The atmosphere in the entire training ground was stretched to the breaking point.
The wide field paved with bluish-grey stone bricks was crowded with people at the edges.
The deep blue standard flak jackets of the Star Ninja were particularly conspicuous in the crowd, while the academy students, wearing unified dark training uniforms, excitedly whispered to each other.
In the center of the field, the four teenagers stood in a row, like four young pines facing the wind and frost, or like a group of young lions holding their heads high.
Toneri stood straight, his snow-white eyes shimmering with a pearl-like luster under the sunlight… Yusuke habitually rested his left hand on the hilt of the ancient-styled sword at his waist, his gaze beneath the silver hair as calm as a deep pool… Ai pursed her lips slightly, her golden hair tied into a neat ponytail, her small frame taut like a bow… Sato grinned, a flame of anticipation dancing in his crimson pupils, the scar across his right eyebrow becoming animated as well.
Nono stood on the high platform, about to announce the matchups via lottery.
"Wait." Menma suddenly raised his hand.
A playful smile touched the young man's lips.
He stepped past Nono and walked to the edge of the high platform, his gaze sweeping over the four in the center of the field. His smile widened a bit.
"You four are the most outstanding students of this year. But ordinary sparring can't hone the true edge."
He snapped his fingers. A figure in deep blue landed soundlessly beside him.
Hikari stood there in her sleek, dark blue, high-collared combat outfit, her forehead protector worn like a headband holding back her long black hair, her eyes calm and unreadable.
Menma pulled a small, antique bronze bell from his sleeve and tossed it lightly to Hikari.
"Let's change your opponent," Menma said, his voice tinged with amusement, "The four of you will form a temporary team and fight her. There's only one rule-"
"Take this bell from her, and you win."
The area below instantly erupted in an uproar.
"Hikari-sama?!" Someone exclaimed involuntarily.
"You're kidding!" Sato blurted out, his crimson pupils contracting sharply.
"Hi-Hikari-sama…" Ai's small face instantly paled, and she subconsciously took half a step back.
Yusuke's hand on his sword hilt tightened abruptly, his knuckles turning white, his heart pounding wildly. Even the usually calm Toneri had a barely perceptible twitch at the corner of his eye, perhaps remembering the colossal Susanoo from the battle on the moon.
Uchiha Hikari, the Commander of the Star Ninja Forces. Widely acknowledged as the strongest Star Ninja under Shura!
She simply stood there, a faint, almost imperceptible, appraising smile on her lips.
The aura accumulated through years of battle, the absolute confidence of a powerhouse… the intangible pressure crashed down like a tidal wave, weighing heavily on the four teenagers' hearts, making them involuntarily swallow and their palms grow slightly damp.
'Fight Hikari-sama?!'
'Is this for real?!'
Menma seemed quite satisfied with the four instantly tensing up as if facing a great enemy reaction. Smiling, he added, "Of course, Hikari will suppress her strength, controlling it at the Chunin-level. And she won't use the Sharingan."
He paused, glancing sideways at Hikari, "How about it?"
Hikari weighed the almost weightless copper bell in her hand.
"Fine." Her voice was cool, a rare flicker of interest passing through her eyes, the corner of her mouth quirking up almost imperceptibly.
"If you can withstand the exam under my hand, I will take you as my students. Even if your development paths don't align with my areas of expertise, I will recommend you to the most suitable Jonin Instructors."
These words were like lighting a fuse.
The initial shock was instantly swept away by ecstasy!
'Become Hikari-sama's students?'
'Or be personally recommended for a Jonin Instructor by Hikari-sama?'
This was the starting point countless Ninja in the Land of Stars dreamed of!
Four pairs of young eyes instantly blazed with intense fire… even the air seemed to grow scalding.
This was the supreme commander of the Star Ninja Army, a powerful Ninja who could stand side-by-side with Shura!
