What they didn't see, however, was that Shiki Uzumaki had used the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu repeatedly for nonstop training.
Even so, he'd only barely mastered an incomplete version of the Rasengan. For instance, Shiki Uzumaki's Rasengan actually required both hands to manipulate simultaneously.
He'd gone through so much trouble just to learn a flawed Rasengan—an outcome Shiki found completely unacceptable given how precious his time had become. Plus, he currently couldn't even use the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu itself. Therefore, Shiki estimated it would take at least half a year before he could master the Rasengan, especially since he currently couldn't even use the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu.
And this would only happen if he devoted significant time solely to learning it.
After all, not everyone could have innate talent like Minato Namikaze—it wasn't something just anyone could pull off!
Shiki decided it'd be better to improve his overall abilities first. He should wait until his body could handle the strain of using the Shadow Clone Jutsu before considering mastering this particular ninja technique. Until then, though, he really needed a Jonin instructor who could guide him along the correct path. Every Jonin possessed invaluable experience and specialized ninjutsu knowledge.
Actually, not every student graduating from the Ninja Academy in Konoha got a Jonin as their squad leader. Many teams were led by Chunin instructors instead.
Considering how many Genin graduated from the Ninja Academy every year, if each team of three were assigned a Jonin instructor, Konoha's number of Jonin would have to be astronomical.
Additionally, Shiki knew many squad leader positions had already been predetermined. What remained were scarce resources indeed. Even if he performed exceptionally well now, without being able to perform C-rank or higher-level jutsu and lacking access to advanced techniques like the Eight Gates [Hakke no Hōnin], any potential Jonin squad leader would likely hesitate greatly about accepting him.
Therefore, Shiki resolved to fight his way forward and demonstrate his true capabilities.
Approximately twenty minutes later, after consulting briefly with Seiji Ito, the proctor announced,
"The final match of the Fourth Examination Area begins now! Shiki Uzumaki versus Seiji Ito!"
Hearing the announcement, Shiki stepped back into the center of the arena. Seiji Ito also picked up his Tachi sword and stood facing Shiki.
Before the match even started, people were already debating who would win.
"It's that freak Shiki Uzumaki again!"
"Will Seiji actually fight against Shiki-kun?"
"Not sure. Haven't you noticed how incredibly fast Shiki is? Even if he can't use ninjutsu anymore, neither can we at this stage! I think fighting Shiki right now would be unwise."
An older-looking boy cut in, "You guys are seriously underestimating Seiji!"
"Underestimate Seiji? No way! We may not have known how strong he was previously, but we recognize his strength now!"
Shaking his head, the older boy continued, "No, what you've seen is just the tip of the iceberg. Have you never noticed how Seiji Ito always matches opponents with nearly identical techniques and power levels, yet he hasn't lost a single match thus far? That's why I think Seiji still has some tricks up his sleeve!"
"There's still more to his strength?"
The children in the same class as Seiji Ito were even more shocked. Previously, Ito had always seemed ordinary—nothing special except for the sword he carried everywhere.
Standard academic performance, acceptable kunai accuracy—but nothing indicating a prodigy.
But now, displaying strength completely out of proportion to his earlier self, he had already stunned them all. And even after that, did he still have more hidden power?
Amidst their astonishment, other emotions surfaced—some self-mocking, some jealous, some filled with anticipation.
Without exception, though, they were all now fully invested in the outcome of this match.
Seiji Ito solemnly raised his sword in front of him and said, "You're strong. So I will hold nothing back in battle. Please don't look down on me—it'll be better for you too!"
"Don't worry, I can feel you're a worthy opponent. I won't go easy on you either—come at me with everything you've got! I want to see firsthand just how powerful authentic sword technique really is!"
Shiki wasn't just flattery—he meant it. Because of the Scalpel: Ethereal Blade before, Shiki had trained himself in an auxiliary combat method. But even now, he still wouldn't call it swordsmanship.
Being able to experience it directly like this was exciting in itself.
Nodding slightly, Seiji Ito became even more serious, fixing his gaze on Shiki. It was as if fearing Shiki would vanish again like before, but the sword held firmly before him expressed his determination clearly.
He wanted to start by defending, then gradually find his rhythm—to let his body adapt to the feeling of fighting someone like me.
Then I won't be holding back either—let's go!
Thinking thus, Shiki suddenly accelerated, rushing toward Seiji Ito!
[Vanishing Step!!] That telltale sound rang out again, and the surrounding children once more witnessed Shiki's instantaneous technique.
"So fast! How will Ito respond this time?" Hayate Gekko mused aloud—whether as speculation or expectation, no one could tell.
As always, Shiki used his unparalleled speed for someone his age, quickly closing in on Seiji Ito. His fist already coiling with power, ready to knock Ito off his feet with the next strike.
"I see you!" Seiji Ito suddenly declared, and his blade traced a strange arc toward his right side—an unmistakable attack stance!
No surprise there—Shiki was about to charge headlong into Ito's blade!
But Shiki smiled. So what if you're ready to swing? Big deal.
When I get close enough, you won't have time to complete your slash at all!
Suddenly, however, Shiki noticed—Ito had already begun his sweeping motion! A burst of explosive power, unyielding momentum packed into one single slash.
Damn! He predicted exactly when I'd arrive under his blade!
Thinking this, Shiki had no choice but to slam his foot hard against the ground, using the powerful recoil to forcibly change his attack trajectory.
Chapter 65: Victory in the Sub-Examination Area
Seiji Ito actually managed to force Shiki Uzumaki off his attack path!
To the kids watching, it seemed like Shiki Uzumaki just disappeared for a moment—then Seiji Ito swung his blade in an instant.
Shiki was forced to come to an abrupt stop on the open space to Seiji's right.
Shiki felt helpless about this. In the past, he would usually punch straight into his opponent and use the recoil to halt himself. Now he had to twist away violently—leaving him looking way clumsier than usual.
Luckily, Shiki reacted in time and managed to stop himself with that sudden brake. Otherwise, crashing headfirst into the wall would've been far worse than when Ida hit the wall earlier!
Before Shiki could catch his breath, a cold shiver ran down his back.
His combat instincts—honed from countless fights with Lee—kicked in automatically. He dropped low without thinking.
A split second later, a devastating slash roared over his head!
Too close!
Suddenly realizing he had fallen into a passive situation, Shiki understood why Seiji had seemed so restrained at the start, maintaining a defensive posture.
It was all part of the plan—to trap him like this and shove him into full defense!
Rhythm! That's what this was all about!
Seiji nailed the timing—each strike pushed him deeper into a losing position.
[Promotion] Find the official address of BookHelper at: www.kanshuzhushou.com. Read millions of bestsellers forever — completely free and totally ad-free!
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
Want to read the subsequent content in advance?
Please follow my Patreon:patreon/Tansnovel
Tans Novel - The Fastest-Updating Naruto Fanfiction Account
Read 100+ chapters in advance, with at least 3 new chapters updated every day! More free chapters! 20+ Naruto fanfictions!
Just three steps:
1. Download and open the "Patreon" app
2. Search for "Tans Novel"
3. Click on the collection and enjoy to your heart's content
<><><><><><><><>