Chapter 21: The Next Step, Rising Stars
Noon passed quickly. Energetic as ever, the young students, who were not yet full-fledged ninja, exhibited their typical restlessness and boundless curiosity, which often led to chaotic outcomes. After lunch, many were already restless, eagerly awaiting the return of the Third Hokage's disciples.
However, the famous trio of Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru were nowhere to be seen. What could be keeping them? Perhaps Tsunade was preparing Jiraiya's funeral? The thought occurred to quite a few in the crowd.
"It's really hot for May," Uchiha Tatsumi remarked, lounging on a tablecloth spread beneath the shade of a tree. He was engrossed in a book on Chakra Nature Transformation and Chakra Shape Transformation, both crucial subjects for any aspiring ninja.
With a sigh, Uchiha Tatsumi reflected on the importance of understanding these concepts. Without them, no ninja could hope to become an expert. Even someone like Naruto needed Yamato's guidance to create S-Rank Ninjutsu like the Rasenshuriken. Thanks to his aptitude for Ninjutsu, Tatsumi found these subjects relatively easy to grasp.
"Konoha's Hidden Village is in the central area of the Land of Fire," Mikoto whispered, responding to Tatsumi's observation. "It should be even hotter in the southern regions."
Tatsumi looked up at the little sun, Minato, who was diligently refining his Chakra despite the heat. "Minato, don't you want some tea?" Tatsumi offered.
Minato, drenched in sweat, shook his head. "No need. I'd rather focus on improving my strength."
Tatsumi shook his head in mild exasperation. "It's pointless to work so hard right now. You know the basic principles of Chakra. Nishimura-sensei said that our Chakra capacity is limited at our age. Refining our own Chakra endlessly won't be effective and will only lead to wastage."
Minato opened his mouth to argue, but his attention was drawn to the arrival of the Third Hokage's disciples for the competition. Orochimaru, with his cold, pale face, and Tsunade, trying to maintain a smile despite the veins bulging on her face, took the stage. But there was no sign of the white-haired, pervy sage, Jiraiya.
"Where's Lord Jiraiya?" Minato asked, bewildered.
"I don't know," Tatsumi replied, shaking his head. "Maybe he's recuperating at the hospital in Konoha. Or perhaps he's already been memorialised at the Heroes Monument."
"Well, let's get started with the second stage of the competition," Orochimaru announced, clapping his hands to draw the students' attention. "The rules remain the same as this morning. Although you're divided into teams of three by grade, the matches are still one-on-one. The winner can challenge the next opponent, or let their teammates take over. Injured students can seek treatment from Tsunade."
Orochimaru's hoarse voice carried a sense of finality. He glanced at Tsunade, noting her green face and lack of disagreement, and nodded. "Don't mess with her," he thought, recalling Jiraiya's fate. "Jiraiya has set an example."
"Let's begin. I'll act as the referee," Orochimaru declared, stepping back to the corner of the high platform with Tsunade.
The Uchiha team took the stage first. Despite being first-year students, they had a reputation to uphold. Uchiha Tatsumi adjusted his windbreaker, exuding confidence. He had consistently dominated the First Year and even overshadowed the grandson of the First Hokage, making him a prominent figure in the Academy.
After all, Uchiha Tatsumi was now at the top of the list of "The Most Desired Boyfriend."
Currently in the limelight, Uchiha Tatsumi's popularity continued to rise. Compared to the first-year students who had just entered the Academy, his followers' voices were significantly louder, almost one-sided in their support. The number of Uchiha Tatsumi's admirers seemed to increase exponentially.
"Tatsumi is so handsome!"
"No one is more trustworthy than Tatsumi."
"As long as we have Tatsumi, no one stands a chance against us!"
"Yes, as long as Tatsumi is here, I don't worry about anything."
Who are these people cheering for me? Uchiha Tatsumi wondered as he glanced at his enthusiastic fan group.
"Keep it up," encouraged Inuzuka Akira, displaying no fear despite the situation. As a member of the Inuzuka Clan, Akira knew the importance of boosting morale. While encouraging himself to keep up the fight, he also motivated his teammates.
"Of course, our team is the strongest," said Nara Akira, showcasing the strategic brilliance of the Nara Clan. Although the current situation seemed less than optimistic, losing their imposing manner was not an option.
"Should I go first?" Tatsumi asked Mikoto and Minato.
Minato, who had been eager to join the fight, nodded in agreement when Tatsumi spoke up. Mikoto also signalled her support for Tatsumi to go first.
"Do your best, Tatsumi," Mikoto cheered, reflecting the sentiment of the first-grade team. Although confident that they wouldn't lose, Mikoto still wanted to encourage her friend.
"This wave is ours. Watch me take down three of them," Tatsumi said, accepting Mikoto's encouragement. He gave a thumbs-up to Minato and gracefully stepped onto the high platform.
The first battle began with Uchiha Tatsumi, and the audience was filled with cheers for him. The voices of the first-grade supporters were almost non-existent in comparison.
However, Tatsumi couldn't help but notice that the top three in the first grade were all girls. What happened to the glory of male ninja students? he mused. It's unusual to let three girls take the lead!
"Alright, let's begin," a hoarse voice announced from the corner of the high platform. Tatsumi and the first-grade girl facing him bowed to each other before starting the fight.
"Senior, please go easy on me," she requested.
The battle ended within three seconds. With a simple Genjutsu seal and a snap of his fingers, Tatsumi had the girl unconscious before she even struck a fighting pose. The lively atmosphere was replaced by stunned silence.
Upper-grade students took it in stride, but lower-grade students, unfamiliar with advanced Genjutsu, exchanged confused looks.
"Is this match rigged?" someone muttered.
"Did he pay for the win?" another speculated.
Orochimaru, observing from the corner, seemed unfazed. He merely gave Tatsumi a serpentine stare of interest before announcing, "First round winner: Uchiha Tatsumi. Second round, begin!"
The next opponent was another girl, with red marks resembling canine teeth painted on her cheeks, a distinctive feature of the Inuzuka Clan.
Naruto World's aesthetics can be peculiar, thought Tatsumi. Do these marks serve any practical purpose?
Remembering Nohara Rin, another girl who had brought her own unique style to the forefront, Tatsumi wondered if he should follow the trend someday.
"Your Genjutsu is impressive, but I won't back down!" Inuzuka Tsume declared, her eyes filled with determination. She readied herself, hands hovering over the Ninja tools tied to her thigh. The renowned senior in front of her made her wary.
"Alright," Tatsumi acknowledged, forming another Genjutsu seal.
Tsume's movements faltered momentarily before she collapsed, succumbing to the brief, dreamlike state induced by Tatsumi's Genjutsu.
Tatsumi's Genjutsu used sound as a medium, mixing Chakra into the vibrations, making it impossible for opponents to block it without covering their ears and averting their eyes.