Sarutobi Atoma held a Kunai in his right hand as he observed the unfolding scene. It was evident that he was prepared to intervene if needed. This was, after all, a test, and while enduring some blunt injuries was deemed acceptable, the use of Shuriken was considered too risky.
Tatsuma, who had already deduced Uchiha Tenko's strategy, remained composed. With a swift motion, he swiped his left hand against his waist, summoning a Senbon into his grip. Expertly, he hurled it toward Uchiha Tenko while smoothly executing a roll to the side.
Thrusting the Senbon was a strategic move aimed at preventing Uchiha Tenko from launching additional ninja tools while he's evading. Such evasive tactics had become irksome, compelling Uchiha Tenko to forgo the third round of Ninja Tool Throwing in order to dodge Tatsuma's precise Senbon.
Seizing the advantage, Tatsuma propelled himself off the ground with both feet, rapidly narrowing the distance to Uchiha Tenko. His intention was to employ Taijutsu and launch a direct assault.
"Close-quarters combat? Hmph! You might not be aware that Ninja Tool Throwing is a trademark skill of my Uchiha Clan, but close-quarters combat happens to be one of my specialties as well!"
Uchiha Tenko brandished a Kunai, thrusting it directly toward Tatsuma. In response, Tatsuma's hands, which had been in the midst of forming seals, descended. The Chakra he had just refined worked swiftly to alleviate the soreness and weakness in his body.
With a swift motion, Tatsuma deftly blocked Uchiha Tenko's thrust, simultaneously executing a dynamic maneuver that placed his front foot behind Uchiha Tenko's heel. The intent was to exploit the momentum and unbalance his opponent.
Yet, Uchiha Tenko, seemingly anticipating Tatsuma's tactics, raised his leg to evade, seamlessly following up with a sweeping low kick. In a nimble reaction, Tatsuma had to lift his knee to block the incoming attack.
Tatsuma's momentary relaxation in his upper body allowed Uchiha Tenko to retract his hand swiftly. Seizing this opportunity, Uchiha Tenko's Kunai was directed toward Tatsuma's temple in a rapid counter.
Simultaneously, the leg from the low sweep ascended to block Tatsuma's altered trajectory. Assessing the unfolding scenario, Tatsuma responded with swift agility, evading the Kunai while executing a sneaky attack to neutralize Uchiha Tenko's attack.
Evidently, Uchiha Tenko hadn't encountered Tatsuma's crafty fighting style before, but his reactions were remarkably quick. He raised his leg to block Tatsuma's oncoming hand, which was rushing toward his younger brother.
Tatsuma refrained from persistently dismantling Uchiha Tenko's attack. Uchiha Tenko's knee skillfully intercepted Tatsuma's hand.
Just as Uchiha Tenko was about to declare the ineffectiveness of Tatsuma's move with a faint smile, Tatsuma unexpectedly surged forward.
In an instant, Uchiha Tenko, originally balanced on one leg, lost his equilibrium. Tatsuma capitalized on the opportunity, delivering a powerful punch aimed at Uchiha Tenko's face, prompting him to recoil in trepidation.
With his unsteady body already compromising his defense, Uchiha Tenko inadvertently left himself vulnerable. Sensing the opening, Tatsuma executed a spinning kick, deliberately elevating the height of the kick slightly to strike the midpoint of Uchiha Tenko's ribcage directly.
"Snap~"
In an instant, Uchiha Tenko crumpled to the ground, struggling to muster the strength to rise. His face reddened, betraying the challenge of drawing breath.
Tatsuma's gaze shifted to Sarutobi Atoma, discerning that no winner had been declared yet. Determination etched on his face, Tatsuma persisted in applying pressure on Uchiha Tenko.
Given Uchiha Tenko's current physical state, allowing him time to recover might not bode well for Tatsuma. This disruption in Uchiha Tenko's rhythm presented Tatsuma with his prime opportunity.
Simultaneously, Tatsuma casually retrieved the Kunai that Uchiha Tenko had dropped. Without hesitation, he swiftly closed the distance and pressed the Kunai against Uchiha Tenko's throat before he could raise his guard.
