The words hung in the air like a challenge that had been months in the making. Hikaru felt his heartbeat speed up as he stepped into the sparring circle, finally facing an opponent whose aggressive nature and clan techniques would provide real challenge rather than routine practice.
Seiji's reputation for intensity and his family's combat-focused traditions made this encounter much harder than typical Academy sparring. This was what Hikaru had been unconsciously preparing for through all those morning training sessions with Ryōta.
"About time we settled this," Seiji declared with obvious satisfaction as he took his position, cracking his knuckles loudly. "I've been looking forward to showing everyone what real combat looks like."
"This should be educational for both of us," Hikaru replied diplomatically, though privately he was grateful for the chance to test his abilities against a truly challenging opponent under controlled conditions. He flexed his fingers nervously before settling into his stance.
Around the circle, their classmates leaned forward with obvious interest. Yuki's expression showed focused attention as she prepared to watch carefully, while Ryōta's face displayed excitement mixed with concern for his close friend.
"The rules for today's sparring are expanded beyond our usual parameters," Koji-sensei announced, his words immediately heightening attention among both participants and observers. "You may use any techniques you've mastered, including the three basic Academy jutsu, but explosive tags and techniques that could cause permanent injury are strictly prohibited."
The expanded rules created new tactical possibilities while requiring careful judgment about technique selection. For Hikaru, the permission to use substitution, clones, and transformation opened strategic options that had been unavailable during previous sparring sessions.
"Begin!" Koji-sensei commanded, stepping back to provide adequate space for what promised to be their most demanding demonstration yet.
Both combatants formed the traditional seal of confrontation before immediately transitioning into their preferred fighting stances. Hikaru adopted a defensive posture that would allow him to assess Seiji's capabilities while concealing the full extent of his own abilities, at least initially.
Seiji immediately launched forward with aggressive confidence, his movements carrying the predatory grace that months of clan training had instilled. His opening strike was a straight punch aimed at Hikaru's center, delivered with speed that would have overwhelmed most Academy students.
Hikaru shifted sideways, letting the attack pass close enough to feel the wind from Seiji's fist while studying his opponent's form and timing. The Inuzuka boy's technique was solid but predictable, relying on overwhelming force rather than tactical deception.
"Stand still and fight!" Seiji snarled as he pivoted into a follow-up combination, his fists cutting through the air where Hikaru had been standing moments before.
Rather than engage directly, Hikaru continued his evasive strategy, using footwork that kept him just outside Seiji's striking range while forcing his opponent to overextend with increasingly aggressive attacks. Each missed strike revealed information about patterns and limitations that could be exploited later.
Seiji's frustration mounted as his attacks found only empty air. His next assault came as a lunging tackle designed to bring the fight to the ground where his superior strength could dominate, but the move was powerful yet telegraphed.
Hikaru sidestepped while delivering a quick tap to Seiji's shoulder as he passed, demonstrating that openings existed for those patient enough to find them.
"You're too impatient," Hikaru observed calmly, his voice carrying none of the strain that should accompany intense combat. "Real fights require more than just charging forward."
The comment ignited Seiji's temper completely. His attacks became wilder and less controlled as anger replaced tactical thinking. A wide haymaker swing left him completely open, allowing Hikaru to duck under and deliver a measured counterstrike to his opponent's ribs.
The impact drew a grunt of pain from Seiji while demonstrating that Hikaru's patient approach was beginning to pay dividends. However, the Inuzuka boy's clan pride wouldn't allow him to continue losing ground in a simple taijutsu exchange.
"Enough games!" Seiji declared as he backed away to create space for something more dangerous than basic hand-to-hand combat, wiping blood from his split lip with the back of his hand.
Seiji wasted no time in demonstrating why the Inuzuka clan was respected for their combat prowess. His hands flowed through familiar seals with practiced efficiency as he called upon techniques that transformed ordinary sparring into something approaching real battle conditions.
