Chapter 41: Chapter 41: Live Combat Drill
"So, everyone's here."
Ito Makoto, the teacher in charge of Takeshi's class, nodded in satisfaction after taking attendance.
"You're all very punctual. I'm sure by now you've heard—today's lesson will be a live combat drill. But first, I'm going to teach you the Sign of Opposition and the Sign of Reconciliation."
He gestured for the students to sit down freely on the training field, then began explaining the key points to keep in mind before the exercise.
"So long-winded."
Hyūga Iroha rolled his Byakugan eyes. As a member of the branch family, he was already familiar with these basics and didn't bother listening closely.
"Yeah, it's a pain."
Nara Tōen chimed in beside him.
"I really don't want to fight some hot-blooded idiot. If he ends up being my opponent, I'll surrender immediately."
He lazily pointed at Might Guy, who was currently walking on his hands.
"Anyway, in this combat drill, feel free to go all out. Don't worry about getting hurt—the teachers are here. Don't be fooled by appearances, I'm a Chūnin, after all!"
Makoto pointed proudly at the forehead protector on his head, trying to instill some confidence in the students.
That said...
He glanced toward the area where Kakashi and the others were standing.
Kakashi, the famed genius of the Ninja Academy, was on a whole other level compared to regular students.
The only ones who might be able to match him were the sons of the Third Hokage and Danzō-sama...
Maybe I should've gone with designated matchups. But that wouldn't be fair to the other students...
I've got to stay sharp. I can't let any of them get seriously injured.
"Although you're allowed to use kunai, shuriken, and other ninja tools in this drill, remember—this is still just a practice session. Be sure to hold back. Got it? If so, start drawing lots!"
Under Makoto's direction, the students began drawing lots, and soon the matchups were decided.
"Huh? I'm up against Guy? Fine, I'll let him taste my new ninjutsu!"
Obito was the first to step forward, drawing the matchup with Might Guy.
That brought a sigh of relief to many.
Though they often joked about Guy being a hot-blooded fool, everyone knew how hard he trained.
No one doubted that getting punched by him meant a long stay in bed.
"Hm? Kakashi, you're up against a Hyūga, huh? Not bad."
Seeing that his own slip didn't match Kakashi's, but that Hyūga Iroha had drawn the same symbol, Takeshi nudged Kakashi with his elbow, speaking with a mischievous glint in his eye.
"Go on, give the Hyūga clan a taste of their own medicine."
"Hmph. If you can manage that, anyway."
Iroha sneered at Takeshi and Kakashi.
"I'll show you just how meaningless your so-called genius is in the eyes of the Hyūga clan."
Cocky little bastard. And he's just from the branch family—imagine if he were main family...
"Hmph. Kakashi, make sure to hit him in the face. That's the only part of the Hyūga that's halfway decent looking."
Takeshi raised his fists, egging Kakashi on.
"You guys... this is just a friendly spar between classmates."
Kakashi shook his head helplessly, deciding to ignore Takeshi's provocation.
Takeshi was about to say more when he saw his opponent.
"Yo, Takeshi! Looks like we drew the same lot!"
Asuma grinned and waved the slip in his hand, which had the same symbol as Takeshi's.
"I've seen you spar with Kakashi, Guy, and Obito plenty of times. But I've never personally tested your strength."
Before Takeshi could respond, Asuma looked at him with eyes full of fighting spirit.
"You too? Why's everyone getting so fired up all of a sudden..."
Takeshi scratched his head, clearly uncomfortable with Asuma's sudden heat.
Though Asuma usually kept a low profile, he was still the son of the Third Hokage. How could he be content letting all these so-called geniuses trample over him? Deep down, he'd always wanted to fight Kakashi or Takeshi.
And now, he finally had the chance.
"Is that so? Then bring it on."
Takeshi didn't seem to mind. After all, they were just ordinary students with no special bloodlines—just a casual fight.
Ah, though if I can avoid losing, I will. If I really lose...
If Danzō finds out I lost to the Third's son, that might be a little troublesome...
...
"Alright! First match—Anko Mitarashi vs. Nara Tōen. Begin the drill!"
Makoto, who had compiled the results of the draw, announced the start of the match.
After performing the Sign of Opposition, Anko struck first, testing Tōen with taijutsu.
Tōen, who hadn't yet learned his clan's secret techniques and had no defensive ninjutsu, gritted his teeth and raised a kunai to block.
After taking two or three consecutive kicks, he quickly surrendered.
"Alright, Anko Mitarashi wins. Both parties, perform the Sign of Reconciliation!"
Makoto immediately stepped in and declared the end of the match.
"You really didn't put up a fight at all."
Anko gave the panting, sweat-drenched Tōen a look of resignation.
"Tch. I'm a ninja who fights with his brain. No way I can beat someone like you..."
Tōen closed his eyes and just laid back on the ground.
With this match as a precedent, the rest of the duels went smoothly.
Obito's match against Might Guy ended as expected—with Obito getting launched by a single kick.
However, his use of the Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique during the match earned praise from the teacher.
Being able to use ninjutsu at his age already put him ahead of most ordinary ninja.
...
The commotion from Takeshi's class drew the attention of students from many other classes in the academy building.
"Hey, what kind of monster class is that? They're not even Genin, and they're already using the Great Fireball Technique."
Ayame Raidō frowned, looking at the scorch marks left on the field.
"Must be Class 2—Kakashi's class."
Yamashiro Aoba followed Raidō's gaze and confirmed.
"Huh? That's the class with the Third Hokage's son, right?"
Hibari Kabutomaru, his head wrapped in bandages, ignored the teacher at the podium and came over.
...
"Next match: Shimura Takeshi vs. Sarutobi Asuma!"
Just as the crowd buzzed with chatter, Makoto called out Takeshi and Asuma's names.
"Shimura...? Don't tell me that's that guy? Uh, right, Myo, is it?"
Kabutomaru looked toward Shimura Myō sitting not far away, seeking confirmation.
Shimura Myō nodded.
"Yes, that's Shimura Takeshi—Danzō-sama's son."
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