Chapter 30: Instant Defeat
In the blink of an eye, the new school year began. Yamamoto Ryūsei had been promoted to the second year at the Ninja Academy. Today marked the entrance ceremony for the first-year students. Carrying a package meant for his classmates, Ryūsei stepped into the classroom. His arrival instantly caused an uproar.
"It's finally here! I've been waiting for so long!"
"Yeah, I can finally give my sister a surprise!"
"I can't wait to see my brother wear these! This is going to be hilarious!"
Hyūga Natsuki strode confidently toward Ryūsei, her hands on her hips. "Ryūsei, let's have a rematch. I've been training hard, and this time, I have new techniques. I won't lose!"
Ryūsei shrugged, his expression indifferent. "Not today. It's the first day back, and starting school with a fight doesn't seem like a good idea. Why don't you check out the cute first-years instead?"
This year, the academy was bustling with new students. Ninja clans and civilians alike had sent their children to learn the basics of ninjutsu. Even if not all of them could master ninjutsu, the academy provided a safe and structured environment for their education.
Ryūsei turned to Natsuki. "It feels like there are a lot more kids this year. How many did your family send?"
Natsuki smiled faintly. "The clan elders believe it's better for children to learn the basics at the academy instead of at home—it saves them the trouble. So, they sent everyone of age this year. I think it's about a dozen."
Ryūsei glanced at the Hyūga children in the crowd. Spotting the distinct branch family forehead protectors, he couldn't help but notice that Natsuki wore the same insignia. His gaze lingered for a moment. "No wonder the Hyūga clan doesn't have disciples among Tobirama-sama's students. With that kind of arrogance, it's no surprise."
His attention shifted to the Uchiha children, who stood stoically as their peers admired them. "The Uchiha clan really has that aloof charm. They look cool, but they're a bit too cold."
Uchiha Kagami, standing nearby, interjected, "They're just not used to socializing yet. Expressing themselves doesn't come naturally."
Ryūsei smirked. "Well, we're all part of the same village now. It's time to move past that clan mentality and work together."
Kagami nodded. "I'll do my best to teach them."
As the students settled down, their teacher, Nara Shikamoto, entered the room. The class quieted as lessons began. Ryūsei struggled to stay awake through Shikamoto's monotone lectures, barely making it to lunchtime.
During lunch, Ryūsei, Kagami, Natsuki, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Yuki Komiya, and Shuang Yamashita gathered under a tree.
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed enviously at Ryūsei's elaborate homemade bento. "Who made that for you? It looks amazing!"
Kagami changed the subject. "I heard the Hokage plans to take on an apprentice this year. If that's the case, we might graduate early."
Yamashita looked confused. "Don't we have to study for six years?"
Hiruzen grinned confidently. "That's for civilians or those without talent. Geniuses like us can graduate early, especially if the Hokage needs disciples."
Kagami nodded in agreement. "Honestly, the academy curriculum is no longer challenging for us. If it weren't for the chance to become Hokage's disciples, our families wouldn't have sent us here."
Ryūsei listened to their chatter in silence. Komiya nudged him. "Ryūsei, are you planning to graduate early too?"
"Of course," Ryūsei replied. "Hashirama-sensei is taking on a new student. It wouldn't make sense for me to pass up the opportunity."
Komiya clenched her fists in determination. "Then I'll work harder to graduate this year and become his disciple too!"
Hiruzen's gaze sharpened. "Ryūsei, I'll defeat you in front of Hokage-sama. They'll see that I'm the most qualified to be his apprentice."
Other classmates, including Natsuki and Kagami, shared similar thoughts. Their competitive spirits were ignited, all targeting Ryūsei as the rival to beat.
Unfazed, Ryūsei smirked. "Dream on. If you're aiming for the top, be prepared to get knocked down."
Hiruzen stood abruptly. "Let's settle this now. A fight will show who's stronger."
Ryūsei's fighting spirit flared. "Fine. I'll show you the gap between us."
On the academy's practice field, Ryūsei and Hiruzen faced off. Students from all grades gathered to watch, buzzing with excitement.
"We're lucky to see a sparring match on the first day!"
"Yeah! I wonder what kind of techniques they'll use!"
Among the onlookers, second-years were more composed. Inuzuka Rō turned to his peers. "Who do you think will win?"
Akimichi Tōfeng shrugged, munching on snacks. "Hard to say. They've never fought before."
Nara Luming analyzed thoughtfully. "Hiruzen's ninjutsu is strong, but Ryūsei's taijutsu is formidable. If Hiruzen can maintain distance, he has the upper hand. But if Ryūsei closes in, it's over."
Meanwhile, Hyūga Natsuki and Uchiha Kagami, having sparred with Ryūsei before, were unanimous. "Ryūsei," they said in unison.
As the spar began, Hiruzen opened with a clever substitution, evading Ryūsei's kunai slash. He retaliated with a combination of Wind Release: Great Breakthrough and Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire.
The flames surged forward, boosted by the wind, forming a blazing inferno.
Ryūsei, undeterred, launched his counterattack. "Rankyaku!" His powerful kick sliced through the sea of fire, splitting it in two. Closing the distance in a flash, he delivered a whip-like kick to Hiruzen's shadow clone, shattering it.
The audience gasped as the fiery remnants surged toward them. Nearby instructors quickly stepped in, using Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall to shield the spectators.
Meanwhile, Ryūsei cornered the real Hiruzen. Before Hiruzen could react, Ryūsei's kick connected with his face, sending him flying into a tree. The fight was over.
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