After introductions, Hyūga Hizashi didn't waste any time. He led the three of them straight to the training field—he intended to test their actual combat ability.
In wartime, there was no such thing as elaborate tests or dramatic team-building exercises. Feiyu and the others weren't students anymore; they were essentially Hizashi's subordinates.
There would be no "sending them back to the Academy." That luxury simply didn't exist.
On the training grounds, Hizashi swept his gaze over the three and spoke in a calm, steady tone:
"I've reviewed your files. All three of you were among the top students in the Academy. For freshly graduated genin, your abilities are exceptional."
"However, paper alone can't determine true strength. The three of you will attack me together."
As he spoke, Hizashi slid into a Gentle Fist stance—poised, flawless, inviting them to strike.
Feiyu's eyes lit up.
His strength had increased dramatically, but he'd had almost no opportunity to fight a jonin-level opponent. His real combat experience was practically nonexistent.
Even though he could always rely on Spirit Summons: Possession to let Sakumo take over, gaining real experience fighting high-level opponents could only benefit him.
"Feiyu, let's discuss a strategy first—"
Kurenai glanced nervously at Hizashi, whose posture radiated airtight defense, and tried to plan. But Feiyu's Sharingan tomoe spun once, and he shook his head.
"You two just watch the situation. Help if you can—if you can't, don't force it."
"What's that supposed to mean!? Are you looking down on us?!"
Asuma bristled immediately.
Feiyu didn't bother replying.
Lightning flashed across his body, and in the next instant he blurred forward like a bolt of light.
"So fast!! That blade—!"
Hizashi, who at first intended to take things lightly and guide them gently, nearly failed to react in time. He retreated sharply, cold air prickling across his skin.
Feiyu had deliberately held back on the first strike, afraid Hizashi would underestimate him and get hurt. He hadn't released the chakra blade aura unique to White Fang's sword style.
But when Hizashi avoided the blow, Feiyu knew the jonin was now fully alert.
The short blade in his hand suddenly flared with a foot-long arc of pale light—turning the short tantō into a shorter katana.
"White Fang's sword style!"
Hizashi's eyes widened. He didn't even have time to process why an Uchiha would know Hatake Sakumo's technique. His veins bulged at the corners of his eyes as his Byakugan activated.
Lightning crackled. A thin white arc slashed through the air at impossible angles, forcing Hizashi into rapid, fluid evasions.
His movements were graceful and deadly—dancing along the edge of a blade, slipping through sweeping slashes with breathtaking precision.
The wind pressure alone made Kurenai and Asuma take several steps back.
Asuma clenched his fists.
"Just how much strength was this guy hiding before?!"
Kurenai nodded, expression serious.
"No wonder he told us not to force ourselves… I can't even see his movements clearly. At this speed, we really can't interfere."
"So we're just dead weight?! Damn it…"
Feiyu, meanwhile, was having the time of his life.
Hizashi wasn't just a jonin—he was an elite in close combat. With the Byakugan and Gentle Fist, he was perfectly suited to counter White Fang's style. Feiyu didn't have to worry about injuring him, so he could attack however he liked.
Fighting a real person was so much more satisfying than chopping wood or stone.
Hizashi, however, was not enjoying himself nearly as much.
It wasn't that he couldn't beat Feiyu. Without Sakumo's possession, Feiyu's raw combat level was around a high-level special jonin—fast and deadly, but not unbeatable.
The problem was White Fang's sword style. The shifting blade length and unpredictable arcs made it extremely dangerous to engage barehanded.
If he only wanted to win, that would be simple.
But this was a training assessment. He needed to defeat Feiyu cleanly and without injury.
That was far harder.
After several minutes of intense exchange, Hizashi finally seized an opening. His body spun like a top, releasing a surge of blue chakra.
"Rotation!"
The force smashed into Feiyu, sending him flying.
He flipped midair, landed on one knee, then raised both hands.
"Incredible! The Hyūga's perfect defense—Rotation really is unbeatable. I give up!"
Hizashi froze.
He had just adapted to Feiyu's rhythm and was ready to end the fight decisively—only for Feiyu to surrender early, denying him the satisfaction.
Feiyu had clearly sensed the shift and refused to give him the chance to beat him down.
After regaining composure, Hizashi looked toward Asuma and Kurenai.
"Very well. Feiyu's strength has exceeded my expectations. Now, you two—attack together. I need to assess your capabilities."
The two exchanged a glance and rushed forward.
Within moments, Hizashi relaxed.
They were outstanding for their age, but unlike Feiyu, they were still clearly genin-level. After a few exchanges, he tapped pressure points and sent them both stumbling back, chakra sealed.
"I understand your abilities now. Your fundamentals are solid. I won't need to worry too much."
"Especially you, Feiyu. With more missions and combat experience, I cannot guarantee I'd win against you."
He clapped his hands lightly.
"We still have plenty of time today. Let's go accept a mission and get you some experience."
"We can take missions today? Let's go!"
Feiyu lit up instantly, startling Asuma and Kurenai.
Why was he suddenly so excited?
That didn't match his personality at all.
Seeing their confused looks, Feiyu rolled his eyes.
"What are you staring at? I'm an orphan. If I don't take missions, where do you think I get money from?"
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