Spring had arrived in Konoha, and Training Ground 26 was not only a hub for rigorous ninja exercises but also a breathtaking scenic spot. When the pear trees bloomed, their white petals danced in the breeze, carpeting the ground like a delicate blanket of snow.
"Sorry! Sorry, am I late?"
Shinku Yuhi glanced at the sun overhead before continuing, his tone tinged with mild surprise. "You arrived early. I said nine o'clock… Tsubaki, Niino, and Ran."
Standing beneath a pear tree, three figures were showered with drifting petals. Shinku Yuhi looked momentarily apologetic.
"No need to apologize, Teacher Shinku. We came early," Uchiha Ran replied, his voice calm yet polite.
"Exactly, Teacher Shinku. Surely you know us by now—we always arrive early. It's only been a little over two months since our last mission together, yet it seems you've already forgotten," Niino added, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.
Shinku waved a hand dismissively. "Alright, alright, we'll leave that aside. You three came early—have you properly introduced yourselves yet?"
"Of course. Actually, everyone already knows each other. Ran here, in particular, is quite a well-known figure at the academy," said Tsubaki Inuzuka.
Tsubaki had short, glossy black hair and bright, piercing blue eyes that sparkled like gemstones. Her healthy, sun-kissed skin complemented her athletic build, and though she appeared petite, her toned physique radiated vitality. Her lips were soft and pink, often curled into a gentle smile.
She wore a lightweight ninja outfit: a form-fitting black top, deep blue skirt, black gloves, and a red belt equipped with various ninja tools, marking her clearly as a shinobi. A striking feature was the red canine-tooth-shaped face paint—a symbol of her Inuzuka heritage—vivid and mysterious, adding a unique flair to her presence.
"Yes, Teacher Shinku. We're actually in the same graduating class, but we finished a year early, while Ran stayed back for another year," Niino explained cheerfully.
"Is that so? Then Niino, Tsubaki… your skills are sufficient for the Chunin Exam. This time, make sure to guide Ran properly," Shinku said with a small nod.
"Don't worry, Teacher Shinku," they replied in unison.
"Now, the essential skills test will begin. As always, it will be a group exercise with all three of you."
"Teacher Shinku… do we really need to do this test?" Niino asked, brow furrowed.
Shinku stood at the center of the training ground, sunlight filtering through the trees above. He glanced at Tsubaki, noticing her puzzled expression, and smiled gently.
"Tsubaki, this exercise isn't just to see if you're ready to graduate. More importantly…" His voice dropped, carrying a hint of mystery that sent a ripple of anticipation through the three students.
Pausing briefly, he met their eager gazes and continued: "More importantly, it's to help you understand each other's abilities. In battle, you must recognize weaknesses instantly and develop strategies with nothing more than a glance."
A hush fell over the training ground. As ninjas, they knew that only through keen observation and rapid reactions could they truly demonstrate their skills.
Shinku's voice carried across the open space: "Tsubaki excels in sensing and taijutsu. Niino specializes in ninjutsu and medical skills. And Ran… you master genjutsu and swordsmanship. Let's see how well you cooperate."
Shinku, clad in a vivid red kimono, stood in the center of the expansive ground, his gaze sharp, radiating confidence. Several meters away, the three students formed a tight triangular formation, bracing for the challenge ahead.
The sun climbed higher, casting dappled light on the ground. Shinku flicked his sleeves, launching three shuriken that gleamed coldly in the sunlight, slicing through the air like meteors streaking across the night sky. They tore forward with lethal precision, aimed directly at the students.
Tsubaki gripped her kunai tightly, feeling the thrill of the incoming attack. Her body tensed as she shouted, "Don't underestimate us, Teacher Shinku! Orange, let's go!" With a swift motion, her kunai cut through the air, deflecting the shuriken back along their trajectory.
Orange, her loyal dog companion, lunged forward with the ferocity of a wild beast. His fur rippled in the breeze, eyes glinting with determination. Each step he took was deliberate, his low growl resonating through the field.
Shinku's eyes flickered. As the battle commenced, his hands moved like dancing butterflies, shuriken spinning across his fingertips. His body was as agile as a leopard, each strike precise, weaving seamlessly between the attacks of Tsubaki and Orange.
Tsubaki became a blur of silver light as she darted across the field, while Orange lunged with formidable power. Shinku anticipated every move, dodging gracefully and using the shuriken to counter their assaults, sending Tsubaki's attacks scattering like sparks across the ground.
"Let's go!" Niino shouted, exchanging a glance with Ran. Without hesitation, they acted in perfect synchrony.
"Tsubaki!" Niino called.
Tsubaki instantly leaped away, withdrawing from the immediate fight.
"Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!" Niino formed hand seals and unleashed a torrent of wind, a technique designed to disrupt Shinku's movements and buy time for Tsubaki and Ran.
"Orange, Transform!" Tsubaki commanded. With a loud bang, Orange morphed into a second Tsubaki, creating an illusionary double on the field.
Ran had already prepared. With Shinku momentarily slowed by the whirlwind, he drew his sword and called out, "Open, fleeting dream of life!"
Shinku felt a sudden image flash before his eyes: the daughter he had raised through countless hardships was about to marry today…
It's genjutsu! Shinku realized immediately, sensing Ran's strike. He disrupted his chakra flow and prepared to counter.
Ran's blade flashed in the sunlight, moving with the swiftness of lightning. The strike was precise, leaving Shinku only a gleaming trail of steel in his vision.
At the last moment, a sound shattered the stillness—substitution technique! Shinku swiftly replaced himself with a wooden dummy, avoiding Ran's deadly strike. The sword cleaved into the dummy, sending splinters flying.
Shinku drew a deep breath, eyes gleaming. The impact of Ran's attack was immense—so swift that even a Chunin would struggle to react in time.
Meanwhile, Tsubaki prepared again. "Come on, Orange! Fang to Fang!" Two whirlwinds surged toward Shinku, and Ran, adjusting his sword to match Tsubaki's coordinated strike, pressed the attack with lethal precision.