Raiden's shuriken test was just one episode in the series of assessments. After he finished early, the other children took their turns.
The children from notable families displayed remarkable skills. Despite being in the youngest group, which had the highest standards and strictest requirements, every participant passed the shuriken test with flying colors.
Among the more than a dozen children, ten achieved perfect scores, including members of the Uchiha, Nara, and Akimichi clans. These results further showcased the dominance of established ninja families.
As the last child completed the test, the shuriken assessment concluded.
"Now, we move on to the second test: the physical test!" Kudai, the instructor, announced. "This time, I will personally test your taijutsu skills. Spar with me, and I'll determine if you meet the admission requirements."
The announcement surprised Raiden. "It's not a duel between students?" he murmured, glancing curiously at Kudai. He had assumed that the physical test would involve sparring between children, a simple survival-of-the-fittest exercise. Instead, it seemed that the outcome would depend entirely on the teacher's evaluation.
Raiden shifted his gaze to the Third Hokage, who stood nearby, his expression calm and approving. It seemed that Hiruzen had sanctioned this method, but Raiden couldn't understand why they would opt for such an uneven evaluation.
The children, however, didn't question the fairness of the test. Many viewed it as an opportunity to demonstrate their skills directly to a senior ninja.
"The first batch of children from the shuriken test should have rested enough. Let's start with you," Kudai announced. "We'll skip the list this time. Whoever volunteers can go first!"
Kudai, a seasoned Chunin, had earned his position at the academy through unwavering loyalty to the Third Hokage and his patient demeanor. Although he hadn't been on the battlefield for a while, his skills as a Chunin were more than sufficient to test children who weren't even Genin.
The children hesitated, nervous about stepping forward. For a moment, silence reigned over the group.
"No volunteers? If no one steps up, I'll start calling names!" Kudai said, his voice firm.
The tension was palpable, but before Kudai could pick someone, a confident voice rang out.
"Sensei, I'll go first!"
Hyuga Hizashi stepped forward, pushing aside the children in front of him. His face was a mix of determination and excitement as he strode confidently to the center of the field.
"As expected of the Hyuga clan! Go, Hizashi!"
"You've got this!"
The playground, previously quiet, erupted into cheers. The support seemed to embolden Hizashi even more. Being able to showcase his abilities in front of such a crowd was clearly thrilling for him.
"Sensei, please begin!" Hizashi said, bowing respectfully before assuming the Hyuga clan's signature Gentle Fist stance.
"Very well. Attack whenever you're ready," Kudai said with a smile, standing casually and signaling for Hizashi to make the first move.
Hizashi's gaze sharpened, and the veins around his eyes bulged as he activated his Byakugan.
"Byakugan!"
With a burst of speed, Hizashi dashed forward, raising his hand for a swift palm strike aimed at Kudai's face.
Whoosh! Kudai casually tilted his head, dodging the strike with ease.
"Not bad. As expected of the Hyuga clan!" Kudai remarked with a grin.
The compliment only seemed to fuel Hizashi's resolve. Pivoting quickly, he turned his palm into a finger and aimed a precise jab at Kudai's shoulder.
"The Hyuga clan's taijutsu is remarkable," Nara Shikadai commented from beside Raiden, acting as an impromptu commentator. "Their Byakugan allows them to see chakra pathways and acupoints, giving them an edge in both attack and defense. They can disrupt an opponent's chakra flow with a single strike."
Raiden nodded slightly, though he was already familiar with the Gentle Fist style. Still, watching it in action was impressive.
In the field, Kudai countered Hizashi's attacks with effortless precision. Just as Hizashi's finger neared his shoulder, Kudai delivered a swift kick to Hizashi's chest, sending him skidding backward.
"So fast! Is this teacher really just a Chunin?" Hizashi muttered, stabilizing himself after the unexpected strike.
Having sparred with many skilled ninja during his training, Hizashi quickly recognized that Kudai was no ordinary academy instructor.
After adjusting his stance, Hizashi prepared for another round, but this time, his movements carried a different intent.
"Gentle-Fist, 64 Palms!"
A sudden whirlwind rose as Hizashi unleashed a barrage of strikes, his palms moving like a storm.
The crowd watched in awe as the two exchanged blows at lightning speed. Few could keep up with their movements, except for the Third Hokage and a handful of instructors.
"This… is this really just the entrance exam?" Raiden muttered, astonished. "Isn't this more like the Chunin Exams?"
The audience watched as Hizashi executed the iconic Hyuga technique.
"Eight Palms!"
"Sixteen Palms!"
"Thirty-Two Palms!"
"Sixty-Four Palms!"
With a final shout, Hizashi's hands formed a precise pattern, striking Kudai's acupoints. The teacher's body flew backward, landing with a loud thud.
"Did he win?"
The students murmured, craning their necks to see Kudai lying on the ground.
"Substitution Jutsu," Raiden said quietly, brushing his bangs aside. His sharp senses had already detected the trick.
"I lost…" Hizashi admitted, his Byakugan revealing that the figure on the ground was a decoy.
"Well done, Hizashi!" Kudai's voice came from behind him. "Your taijutsu is exceptional. Excellent work!"
Though Hizashi's attacks had only grazed Kudai, his skill had been more than enough to impress.
As Hizashi returned to the line, the other students attempted their matches, but none managed to land a single hit on Kudai.
"So far, Hizashi is the only one who's even come close," Shikadai remarked, impressed.
Before he could say more, Raiden stepped out of the line and walked to the center of the field.
"Sensei, I'll go first for the under-six group," Raiden announced, his white outfit standing out as he confidently approached Kudai.
"Oh? Eager, are we?" Kudai said with a grin. "Very well. You'll be the first."
Raiden bowed slightly, maintaining proper etiquette. "Please guide me, Sensei."
"Begin!" Kudai said, but before the word had fully left his mouth, Raiden had vanished.
In a blur, Raiden appeared in front of Kudai, launching a sharp kick aimed at his midsection.
"This kid… how cunning!" Kudai thought, immediately raising his arms to block. As Raiden's kick connected, Kudai noticed Raiden's agility and strength were far beyond what he expected.
Before Kudai could counter, Raiden flipped away, landing near the last student who had failed and was still lying on the ground.
"What's he doing?" Kudai wondered as Raiden used his foot to hook the student and kick him out of the way.
"You're in the way," Raiden said with a smirk before charging at Kudai again, leaving only an afterimage behind.
"He's fast, but not fast enough!" Kudai thought, bracing himself for the next exchange.
(End of Chapter)
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