After discussing the intricacies of Chakra extraction, the ninja teacher announced that the afternoon would be dedicated to ninja combat practice. Ninja practice, in essence, was a time for classmates to engage in combat. Each student had the freedom to choose an opponent of similar strength for training, a way to gain practical experience and become qualified ninjas.
Excitement rippled through the classroom as everyone eagerly anticipated the upcoming ninja combat practice.
However, Ye Chen sensed an ominous presence lurking in the shadows. During the morning class, he felt an intense gaze fixated on him. It emanated from a student a couple of years older, marked by an arrogant demeanor, a spiky hairstyle, and the distinctive red "pu fan" logo of the younger generation on his clothes.
It was none other than a member of the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Yue. The era was still a few years before the Second Ninja World War, and the structure of the ninja school wasn't as refined as it would be in later generations. Upper and lower-grade students shared classrooms and training sessions. Given the constant threat of war, current ninjas could graduate early and join elite units like Anbu, which held a direct line to the Hokage. Many renowned ninjas, such as Hatake Kakashi, Uchiha Itachi, and Tenzo, had their origins in Anbu.
Another option for graduates was to be selected by Jōnin for specialized training and assignments. In the original story, Namikaze Minato followed this path, becoming an exceptional ninja known as the "Golden Flash."
"Ye Chen-kun, are you alright?" Kushina, seated next to him, inquired with concern. She had been in Konoha Village for only a short time but had already noticed the tension surrounding Ye Chen, perhaps because of her.
At first glance, Uchiha Yue seemed like a senior student, likely much stronger than Ye Chen. It appeared that Ye Chen was about to face a daunting challenge.
"Don't worry," Ye Chen assured her, maintaining his composure. While cautious since his arrival in this world, he wasn't one to shy away from a challenge. If someone dared to confront him, they must be prepared to face the consequences.
The actual combat class began in the afternoon, and the ninja teacher led the students to the playground. After reading from a list, students took turns for combat exercises. The shuriken and kunai they used weren't lethal, but they could still cause injuries.
"I want to challenge Ye Chen-kun!" Uchiha Yue confidently stepped forward, openly declaring his intent.
The ninja teacher frowned at this request. "You're a year older than Ye Chen and joined the ninja school a year earlier. Is this challenge fair?"
The entire class turned its attention to the unfolding situation. Uchiha Yue was popular, almost on par with Namikaze Minato. However, the challenge seemed one-sided, prompting various reactions among the students. Some laughed, others observed with curiosity, some pitied Ye Chen, and some remained expressionless. In this world of ninjas, cold-bloodedness was the norm, even among children.
"Isn't this bullying?" Kushina protested, running to the front and voicing her concern.
Uchiha Yue responded with a taunt, "Ye Chen, it's okay if you hide behind a woman; you don't deserve to be a ninja."
The ninja teacher intervened sternly, calling for a fair duel.
Ye Chen stepped forward with a calm resolve, accepting the challenge. "Thank you, teacher, but I'll accept this challenge."
The ninja teacher raised an eyebrow, noting Ye Chen's unwavering determination. Uchiha Yue's bullying tactics would not deter him.
The students created an open space for the duel, giving the combatants room to engage. The ninja teacher emphasized that this was a learning experience, not a life-or-death battle.
The duel began, and Uchiha Yue drew his shuriken with a flourish, launching two stacks at Ye Chen in a rapid flurry. The shuriken zipped through the air, eight of them aimed at Ye Chen's body, four closing off his escape route.
Ye Chen clenched his fists, his eyes gleaming with determination. Sidestepping slightly, he bent his arms and launched a punch toward the incoming shuriken.
The entire class gasped in disbelief. Instead of evading or using the Body Replacement Technique, Ye Chen had chosen to confront the shuriken with his fists.
Uchiha Yue sneered, underestimating Ye Chen's knowledge. "Is he insane? He's using his fists to block shuriken!"
With a silent recitation, Ye Chen invoked Armament Haki, surrounding his punch with an invisible armor. The strength and defense of his entire body surged.
A resounding clang echoed as Ye Chen's Armament Haki-infused punch collided with the shuriken. The eight shuriken were deflected, powerless against the mighty force. Some shattered upon impact, others bent and cracked.
Ye Chen stood unscathed, his decision to confront the shuriken with his fists vindicated.