"Shikyaku no Jutsu!" (Four Legs Technique)
Seiji announced as his posture shifted into the distinctive four-legged stance that dramatically enhanced his speed and agility while adding claw-based attacks to his tactical arsenal.
The transformation was immediate and impressive. Seiji's movement speed increased noticeably while his combat style became more animal-like and unpredictable. He launched himself forward with enhanced velocity, his clawed hands seeking targets that would end the match quickly.
Hikaru's body responded automatically, his enhanced reflexes guiding him clear of Seiji's initial strike while his mind processed the attack's implications. The months of reflex training had built responses that operated faster than conscious thought.
His speed is definitely enhanced, Hikaru observed as Seiji pivoted for another approach, but that technique seems to reduce his precision.
Rather than engage in direct physical confrontation where Seiji's clan techniques provided clear advantages, Hikaru chose to rely on the tactical applications he'd been developing. His hands moved through seal sequences with fluid precision as muscle memory guided his response.
Seiji's claw struck swiftly toward Hikaru's back, but encountered only wooden log as smoke cleared to reveal the successful substitution. The timing had been precise, his body seeming to know exactly when to execute the technique for maximum effectiveness.
"What the—where did he go?" Seiji muttered as he spun around, searching for his suddenly absent opponent while unconsciously favoring his right side where Hikaru's earlier strike had connected.
The answer came in the form of shuriken whistling through the air from multiple directions, their trajectories forcing Seiji into defensive maneuvers that limited his mobility. Hikaru's throwing accuracy had improved dramatically, each projectile placed to create tactical pressure rather than cause injury.
"He's using the basic techniques very effectively," Koji-sensei observed from his position outside the circle, his experienced eye recognizing how fundamental skills were being applied with unusual sophistication.
Seiji's response demonstrated his clan training as he flowed through evasive movements while calling upon additional resources. A sharp whistle brought his ninken companion Eiji bounding into the sparring circle, the small dog immediately beginning to track Hikaru's location through scent detection.
"Found you!" Seiji declared as Eiji's nose led him toward Hikaru's position behind a training post, his confidence returning as clan advantages began to assert themselves.
"Tsūga!" (Passing Fang)
Seiji announced, launching himself into the signature spinning attack that transformed his body into a living projectile designed to penetrate most defensive techniques.
Hikaru's enhanced awareness provided crucial warning as his body automatically shifted position while his mind calculated responses. The spinning attack was powerful but predictable, creating opportunities for tactical counters.
His hands moved through clone technique seals as Seiji's rotation carried him forward.
Three identical figures appeared around the training ground in puffs of smoke, each moving independently while the real Hikaru used the distraction to reposition himself. The clones dispersed in different directions, confusing both Seiji and his ninken partner.
Seiji's spinning form struck one of the clones, which dispersed immediately upon contact. But the moment of confusion had provided exactly the opening Hikaru needed for his finishing move.
Moving with fluid precision, the real Hikaru emerged from concealment behind another training post and delivered a carefully measured kick to Seiji's back, sending the spinning Inuzuka student tumbling forward while the remaining clones dispersed in wisps of smoke.
"Match concluded," Koji-sensei announced with obvious satisfaction, raising his hand to signal the end. "Victory goes to Muranaka Hikaru through superior strategic application of fundamental techniques."
The declaration sent ripples of amazement through the observing students, many of whom had expected Seiji's clan techniques to provide decisive advantages. The demonstration showed that basic skills could overcome specialized abilities through intelligent application.
"That was incredible!" Ryōta exclaimed with genuine enthusiasm, pumping his fist in the air. "You made those techniques look so effective!"
"I haven't lost yet," Seiji retorted as he pushed himself to his feet, his pride clearly wounded by the unexpected defeat. His face was flushed with anger and embarrassment at being outmaneuvered by basic Academy jutsu.
Koji-sensei shook his head firmly. "You're lucky he only kicked you; if it were an enemy, you would have been dead."
The harsh reality of the instructor's assessment hit the observing students like a physical blow. The casual mention of potential fatality transformed their perception of the match from entertaining demonstration to serious combat evaluation.
