As expected, single-handed hand seals!
In a small forest, atop a large tree that would require several people to embrace.
On a protruding giant branch, Uchiha Shigemasa was holding onto the trunk with one hand and stroking his short beard under his chin with the other. His eyes sparkled as he observed Tōshirō, who had just used the Body Flicker Technique to depart.
Although he had already sensed it when Tōshirō used a smoke bomb as a medium to perform the Transformation Technique at the beginning, seeing his speculation confirmed still made him extremely pleased.
It's said that performing hand seals, a method invented by Indra, the ancestor of the Uchiha clan, allows ordinary people to use chakra proficiently.
However, even after nearly a thousand years, only a handful of ninjas within the current Uchiha clan can perform single-handed seals, and all of them are the mainstay of the clan.
Discovering such an outstanding junior today, who will receive his guidance in the future, made his heart surge with excitement.
"I knew I shouldn't have aimed directly at the neck earlier. I should've targeted the bell! Though probably it wouldn't have succeeded either!" Having used the Body Flicker Technique to leave the original spot, Tōshirō now hid behind the trunk of a large tree, feeling frustrated.
"Everyone, come out now. Continuing to hide is pointless!" Tōshirō emerged from behind the tree, facing Uchiha Shigemasa, while addressing his teammates.
The meticulously designed trap had been easily avoided by Teacher Shigemasa. Hiding further was useless. It was better to boldly come out and openly strive to seize the target.
[Facing an invincible enemy, surprisingly calm!]
[The slash just now had decent power, the speed was quite fast, and the timing was just right!]
[The connected series of attacks before, even a typical Chūnin might not have survived!]
Looking at Tōshirō, standing with one hand on the hilt of his sword, Uchiha Shigemasa grew even more delighted. He seemed to be experiencing the joy of teaching.
"Oh! It should have been an open and honest duel all along!" said an eager Zhe, who had already revealed himself, thinking victory was in sight. Traps and ambushes were a hassle; a straightforward fight was better.
Nearby, on the middle section of another tree, Yen also revealed himself, saying nothing but staring intensely at their opponent, looking ready for action.
The three of them formed a vertically staggered formation—one in the tree crown, one in the middle, and one on the ground—confronting Uchiha Shigemasa.
"Oh! It seems you've realized that such petty tricks are ineffective against me, so you've decided on a frontal battle?"
"Nice spirit, but you're still far too inexperienced!"
Seeing the three get into their combat stances, Uchiha Shigemasa mocked, intending to thoroughly test their capabilities.
"Don't underestimate us!"
Upon hearing this, Zhe, the most impulsive and brash of the group, couldn't stand the provocation. Without coordinating with his companions, he charged straight at Teacher Shigemasa.
Since someone had initiated the fight, Tōshirō could only follow up reluctantly. Instead of attempting to perform any ninja arts or petty tricks, he directly used the Body Flicker Technique, arriving in front of Teacher Shigemasa just before Zhe, and swung his sword.
Generally, the Body Flicker Technique is used for retreating from battles or traveling quickly. Perfectly using it in combat is extremely challenging.
The instant burst of chakra and the pressure from high-speed movement cause a momentary stiffness of the body after the Body Flicker ends.
This brief moment of stiffness can be fatal in ninja combat. If the opponent seizes the opportunity, they could end the fight with a casual kunai.
Even if rigorous training has conditioned your body to withstand the instant burst of chakra and high-speed movement pressure, experienced ninjas will likely sense your approach. They may not match your speed, but with rich experience or keen senses, a well-placed strike could end your life. So you might end up gifting your head instead of claiming one.
Achieving this requires extremely stringent demands on dynamic vision and nerve reflex speed. At the very least, you must handle an enemy's attack after using the Body Flicker without getting instantly killed, which is not something average ninjas can easily do.
Additionally, the accuracy of the initial hand seals and performance of the Body Flicker Technique can be fatal. Even minor errors of five to ten centimeters in ninja combat can lead to fatal mistakes. In high-stress situations, crossing several meters or even over ten meters with just a few centimeters' error is common!
Not every Body Flicker Technique is like the Flying Thunder God Technique, making actions untraceable. Not every ninja has nerve reflex speeds like Minato Namikaze.
This is a ninjutsu that is easy to learn but hard to master, especially when used in battle. Few except those with extraordinary talent can achieve it.
Tōshirō was striving in this direction. As an Uchiha, his dynamic vision was undoubtedly exceptional, and he had rigorously trained his nerve reflex speed over these years.
Even so, if he didn't know that Uchiha Shigemasa was his teacher and wouldn't seriously injure or kill him, he wouldn't dare to attempt it lightly.
"Clang!"
A metallic sound of weapons clashing resounded.
Teacher Shigemasa easily blocked Tōshirō's slash with a kunai in one hand. Meanwhile, his other hand delivered a powerful punch to Zhe's flying kick, sending him flying.
Taking advantage of the moment Zhe fell toward the ground, Shigemasa lifted his leg and kicked Tōshirō in the stomach with a simple straight kick.
Rather than blocking the kick, Tōshirō used the force to leap from the branch to the ground, reaching his left hand toward his ninja tool bag at his waist.
Just then, a figure appeared above Shigemasa, hands forming seals.
"Demonic Illusion: Mirage of Scarabs."
The figure was Uchiha Yen, now with her feet attached to the branch above Shigemasa's head, performing the ninjutsu while hanging upside down.
However, the vast difference in strength made her attack almost ineffective.
(End of this chapter)