The chance to cross blades with such an opponent, even in an exam, was enough to make them tremble with both fear and excitement.
"You have ten minutes," Menma pointed towards a shaded area at the edge of the field, "Adjust your condition, formulate a strategy. Let me see if you are worthy of this promise."
The four turned almost simultaneously and quickly walked towards the shade.
Former potential opponents now became comrades who had to watch each other's backs.
In the spectator stands, all eyes were focused on them.
The Star Ninja were curious to see how their Commander would 'instruct' these rookies, while the students held their breath, both envious and sweating for the four on the field… even Shisui leaned forward slightly, his scarlet Three-Tomoe Sharingan showing keen interest.
He wanted to see what kind of outstanding performance these seedlings, favored by Shura, could deliver in this confrontation.
Elsewhere, the moment Kushina saw Menma take out the bell, she couldn't help but let out a soft snort, vigorously patting Minato's shoulder beside her, "Hahaha! Minato, look! That boy Menma! He's even learned that bell-test method passed down through your generations!"
Minato was also momentarily stunned by the sudden sense of déjà vu, then chuckled wryly, quickly making an apologetic gesture to the surrounding spectators who were looking at them curiously, his face full of nostalgia and a touch of amusement.
"I really didn't expect him to use this method."
The ten-minute strategy discussion was precious.
Under the shade at the field's edge, the four who had just been potential opponents quickly huddled together. Simultaneously, Menma had someone deliver four headset communicators to them.
"Situation's critical, keep it short." Yusuke spoke first, distributing the headset communicators.
"We have to cooperate," He said, his gaze beneath the silver hair sharp and steady, a calmness that belied his thirteen years, "I'm Iida Yusuke, first year. I specialize in close-quarters Taijutsu and a practical swordsmanship passed down from a wandering samurai. I focus on speed and single-strike takedowns, but lack long-range options."
Surprisingly, no one showed contempt because his lineage came from a 'wandering samurai'.
In this nation composed of wanderers, war orphans, and the rescued, strength and character were far more important than background.
"I'm Suzuhara Ai, second year," Ai took the communicator and said softly, her cute doll face showing nervousness but striving for calm, "I-I'm fairly good at basic Medical Ninjutsu and some Taijutsu evasion. I have a dozen or so kunai and shuriken in my tool pouch, my aim is decent."
She subconsciously touched the tool pouch at her waist.
"I'm Saionji Sato, second year," Sato thumped his chest, his crimson pupils burning with fighting spirit, the scar over his right eyebrow seeming to flare as well, his voice loud, "I'm good at two Fire Release Ninjutsu, and my Taijutsu isn't bad either! Leave the frontal assault to me!"
His straightforward and boisterous nature actually served to boost morale at this moment.
Finally, all three pairs of eyes fell on Toneri, who had the most unique aura.
His Byakugan was the only Kekkei Genkai among the four and would be key in this exam.
"Otsutsuki Toneri, third year." Toneri's pale face showed no expression. His snow-white eyes turned to the three, his voice ethereal and calm, "My Byakugan provides 360-degree vision without blind spots, can see through Chakra Flow and Taijutsu movements. I am also proficient in Taijutsu and basic Ninjutsu. Depending on the tactical needs, I can take on the main assault or support role."
After speaking, he put on his communicator.
Toneri's Kekkei Genkai and calmness gave an inexplicable sense of reliability.
Yusuke nodded firmly. Having three temporary teammates who could communicate was the best scenario. He quickly processed the information, his mind racing.
His past experiences leading his wandering companions against local thugs and even small gangs, fighting for food, now transformed into an instinct for primitive tactical command.
"Good!" Yusuke's eyes sharpened, "Time's tight. I'll propose a plan, and everyone add to it."
"Tactics as follows: Sato, you and I are the main assault. Your Fire Release creates distractions, draws attention, while I'll look for opportunities to strike from the flanks with my sword. Ai, you provide support from the rear. Use your Medical Ninjutsu to monitor our condition, use tools for long-range interference, and look for opportunities."
