Tayuya was completely bewildered. She had lost far too quickly — she hadn’t even had time to react.

Hinata, on the other hand, was just as stunned. Was it really that easy?

Tayuya’s usual confidence had left a deep impression on her, much like Sasuke — every word she spoke carried an air of certainty. Hinata had instinctively assumed she was strong.

But she hadn’t expected to defeat her so effortlessly in their very first match.

“Winner — Hyuga Hinata,” Kitazawa announced with a faint smile.

Tayuya finally recovered from her shock, her face filled with unwillingness.

She hadn’t even gotten serious — her Genjutsu and Summoning Techniques hadn’t been used at all.

Ninja battles were battles of intelligence, and reviewing the fight in her mind, Tayuya realized she’d been at a disadvantage from the very start.

The root of it was simple: she didn’t know about the long-range Gentle Fist technique.

If she had known, she never would have taken out her bamboo flute so casually.

She could’ve dodged the Eight Trigrams: Vacuum Palm first, or better yet, started with a Summoning Jutsu to create distance.

Tayuya bit her lip hard and clenched her fists.

She had already lost the first round, and there was no way she could ask Kitazawa for a rematch — that would only humiliate her further.

“That was a… clean and decisive match,” Kiba commented after a pause.

Naruto scratched his head. It seemed like Tayuya had Sasuke’s confidence, but not his strength.

“Hinata’s too serious,” Ino sighed. “She’s a new classmate after all, she could’ve gone a little easy.”

“Hinata is always serious,” Shikamaru said, shaking his head.

“You can’t really blame Hinata for that,” Tenten added, clearing her throat.

She didn’t say it outright, but everyone understood her meaning. Hinata was simply following the way of the Hyuga.

Sasuke glanced at Kimimaro. He hoped Kimimaro wouldn’t be defeated as quickly as Tayuya.

Kimimaro, however, didn’t notice his gaze. He was deep in thought — analyzing how to counter Hinata’s Gentle Fist.

The only viable method was to use Shikotsumyaku to prevent her from striking his Chakra points.

Although he hadn’t underestimated the Genius Class before, this first battle had shown him that their strength was real.

“Tayuya, are you alright?” Ino walked over to her.

“I’m fine.” Tayuya’s voice was firm but laced with frustration. “I just underestimated her. I definitely won’t lose the next match!”

“First round, second match — Ino Yamanaka versus Sakura Haruno,” Kitazawa called out as Hinata left the arena.

“Ino!” Sakura raised an eyebrow, clenching her fists. “Watch me knock you down with one punch!”

“Hmph!” Ino scoffed. “The one who’s getting knocked down will be you!”

Their gazes locked — sparks practically flew between them. A strong scent of rivalry filled the air.

Tayuya, however, didn’t think much of their upcoming fight. Neither had a Bloodline Limit, nor did they possess the raw power of someone like Hinata.

Unlike Hinata, whose Byakugan and Gentle Fist made her terrifyingly strong, these two seemed… ordinary.

Still, after the earlier match, Tayuya’s mindset had changed slightly; she no longer underestimated anyone.

The two girls walked to the center of the training ground. When Kitazawa gave the signal to begin, Ino took the initiative.

“Ninja Art: Hundred Flowers Chaos!”

A large number of petals erupted around her, swirling in the air — her figure disappearing among them.

But Sakura was already ready. The moment she saw the petals, she dispelled the illusion instantly.

Ino reappeared in her sight.

That was Genjutsu: Release— one of the jutsu she’d learned from Kosuke.

Ino’s eyes widened. Her illusion had failed — trying another sneak attack now would be unwise. Reacting quickly, she threw six shuriken in rapid succession.

Sakura dodged back gracefully, forming hand seals with both hands.

“Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Jutsu!”

Chakra gathered at her lips, and a torrent of water burst forth, twisting into the shape of a roaring dragon.

The water dragon surged forward, crashing toward Ino with immense pressure.

Ino leapt high to evade it —

“How can it be that simple?” Sakura’s lips curved into a confident smile.

Her Chakra control was superb — the water dragon abruptly rose, following Ino’s trajectory.

The massive wave surged up, and Ino could clearly see the rippling scales of the water dragon’s body.

At the last second, she threw a specially crafted ninja flower.

Boom! The explosion shattered the water dragon midair, scattering a torrent of droplets across the field.

“How is that possible!?” Tayuya’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Sakura Haruno — the girl who had always been chasing after Sasuke — actually knew a B-rank Water Release Ninjutsu? And her mastery of it was this refined!?