The audience watched with open mouths. They had initially been impressed by Seiji's clan techniques, but witnessing Hikaru counter with fundamental Academy jutsu and achieve victory challenged their assumptions about specialized abilities versus tactical thinking.
"Your techniques were very impressive, Seiji-kun," Hikaru said as he formed the seal of reconciliation, though the Inuzuka boy's scowl suggested he wasn't ready to accept gracious defeat. "I just tried to use what we've learned in class as effectively as possible."
Seiji's response was a dismissive snort as he grudgingly formed the seal in return before stalking away from the sparring circle, his wounded pride preventing any acknowledgment of his opponent's strategy. Eiji, his ninken companion, followed with drooping ears.
As the situation concluded, Hikaru initially felt satisfaction about their long-standing conflict finally being addressed. But his expression quickly turned worried as he realized the broader implications of his public demonstration, and he rubbed the back of his neck nervously.
Now Koji-sensei is definitely going to expect me to attempt early graduation, he thought with growing concern about the unwanted attention his performance had attracted. This may have been exactly the wrong time to show what I can do.
The instructor's approving gaze and the obvious interest from classmates confirmed his fears about standing out too prominently during formal evaluations. His careful balance between competence and concealment had been disrupted by the need to respond effectively to Seiji's aggressive assault.
"Excellent work, Hikaru-kun," Koji-sensei said as the sparring circle reformed for additional matches. "That kind of tactical thinking shows real understanding of how techniques should be applied in combat situations."
The praise was both gratifying and concerning, marking him as someone whose achievements warranted closer attention while creating expectations for continued superior performance.
As subsequent matches proceeded with varying levels of success, Hikaru found himself reflecting on the complex consequences of necessary choices. His demonstration would certainly influence instructor recommendations for the upcoming assessments, but it also created pressures for advancement that he wasn't sure he was ready to handle.
During a break between matches, Yuki approached with curiosity written across her features. "That was really smart fighting," she said with the straightforward observation typical of their age group. "I didn't know the basic jutsu could work like that."
"The techniques we learn in class are more useful than they seem," Hikaru replied carefully, shifting his weight from foot to foot as he recognized that even simple observations from classmates carried implications about his apparent readiness for evaluation.
The remainder of the training session proceeded without additional surprises, though Hikaru noticed increased attention from both instructors and classmates who were clearly reassessing their understanding of his capabilities. The demonstration had shifted perceptions in ways that would likely influence future interactions.
As their classmates began gathering their equipment and preparing to return home, Koji-sensei's voice cut through the general activity with words that Hikaru had been dreading since his match concluded.
"Muranaka Hikaru-kun, please remain behind. I'd like to speak with you privately."
The request sent knowing glances rippling through the departing students, most of whom recognized that private conversations with instructors usually involved either disciplinary actions or discussions about advanced opportunities. Given the nature of Hikaru's performance, the latter seemed far more likely.
Ryōta caught his friend's eye and offered an encouraging nod before joining the stream of students heading toward the Academy building. His expression carried understanding mixed with obvious curiosity about what their instructor might want to discuss.
Yuki paused briefly as she passed, her analytical nature clearly processing the implications of the private meeting request. "Good luck, Hikaru-kun," she said quietly, her tone suggesting she suspected the conversation would involve opportunities rather than problems.
Even Seiji, despite his sullen mood following his defeat, cast a resentful glance toward Hikaru as he stalked past with his ninken companion. The Inuzuka boy's expression suggested he understood perfectly well what kind of discussion was likely to follow such a dominant tactical display.
When the training ground had cleared of other students, Koji-sensei approached with the expression that had become familiar over recent weeks—serious consideration mixed with professional assessment. His demeanor suggested that the conversation ahead would be significant rather than routine.
Hikaru wiped his sweaty palms on his pants as he prepared for what he suspected would be an attempted recruitment for early graduation. His tactical success against Seiji had been necessary for maintaining credibility, but it had also created exactly the kind of attention he'd been hoping to avoid.