Naruto: I'm in Konoha, my name is Uzumaki Menma

Chapter 237 Star Ninja Graduation Assessment: Stealing the Bell?

The morning sunlight streamed through the clean glass windows, illuminating the spacious and bright dining room of the Whirlpool family home.

Kaguya Kimimaro emerged from the bedroom on the second floor. He was still dressed in a plain white kimono, his pale hair was neatly combed, and his expression was aloof.

After washing up, he quietly went to the restaurant.

Mizuki Shiro was already sitting there, dressed in light blue casual clothes, with a gentle demeanor, sipping warm water.

Upon seeing Kimimaro, he gave a gentle smile: "Good morning, Kimimaro."

"Good morning, Shiro." Kimimaro nodded slightly and sat down in the seat next to him.

On the other side, Karin Uzumaki was swinging her legs listlessly, her red hair tied into two buns. When she saw Kimimaro, she immediately greeted him with a grin: "Good morning, Kimimaro-nii!"

"Good morning, Karin." Kimimaro's tone remained calm, but his eyes softened slightly.

At the head of the restaurant, Vanilla Whirlpool was carefully reading a copy of the "Star City Daily," with steam rising from the coffee in front of her.

A middle-aged maid was busy in the kitchen, and the aroma of fried eggs and toast filled the air.

Kimimaro and Haku have lived here ever since they arrived in the Star City and were adopted by Vanilla Uzumaki.

For them, who had experienced hardships since childhood and were even regarded as weapons by their own people, the Uzumaki family gave them a rare sense of family warmth and belonging. Deep down, they had long regarded Uzumaki Vanilla as their mother.

Breakfast was served quickly: simple bread, fried eggs, and milk.

The atmosphere during the meal was quiet yet warm.

After finishing breakfast, Vanilla put down her newspaper, adjusted her glasses, and looked at the three children: "There's a graduation exam at the Ninja Academy today, it should be quite a big event. Kimimaro, Haku, why don't you take Karin there and let her see what outstanding peers are like, and also inspire her?"

As she spoke, she glanced at her daughter with a hint of helplessness: "This child, despite inheriting the Uzumaki clan's excellent physique and sensory abilities, still struggles to even grasp the most basic chakra transformations, and can't even get close to graduating early."

Karin immediately pouted, somewhat unconvinced, but unable to refute it, so she could only mutter softly, "I... I'll try my best..."

Bai smiled gently and comforted her, "Aunt Xiangcao, Karin is still young. Staying at the Ninja Academy for a few more years and laying a solid foundation will allow her to have a more stable future. Being too eager for quick results is not good."

Kimimaro nodded in agreement, succinctly echoing, "Haku is right. A solid foundation is important."

Vanilla looked at the two who were protecting her sister, shook her head helplessly, but a smile played on her lips: "Alright, only you two know how to protect her. Go on, I should go to the administration building too."

Several people acted separately.

Vanilla headed to the administration building, while Kimimaro and Haku took the enthusiastic Karin to the ninja academy.

The closer you get to the Ninja Academy, the more lively the atmosphere becomes.

Many people who appeared to be students and parents were flooding into the campus.

Before they even entered the school gate, they encountered several familiar figures.

"Hey! Kimimaro! Haku! Over here!" A boisterous voice rang out.

Morishita Toshito waved his hand vigorously. He was wearing a Star Ninja Reserve uniform, with short black hair and full of energy.

Standing next to him was Murahashi Hazuki, a girl with neat light brown short hair, who was curiously observing the growing crowd around her.

On the other side, Chino Miyagi also walked over. Her short white hair was very eye-catching in the sunlight. Her blood-red pupils swept over everyone, and she nodded slightly as a greeting.

She was much more composed than a year ago, but that indomitable spirit seemed to be etched into her bones.

"Sister Xuejian is here too!" Karin, with her sharp eyes, pointed to the distance.

Xuejian jogged over, her medium-length brown hair fluttering in the wind, and the freckles on her face made her look very lively.