The explosion forced both Sakura and Ino to retreat, dodging the shower of water.

They locked eyes, then simultaneously formed hand seals. But Ino was faster — her Ninjutsu was simpler.

“Demonic Illusion: False Surroundings Technique!” Sakura’s vision blurred — and suddenly, the Ino before her transformed into Sasuke.

Her heart skipped a beat, but she quickly realized the trick.

“Genjutsu: Release!” Sakura countered immediately, dispelling the illusion.

By then, Ino had already disappeared — the only thing left was a flurry of petals drifting in the air.

“Another illusion!?” Sakura frowned and used the same technique again to dispel it.

A sharp sound cut through the air.

Whoosh! Ino descended from above, her knees aimed straight at Sakura as she dove down.

Boom! The ground erupted in a cloud of dust.

Sakura had used Body Replacement Jutsu, leaving a wooden log in her place.

Ino’s eyes narrowed.

Losing her target, she quickly leapt backward to gain distance — and simultaneously threw four shuriken forward.

“Water Release: Water Formation Wall!” A swirling mass of water burst up around Sakura, forming a protective ring.

The shuriken clattered against the wall, deflecting harmlessly away.

“Demonic Illusion: Tree Binding Death!” Ino took a deep breath and cast a B-rank Genjutsu — one she wasn’t yet fully proficient with.

Instantly, Sakura’s vision distorted. Vines and branches erupted from the ground, binding her limbs and holding her in place.

But Sakura remained calm.

Her Water Formation Wall was circular, surrounding her from all sides. Ino could only strike from one possible direction — above.

Genjutsu: Release! The instant Sakura dispelled the illusion, she hurled six shuriken into the air with both hands.

When Ino reappeared, her body was positioned perfectly in the shuriken’s flight path — like a moving target.

Her face changed drastically. She instinctively swung her kunai, deflecting as many as she could.

But the six shuriken weren’t thrown in parallel lines — their trajectories were staggered and unpredictable.

In her haste, Ino managed to deflect only three.

Just as the remaining three were about to strike her, her body suddenly lifted off the ground — Kitazawa had caught her midair.

“Winner — Sakura Haruno,” Kitazawa announced after setting her down gently.

“That’s great! I finally won!” Sakura said excitedly.

During her previous Medical Ninjutsu lessons, she could never surpass Ino. After being overshadowed for so long, this victory filled her with pride — she had finally beaten her best friend.

Ino bit her lip. Though she was frustrated, she had to admit she had lost fair and square this time. There was no excuse.

“Ino,” Kitazawa said, patting her head softly. “Your strength isn’t much different from hers. Just work harder next time.”

He wasn’t merely comforting her. Had Sakura been even a second slower at dispelling the illusion, the outcome would’ve reversed. Similarly, if Ino had been a bit faster, she might have won instead.

“I understand, Teacher Kitazawa.” Seeing his warm smile, Ino’s mood lightened.

[Current Mission: Help Yamanaka Ino defeat Sakura Haruno once.]

[Mission Reward: Ninja Art — Mind Body Transmission Technique.]

[Accept?]

Kitazawa smiled inwardly. As he expected, the system mission triggered the moment Ino lost.

The mission itself wasn’t surprising, but the reward was quite valuable.

The Ninja Art: Mind Body Transmission Technique was a Yamanaka Clan secret. In the original timeline, Inoichi Yamanaka had used it.

Its function allowed direct communication into another person’s mind, bypassing speech entirely.

Kitazawa immediately realized how useful that would be. For teaching, he could deliver lessons mentally, saving both time and energy.

For missions, it would allow silent coordination, avoiding the risk of being overheard by enemy ninja.

“What’s going on…?” Tayuya felt like she was trapped in an illusion of her own after watching the match.

Sakura Haruno — the girl she thought only obsessed over Sasuke — could use B-rank Water Release Ninjutsu.

And Ino had used B-rank Genjutsu.

She suddenly had a bizarre realization. She’d thought Sakura and Ino were kittens — harmless and soft. But now, they looked like tigers.

In comparison, she felt painfully inadequate. She had not only lost to Hinata but been instantly defeated; she hadn’t lasted even a single second.

Tayuya glanced at Naruto and the others, expecting them to be surprised. But their expressions were calm — as if this was all normal.

Kitazawa’s earlier words echoed in her mind. “You might not even make it into the top five.”

Her face flushed red at the memory. No… I don’t believe it!

