Upon activating the [Skill Upgrade Card], Masahiko slipped into a transcendent state.
A vast ocean of knowledge and ninjutsu theory collided and reorganized within his mind. Countless possibilities flashed into existence, only to vanish just as quickly. Eventually, a few distinct, viable paths emerged from the chaos—specialized "Limit-Break" combinations such as fusing Water Style with the Body Flicker, Lightning Style variations, or even Chakra Enhanced Strength augmentations.
However.
For many of these theoretical paths, Masahiko lacked the requisite foundational knowledge. He was only able to conceptualize these "Limit-Break" schematics thanks to his memories of the anime from his previous life on Blue Star.
Fortunately, the [Skill Upgrade Card] did not force him to make a blind choice immediately; instead, it presented every possible avenue of advancement. As long as he acquired the corresponding abilities in the future, he could research and develop them on his own.
For now, the only path he could immediately master was the fusion of the Clone Technique and the Body Flicker Technique.
This method bore a resemblance to Shisui of the Body Flicker's signature style, yet it was fundamentally different. Although Masahiko had never witnessed Shisui in action personally, the analysis provided by the Upgrade Card suggested that his version lacked Shisui's terrifying "omnipresence."
'I suspect Shisui's technique likely incorporated Genjutsu manipulation reliant on the Sharingan,' Masahiko mused. 'If I push my Body Flicker to the "Limit-Break" level without a Sharingan, will I run into the same tunnel-vision issues Kakashi faced before he got Obito's eye?'
After a moment of hesitation, Masahiko decided to test the theory. He entered the [Performance Instance].
The scenery shifted to the familiar training grounds.
Standing opposite him was the simulation of Hatake Kakashi.
Masahiko drew his blade. In an instant, he exploded into motion, pushing his speed to its current absolute limit. A series of afterimages—acting as "Clones"—materialized in mid-air, slashing toward Kakashi in unison.
Because this version of Kakashi was solidified based on their previous encounter, he did not possess the active Sharingan. However, his instincts remained elite.
The moment Masahiko's blade left its sheath, Kakashi wove hand signs. A beast of lightning—a derivative of the Lightning Cutter—formed a silver-white electric barrier, sweeping back and forth across the area in front of him.
Masahiko immediately shifted his trajectory.
But in that split second, the simulation of Kakashi drew his own tantō, slashing instantly toward Masahiko's real body as it changed position.
Clang!
Sparks flew. Masahiko nearly lost his grip on his sword from the impact. He used the momentum to deflect the force and retreat, his mind racing to analyze the exchange as he skidded backward.
'Without dynamic vision, linear speed is a gamble.'
Launching himself off a tree trunk, Masahiko charged again. But this time, he deliberately throttled his speed.
Kakashi rushed to meet him, his blade work precise and swift, striking like a flash of lightning.
Just as their blades were about to cross, Masahiko's speed spiked violently. Simultaneously, three or four Clones flickered into existence around him, slashing down as one.
Kakashi's blade sliced through the figure in front of him—only to find it was a mere afterimage.
Lightning Style chakra erupted from Kakashi's body, stimulating his cells. He vanished from his spot instantly. Masahiko's blade cleaved through empty air.
'Without a Sharingan, the true application of this technique is variable-speed assassination,' Masahiko concluded, panting slightly. 'But against an enemy with a Sharingan, if the initial blitz fails, the counterattack will be fatal. It's a pity this instance's Kakashi can't use his eye…'
Masahiko sighed lightly but raised his sword again.
Even without the Sharingan, this version of Kakashi was a high-level Jōnin. He was the perfect grindstone to smooth out the flaws and errors in Masahiko's new combat style.
But for now, he had a class to teach.
Konoha Ninja Academy.
Masahiko stood on the sidelines, his gaze fixed on the students running laps around the training field.
Naruto, Inuzuka Kiba, and Sasuke were at the front of the pack, locked in a fierce competition. Meanwhile, at the back of the queue, the stragglers were gasping for air, struggling desperately to keep up.
On the inner track, Kurama Yakumo walked with a sketchbook in hand, drawing as she moved. Her stamina had improved noticeably compared to her first day. And it had only been three or four days.
'The gap between a genius and a calm, ordinary person is truly ruthless,' Masahiko lamented internally.
His focus shifted to Uchiha Sasuke.
'Establishing a connection with the Uchiha clan fits perfectly into my original script.'
But how to broach the subject?
Masahiko's eyes drifted to Naruto, and an idea sparked.
Once the physical training concluded, the students lined up in formation. Sasuke cast frequent glances toward Naruto; clearly, the blonde's rapid improvement over the last few days was putting pressure on the young Uchiha elite.