Only at this moment did Sarutobi Atoma nod in satisfaction and declare, "Sakamoto Tatsuma is the winner! Perform the seal of reconciliation!"
The onlookers were somewhat astonished; Tatsuma's victory over Uchiha Tenko in less than a minute was unexpected.
After announcing Tatsuma's triumph, Atoma casually tossed the Kunai aside and moved to assist Uchiha Tenko to his feet. However, Uchiha Tenko, wearing a disgruntled expression, retorted, "You merely took advantage of my slip-up!"
Before Tatsuma could respond, Atoma approached. His large hand landed on Uchiha Tenko's chest, and with his thumb and forefinger, he pressed down on the spot where Tatsuma's final kick had landed.
"Ah!!!"
Uchiha Tenko's body twisted instantly. At this juncture, Sarutobi Atoma interjected, "Tatsuma held back. If his intentions were different, you might not even be fit to continue as a ninja. Do you comprehend?"
"Impossible!"
Uchiha Tenko exclaimed in disbelief. On the sidelines, Hyuga Sento, an attentive spectator, chimed in, "I didn't anticipate that you also grasp the basics of the Gentle Fist technique. We should spar when the opportunity arises."
Hyuga Sento's recognition served as a commendation for Tatsuma's calculated strike. While others might have overlooked it, both Sarutobi Atoma and Hyuga Sento discerned that Tatsuma had deliberately avoided crucial pressure points, ensuring Uchiha Tenko remained unharmed, given his inability to use Chakra for body protection.
Striking the midpoint of the ribcage might induce discomfort for a while, but it wasn't excessively perilous. Nevertheless, even a slight deviation in Tatsuma's technique could potentially jeopardize Uchiha Tenko's ninja career.
"You're too kind. I just happened to win by luck."
Tatsuma declined Hyuga Sento's challenge for a fight. Instead, he smiled and extended his hand towards Uchiha Tenko. By this point, Uchiha Tenko had reluctantly regained his senses, placing his fingers on Tatsuma's to form the reconciliation seal. Despite this, he maintained, "Next time, I'll undoubtedly emerge victorious!"
"Ding~ [Strength+3], [Stamina+2]."
Upon hearing the system's verdict, Tatsuma's smile broadened even further. He couldn't help but find Uchiha Tenko somewhat endearing in that moment. Tatsuma nodded and remarked, "With the Uchiha Clan's talent, you'll undoubtedly discover a way to defeat me swiftly. However, the next time our paths cross, I'll be stronger. The ultimate victor will remain me!"
"Hmph!"
Receiving praise in defeat left Uchiha Tenko feeling remarkably uneasy. He turned his head, unwilling to witness Tatsuma's beaming smile, and silently walked away.
This brief yet intense skirmish further elevated Atoma's opinion of Tatsuma. Despite his idiosyncratic personality and occasional enigmatic actions, it was undeniable that, within this group, Tatsuma stood as one of the top talents.
The testing pressed on, and soon it was Minato and Hyuga Sento's turn, although their encounter lacked the precision and intensity of the battle between Tatsuma and Uchiha Tenko.
Initially, Minato struggled in close combat against Hyuga Sento. Recognizing his disadvantage, Minato wisely distanced himself and applied the Ninja Tool Throwing tequniques that Tatsuma had imparted to him. This compelled Atoma to suspend the testing and proclaim Minato as the victor.
Continuing the test posed a genuine risk of transforming Hyuga Sento into a human porcupine. Minato, while possessing an unblemished personality, displayed exceptional ruthlessness in his ninja approach. He seized openings without hesitation and refrained from holding back, especially when targeting vital points.
As the second round of practical tests concluded, the lineup for the third round was unveiled. Tatsuma couldn't shake the feeling of being targeted, given that his opponent for the upcoming match was Minato!
Upon scrutinizing the match schedule, Minato's gaze sought out Tatsuma. Their eyes locked, and both sported smiles.
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