“Sakura’s Water Release improved so fast,” Kiba muttered, feeling a surge of anxiety.

If this continued, could he even beat her anymore?

“Ino wasn’t bad either,” Shikamaru added thoughtfully. “Her illusion control was sharp. If it were anyone else, they wouldn’t have dispelled it that fast.”

The speed of dispelling Genjutsu depended heavily on Chakra control, and Sakura’s Chakra control was second to none among them.

“It’s no exaggeration to say she’s the best at it,” he concluded.

“I feel like if I don’t train harder, I’ll be left behind…” Tenten sighed, rubbing her temples.

“Chasing each other’s growth is what youth is all about!” Rock Lee shouted, giving a thumbs-up.

“Lee’s right!” Naruto grinned. “I can’t wait to show off my youth!”

“They’re stronger than me,” Jugo admitted quietly after a long pause. Of course, he meant in his normal state.

Kimimaro nodded silently. He wasn’t afraid of Water Release, but Genjutsu… that was another story.

Fortunately, Ino’s taijutsu was weak. If he avoided direct eye contact and used his speed and Shikotsumyaku, he could still counter her effectively.

“The third match of the first round — Inuzuka Kiba versus Aburame Shino,” Kitazawa announced.

“Why Shino…?” Kiba groaned, his head aching already.

Shino was a balanced fighter — his chances of losing were much higher than winning. If it weren’t for the secret technique Kitazawa had taught him, he might’ve just surrendered.

“Would you rather face Sasuke or Naruto?” Hana asked teasingly.

“Then Shino is still better,” Kiba said quickly, speaking pure truth.

“I don’t think I’ve ever fought Kiba,” Naruto said, scratching his head. “Guess our youthful bond isn’t strong enough yet.”

“Wish me luck!” Kiba said with forced bravado.

“Go, Kiba!” Naruto cheered with a thumbs-up — then turned to Shino. “Shino, you go too!”

“…” Kiba’s mouth twitched. Some encouragement that is.

Kiba and Shino stepped into the arena.

Tayuya watched closely, unconsciously clenching her fists. She wanted to see for herself how strong the others really were.

“Three-Headed Hellhound!” Kiba started the match by going all-out.

He knew Shino too well to waste time probing — he had to overwhelm him from the start. A massive, three-headed dog appeared on the field, radiating fierce energy.

Tayuya stared in confusion. What kind of Ninjutsu is this?

How could two Shadow Clones and one original body fuse into a three-headed beast!?

Shino didn’t move, only standing silently as a dark swarm of Kikaichu covered his entire body.

The sight was eerie and unsettling. Tayuya took one look and immediately turned her gaze away.

“War Stomp!” The Three-Headed Hellhound, formed by Kiba, raised its paws and slammed them into the ground.

The impact cracked the earth, sending debris flying toward Shino.

“Secret Technique: Parasitic Destruction Insect!”

Shino calmly released his Kikaichu, stepping back to avoid the damaged ground.

The insects swarmed the flying debris, devouring the stones in midair before spinning around and diving straight toward the Hellhound.

Kiba reacted instantly, swinging a massive paw to swat them down. Using his beastly strength, he crushed and scattered more than half the swarm.

“Gah!” Kiba suddenly cried out in pain.

The surviving Kikaichu had crawled up his forelegs, biting into him mercilessly.

“Fang Bullet!” Kiba knew the key wasn’t the Kikaichu — it was Shino.

The three heads of the Three-Headed Hellhound all opened their jaws wide. Chakra surged within them, spinning like liquid whirlpools before condensing into three glowing Chakra bullets.

Secret Technique: Insect Wall!

Shino narrowed his eyes. Swarms of Kikaichu burst from his body, forming a dense black wall before him.

The first Chakra bullet struck, shattering against the insect wall. But the second collided with the first midair, triggering an explosion that tore through the swarm.

The insect wall collapsed, and the third Chakra bullet shot straight toward Shino.

Secret Technique: Insect Sphere! Shino didn’t move.

From his sleeves, a wave of special Kikaichu poured out, surrounding the oncoming projectile.

The glowing Chakra bullet visibly shrank as the insects devoured it whole — until nothing was left.

“What!?” Kiba’s eyes widened in shock.

It was the first time he had ever seen a Kikaichu that could absorb Chakra. But there was no time to think, the Kikaichu were already surging toward him in a black tide.

Kiba hesitated for a split second, then quickly dispelled the Three-Headed Hellhound.

“Triple Fang Over Fang!”