Masahiko clapped his hands to gather attention.
"Alright, today we're going to do something different for combat practice."
He swept his gaze across the class. "Many of you come from ninja clans or have parents who are shinobi, meaning you've received training in advance."
The students fell silent. The disparity in strength due to family background was an undeniable, uncomfortable fact of life in the village. They weren't sure what Masahiko-sensei was getting at—even Sasuke looked puzzled.
Masahiko smiled, his expression unreadable. "Therefore, for today's sparring session, I am implementing a rule: You are forbidden from using any abilities learned outside of the Academy curriculum."
Huh?
The students blinked, stunned.
"Hahaha! If it's just the Taijutsu taught in school, Sasuke, I can definitely beat you!"
Naruto burst into laughter, convinced the advantage was his. He even thought to himself, 'See? Masahiko-sensei looks out for me once in a while!'
However, Sasuke paused for only a moment before grasping the hidden layer of Masahiko's words.
'Forbidden from using abilities learned outside school…'
That meant anything taught within the school was fair game.
This wasn't a brawl; it was a comprehensive combat exam.
Sasuke's confidence returned. He raised his hand. "Sensei, is the Body Flicker Technique permitted?"
The Body Flicker was a D-rank high-speed movement technique. While the Academy didn't teach the practical mastery of it, the theory and principles were covered in the textbooks. Typically, Genin would learn the standard version from their Jōnin squad leaders after graduation.
Masahiko smiled. "Yes."
Sasuke nodded slightly, saying no more.
"Sasuke, I'm going to crush you this time!" Naruto chirped, completely oblivious to the nuance, his confidence overflowing.
Masahiko looked at him coldly. "Naruto, are you that eager to fight Sasuke?"
"Of course!" Naruto stood at attention.
"Fine," Masahiko said indifferently. "I'll let you fight him. If you win, I will teach you a new Ninjutsu. But if you lose?"
"If I lose…" Naruto hesitated, scrunching his face in thought, before gritting his teeth. "Using only school stuff, how could I lose?! If I lose, I'll run a hundred laps around Konoha!"
"Sensei, what about me?" Sasuke interjected eagerly.
"If you win," Masahiko replied, "I'll teach you a simple but practical combat technique. If you lose, the penalty is the same—one hundred laps."
"Really?" Sasuke's eyes lit up. He nodded vigorously. "Deal!"
He turned to Naruto, his fighting spirit blazing.
The other students quickly cleared a circle.
Naruto stretched his limbs. The moment Masahiko shouted "Start," he roared and charged straight at Sasuke.
But.
Sasuke's hands flew through a set of seals. Poof! Two copies of himself appeared beside him.
Naruto froze, his brain short-circuiting.
'He can use Ninjutsu?!'
"You cheater!"
"Idiot," Sasuke scoffed. The three figures shuffled rapidly, charging forward.
Naruto gritted his teeth and lunged at one of them. But the moment he committed to the attack—
Sasuke utilized the Body Flicker.
Thud!
A clean punch to the gut.
Naruto was knocked to the ground. He scrambled to get up, but the Sasuke in front of him split into three again. Simultaneously, a kunai whizzed past his ear.
Confused by the flickering images, Naruto lost track of his target instantly. In a panic, he threw a shuriken. It passed harmlessly through all three figures—illusions.
'Where's the real body?'
While Naruto stood there dumbfounded, the cold metal of a kunai pressed against the back of his neck.
"You lose."
"Damn it, Sasuke! How could you use Ninjutsu? That's against the rules!" Naruto hopped around in anger.
Sasuke smirked. "Sensei never said we couldn't use Ninjutsu. It's your fault for misunderstanding, dead last."
He looked toward Masahiko, awaiting the verdict.
Masahiko's eyes were cold as he addressed the blonde boy.
"The textbook explicitly states that intelligence gathering determines the success or failure of a mission."
"As a ninja, if you lack the basic ability to analyze intelligence and combat conditions, you aren't fit to be a ninja—let alone Hokage."
Masahiko's voice dropped an octave, adopting a harsh, lecture-hall tone. "Aside from the one hundred laps, you are to copy the 'Intelligence and Espionage' chapter of your textbook ten times. Submit it within a week."
Naruto's face flushed a mixture of red and purple—anger, annoyance, and shame warring for dominance. Finally, he lowered his head. "…Yes, sensei."
Masahiko turned his attention to the rest of the class.
"Except for the newcomer, Yakumo, everyone else pair up for sparring."
As he spoke, he formed a seal, creating a Shadow Clone.
"Sasuke. Come with me."