She greeted everyone with a smile, her deep blue eyes filled with excitement.

These were among the first batch of genius teenagers from the Land of Stars to graduate early. They are now the rising stars of the military. Their names and deeds are still widely known among the students of the Ninja Academy and serve as role models for many who come after them.

"Everyone's here." Bai smiled and looked around.

"It's been so long since we've all gotten together like this."

Morishita Toshito patted Kimimaro's shoulder forcefully, but Kimimaro dodged it without batting an eye. Morishita then remarked, "Yeah! It's been two years since we graduated! It feels like there are so many more people at the Ninja Academy all of a sudden!"

Chino crossed her arms and recalled for a moment, saying, "I remember in my year, the fourth term expanded, with more than sixty students. After annexing the three countries, the fifth term recruited even more people. Now, there are probably more than a hundred students in the Ninja Academy, right?"

As the daughter of Finance Minister Miyajo En, she was slightly more sensitive to these data.

Murahashi Hazuki asked curiously, "I heard that the new vice principal, Pharmacist Nonou, is a very gentle and capable person? It seems that the former vice principal was transferred to the Ministry of Justice?"

Chino nodded: "Principal Nono is indeed very gentle, and her medical ninjutsu and intelligence processing abilities are outstanding."

She was once mentored by Nono, so she has a lot to say about this.

On the other side, Xuejian was chatting with Bai: "Bai, has there been any new progress in your Ice Release lately? I always feel that my bloodline limit is more than just smoke... Sometimes I feel that there is another power surging in my body, but I can't grasp it."

She frowned slightly, looking somewhat troubled.

Bai listened patiently: "Developing a bloodline limit can't be rushed; it requires patient perception and guidance. I also gradually figured out my Ice Release technique. Perhaps we could find some time to practice together and exchange our experiences?"

Kimimaro remained relatively silent, holding Karin's hand as she looked around anxiously, preventing her from getting lost.

But his thoughts drifted to his opponent from the illusionary space of the previous night, Hyuga Neji.

That boy's talent and resilience were indeed astonishing. Although Kimimaro never showed it on the surface, he had to admit in his heart that if Neji had not grown up in the oppressive Hyuga branch family of Konoha, but had received systematic and open training in the Land of Stars from a young age, his strength would probably have posed a serious challenge to his status as the "new generation's top dog".

This inexplicable competitive spirit made him subtly look forward to today's assessment.

How many promising talents are hidden among the new generation of the Star Kingdom?
The group chatted as they entered the Ninja Academy and arrived at the huge first training ground at the back.

The place was already bustling with activity.

The training ground is clearly divided into several areas.

The audience seats were already quite full, mostly consisting of upper-middle-level ninjas from the Land of Stars, government officials, and representatives from various sectors who had been invited to attend the ceremony.

Most notably, the appearance of that figure on the high platform on one side of the training field elicited suppressed gasps of excitement.

Today, Lord Shura unusually removed his signature white three-eyed fox mask, revealing a handsome and serene face.

He was dressed in a black robe with red trim, and standing there, he exuded an aura of authority that commanded respect without anger.

He was talking quietly with Uchiha Hikaru, Uzumaki Kaoru, and Yakushi Nonou beside him, his gaze sweeping over the throng of people below.

Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki were also seated in the audience seats, slightly towards the front.

Looking at the grand and well-organized scene, especially the passionate and energetic young men and women below the stage, Minato couldn't help but whisper to Kushina beside him, "This is... much grander and more vibrant than the graduation ceremony of the Konoha Ninja Academy back then."

Kushina held her husband's hand tightly, her eyes filled with excitement and pride. This was the world their son had created!

Meanwhile, in the crowd not far from Minato and Kushina, Uchiha Shisui looked down at the lively figures on the training field with a heavy expression. For the first time, he felt that the Star Ninja Force established by Shura already had the ability to continuously cultivate fresh blood!