"Toneri, your Byakugan is crucial. You're responsible for full-time early warning, discerning Hikari-sama's movements and intentions, and alerting us promptly. Also, you must protect Ai at all costs!"
The arrangement was clear and reasonable, considering everyone's strengths.
He even added, "The situation can change rapidly in battle. If I lose consciousness or command ability, Toneri takes over command!"
This calm and thorough arrangement, even considering commander succession, slightly surprised the other three, making them view this silver-haired boy in a new light and inexplicably calming their nerves.
Sato grinned, "Understood! Leave the front to me-"
Just then, a loud rumble erupted from Sato Saionji's stomach, breaking the brief serious atmosphere.
Sato's face instantly turned bright red, scratching the back of his head sheepishly, "Uh… I usually have a big appetite... the soldier pill earlier wasn't enough... But I promise! It won't affect the fight at all!"
Seeing his embarrassed yet earnest assurance, Ai couldn't help but smile slightly. She carefully pulled out a soldier pill from her tool pouch and said softly, "I... I have a small appetite, so I saved one earlier, just in case... Here, you can have it."
She was clearly a meticulous girl who planned ahead.
Toneri also silently produced a soldier pill from his sleeve and handed it to Yusuke, his tone flat, "My previous opponent didn't drain much of my energy, and I don't particularly like the taste of soldier pills anyway."
Yusuke and Sato were taken aback, then accepted them solemnly.
"Thank you!" The soldier pills tasted bitter but transformed into a warm current spreading through their limbs.
Though just two small pills, this bit of energy replenishment and comrade support at this critical moment greatly boosted morale.
A preliminary trust and bond, based on the battlefield, quietly formed among the four.
In the spectator stands, Kimimaro, Haku, Shunji, and the others also watched this scene.
Shunji grinned, "Hey, these little guys are kind of interesting! Not panicking before the battle, even know to support each other!"
Kimimaro watched silently, his gaze lingering a bit longer on Toneri and Yusuke, lost in thought.
The ten-minute break passed in the blink of an eye. Hikari walked calmly to the center of the training field and stood still. She didn't even assume a combat stance, just casually tied the bell with its red silk ribbon to her waist, a playful smile on her lips.
The entire training ground instantly erupted with thunderous cheers and shouts.
Countless gazes focused fervently on her, a mix of reverence and fanaticism.
"Hikari-sana! Do your best!"
"Let them see your power!"
"Go for it, kids!"
Opposite them, the four teenagers took a deep breath, exchanged glances, gave a firm nod, then dispersed, forming a semi-surrounding formation as they walked towards the center of the field, their expressions resolute, as if facing a formidable enemy.
"I announce-" Hikari's cool voice rang out, clearly reaching everyone's ears, carrying a hint of barely perceptible anticipation, "The final exam... begins!"
"You may... attack."
The moment her words fell, the battle erupted!
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!" Sato didn't hesitate. His hands flew through hand seals, his chest swelled, and he spat out a massive, scorching fireball that roared towards Hikari!
He perfectly executed his role as the main attacker drawing fire.
Almost simultaneously, Yusuke's figure dropped low, hugging the ground, using the fireball as cover as he charged rapidly from the flank.
The training short sword at his waist was already half-drawn, his eyes locked onto Hikari's potential movement trajectory.
Ai quickly retreated, gripping a shuriken in each hand, her gaze focused, looking for the right moment to throw.
At the same time, the faint Yang Attribute Chakra within her began to circulate, ready to deal with any potential injuries.
Toneri stood still, his Byakugan already active, the veins around his eyes bulging. His 360-degree vision enveloped the entire battlefield as he calmly relayed information through the communicator, "Three o'clock direction. No abnormal Chakra Flow detected. Movement intention: Evasion!"
