Chapter 27: The Pre-Holiday Test

The day began at the Konoha Academy with a different energy. There would be no regular classes today—it was the day of final exams before the two-month break. The students were filled with excitement and tension, knowing this day could shift their class rankings and possibly move them into higher training levels.

Written Test Results

The results were posted quickly by the afternoon. As usual, Kenichi's grades were average. He didn't stand out academically, but he never failed. As for Dai, his scores were low—both in the written test and in performing the basic techniques.

During the announcement of the results, the rest of the students sat tensely in their places. Koharu flipped through a small notebook, reviewing her transformation techniques, while Homura stared unblinkingly at the results board.

Danzo sat in a corner, arms crossed, eyes silently watching his classmates. He didn't comment, but it was clear he wasn't satisfied with his score. When Hiruzen looked at him, he turned his face away without a word.

Inside the academy, the results were displayed on a stone board in the central courtyard. Each student held their number, waiting for their name to be called. Teachers moved through the rows, jotting down notes and checking the summons for the upcoming combat round.

Some students wondered aloud how the evaluation system worked. "Daily performance and written exams are all considered," one teacher said, "but it's combat that leaves the strongest impression."

As Tobirama calmly flipped through the evaluation sheets, only one thought lingered in his mind: Who will truly stand out when the fighting begins?

---

Before the matches started, the students gathered in a semicircle in the academy's training yard, where a small box containing numbered slips—from one to twenty—was placed.

One of the instructors spoke loudly: "Each student will draw a number. Matches will be based on the order. Number 1 will face Number 2, and so on."

Kenichi drew slip number 7, while Hiruzen pulled number 8.

Dai got number 3, which meant he would face number 4—none other than Kagami Uchiha.

Whispers broke out among the students: "Dai's up against Kagami?!" "And Hiruzen versus Kenichi… That's gonna be intense!"

In the back, Danzo sighed impatiently while Homura and Koharu exchanged light smiles, reviewing their draw results.

As the students began preparing for their battles, a classmate approached Dai and whispered, "Don't let them underestimate you, Dai. Show them what you've learned."

Another approached Kenichi with a grin and said, "I'm sure you're hiding something new as always. Don't let us down."

The air buzzed with anticipation. Students exchanged glances and speculations as teachers observed quietly, holding evaluation sheets.

---

The sun had risen slightly, casting long shadows across the dew-covered yard. Dai stood in the arena, breathing deeply, mentally repeating the steps of the First Breathing Style. Across from him stood Kagami Uchiha, his half-lidded eyes radiating calm confidence.

"I'm ready… even if they laugh at me," Dai muttered to himself, clenching his fists.

The match began.

Kagami made the first move, using the Clone Technique (Bunshin no Jutsu) to create three illusions, attacking from multiple angles. Dai, recalling what he'd learned from Kenichi, didn't retreat. He crouched low, eyes on their feet.

"That one on the right didn't make a sound when it landed… must be a clone."

He spun to the side, punched the fake, and it vanished. But a hit from behind caught his shoulder, forcing him back.

Kagami chuckled lightly. "Not bad—but you're too slow."

Dai cursed inwardly, then reminded himself, Breathe… don't get angry… focus.

He began regulating his breathing. Inhale. Exhale. Then, suddenly lunged forward, combining a swift sidestep and low pivot to surprise Kagami with a side kick.

Kagami faltered slightly, stepping back. "Did he just get faster… or is he reading my moves?"

Earlier, a teacher had whispered, "Kagami Uchiha is one of the top students this year. His clone technique is superior, and his chakra control is precise."

A student from a clan shouted, "Impossible! Dai's from a civilian family—how is he dodging his attacks?!"

At the edge of the yard, instructors were beginning to take note of Dai's unorthodox style. "His movements don't resemble traditional taijutsu… It's like a strange harmony between breathing and motion."

But Dai's stamina was limited. His breath hadn't fully synchronized with his movements. A single misstep gave Kagami the opening he needed. A clean hit to the chest sent Dai crashing to the ground.

Dai lay there, breathing heavily, then smiled as he stood back up. "I didn't win… but I wasn't the same as before."

Kagami laughed, then extended a hand to help him up.

Tobirama murmured, "That boy… a civilian, yet he fights like someone inventing his own style."

---

Silence fell over the yard. The students watched intently, even those who had already lost. No one wanted to miss this match.

Kenichi stood calm, his breathing steady. Hiruzen stood on the opposite side, scratching his chin with a smile.

"Are we going all out?" Hiruzen asked.

Kenichi replied calmly, "I'll try not to disappoint you."

The fight began. Hiruzen launched metal shuriken, then followed with Shadow Clone Jutsu (Kage Bunshin no Jutsu). This time, three real clones appeared.

Kenichi moved without using direct defensive techniques. Each motion was synchronized with his breath, flowing as though he were still training, not fighting.

Focus… Inhale… Angled step… Exhale… Sudden strike.

He dashed toward one clone and struck a slanted point on its shoulder. It vanished. Then he twisted at a strange angle, using his leg to evade another attack.

Hiruzen frowned. "His style… it's hard to read. He doesn't follow predictable patterns."

Suddenly, Kenichi rushed the original, releasing a chakra pulse from the sole of his foot into the ground. A small dust cloud rose, masking their vision. He then spun behind Hiruzen.

He struck with a reverse fist, but Hiruzen blocked it.

The crowd remained silent, their tense breaths audible. Each movement by the fighters caused subtle tremors in the ground. The scent of sweat mixed with dry soil filled the air.

The duel lasted nearly two minutes—an intense back-and-forth of strikes and evasions, with rising tension.

One instructor murmured, "This isn't just taijutsu mixed with chakra… It's a perfect harmony between breath, intention, and motion."

Then the referee declared: "Stop!"

A draw.

But in everyone's eyes, there was no loser—only a new style born in that arena.

Hiruzen and Kenichi exchanged respectful glances, then left the ring amid a round of applause that wouldn't stop.

In the background, students exchanged looks. Danzo muttered coldly, "I won't let him outshine us again."

From the observation deck above, Tobirama turned to one of his aides and said quietly, "Keep an eye on Kenichi's development over the coming weeks. We may need to give him special guidance."

End of Chapter