Normal life always seems to pass quickly. In the blink of an eye, Kyuushin and Kushina had been in school for nearly a week. The Genin who had bullied them was arrested the following day and reportedly sentenced to several years in prison. Even the classmate who had clashed with Kushina was expelled and didn't return to school.
During this week, Kyuushin, with his adult mindset, had no trouble navigating the social dynamics of children. He had already become familiar with many in the class and could hold a conversation with almost anyone. Under his guidance, Kushina had also made a few friends and seemed to have integrated well into the class.
Today was their first practical combat class, and the students were buzzing with excitement. Yota led them to the school's training ground, had them line up, explained the necessary precautions, and then distributed training kunai and shuriken. Kyuushin realized that the "training" versions were simply blunted, made to mimic the weight and feel of real weapons without the risk of accidental injury. After all, giving sharp weapons to six and seven-year-olds would be a recipe for disaster. The school's main purpose was to teach, and losing a potential ninja to a training accident would be a significant loss.
After everyone had their equipment, Yota taught them the correct way to hold the weapons. Since many ninja used kunai for close-quarters combat, proper grip was essential to inflict damage without injuring oneself. He checked each student's form before moving on to the next stage.
In the early stages of training, before mastering long-range ninjutsu, throwing ninja tools was the only ranged offensive option [2]. Kunai and shuriken were the most common, while senbon needles were more specialized and offered as an elective later on.
Yota stood about a dozen meters from a target. With a rapid flick of his wrist, he sent a series of kunai flying.
*Thud, thud, thud.*
Four or five kunai struck the bullseye with perfect accuracy.
"Wow—" the students exclaimed. For many, it was their first time seeing a real ninja in action. A few, however, remained unfazed—likely those from ninja clans who had been exposed to these skills before starting school.
Next, Yota began teaching throwing techniques, which proved to be much more difficult than simply holding the weapons [5]. Even with perfect form, actually hitting the target seemed to be a matter of luck for beginners. The only way to improve was through constant practice, developing a feel for the weapon until it became second nature. Most of a ninja's abilities were honed through arduous, repetitive training. These skills had to become physical reflexes to be effective in the heat of battle.
For example, many skilled ninja could survive being thrown through trees and rocks because they could instinctively protect themselves with Chakra at the moment of impact. Others, however, might die from a simple punch because they couldn't react quickly enough to deploy their Chakra, relying only on their physical endurance. The difference lay in that split-second reaction—one ninja could condense Chakra with a mere thought, while the other still needed to concentrate to mobilize it.
The same principle applied to throwing ninja tools. In combat, there was no time to aim. A ninja had to rely on the instinct developed through long-term training. Within the Uzumaki clan, however, the use of ninja tools was relatively rare, so Kyuushin had no prior experience. Fortunately, he was good at analyzing and learning from his mistakes. After missing the target completely on his first few attempts, he managed to hit it consistently, though each throw required a considerable amount of time and concentration.
Kyuushin observed his classmates and saw that most were also complete novices. Only a few students from clans like the Uchiha, Hyuga, and Sarutobi showed any real skill, with the Uchiha being the most effortless.
*Thud, thud, thud.*
While Kyuushin was still observing, a rapid succession of hits drew his attention. He saw Sachiko and Makiko, throwing with both hands, their movements graceful and fluid. Looking at their targets, he saw they had hit the bullseye almost every time.
"Amazing," Kyuushin said, giving them a thumbs-up. He hadn't expected the two quiet girls to be so skilled.
Upon hearing his praise, Sachiko placed her hands on her hips, looking proud, while Makiko seemed slightly shy. Before they could respond, a slightly arrogant voice came from the side. "That's to be expected. They are of Uchiha blood, after all."
Kyuushin turned to see his Uchiha classmate, Hanfeng. He had interacted with him the least, so it was surprising to hear him speak up now. What surprised him even more was the implication of his words. Could the two sisters also be members of the Uchiha clan? They had only given their first names during introductions, and he had assumed they didn't have surnames. In this era, many people didn't, including the Third Hokage's own students, Orochimaru and Jiraiya. He had never expected them to be Uchiha.
Kyuushin looked at the two girls—one lively and straightforward, the other gentle and shy.
"What, does it surprise you that we're Uchiha?" Sachiko pouted.
"It does a bit," Kyuushin admitted. "I thought all Uchiha were like him," he said, pointing at Hanfeng.
"Hehe," Sachiko giggled, leaning in to whisper, "I don't like his personality either."
"Don't you girls all like the cool, stoic types?" Kyuushin asked, having seen many girls flock around Hanfeng after class.
"The thing is, everyone in our clan is like that, and it's not fun at all," Sachiko said, sticking out her tongue.
Deciding not to pursue that topic, Kyuushin asked if they had any tips for throwing ninja tools. He wasn't asking for the Uchiha's unique techniques, which likely required the Sharingan to use effectively. He was simply looking for some beginner's tricks. Since it didn't involve any family secrets, Sachiko happily taught him a few practical tips. Kyuushin tried them and found his throws were indeed much smoother.
"You could focus on training your left hand, Lord Kyuushin," Makiko suddenly interjected.