Nawaki was trapped in the illusion of the Sharingan, his body stiffening before he plummeted towards the ground. In a flash, Fuma appeared, caught him, and gently placed him on the ground.
Fugaku felt speechless. How could the direct descendant of the Senju clan be like this?
Fuma released a slight wave of [Predator's Malice], which brushed lightly over Nawaki, instantly dispelling the illusion.
Nawaki gradually regained consciousness, his face showing signs of frustration as he awkwardly lowered his head.
Fuma patted his head and began to critique the earlier battle:
"In the ninja world, the power of bloodlines is extremely important."
"Take the Uchiha clan, for example. A member who awakens their Sharingan will greatly enhance their dynamic vision, allowing them to see the taijutsu movements of jonin-level opponents clearly.
This also enables them to copy the hand signs and thus the jutsus of their opponents."
"Gifted clan members may enhance their genjutsu capabilities or increase the quality of their chakra."
"And in other ninja villages, there are many powerful abilities as well: the Kaguya clan's Shikotsumyaku in the Mist Village, Explosion Release in the Stone Village, Storm Release in the Cloud Village, and Magnet Release in the Sand Village."
"These are all very difficult to deal with, so you must have respect for the ninja world and your opponents."
The students present fell into silent contemplation, with Nawaki visibly frustrated, his young face filled with worry.
"Taking a ninja's life doesn't require profound techniques or extraordinary bloodlines; just the right skills."
Fuma looked at Nawaki, took out a box, and slowly asked:
"If you're behind enemy lines, and an old man approaches to thank you, saying that your enemy killed his child and you avenged him, and he offers you a box with a map of the surrounding area, would you accept it?"
After two setbacks, Nawaki hesitated noticeably, unsure as he replied:
"I might accept it."
"But I would analyze whether the old man is a bad person and be very careful."
Nawaki hurriedly added.
Fuma nodded and took out a reinforced explosive tag from the box.
This red explosive tag, which they had learned about in the ninja academy, was an extremely rare and dangerous item.
"This is one possible scenario. It could be a map inside, or it could be an explosive tag, or even poison gas."
"Until you reach my current level of strength, I want you to always remember that the box contains this explosive tag."
Fuma crushed the explosive tag with his bare hand, flames filling the entire training ground, and the intense airflow blowing across the faces of the students.
Fuma's hand, however, was completely unaffected, as if it was not an explosive tag but a balloon.
Minato and Kushina, who had seen the commander selection, were not surprised. They had seen Fuma-sensei cut through Susanoo and withstand Great Fire Annihilation, so what was a small explosive tag?
Nawaki, however, widened his eyes in disbelief.
In the past, it was the duty of the Senju clan instructors to teach him about the secrets and knowledge of the ninja world.
But it was unfortunate that he had come of age during the major events of the Senju clan's division.
To show their sincerity, Nawaki was even intentionally raised as a commoner ninja.
Although everyone treated him with care, no one intended for him to become like the First Hokage; they just wanted him to be happy.
With his carefree academy life, he had never seen the true power of top-tier ninjas or the brutal reality of the ninja world.
Fugaku narrowed his eyes, his Sharingan deepening. This was the first time he had seen Fuma in action, having only heard outrageous stories about him.
Fugaku knew Fuma was strong, but their friendship had started because of Fuma's exceptional cooking skills. As a child, Fugaku often visited Fuma's home for meals.
The Uchiha blood in him felt a long-forgotten excitement. Fugaku was planning whether he could have a real fight with Fuma.
Fuma continued to share his requirements and insights.
"Having strength gives you room to make mistakes. Otherwise, in war, you'll end up as cannon fodder."
"Nawaki, don't feel bad. These people are stronger than you now. Do you want to hear why?"
Nawaki didn't argue anymore. He looked at the others around him and slowly nodded.
Fuma pointed at Kushina, "You know Kushina's situation. She grew up with Lady Mito and inherited the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques."
He then looked at Minato, "Minato has been with me since he was five. I've been training him for over seven years, with daily extra training after the academy."
Patting Fugaku, he said, "His Sharingan was awakened by witnessing the death of a clan member, and he trains diligently every day."
Finally, he looked at Nawaki and said solemnly:
"They all paid a price for their strength. But Nawaki, you haven't done anything wrong."
"Having a happy childhood is something many people long for. But when facing enemies and war, you must change your mindset."
Nawaki hung his head, somewhat understanding, lost in thought.
"Don't worry. Follow my teachings, and you will quickly become an outstanding ninja."
With renewed determination, Nawaki eagerly replied, "Yes, Fuma-sensei!"
Fugaku approached Fuma and said earnestly, "Fuma-brother, can I spar with you? I've always hoped for your personal guidance!"
Minato and Kushina exchanged strange looks. These two had already studied that the best way to deal with a ninja like Fuma-sensei was to stay silent and run fast.
Kushina had long awakened her Kagura Mind's Eye but had focused on mastering her Adamantine Sealing Chains, never fully developing her sensory abilities.
Since watching that jonin duel, Minato had been rigorously training in the Flying Thunder God Technique, and Kushina in her Kagura Mind's Eye, all for their safety.
Who knew how many ninjas like Fuma-sensei or the likes of Orochimaru existed in the ninja world?
Or rather, most jonin were currently beyond their ability to resist.
Minato hesitated, about to speak, when he saw Nawaki regain his vigor and shout, "Fuma-sensei, please teach me too!"
Fuma looked at Fugaku with a curious expression. Nawaki might be a fool, but was he always this brave? Hadn't he noticed the clan leader, Old Man Setsuna, was still bedridden?
Fuma then looked mischievously at Minato, who quickly shook his head and pulled Kushina to hide behind Tsunade.
Fuma chuckled, not forcing the two clever ones, and turned to ask, "So, Nawaki, Fugaku, are you ready?"
Fugaku nodded, secretly calculating. Given Fuma-brother's defense, his ninjutsu would be unnecessary.
However, he wondered how resistant Fuma-brother was to genjutsu. Taijutsu specialists were generally known to have low resistance.
Fugaku had asked a similar question before, but no one in the clan had answered, as if they had all gone deaf, and as a junior, he hadn't pressed further.
Drawing his sword, his Sharingan spun rapidly as he gracefully slashed at Fuma.
"Uchiha-style Kenjutsu: Solar Dance!"
The sword light intertwined with chakra, making the swinging blade as beautiful as a dancing solar halo.
Fuma chuckled. For the Uchiha clan's flamboyant taijutsu style, he only had one thought: Madara Uchiha was a bad influence.
Madara could afford to be reckless with his strength, activating Susanoo to cover any gaps, but the rest of the clan couldn't.
The strength of this sword technique lay in its blend of elegance and lethality, but its flaw was its excessive flamboyance.
Gathering chakra at his fingertips, Fuma flicked them, sending concentrated balls of chakra flying out, tracing white lines in the air as they targeted Fugaku's blind spots.
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