Below, the students participating in the assessment have formed five relatively neat square formations according to their grade level.

Standing at the very front were the older students from the first, second, and third cohorts.

Most of them were orphans rescued from the war and ruins of the Bear Country and the Demon Country in the early days of the Star Country's founding, or were members of the ninja clan who followed Shura from the beginning.

From the initial thirty-odd people, some gifted teenagers were added one after another, and now there are a total of sixty-four people, who are the main force of today's assessment.

Although they came from different periods, they had similar experiences, and their eyes generally reflected the resilience that comes from having endured hardship and the appreciation for their current lives.

Following them are students from the fourth and fifth cohorts.

The fourth cohort consisted of students recruited normally last year, while the fifth cohort consisted of a large number of new students recruited this year after the annexation of the three new counties. Among them were many talented commoner children and members of the Little Ninja Clan.

They were significantly more numerous, their eyes filled with envy for their seniors and anticipation for the future.

Around the training ground, many military ninjas wearing Star Ninja vests were busy maintaining order, planning the examination venue, and setting up the testing equipment.

In the audience, Kisame Hoshigaki, Terumi Rei, Natsumi, Hotaru, Gota, and other Jonin and Special Jonin from the Land of Stars were all seated. Their eyes swept over the students below like searchlights, preparing to scout out fresh blood for their future teams or departments.

When everything was ready, Mianma walked to a microphone set up in front of the platform.

He didn't need to shout; his voice was clearly amplified and carried throughout the entire training ground.

The once noisy venue instantly fell silent. All the trainees, and even many spectators, held their breath and stared intently at the figure on the platform.

He is the creator of the Star Kingdom, the "god" who saved them and gave them a new life, and the supreme idol in the hearts of countless people.

Menma's voice was steady and powerful. He did not discuss the specific assessment rules, but instead reiterated the fundamental difference between the "new era ninja" and the old era ninja.

"The ninjas of the old era were swords in the hands of nobles and daimyo, tools of slaughter, and chains of hatred." His voice echoed throughout the hall.

"And we, the ninjas of the Land of Stars, are the power to break shackles, the shield to protect peace, and the cornerstone to build the future! The chakra and ninjutsu we possess are not for creating hatred and division, but for eliminating injustice and bringing true and lasting peace and stability to this world!"

His words were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, stirring up huge waves and resonating deeply in the hearts of the young men and women.

A thunderous, fervent cheer erupted from the audience, and countless eyes shone with admiration and unwavering determination.

Immediately afterwards, Vice Principal and Pharmacist Nono stepped forward and began to announce the specific assessment content, rules, and the enticingly generous rewards.

Rewards include the top nine elite teams, Jonin-led squads, and D-rank, C-rank, and even B-rank ninjutsu scrolls...

Each challenge made the trainees below breathe heavily, their eyes sharpening and filled with fighting spirit.

She also encouraged those who did not make it into the top nine not to be discouraged, as the Star Kingdom's army and all departments are always open to qualified graduates.

The assessment officially begins!
Three special Jonin and nine experienced Chunin, dispatched by the military, served as examiners to conduct rigorous basic assessments on the sixty-four trainees in the first three batches: proficiency in the Three Body Techniques and mastery of at least one practical ninja tool technique or offensive ninjutsu.

The assessment process was intense yet well-organized.

To the slight surprise of Mianma on the platform, thirty-two people actually passed the rigorous basic test!

The pass rate of over 50% far exceeded his expectations.

He keenly sensed that these children had a very solid foundation, and many of them demonstrated chakra control and tactical thinking that, with a little more training, they were fully capable of reaching the level of Chunin.

"It seems that Nono and the former vice principal have put a lot of effort into education," Menma whispered to Vanilla and Nono beside her.

Both of them smiled with satisfaction.

After the basic assessment, the next step was practical training.

The 32 trainees were divided into 16 groups by drawing lots and competed in designated areas.

