Outside Konoha Village.
A forest not far away.
Yuichi leapt lightly down from a tree.
He fixed his gaze on the bushes ahead.
"Come out."
The sound of rustling followed, and a familiar figure stepped out.
"Nagano Yuichi."
The voice called his name.
Yuichi smiled.
"So you even know my name. It seems you've done some investigation… Uchiha Sasuke."
Sasuke appeared with a faint smile, idly tossing a kunai in his hand.
"Of course. I still remember our battle that day."
Yuichi shook his head slightly.
"Looks like I left quite an impression on you."
Sasuke's face darkened, coldness gathering in his eyes.
Yuichi ignored his stare and asked calmly,
"How did you know I was here?"
"This was just an accident."
Sasuke's clothes were worn and dusty. Not exactly miserable, but it was clear he had been training somewhere. This encounter was likely chance.
Accident or not, Sasuke's expression carried only one meaning.
Fight.
"So, you still want to challenge me?"
"That's right."
Yuichi didn't take Sasuke seriously.
Just then, the sound of the system echoed.
[Character relationship development with Uchiha Sasuke detected…]
[Options generated.]
[1. Defeat Sasuke mercilessly – Reward: Wind Style: Great Breakthrough]
[2. End in a tie – Reward: Uchiha Shuriken Throwing Skill]
[3. Skillfully lose with hidden strength – Reward: Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique]
Yuichi analyzed the choices.
Defeating Sasuke mercilessly would obviously worsen their relationship.
A tie would keep things the same.
A skillful loss would improve their bond.
So—should he let things deteriorate, remain unchanged, or grow stronger?
Yuichi smirked coldly, raising his eyes.
"Fine then. But don't cry when you lose."
"Cry?" Sasuke's expression turned darker.
"You may be the one crying."
Shoo!
Two kunai shot from Sasuke's hand instantly.
In the dim forest light, the blades were hard to track. But Yuichi could clearly hear the faint whistle of steel cutting through the air.
His heightened perception from intermediate taijutsu allowed him to react.
Yuichi swiftly drew a kunai from his pouch.
Clang! Clang!
He knocked both aside.
Sasuke followed up immediately, attacking from a sharp angle.
Yuichi sidestepped lightly, evading.
Clash!
Their kunai collided, sparks flying.
Sasuke pressed down with both hands, trying to overpower Yuichi.
But Yuichi held his kunai with just one hand, lifted slightly, and forced Sasuke back.
Sasuke flipped mid-air and landed gracefully, springing forward again.
Yuichi stepped in, twisted his grip, and disarmed him.
Sasuke's kunai fell from his grasp.
This guy's taijutsu… it's strong. Stronger than mine.
Kakashi had taught: against a skilled jōnin, if you can't counter with chakra, close the distance and win with taijutsu.
But now…
Just from two exchanges, Sasuke realized the truth.
In taijutsu, this "civilian ninja" was beyond him.
Yuichi slashed toward Sasuke's chest.
Instinct made Sasuke leap back.
Rip!
A long tear split his clothes across the chest.
If I'd been half a beat slower…
Yuichi's voice cut in.
"What's wrong? Didn't you challenge me? Is this all you've got? Look—my left foot hasn't even moved."
Sasuke glanced down.
Yuichi's left foot was still planted firmly in place.
I've been pushed this far… in taijutsu.
As the last Uchiha, Sasuke had sworn no peer would surpass him.
Was he just toying with me?
Anger burned in his eyes.
His Sharingan flared open.
Yuichi narrowed his gaze. Seeing it for the first time, he admitted—the Sharingan carried an icy pressure.
Leaves swirled in the air.
Sasuke vanished, rushing in again. His speed had clearly risen.
Still too slow.
Yuichi tracked him easily.
They clashed again, fists and feet colliding.
Sasuke unleashed a barrage of strikes. Yuichi blocked them all with just one hand, almost absentmindedly.
Sasuke's frustration grew.
At the same time, Yuichi noticed his system interface.
No increase in taijutsu proficiency? Is it because he's too weak?
Smash!
Yuichi's fist crashed into Sasuke's face, sending him skidding across the ground for several meters.
Sasuke staggered up, seething.
"Damn it!"
Fury overcame him. He flew through hand signs recklessly.
Foolish, Yuichi thought. Forming jutsu right in front of me?
Sasuke inhaled sharply.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"
Flames roared forth, larger and hotter than before.
But just as they erupted, Yuichi's shadow loomed before him.
"Idiot. Casting ninjutsu without creating distance?"
His words struck just before his kick did.
Boom!
Yuichi's rising kick cracked into Sasuke's jaw, cutting off his jutsu.
The flames sputtered and died.
Sasuke's body was flung skyward, then crashed heavily into the ground.
Bang!
Smoke and dust rose.