodigy.

Hiruzen had underestimated him before.

But now…

He would see for himself.

Just how far this boy could go.