He and his two Shadow Clones spun into three violent tornadoes, colliding head-on with the advancing swarm.

Secret Technique: Insect Cocoon! Seeing Kiba’s counterattack, Shino calmly unleashed all his remaining Chakra.

In an instant, an enormous number of Kikaichu swarmed outward, pushing back the triple tornado assault.

The two forces clashed, creating a stalemate — wind and insects colliding with explosive force.

Tayuya winced at the intensity. How could Kiba and Shino’s strength be on par with Sakura and Ino’s?

Was everyone in this Genius Class really a genius? She couldn’t help but feel a pang of defeat.

Still, she hadn’t given up hope — her three Summoning Beasts, the Doki, were powerful enough to turn the tide if it came to that.

Kimimaro’s expression tightened slightly as well. Kiba and Shino — they were far stronger than he’d expected. Especially Shino.

For the first time, Kimimaro wasn’t entirely confident.

Boom! One of Kiba’s Shadow Clones suddenly dispersed into smoke.

With one less clone, the balance broke. The remaining Kikaichu concentrated their assault, tightening their formation.

“I surrender!” Kiba shouted decisively, stopping his rotation and dropping to the ground, panting heavily.

Stalling the Kikaichu for so long had drained almost all his Chakra.

“Winner — Aburame Shino,” Kitazawa announced calmly.

No one in the Genius Class was surprised — the outcome was expected.

Kiba trudged off the field, shoulders slumped. Of all people, why did it have to be Shino…?

Sometimes, bad luck was the truest defeat.

“The fourth match of the first round — Rock Lee versus Jugo!” Kitazawa declared after drawing the lots.

“Lee, it’s time to unleash your youth!” Naruto shouted, his teeth gleaming.

“Mm!” Rock Lee replied with fiery spirit. “Watch closely — I’ll show you the power of youth!”

“Jugo, don’t lose to such a weirdo,” Tayuya muttered, exasperated by their energy.

“I’ll try,” Jugo said quietly before stepping into the arena.

“I wonder how strong this transfer student is,” Tenten said curiously.

“Probably similar to Tayuya,” Ino guessed.

“Jugo will…” Tayuya started to say that Jugo would be stronger than her, but she stopped herself. Saying so might hurt her pride.

Of course, she had been referring to Jugo in Sage Transformation, not in his normal state.

“Konoha Whirlwind!” As soon as the battle began, Rock Lee lunged forward, unleashing a spinning kick.

Jugo raised his arms to block. The impact sent shockwaves through his body, and his forearms went numb instantly.

Just from that one exchange, he realized that without Sage Transformation, he couldn’t win.

But he didn’t want to lose control or kill anyone. Kitazawa had given him hope, and he didn’t want to betray that.

So Jugo used the Konoha-Style Taijutsu Kitazawa had taught him to face Rock Lee head-on. Their blows were fierce and unrelenting, the air crackling with their strikes.

“Konoha Great Whirlwind!” Lee seized an opening and drove his heel into Jugo’s abdomen, sending him flying backward.

“I surrender.” After sitting for a few seconds to catch his breath, Jugo stood and quietly left the field.

“Why didn’t you use that?” Tayuya asked, frowning.

“I think the Genius Class is pretty good,” Jugo replied simply, shaking his head.

Tayuya wanted to scold him — to call him a traitor — but the words wouldn’t come out.

Because deep down, she understood. She, too, had started to feel… a little of the same way. Just a little bit.

“The fifth match of the first round — Uzumaki Naruto versus Kimimaro!” Kitazawa’s voice carried across the training ground.

“Kimimaro, you must defeat him!” Tayuya said, clenching her fists.

She and Jugo had both lost — if Kimimaro lost too, Otogakure’s reputation would be in shambles.

Besides, Naruto didn’t even look that strong. Who went around talking about youth all day long?

“I won’t lose.” Kimimaro stepped onto the field, face emotionless, eyes cold.

“Be careful, Naruto,” Neji said seriously. “His Bloodline Limit — Shikotsumyaku. Avoid close combat if possible.”

As a member of the Hyuga Clan, he knew of the Kaguya bloodline’s power and how dangerous it was.

“I don’t think he needs reminding,” Shikamaru said, shaking his head.

“That’s true,” Kiba agreed.

“Whether it’s close combat or long-range, Naruto won’t back down,” Choji added, crunching on potato chips.

“…?” Tayuya looked around, completely baffled.

Did they even understand what Shikotsumyaku was? How could anyone their age possibly defeat Kimimaro?

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep