Bab 4: Shaking the Field in a Single Fight
Hagane Ichirō paid even closer attention now, carefully watching every single movement Izumo made.
The more he observed, the more certain his guess became. If this boy, Izumo Kamizuki, could maintain this kind of growth rate, then Konoha would definitely give birth to a new genius!
"Stop!" Ichirō suddenly called out. "Kotetsu, your blocking position just now wasn't quite right. Lower your elbow a bit more. That way, you can redirect your opponent's force more effectively. Kamizuki, your side kick is already very solid, but if you can speed it up by half a second, you'll land it much more easily."
The two of them halted and listened to Ichirō's guidance with complete focus.
Ichirō stepped forward and demonstrated personally. His movements were clean and powerful, and every detail was explained with crystal clarity.
"Try it again. Pay attention to the points I just mentioned."
Izumo adjusted his movements according to Ichirō's instructions and resumed sparring with Kotetsu.
This time, he could clearly feel how much smoother his motions had become. On the panel, the proficiency for Basic Taijutsu shot up rapidly.
55/100.
56/100.
57/100…
Every time he practiced with the correct method, the growth in proficiency became much faster than before.
When the sparring session ended, Izumo was so exhausted that he dropped to the ground, panting heavily. Still, when he looked at the panel, his eyes were filled with excitement.
Basic Taijutsu: Beginner (Proficiency: 60/100)
Noriko came over with some water, crouched down, and gently wiped the sweat from Izumo's face.
"Izumo, just look at you, you're worn out like this. Stay over at Auntie's place tonight. I've already prepared a room for you."
Izumo immediately waved his hands. "It's alright, Aunt Noriko. I should go home instead. I still have to leave for the Academy early tomorrow." He really didn't want to trouble them again.
Seeing how insistent he was, Noriko didn't push him any further and simply said, "Then be careful on the way. If anything happens, come straight to our house."
"Alright. Thank you, Aunt Noriko, Uncle Ichirō, Kotetsu. I'll be going now." After bowing to say goodbye, Izumo turned and headed back toward his own home.
The next morning, Izumo arrived at the Ninja Academy right on time.
Many students had already gathered on the training field. Morino Ibiki stood at the front of the line, his expression as serious as ever.
"For today's Taijutsu sparring, we're changing how we form groups. You won't be training with your usual partners anymore," Morino Ibiki announced. "The two names I call will form a group. When you hear your name, step forward."
The students immediately started whispering among themselves. Izumo also felt a flicker of curiosity, wondering who his partner would be.
"Kotetsu Hagane, Nara Maruko."
"Akimichi Fū, Itō Yama."
…
Before long, most of the students had been paired up.
Then Morino Ibiki called out Izumo's name. "Kamizuki Izumo, Satō Kenta."
Hearing that, Izumo lifted his head. A slightly chubby boy stepped forward. It was one of the students who had mocked him on the training field yesterday—Satō Kenta.
Satō Kenta also looked at Izumo. A mocking smile crept onto his face, and he raised his chin in a provocative gesture.
The surrounding students took notice of this pair and watched with growing curiosity.
"That's Kamizuki and Satō. Satō was making fun of Kamizuki yesterday. No need for words today, they'll settle it in the ring," Student A laughed.
"Whoa, this should be interesting. I wonder if Kamizuki can actually win today," Student B added.
"There's no way Kamizuki can win. With what?" Student A said confidently. "If Kamizuki wins, I'll treat you to lunch for a whole week."
"Fine, it's a deal. Let's bet," Student B chuckled. Even though he didn't really believe Kamizuki could win either, there was nothing to lose. Who knew, after all?
"Begin." Morino Ibiki stepped to the side, his eyes fixed on the two students.
Satō Kenta burst out laughing. "Kamizuki, if it weren't for Kotetsu going easy on you and helping you boost your Taijutsu scores, would your overall ranking even be higher than mine? Now you've fallen right into my hands. I'll make you show your real, pathetic strength!"
As soon as he finished speaking, he charged forward. His steps were heavy, and a straight punch, cutting through the air, shot toward Izumo's face. It was obvious he didn't see Izumo as a threat at all.
Watching the punch fly straight at him, Izumo let out a soft breath.
"This is way too slow."
Izumo's gaze turned cold in an instant. His body moved like a shadow, sliding to the side and easily dodging the blow.
Satō Kenta's punch missed, throwing off his balance. Just as he tried to steady himself, he suddenly felt a powerful impact slam into his chest. Pain exploded through him as his body was sent flying backward.
The watching students only saw Izumo shift to the side, step forward, and casually drive a kick into Satō Kenta's chest.
"Ah!" Satō Kenta gasped. He clutched his chest, dropping to one knee, staring at Izumo with disbelief written all over his face. "You… how can you be this fast?"
Izumo didn't give him a chance to say anything else. His figure blurred forward. His left hand grabbed Satō Kenta's arm, lifted his entire body off the ground, and then slammed him down behind him with a brutal back throw.
When Izumo looked again, Satō Kenta was already lying on the ground, unmoving and silent.
"Stop yapping and running your mouth all the time. It's annoying," Izumo said coldly, giving Satō Kenta a brief glance before walking up to Morino Ibiki. "Sensei, the sparring match is over."
Student A's mouth fell open into a perfect O. The students around them immediately erupted.
"Oh my god, Kamizuki is actually this strong?!"
"Did he pretend to be weak yesterday on purpose?"
"Satō was so arrogant earlier, and now he just got completely shut down!"
Student B elbowed Student A with a malicious grin. "You're not going to go back on your word, are you?"
Student A's face turned red. His heart felt like it was bleeding, but he still forced himself to say, "Don't worry. It's just lunch for a week. I'll pay for it!"
Inside, all he could do was curse, "Satō, you useless piece of trash!"
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