Inside the Ninja Academy.
At the training field, students gathered for kunai-throwing practice.
"Students, pay attention. The kunai is a ninja's go-to tool, practically a partner. It's not just for close combat but also a ranged weapon." The ninja instructor explained. "I've already taught you the basics of kunai handling."
"Now, let's practice kunai throwing." The instructor pointed to the distant targets. "Watch my hand. A ninja doesn't just rely on strength to control a kunai; chakra can be used too. Today, we're focusing on strength-based control."
"Observe the target." The instructor flicked his right hand, launching a kunai with a whoosh.
Thud!
It struck the bullseye dead center, earning envious looks from the students, many of whom couldn't match the feat.
"Alright, begin your practice." The instructor said.
"Yes, Sensei!" The students started their drills.
A few stood out, like Anko and Hayate, though they were merely the best of a modest bunch.
This class paled in comparison to past graduates like Kurenai, Asuma, or Shizune.
Still, Anko and Hayate were notably talented in this group.
It made sense. Those familiar with Naruto knew Kurenai and Asuma would become jounin, while Hayate and Anko would peak at special jounin or thereabouts.
"Anko, is Tengen too scared to show up?" Hayate teased.
"No way! Tengen said he'd come today. When has he ever lied?" Anko shot back.
"Who knows? Kunai throwing isn't his strong suit, especially compared to mine. Maybe he's chickening out." Hayate smirked.
It wasn't surprising for young Hayate to stir the pot; he envied Tengen's popularity.
Despite Tengen's average skills, he was well-liked at the academy.
As Anko opened her mouth to retort, a familiar voice cut in. "Hayate, I'm just holding back, you know, to spare you the embarrassment."
All eyes turned to Tengen, who strolled onto the field with a grin.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Hayate glared. "You saying you've been holding back?"
"Exactly." Tengen said, oozing confidence. With his elite genin strength, handling ungraduated students was child's play.
He was already planning to apply for graduation soon. His current strength wouldn't grow much lingering in the academy.
And where else could he flex like this?
Of course, graduation was still some time off. In the meantime, Tengen intended to hunt for more video signals.
In his mind, the looming Third Shinobi World War was the priority.
He needed to boost his strength fast, and the quickest way was chasing video signals. Konoha's signals were sparse, but they abounded outside.
His elite genin strength wasn't enough yet, and leaving Konoha without graduating wasn't an option, he had no plans to defect.
Back at the academy, Hayate bristled at Tengen's cocky words. "This is kunai class. If you're so great, let's see your throw!"
"Kunai throwing?" Tengen chuckled. Hayate was practically begging to be humbled, and Tengen wasn't about to pass that up.
"Watch this, Hayate." Tengen grabbed five kunai and flung them, veering wildly off-target. Hayate froze, then burst out laughing.
"That's your kunai throwing? You're worse than a first year-" Before Hayate could finish, Tengen produced another kunai and hurled it with force.
The kunai zipped forward at blinding speed, catching up to the previous five. With a subtle collision, it redirected them, sending all six streaking from different angles.
Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!
Six impacts rang out.
Each kunai hit a bullseye, silencing Hayate's laughter. The field fell quiet.
Call it luck? No one would buy that. Hitting six bullseyes by chance? Try it yourself.
This was pure skill.
Even the instructor was stunned.
"Nice one, Tengen!" Anko snapped out of it first, slapping Tengen's shoulder in approval. "But why'd you always let me do the heavy lifting while you watched?"
Anko raised a point. As the academy's so-called second terror. She'd been the one throwing punches.
Tengen sighed. She'd dubbed herself that, and he hadn't fought because Anko's impulsiveness took care of everything before he could step in.
He'd just been a bystander.
"So Tengen's that good?"
"Wow, he might graduate this year."
"Probably. He was holding back all this time."
"Looks like Hayate got served."
Nearby, students whispered, making Hayate's face darken.
How'd he end up looking like the fool?
"Damn it, Tengen! You must've practiced that one trick. If you're so tough, let's spar!" Hayate shouted.
"Go for it!" Anko egged on, loving the chaos.
"Hayate, is that a good idea?" Tengen said, feigning reluctance.
He was totally posturing. Hayate took the bait. "See? Your skills are nothing!"
"Alright then, let's spar." Tengen grinned.
Time to shine.
***
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