Back at home, Akabane's father advised him to take it easy on the exam. He knew Akabane had his first exhibition exam tomorrow.
"I've spoken with the academy. Tomorrow is your first exhibition exam. You don't need to push too hard, as long as you barely pass it."
This was the privilege given by the Kurama Clan, known for their weaker physique and not as strong in combat.
"It's fine, Father. I know what I'm doing," Akabane said calmly, leaning back in his chair.
Ryuu could be the second-ranked student academically, but his combat skills were probably in the top five at the academy.
Akabane already had a plan against Ryuu for tomorrow's exam.
What worried him more was that his points had only slightly increased, and ninjutsu and abilities needed to appear in his comic before he could redeem them.
"Looks like I'll have to work harder," Akabane thought.
After resting a few hours, he summoned his shadow clone to continue the next comic chapter. Until midnight, his clone kept drawing, complaining that Akabane had left him to sleep early for the exam.
The next morning, a stack of pages lay on his desk.
Great! The story had reached the scene where Naruto and Sasuke kissed.
"My clone was indeed helpful. Just one night, he finished this much."
Akabane didn't regret using so many points on Shadow Clone Jutsu. His plan worked exactly as intended.
"System!"
[No Ninjutsu Updated]
It seemed someone needed to read the chapter first to refresh his ninjutsu list.
"Father, help me distribute my new chapter, please."
Leaving the draft on the table, Akabane left for the academy.
On the way, he saw a few students who were usually late arriving early today. They must be ready for the exam.
"Yo, Akabane! You came early today," greeted Shikato, his face looking like he just woke up and hadn't bathed.
Like Akabane, Shikato was known to always sleep in class, but he still came on time.
"Yeah, I'm going to show everyone at the exhibition exam," Akabane hurried.
Though he had gone to bed early, the clone's work left him feeling tired and sleepy.
"Ah, I'll just take a nap during the exam until my name is called."
"That's right!" Shikato agreed.
Side by side, they walked to the academy. Everyone was already there, seated, by the time they entered the classroom.
"Yo, everyone is early today," Akabane greeted.
"You're only early today but still managed to keep up with Shikato," Tsunade sarcastically teased.
"But I finished the second chapter. Want to see it?" Akabane offered, ready to nap since the class hadn't started yet.
"That was quicker than before!" Tsunade remarked, unaware Akabane's clone had done the work.
"New chapter? Where? Let me read it!" Jiraiya excitedly looked back at Akabane.
Akabane ignored him and sat upright just as Hiruzen entered the classroom.
"Jiraiya! What are you looking at back there?" Hiruzen scolded.
Jiraiya turned back quickly, looking scared.
Today's exhibition exam was important, and everyone needed to behave and focus.
The classroom fell silent.
"Today's exam is an exhibition exam. The venue is the academy yard. Here are the rules."
Hiruzen began reading.
"First, no lethal ninjutsu."
"Second..."
Since the first World War Ninja, the exam rules had tightened: students were prohibited from injuring or killing their opponents.
Otherwise, they could use kunai, shuriken, swords, and other non-lethal tools.
Akabane checked the battle list and noticed an unspoken rule: students would fight opponents with similar power and combat skill.
For example, Orochimaru would face Uchiha Kawaki, another Uchiha with slightly lower academic ranking than Ryuu.
Akabane looked at Ryuu; they exchanged a glance.
"It seems Sarutobi-sensei knows I awakened my clan ability. That's why I'm matched with Ryuu."
Physically, Akabane's Kurama Clan was inferior to Uchiha, but with his awakened Kekkei Genkai, things could change.
Hiruzen knew that if Akabane got beaten badly by Ryuu, it would be his fault. But he also wanted to test Akabane's current power and solve the tension between the two.
Akabane thought carefully about his strategy.
"Alright, now the exhibition exam begins. First match: Orochimaru vs. Kawaki."
Orochimaru got up calmly and walked to the stage.
Uchiha Kawaki stood and whispered as he passed Orochimaru, "Your academic genius means nothing on the field. I'll show you what Uchiha can do."
Academics didn't guarantee strength, but Orochimaru was called a genius for a reason.
Orochimaru ignored the provocation and stepped onto the stage outside.
"Everyone can watch from a distance. Don't disturb the fight," Hiruzen announced as referee.
Many students and some teachers excitedly watched, except Akabane, who remained seated, trying to sleep.
"Aren't you going to watch the exam?" Tsunade asked, surprised.
"What's the point? I already know who'll win," Akabane replied drowsily.
Tsunade wanted to watch Orochimaru teach Kawaki a lesson but worried about Akabane.
"Are you going to be okay?"
"I'm fine. Just tired from finishing my comic last night."
Akabane felt sleepy and wanted to nap briefly to regain chakra.
"Okay, I'm going out first. After all, I'm next," Tsunade said and followed others to watch the match.
The classroom was empty, and Akabane decided to nap.
The battle was intense with hits and dodges.
Orochimaru was physically weaker, but his genius strategy shone.
Within a few rounds, Orochimaru executed his plan perfectly, forcing Kawaki to surrender in shame.
"The first match, Orochimaru wins!"
Orochimaru stayed calm and walked off without looking at Kawaki.
Kawaki clenched his fists, angry and humiliated, but there was no use. The result was clear.
Though this was just a practice match, Kawaki was bound by Snake Bearer Jutsu without Orochimaru breaking a sweat.
After this match, Kawaki would likely think twice before challenging Orochimaru again.
"Next match, Tsunade vs. Sakumo."
Tsunade and Sakumo had close rankings and unique ninjutsu.
Boom! Boom!!
Tsunade's powerful punches even woke Akabane from his nap.
"What a terrifying young lady."
How could he continue napping with that noise?
"Ah, forget napping. This match is Tsunade vs. Sakumo. Since he hasn't been described much in the comic, I want to see his technique up close."
Akabane was in a complicated mood.
Since he couldn't resist watching, he decided to enjoy the fight.
He noticed there was something between those two that needed settling.