Taijutsu and Resolve.

Now that Tsunade had retrieved all of Hashirama's cells, she approached me with her next plan—something that made my inner shinobi hesitate for just a moment.

She wanted to begin experimenting.

Death row criminals, dangerous kekkei genkai users, shinobi from rogue clans—those were the test subjects Tsunade had arranged through her "deal" with Hiruzen. She'd promised to lend her strength to Konoha in the upcoming war in exchange for full research control. Despite her hatred for how the village had treated the Senju, she was still loyal to its protection.

And I understood why. Deep down, no matter how many cracks the system had, Tsunade still held on to our clan's beliefs.

So, I agreed.

She went straight to the Senju Clan's hidden laboratory—one of the most advanced facilities in Konoha. It was filled with tools, sealed storage tanks, chakra analysis machines, and preserved scrolls. She had once used this lab for developing her medical ninjutsu techniques. Now, it would become the stage for something more.

Inside were already several restrained shinobi—traitors, criminals, and those born with rare and dangerous bloodlines. I noticed a man from the Kaguya clan with Shikotsumyaku, the bone manipulation kekkei genkai. Others had unique elemental affinities—some explosive, some corrosive, and some utterly unstable.

For Tsunade, this was a necessary evil. And for me… it was an act of preparation.

The next morning, I headed to the academy as usual. Nothing seemed out of place—until the instructor clapped his hands with an eager grin and made a surprise announcement.

"Today, we'll be holding a friendly Taijutsu tournament!"

The classroom erupted in excitement. Especially from Guy.

He nearly flipped over his desk in joy.

"YOSH! I will show the flames of youth to the world and prove my power surpasses even Kakashi's!"

Kakashi, meanwhile, simply blinked.

The instructor then explained the rules: one-match knockout format. Four groups. Each student would be randomly assigned.

I was placed in Group A. Guy in Group B. Asuma in Group C. Kakashi in Group D.

The matches were to begin immediately at the academy training ground.

Round 1 — Group A

As the first match was called, I stepped onto the field. My opponent was someone I'd spoken with before, but I knew he wouldn't survive the war in the future. A typical, average student.

The instructor signaled the start.

I lowered my stance and then surged forward with a burst of chakra-enhanced movement. My punch wasn't even that hard, but the moment it connected—even though my opponent blocked—it still sent him flying out of the ring.

Knocked out.

The class fell silent.

"Winner: Ren Senju," the instructor announced, blinking in surprise.

The matches continued, with Guy, Asuma, and Kakashi dominating their groups just as I had expected.

Group Winners:

Group A — Me

Group B — Guy

Group C — Asuma

Group D — Kakashi

Now only three matches remained. The semifinals… and the final.

Semifinal 1 — Ren vs Guy

The moment the match started, I dashed forward and threw a punch—Guy, having watched my last fight, wisely avoided it.

He twisted his body and used Leaf Hurricane, a spinning leg strike.

I caught his leg mid-air and slammed him into the ground. The impact shook the field slightly. Guy groaned but stayed conscious.

"Winner: Ren Senju."

As he got up, he grinned despite the loss.

"Ren! That was amazing! But next time, I won't go easy on you!"

I gave him a small nod. "Looking forward to it."

Semifinal 2 — Asuma vs Kakashi

While I watched the match, Guy walked over and sat beside me, still rubbing his shoulder.

Kakashi won quickly, just as expected.

We were given a thirty-minute break before the final match.

My classmates crowded around me, cheering me on. I appreciated their support—it was something I'd always made sure to cultivate, unlike Kakashi, who now stood alone, Guy being the only one close to him.

I didn't blame him.

After Sakumo's death, Kakashi closed himself off. He followed the rules, did everything by the book, and avoided emotions. That isolated him. But me? I made an effort to connect, because in this world… bonds were survival.

If I had to name the most hardworking students, it would be:

Me.

Guy.

Kakashi.

Finally, the break ended. The instructor called for the final match.

I stepped onto the field. Kakashi followed. His expression was unreadable, his face masked.

We stood opposite each other.

He raised a single hand in acknowledgement. I returned a small smile.

Then—

"Begin!"

Our final match started.

Author's Note:

Ren's growth continues to rise. Now armed with powerful Wood Release and having defeated both Guy and Asuma, he faces Kakashi in the final. Meanwhile, Tsunade's experimentation with Hashirama's cells marks the beginning of a dangerous yet vital chapter for the Senju. The third great war looms on the horizon.