"In a sense, my Body Flicker Technique has no substance, yet it can also be said that it is all substance."
Uchiha Hayashi's voice echoed across the training platform, but its direction was impossible to pinpoint.
"A-Amazing…" "Is this Uchiha Hayashi's true strength?"
Excited murmurs rippled through the audience.
"Nawaki, did you understand Hayashi's jutsu?" Minato asked quietly.
"Ah? Me? Of course I understood it. I saw through the principle of his ninjutsu in an instant. What's wrong, Minato? Do you need me to explain it to you?" Nawaki replied smugly.
Minato gave him a long look, then forced a chuckle. "No, no, I think I understand it too."
"…"
"This is the final blow, Hyuga Himeji." Hayashi's voice suddenly rang out again.
Himeji's expression grew tense. Shadow clones? Or afterimages? They have no mass, but his attacks land with force. How is that possible?
Hayashi spun in the air, right leg whipping out with tremendous speed. The kick smashed into Himeji, sending her airborne.
Four copies of Hayashi rushed forward at once.
"Eight Trigrams Palm… Rotation…"
Himeji tried to muster her clan's ultimate defense, but her chakra reserves were too depleted. She couldn't summon the technique.
"Uchiha Barrage!"
Hayashi's body moved like lightning, striking her midair before slamming her down against the earthen platform with crushing force.
"Boom!"
The arena fell silent.
Hayashi looked down at her battered figure and spoke firmly. "Himeji, I don't know what you're trying to prove. But recognition as a ninja isn't about defeating others. The first step is to acknowledge yourself. If you care too much about the opinions of others, you'll only hurt yourself in the end. Ninjas are forced to make cruel choices—that's the truth of our world."
He took a few slow steps forward, his tone softening. "The ninja way… a thousand people can give the same answer, but one person can give a thousand answers. If you truly want to change things, then grow stronger. Don't keep chasing after illusions, young lady."
Reaching out, Hayashi helped Himeji to her feet. He pressed his fingers against hers, forming the sign of reconciliation. Then he flicked his clan-branded coat lightly and turned to walk away.
"Wow, Hayashi, you were so cool…" Mikoto came running up with sparkling eyes.
Hayashi gave a small smile. My Talk-no-jutsu isn't quite at Naruto's level yet, but compared to everyone else here… they're just trash.
"This match is decided. Uchiha Hayashi wins," Orochimaru's deep voice announced.
"The ninja way, huh? How interesting… The orphan of Uchiha Kagami." Orochimaru's snake-like eyes gleamed with curiosity.
Hyuga Hizashi rushed into the arena. After examining Himeji, he finally exhaled in relief—she was only exhausted, with no lasting injuries. Clearly, Hayashi had held back his true strength at the last moment.
"Hayashi, don't you think you went too far against a girl just now?!" Nawaki suddenly popped up from the crowd, puffing his chest with false righteousness.
Hayashi glanced at him calmly. "Going all out is also a form of respect. Right, Nawaki? Otherwise, when I fight you in the future, I could just say I wasn't serious and you still lost. Would that feel better?"
"Uh… no. You should still say you used your full strength. That sounds better," Nawaki replied instantly. He couldn't afford to lose face as Konoha's 'second genius.'
"Hayashi, your taijutsu was incredible. How have I never seen you use that before?" Minato asked, golden hair glinting in the sunlight. "That speed and power… it's beyond what a ninja academy student should have."
Hayashi placed a hand on Minato's shoulder. "Excellence brings its own troubles, Minato. Power creates isolation and arrogance, even if people expect the best from you. You'll understand someday."
"…" I don't understand at all, Minato thought.
But Hayashi gave himself a mental thumbs-up. Perfect delivery. My Act-no-jutsu will surpass Sasuke's sooner or later.
"That's right, I understand completely," Nawaki interrupted again with a serious nod. "I also struggle with my own brilliance. Sometimes I don't know how to connect with everyone. Being too excellent is a burden."
Why is he everywhere? Hayashi sighed inwardly. Well, his Act-no-jutsu is impressive in its own way.
"Second match, both sides enter the arena," Orochimaru's voice commanded.
"Minato, good luck," Hayashi said.
"Yeah, I will." Minato grinned sheepishly.
He and Shimura Miya stepped onto the platform.
"Begin!" Orochimaru announced.
Hayashi knew Minato's strength well. Aside from the three basic techniques of the academy, Minato had also learned several C-rank Wind Release jutsu from sparring with him. Nothing high-level, but enough to hold his own.
His opponent, Shimura Miya, hailed from a clan skilled in Wind Release. Their duel would be decided not by raw power, but by quick thinking and adaptability.
"Shimura Miya, please guide me." "Minato Namikaze, I'll be in your care, senpai."
The match began with Minato hurling shuriken from sharp angles before charging forward. A standard probing tactic.
To his surprise, the weapons struck Miya's body before he could react—only for the figure to burst into smoke and wood.
"Body Replacement Technique…" Minato's eyes narrowed. "So fast."
He turned just in time. Miya had already appeared behind him, kunai glinting at his throat.
Minato flipped backward, avoiding the strike, and launched his own kunai to force Miya back.
The two reset their distance, eyes locked with mutual respect.
Miya hadn't expected to feel pressure from a so-called civilian ninja.
"Fuu!"
The next instant, the two clashed again, kunai ringing in rapid succession. Their movements blurred, dazzling the crowd.
"Minato, you can do it!" "Shimura Miya, don't lose!"
The audience split into rival cheers as the second battle raged on.
---
Send Power stones.