Sure enough, facing the onrushing Great Fireball, Hikari didn't even form hand seals. She simply tapped her feet lightly, her body floating backward as if weightless, perfectly avoiding the strongest impact zone of the flames, her movements graceful and composed.
But the moment she landed after her evasion!
'Now!' Yusuke's eyes flashed with sharp light. Seizing the tiny gap between her old force ending and new force not yet generated, he explosively increased his speed!
The short sword left its sheath completely, tracing a sharp, cold gleam as it thrust directly at the bell hanging on Hikari's waist!
This strike was fast, precise, and fierce, fully displaying the practical combat killing art taught by the wandering samurai, completely unlike an attack an Academy Student could deliver!
A low gasp of surprise rose from the spectator stands.
However, Hikari seemed to have anticipated it.
Her body twisted at an almost impossible angle, her left index and middle fingers extending out seemingly casually.
"Clink!"
A light sound. Those two slender fingers had actually, with later timing but faster speed, accurately clamped onto the tip of Yusuke's full-force thrust!
The powerful force was instantly neutralized!
Yusuke's pupils contracted sharply. He tried to pull the sword back, but found the blade held fast as if by iron pliers, unmoving!
"Too impatient," Hikari commented indifferently. Her fingers exerted a slight, clever force.
Yusuke felt a subtle yet powerful force travel up the blade. A sharp pain shot through the web between his thumb and index finger, the short sword nearly flying from his grasp, forcing him to stumble backward.
"Careful!" Toneri's warning came again.
But it was too late.
Hikari's figure vanished from its spot as if teleporting, reappearing the next instant beside Ai, who was trying to interfere with shuriken.
"Eek!" Ai only saw a blur before her eyes, let out a startled cry, and felt her wrist lightly tapped. The two shuriken in her hands clattered to the ground.
Hikari didn't attack her further, merely swept past like a whirlwind. The wind pressure from her movement alone made Ai lose her balance and fall sitting on the ground.
"Medical-Nin are important, but first, learn to protect yourself on the battlefield," A cool voice left these words in her ear.
"Don't look down on us!" Enraged by the sight, Sato formed hand seals again, "Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!"
Several smaller fireballs shot out dispersedly, trying to block Hikari's movement options.
At the same time, the recovered Yusuke fearlessly charged forward again, his sword strikes becoming even more fierce and cunning.
Toneri's Byakugan worked frantically, constantly calling out predictions, "Move right! Crouch! Retreat! She's about to counterattack!"
In the field, Hikari's figure moved like a butterfly flitting through flowers, strolling leisurely amidst the fireballs and sword gleams.
Her movements didn't seem fast, yet she always avoided all attacks by a hair's breadth.
Every block, every dodge was perfectly timed, elevating the use of 'Chunin'-level Chakra and Taijutsu to an art form, giving the four a vivid live combat lesson.
Pressure!
Immense pressure weighed down on the four teenagers!
They fought with all their might, their coordination growing more tacit understanding with each passing moment. Sato pressed the frontal assault, Yusuke harassed from the flanks while coordinating commands, Toneri provided battlefield early warning, and Ai's occasional Medical Ninjutsu support and precise tool throws also had some effect.
Yet, they couldn't even touch the hem of Hikari's clothing, let alone the bell swaying gently at her waist, seemingly mocking them.
The chasm in strength, the gap in experience, was displayed thoroughly at this moment.
But there wasn't a trace of discouragement in the four's eyes. Instead, their fighting spirit burned even brighter!
The chance to cross blades with such a powerhouse was once in a lifetime.
Every attack, every dodge, every lesson from failure was being absorbed and processed by them at an astonishing rate, fueling their growth!
This bell test had long transcended the meaning of a mere graduation exam, transforming into a true baptism and teaching session from the strong to the weak.
Everyone watched, spellbound, awestruck by Hikari's effortless strength, but even more anticipating whether these four unyielding youths could create a miracle.
The battle raged on!