The chūnin lunged forward swiftly, his blade angled to the side, poised to strike with precision and force.
Shisui didn't back down.
He met the attack with a sharp kick, deflecting the blow as best he could. Though his strength couldn't match the adult ninja's, he had something else on his side—
Speed.
"Clang!"
"Clang!"
Their blades rang out in rapid succession.
Shisui was clearly faster, his movements more agile and fluid. He darted left, twisted right—slipping through narrow gaps in his opponent's form like a leaf riding the wind.
Dodging heavy, sweeping blows meant to knock him flat, Shisui responded with sudden, precise thrusts—occasionally landing shallow hits that forced the chūnin to stay on guard.
For a while, it even seemed like Shisui was gaining the upper hand.
But the longer the fight dragged on, the more serious the chūnin became.
Frustrated by the boy's evasiveness, the chūnin increased his speed and began closing the gaps. Shisui's attacks, once unpredictable, started to lose their sting.
"Clang!"
A clash of steel—Shisui's blade was caught mid-strike by the chūnin's sword.
In that same moment—
"Thud!"
A heavy kick slammed into Shisui's abdomen, sending him skidding across the training field. Dust scattered as his heels carved a long scratch into the dirt.
The chūnin grinned smugly, resting his sword on his shoulder. With his left hand, he beckoned mockingly.
Come on.
Shisui stayed still, frowning. He didn't want to rely on the Body Flicker Technique—not just yet.
He gripped his short sword tighter, then charged straight ahead.
This time, he wasn't going to hold back.
The chūnin smirked, seeing him come again.
Still coming straight at me.
No feints, no tricks. Just like a rookie.
He relaxed slightly—until his eyes caught something.
Shisui's left hand formed a hand seal mid-charge.
Wait—what?
Panic prickled in the chūnin's chest.
Was that... a jutsu?
In an instant, Shisui vanished from sight.
"What!?"
The chūnin's eyes widened.
The Body Flicker Technique?!
He's only an Academy student! How does he know that?
Before he could react, something slammed into his back.
"Wham!"
Shisui's foot connected hard, sending the chūnin flying.
But even in mid-air, the chūnin reacted with practiced instinct—he twisted, bringing his blade across his chest to brace himself.
"Clang!"
He landed and skidded backward, dragging his sword against the ground to slow himself, leaving a long gouge in the dirt.
"Tch."
The chūnin spat out dust, eyes wide with surprise—and just a hint of respect.
He hadn't expected this.
That kid's mastered the Body Flicker?
No wonder he dares to apply for early graduation.
Straightening his posture, he yanked his blade free and faced the boy again.
Even in that short exchange, the kid had proven he was ready.
And there was still half the time left.
Shisui narrowed his eyes.
That trick won't work again.
Next time, he'll see it coming.
He gripped his blade tightly, breath steadying. If he wanted to keep up, he'd have to fight with everything he had.
No shortcuts.
No illusions.
Just skill.
"I'll admit it," the chūnin said, pointing his sword toward him. "You're good."
A slight smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"Clang!"
Steel met steel again.
They clashed—again and again—testing strength, reflex, and resolve.
The minutes passed, each second adding weight to their limbs.
But neither yielded.
And finally—
"Time!"
The proctor stood from the sidelines, raising his hand.
"That's ten minutes. The battle is over."
Shisui stepped back, panting hard, sweat dripping from his brow. But his stance remained firm, his eyes focused.
He'd made it.