The sparring ring was smaller, surrounded by chalk lines. A single shinobi waited there — a reserve genin with a lean frame and sharp eyes.
"Your next trial," The instructor said. "Defeat him. Hold back nothing."
Reiji stepped into the ring, his body still weighted by the gravity seal.
The genin smirked. "Hey don't you think you're a little young for this? you couldn't be older than 6 years old kid."
Reiji tilted his head slightly. "Maybe."
"I was told to not take it easy on you, after all it seems that you could be another prodigy"
The match began.
The genin lunged with surprising speed, aiming a spinning kick for Reiji's head.
Reiji ducked under it, feeling the air whip past his hair.
Like this. Don't fight his strength. Break his rhythm.
He stepped in, closing the distance before the genin could recover, and aimed a low kick at his knee.
The genin hopped back throwing a kunai directly forward, forming quick hand seals. "Substitution Jutsu!"
He had switched places with a.... Kunai Blade?!
Yes! the blade that had been thrown earlier had carried forward momentum!
Reiji dove forwards, the genin understimating his reaction time was surprised!
'To think someone this talented is still in the academy, I wonder if I was this strong back then...'
He wants me at range. Fine.