In the Ninja Academy training grounds, a space had been cleared. This was the arena for Tian Yuan and Gengetsu Hayate's duel.
"Tian Yuan, Gengetsu Hayate, you may spar—lightly." The ninja teacher addressed them. As students, they could risk only minor injuries; anything more serious was forbidden. Konoha valued its young ninjas.
"Understood, sensei." Tian Yuan and Gengetsu Hayate bowed and charged.
Bang. Their fists met. Tian Yuan stood firm; Gengetsu Hayate staggered back.
"Haah!" Gengetsu Hayate vanished into a blur and reappeared above Tian Yuan. His right leg sliced down like a giant axe, the rushing wind rippling Tian Yuan's clothes. Gengetsu Hayate's taijutsu skill was impressive—an exceptional feat for one so young. He had become a Chunin at thirteen.
Tian Yuan braced the blow with both arms, absorbing the impact.
"Now, Hayate, witness my true strength." Tian Yuan grinned wickedly, seized Gengetsu Hayate by the waist, and hoisted him off the ground. With a powerful kick, Tian Yuan launched himself upward, then whipped his right leg in a downward strike.
"No!" Gengetsu Hayate tried to defend, but Tian Yuan's attack caught him unprepared and sent him flying. Their taijutsu exchange was an intense clash between two Genin.
"Remarkable! Gengetsu Hayate was already strong, yet Tian Yuan dominates!"
"Indeed—such a skilled Hayate is being outmatched."
"Is Tian Yuan about to win?"
"Why reveal such power only now? Is he aiming to graduate early?"
Anko snorted in admiration. The ninja teacher nodded with pride—his class had produced a standout student.
Suddenly the teacher's eyes widened as Tian Yuan drew a Kunai and transformed it into a beam of light aimed at Gengetsu Hayate. Even the teacher, a Chunin, could not react in time.
Clang! Students gasped—this could be fatal. Although Hayate's reputation was mixed, the academy rarely saw serious harm.
Tian Yuan watched the Kunai embed itself, then relaxed—at the crack of impact, Gengetsu Hayate's body vanished in a puff of smoke and reappeared whole. A classic Substitution Technique.
"Phew." The teacher exhaled; no one was seriously hurt. The duel remained between two Genin.
Tian Yuan grasped his Kunai, scanning the sky. A laugh echoed overhead.
"Tian Yuan, I'm up here." Gengetsu Hayate dropped silently before him, six Kunai in hand, and unleashed them in rapid volley.
"Useless." Tian Yuan met each blade with his own Kunai, batting them aside effortlessly.
Gengetsu Hayate's face fell—he could not force Tian Yuan even to move. Unbeknownst to him, the gap between them had grown: Hayate's strength rivaled a typical Genin, while Tian Yuan wielded Elite Genin power—enough to contest most Chunin. And he had held back even more potent ninjutsu.
"Gengetsu Hayate, end this fight." Tian Yuan placed his hands on the ground, and in an instant vanished from Hayate's sight.
The students froze—Tian Yuan had disappeared. The teacher looked skyward, astonished at Tian Yuan's speed.
"Where is he?" Gengetsu Hayate scanned frantically.
"I'm above you." With those words, Tian Yuan reappeared before Hayate and delivered a downward kick.
Thud. Gengetsu Hayate slammed into the ground like a cannonball, dust rising.
Cough, cough. Hayate coughed, collapsing motionless—his fighting spirit extinguished.
Tian Yuan landed calmly beside Anko.
"You're amazing, Tian Yuan. I feel invincible now!" Anko exclaimed.
"All right, duel's over." The ninja teacher called. "Tian Yuan stop. Hayate, rest a while."
A soft, childish voice spoke behind them. Gengetsu Hayate looked up in surprise—he recognized the girl: Usugumo Yugao.
"Brtother Tian Yuan, are you okay?" Yugao rushed to his side, concern in her eyes.
"Of course, Yuge—good to see you." Tian Yuan patted her head fondly.
Pfft. Gengetsu Hayate spat blood.
"Oh dear, Hayate." The teacher shook his head. "Let's take you to the hospital."
And so, our tragic student, Gengetsu Hayate, exited the stage.
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