Watching Sasuke's hand seals, Sora immediately recognized his intention.
Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique.
However, Sasuke's hand seal speed was still a bit slow. From the moment he began forming seals to the release of the Ninjutsu, it would take around three to four seconds.
That was precisely why he had used the Clone Technique—to distract Sora and create an opening.
Although the Clone Technique could reveal flaws when the real body moved, if the main body remained still, those flaws were much harder to detect. It wouldn't be easy to identify Sasuke's real body at a glance.
After figuring out Sasuke's plan, Sora couldn't help but admire him.
At this age, Sasuke already knew how to combine Ninjutsu in real combat. Compared to his peers, he was far ahead.
But—
Relying on that alone to defeat someone whose abilities exceeded his by a hundredfold was still far too optimistic.
Sora had no intention of clashing head-on with Sasuke using the Great Fireball Technique.
First, a collision between two C-rank Ninjutsu could cause an explosion, and he didn't want to accidentally injure the surrounding students.
Second—
There was simply no need.
A simple combination of clones and a C-rank Ninjutsu wasn't enough to trouble him.
"Multiple Clone Technique!"
Sora formed a hand seal with one hand.
In the next instant, hundreds of Soras appeared across the training ground.
Sasuke had just completed his hand seals when he suddenly lost sight of his target.
For a brief moment, panic flashed across his face.
There was no time to determine which one was Sora's real body. Acting on instinct, Sasuke spat out a fireball slightly to the right of where Sora had originally been standing.
A massive fireball slammed into the ground, scorching the earth and forcing the surrounding students to retreat in alarm.
"Oh my god! Sasuke can already use that kind of Ninjutsu?! That's terrifying!"
"Are you kidding? Sora just created over a hundred clones! I can't even make one!"
"Wait—where's Sora?! Did he lose?!"
"If Sasuke manages to hit the real one, his luck would be insane!"
"Look—there!"
As the smoke cleared, two figures became visible.
All of Sora's clones had vanished.
His real body stood behind Sasuke, a long sword resting lightly against Sasuke's neck.
"I win."
Sasuke nodded silently, then turned and walked away, his expression dark.
He had finally mastered a new Ninjutsu—
And yet, he had lost without even touching Sora.
"Wait."
Sasuke stopped.
"Do you want to know why I'm always stronger than you?"
"…Why?"
"After school. Konoha Park. I'll tell you."
Sasuke froze.
Is he really going to tell me?Doesn't he worry that I'll surpass him?
Before Sasuke could respond, Sora was already surrounded by female classmates and heading back toward the classroom.
Sasuke stayed behind, deep in thought.
After school arrived quickly.
Sasuke stood up, his expression conflicted, and glanced at Sora—who looked back at him.
Sora nodded, then walked out with Ino and Sakura.
After hesitating for a moment, Sasuke followed.
Sora took a slight detour to walk the two girls home, while Sasuke went ahead to the park and waited.
Not long after, Sora arrived.
"Sorry for the wait. Ino and Sakura insisted."
Sasuke shook his head. He didn't mind.
Girls weren't something he cared about—at least, not yet.
"Is what you said earlier true? You'll tell me how you got stronger?"
"Of course. Why would I lie to you?"
"Then why?" Sasuke asked. "Aren't you afraid I'll surpass you?"
Sora chuckled softly.
"In the entire class, you're the only one worth calling my rival. I don't want the next six years to be boring."
Though being called weak irritated him, being acknowledged as a rival stirred something inside Sasuke.
That's right…Only I can stand against him.
Sasuke clenched his fists.
"I'll defeat you someday."
"I'll be waiting."
Sora smiled faintly and handed Sasuke a scroll.
"These are sword techniques I learned from my clan."
"Sword techniques?"
"That's right. Do you know why my taijutsu surpasses yours? Sword training requires constant sparring. Every strike carries risk. That's why you can't beat me yet."
Sasuke hesitated—but began studying the techniques anyway.
Several hours later, Sora tossed another scroll to him.
"This is the Moonlight Sword Art. It contains the accumulated experience of my clan's predecessors. Learn it—and then we'll fight again."
"…Isn't this your clan's secret art? Won't you get in trouble for giving it to me?"
Sora waved his hand dismissively.
"Don't worry. Half of Konoha already has access to it. One more person won't change anything."
As a small clan specializing in swordsmanship, the Gekko Clan had long handed over its techniques to Konoha in the name of loyalty to the village.
Only a few difficult techniques had avoided becoming completely common.
After thinking for a moment, Sasuke handed Sora a scroll.
"I won't take it for free. This is the Ninjutsu I used today. Let's trade."
Sora accepted the scroll and smiled.
Perfect.
Now he didn't even need an excuse for knowing the Great Fireball Technique.
"Deal."
"Train hard," Sora added. "Or I'll surpass you again before you know it."
Sasuke gritted his teeth.
"Next time, I'll win."
"I'll look forward to it."
Sora waved and disappeared into the night.
Sasuke stared at the scroll in his hand for a long moment—
Then stayed in the park, training for another two hours.