The rules are simple and straightforward: within a specified time, the fight continues until one side concedes defeat, loses the ability to fight, or is knocked out of bounds.

The atmosphere instantly became even more heated.

The sounds of ninja tools cutting through the air, ninjutsu clashing, taijutsu clashing, and the shouts of the students echoed throughout the arena.

The Jonin in the audience watched even more closely.

Hikaru Uchiha, along with several members of the Jonin team, calmly assessed each student's performance like a precise scanner.

Her gaze lingered for a moment on a blonde girl with dark eyes and a baby face.

The girl named Suzuhara Ai displayed unexpected calmness and resilience when facing a strong opponent in taijutsu. She not only used her skillful taijutsu to maneuver around the opponent, but also used her impressive medical ninjutsu to assist, dodge, and counterattack at crucial moments, demonstrating a remarkably clear tactical mind.

Kisame Hoshigaki sat with Terumi Rei, arms crossed. His shark face was expressionless, but a hint of interest flashed in his small eyes.

He noticed a silver-haired boy with black eyes, whose name seemed to be Ita-suke.

The boy's swordsmanship style was ruthless and fierce, with a clear sense of practical combat and killing, which was completely different from the swordsmanship taught in ordinary ninja academies, indicating that he had a different lineage.

His temperament was also exceptionally calm, and his eyes remained as firm as a rock even in the midst of fierce battles.

Even Minato Namikaze in the audience couldn't help but lean forward slightly.

His gaze was drawn to a red-eyed boy with medium-length black hair, a scar on his right eyebrow, and eyes that resembled those of the impetuous disciple in his memory.

Sato Sagumo, this boy's fighting style is full of passionate, sweeping attacks. His fire-style ninjutsu is powerful but his control is a bit rough, and his taijutsu is offensive but has obvious defensive weaknesses. That drive and occasional bursts of hot-bloodedness made Minato vaguely see the shadow of Uchiha Obito in his youth, and he couldn't help but be a little lost in thought...

Meanwhile, Mianma, standing on the high platform, swept his gaze across the entire arena, finally fixing it on one figure, a hint of barely perceptible surprise flashing in his eyes.

That's Otsutsuki Toneri.

This descendant of the Otsutsuki clan from the moon was also standing quietly in the group of contestants.

He was currently using his white eyes to deal with his opponent's attack, his movements were graceful and precise, and a transcendent temperament that was out of place with his surroundings was subtly revealed.

A slight smile curved the corners of Mianma's mouth.

The participation of the students undoubtedly added more variables and expectations to this already exciting graduation assessment.

Round of 16, Round of 8, Round of 4...

The battles grew increasingly fierce.

The trainees gave it their all for the precious spots and honors.

During the halftime break, they could only receive ration pills to quickly replenish their strength, simulating the harsh environment of the battlefield, which was a great test of their willpower.

Finally, as the afternoon sun began to set in the west, the final four were determined!

Otsutsuki Toneri, Itasuke, Suzuhara Ai, Sato Saun.

The intense semi-finals and finals are about to begin, bringing this graduation assessment to its climax!

The atmosphere in the entire training ground was extremely tense.

The edge of the wide field paved with bluish-gray stone bricks was crowded with people. The dark blue uniform vests of the Star Ninjas stood out in the crowd, while the Ninja Academy students wore uniform dark training uniforms and excitedly whispered among themselves.

In the center of the field, four boys and girls stood in a row, like four young pine trees facing the wind and frost, or like little lions with their heads held high.

Otsutsuki Toneri stood ramrod straight, his snow-white eyes gleaming like pearls in the sunlight; Itada Suke's left hand habitually rested on the hilt of the antique-style sword at his waist, his eyes beneath his silver hair calm as a still pool; Suzuhara Ai pursed her lips slightly, her golden hair tied into a neat ponytail at the back of her head, her small figure taut like a bow; Sato Sakumo grinned, a restless flame flickering in his crimson pupils, and the scar across his right eyebrow seemed to come alive.

Yakushi Nonou stood on the high platform, about to announce the match draw.

"Wait." Menma suddenly raised his hand.

A playful smile played on the boy's lips.

He took a few steps past Yakushi Nono and walked to the edge of the platform. His gaze swept over the four people in the center of the arena, and his smile widened.

“The four of you are the best trainees in this cohort. But ordinary sparring won’t hone your true skills.”

He snapped his fingers, and a dark blue figure silently landed beside him.

Uchiha Hikaru was dressed in a smart, dark blue stand-up collar outfit, with a headband on his head like a headband, covering his long black hair, and his eyes were calm and unwavering.

Menma took out a small bronze bell from his sleeve and gently tossed it to Uchiha Hikaru.

"I'll give you a different opponent." Menma's voice was tinged with interest: "You four will temporarily team up and fight her. There's only one rule..."

"If you snatch this bell from her, you win."

The crowd erupted in uproar.

"Lord Guang?!" someone exclaimed in surprise.

"What a joke!" Sato Sakumo blurted out, his crimson pupils suddenly contracting.

“Hikari…Hikari-sama…” Suzuhara Ai’s face turned pale instantly, and she subconsciously took half a step back.

Itada Suke's hand gripping the hilt tightened suddenly, his knuckles turning white, and his heart pounding.

Even the usually calm Toneri's eye muscles twitched almost imperceptibly, as if he were recalling the massive Susanoo from the battle on the moon.

Uchiha Hikaru, Commander-in-Chief of the Star Ninja Army, is recognized as the strongest Star Ninja below the level of Shura!
She simply stood there, a faint, almost imperceptible smile on her face, carrying a hint of scrutiny.

The aura accumulated from years of battle, the absolute confidence of the strong, and the invisible pressure came crashing down like a tsunami, weighing heavily on the hearts of the four teenagers, making them involuntarily swallow and their palms sweat slightly.

I'm going to fight Uchiha Hikaru?!
real or fake? !
Menma seemed quite pleased with the four's immediate reaction of tensing up as if facing a formidable enemy. With a smile, he continued, "Of course, I'll only suppress my strength, keeping it at the Chunin level. I won't use the Sharingan."

He paused, turned his head to look at Uchiha Hikaru, and said with a smile, "How is it?"

Uchiha Hikaru weighed the weightless copper bell in his hand.
"Okay." Her voice was cool, a rare hint of interest flashing in her eyes, and the corners of her mouth curled up very slightly.

"If you can pass the test under my tutelage, I will take you as my disciples. Even if your development path is not in line with my area of ​​expertise, I will still recommend the most suitable Jonin mentor for you."

These words were like lighting a fuse.

The horror was instantly dispelled by ecstasy!
Was he accepted as a disciple by Master Guang?

Or perhaps he was personally recommended by Guangda as a Jonin mentor?
This is the starting point that countless ninjas in the Land of Stars have dreamed of!

A fierce light instantly ignited in the four pairs of young eyes, and even the air seemed to become scorching hot.

This is the supreme commander of the Star Ninja Army, a powerful ninja who can stand shoulder to shoulder with Lord Shura!
The prospect of facing such an opponent, even as part of an assessment, was enough to make them tremble with a mixture of fear and excitement.

“I’ll give you ten minutes,” Menma said, pointing to a shady spot by the sidelines. “Adjust your mindset and devise a strategy. Let me see if you’re worth this promise.”

The four of them turned around almost simultaneously and quickly walked towards the shade of the trees.

They might have been rivals just moments ago, but now they've become comrades-in-arms who must stand back to back.

All eyes in the audience were focused on this.

The Star Ninjas were curious to see how their Commander-in-Chief would "instruct" these rookies; the students held their breath, both envious and worried for the four on the field; even Uchiha Shisui leaned forward slightly, his crimson Sharingan eyes revealing intense interest, wanting to see how these promising talents favored by Shura would perform in this confrontation.

On the other side, Kushina Uzumaki couldn't help but burst out laughing the moment Menma took out the bell, and slapped Minato's shoulder hard: "Hahaha! Minato, look! Menma has even learned that bell-grabbing test method that has been passed down from generation to generation!"

Minato Namikaze was also taken aback by the sudden sense of déjà vu, then chuckled and quickly put his hands together in an apologetic gesture to the audience who were casting puzzled glances at him. His face was full of nostalgia and a hint of wry amusement: "It really is... I didn't expect him to do it this way."

Ten minutes of tactical discussion time is extremely valuable.

Under the shade of trees at the edge of the field, the four people who were just potential rivals quickly gathered together, while Mianma also ordered someone to bring over four pairs of headset walkie-talkies.

"It's an emergency, so let's get straight to the point," Itada said first, distributing earpieces to everyone.

“We must cooperate.” His eyes, hidden beneath his short silver hair, were sharp and steady, displaying a calmness somewhat incongruous with his thirteen years of age.

"My name is Itada Suke, a first-generation student. I am skilled in close combat and a practical swordsmanship inherited from wandering samurai, which focuses on speed and defeating the enemy with one blow, but I lack ranged means."

Surprisingly, no one showed any disdain for his lineage, which came from "wandering samurai".

In this nation of wanderers, war orphans, and the rescued, strength and character are far more important than birth.

“My name is Suzuhara Ai… I’m a second-generation member.” Suzuhara Ai took the headset and then said in a low voice, her cute doll-like face showing a nervous but trying-to-remain calm expression: “I… I’m more skilled in basic medical ninjutsu and some taijutsu dodging. I also have more than a dozen kunai and shuriken in my ninja tool bag. My throwing accuracy is pretty good.”

She subconsciously touched the ninja tool pouch behind her waist.

"My name is Sato Sayun, a second-generation student." Sato Sayun patted his chest forcefully, his crimson pupils burning with fighting spirit, and the scar on his right eyebrow stood out. His voice boomed, "I am proficient in two Fire Release ninjutsu, and my taijutsu is also quite good. You can leave the frontal assault to me!"

His easygoing and straightforward nature, ironically, became a morale-boosting quality at this moment.

Finally, all three focused their attention on Otsutsuki Toneri, whose demeanor was the most unique.

His Byakugan is the only bloodline limit among the four, and it will be the key to this test.

“Otsutsuki Toneri, third generation.” Toneri’s pale face was expressionless. His snow-white eyes turned to the three of them, and his voice was ethereal and calm: “My Byakugan can provide a 360-degree field of vision without blind spots. It can see through the flow of chakra and the movement of taijutsu. I am also proficient in taijutsu and basic ninjutsu. I can take on the role of main attacker or support depending on the needs of the tactics.”

After saying that, he hung the earpiece on his cheek.

Toneri's bloodline limit and calmness give people a strange sense of reliability.

Ita nodded emphatically. The fact that all three temporary teammates could communicate was the best-case scenario. He then quickly processed the information, his brain working at lightning speed.

His past experience of leading his homeless companions to fight against thugs and even small gangs for food transformed into his most primal tactical command instincts at this moment.

“Okay!” Ita Suke’s eyes narrowed. “Time is of the essence. I’ll propose a plan, and everyone can add to it.”

"The tactics are as follows: Sato, you and I will be the main attackers. Your Fire Release will create distraction and draw attention; I will look for opportunities to launch close-range sword attacks from the flanks. Suzuhara, you will provide support from the rear, using your medical ninjutsu to monitor our condition, while also using ninja tools for long-range interference and looking for opportunities."

"Toneri, your Byakugan is crucial. It's responsible for providing early warning throughout the entire process, discerning Uchiha Hikaru's intentions, and promptly alerting us. Also, please make sure to protect Suzuhara!"

The arrangements were clear and reasonable, taking into account everyone's strengths.

He even added, "The situation changes rapidly during battle. If I lose consciousness or the ability to command, Sheren will take over command!"

His calm and thoughtful approach, even considering the arrangements for the commander's succession, slightly surprised the other three, who couldn't help but look at this silver-haired boy with new respect, and their tension inexplicably subsided.

Sato Sakumo grinned: "Understood! Look at me straight ahead..."

Just then, a loud rumbling sound came from Sato Sakumo's stomach, breaking the brief solemn atmosphere.

Sato Sakumo blushed deeply and scratched the back of his head sheepishly, "Um... I usually have a big appetite... those soldier rations weren't very filling... but I promise! It definitely won't affect the battle!"

Seeing his embarrassed yet earnest expression, Suzuhara Ai couldn't help but smile. She carefully took out a soldier's ration pill from her ninja tool pouch and said softly, "I... I have a small appetite, so I saved one just in case... Here, take it."

She is clearly a meticulous girl who always has a backup plan.

Toneri silently took out a soldier's ration pill from his sleeve and handed it to Ita-suke, saying in a flat tone, "My opponent just now didn't take up too much of my strength, and I don't like the taste of soldier's ration pills."

Ita-suke and Sato-saku were taken aback, then solemnly accepted the gifts.

"Thank you!" The soldier's ration pill tasted bitter at first, but then turned into a warm current that flowed into his limbs and bones.

Although they were just two small ration pills, at such a critical moment, this small replenishment of energy and the support of comrades greatly boosted morale.

A nascent, battlefield-based trust and bond quietly formed among the four.

In the audience, Kimimaro, Haku, Morishita Toshito, and others were also watching this scene closely.

Morishita Toshito grinned and said, "Hey, these kids are interesting! They're calm in the face of battle and even know how to support each other!"

Kimimaro watched silently, his gaze lingering for a moment, especially on Toneri and Ita-suke, lost in thought.

The ten-minute break passed in the blink of an eye.

Uchiha Hikari slowly walked to the center of the training ground and stood still. She didn't even assume any fighting stance, but simply casually hung the bell with the red ribbon tied to her waist, a playful smile on her lips.

The entire second training field erupted in thunderous cheers and shouts.

Countless gazes were fixed on her with intense intensity, a mixture of awe and fervor.

"Go Guangda! Keep it up!"

"Let them see what we're made of!"

"Go, you little devils!"

Across from them, four teenagers took a deep breath, exchanged glances, nodded heavily, and then spread out, forming a semi-encircling formation as they walked toward the center of the field, their expressions resolute, as if facing a formidable enemy.

"I declare—" Uchiha Hikaru's cool voice rang out, clearly reaching everyone's ears, carrying a hint of barely perceptible anticipation.

"The final assessment begins!"

"You may now attack."

The moment the words left his mouth, the battle erupted!

"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!" Without any hesitation, Sato Sayun rapidly formed hand seals, his chest bulged, and he suddenly spat out a huge, scorching fireball, which, with a whistling sound, blasted towards Uchiha Hikaru!
He perfectly fulfilled his role of drawing enemy fire.

Almost simultaneously, Itada Suke lowered his body, staying close to the ground, and used the fireball as cover to quickly advance from the flank. His training short sword was already half an inch out of its sheath, and his eyes locked onto Uchiha Hikaru's movement trajectory.

Suzuhara Ai quickly retreated, holding a shuriken in each hand, her eyes focused as she searched for the right moment to throw it. At the same time, her faint medical chakra began to circulate, ready to deal with any possible injuries.

Otsutsuki Toneri stood still, his Byakugan activated, veins bulging around his eyes, his 360-degree field of vision covering the entire battlefield. He calmly reported the information through his earpiece: "Three o'clock position, no abnormal chakra flow, intention... dodge!"

As expected, facing the surging fireball, Uchiha Hikaru didn't even form hand seals. He simply took a few light steps and floated backward as if weightless, perfectly avoiding the strongest impact range of the flames. His movements were elegant and composed.

But at the very moment she retreated and landed!
"Now!" A glint flashed in Ita's eyes as he seized the tiny gap between her exhausted old strength and unawakened new strength, and suddenly unleashed his speed!

The short sword was fully drawn, slicing out a sharp, cold light as it pierced straight towards the bell hanging at Uchiha Hikaru's waist!

This sword strike was fast, accurate, and ruthless, showcasing the practical combat techniques taught by the wandering samurai to the fullest extent. It was an attack that a ninja academy student could not possibly unleash!
A low gasp of surprise rippled through the audience.

However, it seems that Uchiha Hikaru had already anticipated this.

Her body was slightly tilted to one side at an almost impossible angle, her left index and middle fingers seemingly casually extending out—

"clang!"

With a soft sound, her two slender fingers, surprisingly quick and precise, caught the tip of Ita's sword as he thrust it out with all his might!
The powerful force was instantly neutralized!
Itada's pupils contracted sharply as he tried to draw his sword, only to find that the blade was held firmly in place by iron clamps and wouldn't budge!

"Too hasty," Uchiha Hikaru commented casually, slightly increasing the pressure on his fingers.

Itada felt a sudden, sharp force travel along the blade of the sword, causing a sharp pain in his hand. The short sword nearly slipped from his grasp, and he staggered backward involuntarily.

"Watch out!" the shepherd warned again.

But it's too late.

Uchiha Hikaru's figure vanished from her spot as if by teleportation, and the next moment she appeared beside Suzuhara Ai, who was trying to interfere with her with shuriken.

"Ah!" Suzuhara Ai felt a blur before her eyes and exclaimed in surprise. Her wrist was gently patted, and two shuriken clattered to the ground.

Uchiha Hikaru did not attack her; he simply swept past like a whirlwind, and the resulting wind pressure caused her to lose her balance and fall to the ground.

"Medical ninjas are important, but first you must learn to protect yourself on the battlefield." A cool voice left a sentence in her ear.

"Don't underestimate me!" Sato Sakumo was furious upon seeing this and formed hand seals again: "Fire Release: Phoenix Flower Technique!"

Several small fireballs were scattered, attempting to block Uchiha Hikaru's movement.

Meanwhile, having recovered, Itada once again charged forward fearlessly, his swordplay becoming even more ruthless and unpredictable.

Sheren rolled his eyes frantically, repeatedly issuing predictions: "Move right! Crouch down! Retreat! She's about to counterattack!"

In the arena, Uchiha Hikaru's figure moved like a butterfly flitting among flowers, strolling leisurely amidst fireballs and sword flashes.

Her movements didn't seem fast, but she always managed to dodge every attack by the slightest margin. Every parry and every dodge was perfectly timed, demonstrating her Chunin-level chakra and taijutsu to an almost artistic level, giving the four of them a vivid lesson in combat.

pressure!

Immense pressure loomed over the four teenagers!

They fought with all their might, and their teamwork became increasingly seamless. Zuoyun launched a frontal assault, while Ida Suke harassed from the flanks and directed operations from the center. Toneri provided battlefield early warning, and Suzuhara Ai's occasional medical ninjutsu support and precise ninja tool throws also played a role.

However, they couldn't even touch the hem of Uchiha Hikari's clothes, let alone the bell that swayed gently at her waist as if mocking them.

The gap in strength and experience is vividly demonstrated at this moment.

But the four showed no signs of discouragement; instead, their fighting spirit burned even brighter!
The opportunity to fight against such a powerful opponent is extremely rare. Every attack, every dodge, and every lesson learned from failure allows them to absorb and grow at an astonishing speed!

This bell-grabbing test has long transcended the meaning of a graduation test, becoming a true baptism and lesson for the weak by the strong.

Everyone watched intently, deeply impressed by Uchiha Hikaru's effortless power, and even more eager to see if these four indomitable youths could create a miracle.

The battle continues!
(End of this chapter)