Chapter 25: Chapter 25: Defeating Ino-Shika-Cho

Ishida Yu wanted to say something but stopped himself.

His first reaction was that Natsuki was being far too arrogant.

The Ino-Shika-Cho formation was legendary throughout the ninja world.

Very few shinobi would willingly fight them one against three.

But Natsuki’s status as Orochimaru’s student made Ishida Yu hesitate. Ultimately, he left the decision to Ikeuchi.

"Do you agree?"

Ikeuchi considered for a moment, then simply asked Nara Shikaku and the others for their opinion.

Akimichi Choza and Yamanaka Inoichi looked to Nara Shikaku.

The three Ino-Shika-Cho clans had always been led by the Nara clan—famous for their exceptional intelligence.

Their successive clan heads were destined to become Hokage advisors, providing counsel to the village leader.

"We agree."

Nara Shikaku pondered briefly, then nodded.

First, because Natsuki had issued the challenge publicly. It was within the rules. Moreover, it was one against three—if they refused, they would look like cowards.

Second, because they wouldn’t necessarily lose. If they defeated Orochimaru’s student, it would be a tremendous boost to their three clans’ reputations.

With his agreement, the students of both classes erupted in excitement.

In all their years at the academy, this was the first time they’d witnessed a one-on-three battle.

"As expected of Natsuki—so confident!"

"Confidence means nothing without strength. He’s powerful, sure, but he’s facing Ino-Shika-Cho. Hard to say who’ll win."

"Hmph, showing off like that. Let’s see how he handles losing!"

That last comment came from Onodera.

He was already bitter about losing to Yamanaka Inoichi. Natsuki’s boldness only made him more resentful.

"Natsuki won’t lose!"

Uzumaki Kushina clenched her fists fiercely.

"Quiet."

Ishida Yu intervened. "Don’t interrupt the match."

The students fell silent, focusing all their attention on the fighters.

Namikaze Minato sat up straight, his expression solemn.

Ever since losing to Natsuki, he had considered him a lifelong rival—a goal he had to surpass.

Now that Natsuki was fighting one against three, he would undoubtedly go all out. For Minato, this was an invaluable opportunity.

Ninja battles were information battles.

The more he understood about Natsuki, the more confident he would be in defeating him.

It was currently June. The final exams would be held in July.

That was when he would face Natsuki again.

"Begin!"

Ishida Yu announced loudly.

He retreated to Ikeuchi’s side.

Both teachers watched intently.

They genuinely wanted to know who would win.

If Natsuki emerged victorious, his reputation as a genius would spread throughout the Ninja Academy—and beyond, to all of Konoha.

---

Natsuki drew a wooden practice sword.

Against Ino-Shika-Cho, taijutsu alone wouldn’t be enough.

Even against their childhood versions.

Judging from the earlier matches, Akimichi Choza and the others had each mastered only one clan secret technique.

That was expected. They were geniuses, yes—but only eight years old. Learning even one secret jutsu at this age was impressive.

Natsuki’s gaze fixed on Nara Shikaku.

The Nara clan’s shadow techniques were undoubtedly the greatest threat.

Combined with their high intelligence, they could unexpectedly immobilize a target and secure victory.

While he analyzed, Nara Shikaku and the others made the first move.

They spread out and immediately hurled a barrage of kunai and shuriken.

Gravity Mitigation!

Natsuki’s body lightened. He charged toward Nara Shikaku, practice sword in hand.

The incoming projectiles were deflected the moment they came close.

Shikaku’s expression shifted. He realized Natsuki’s intention.

He quickly glanced at Akimichi Choza.

Choza immediately drew a wooden staff and swung it at Natsuki.

Yamanaka Inoichi raised both hands, aiming at Natsuki.

The moment Natsuki stopped moving, he would release the Mind Transfer Jutsu and take over his body. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

One-Sword Style: Lion Strike!

Natsuki slashed at Akimichi Choza’s staff.

Under everyone’s astonished gazes, the wooden weapon split cleanly in half.

The delay bought Nara Shikaku enough time to retreat to a safe distance.

Akimichi Choza roared. His arms expanded suddenly as he grabbed at Natsuki.

Golden Right Foot!

Natsuki kicked out.

Choza absorbed the blow without stepping back.

Mind Transfer Jutsu!

Seeing his opportunity, Yamanaka Inoichi released a mental shockwave from his hands.

The attack traveled at lightning speed. At such close range, it arrived almost instantly.

Just when Inoichi and the others thought Natsuki would be hit—his body blurred and suddenly accelerated.

Reinforcement Magecraft.

Natsuki enhanced his legs while maintaining Gravity Mitigation, pushing his speed to its absolute peak.

Namikaze Minato couldn’t help but gasp.

Natsuki’s current speed was already too fast for him to react to.

If he couldn’t react, then Nara Shikaku and the others certainly couldn’t either.

With Yamanaka Inoichi’s Mind Transfer Jutsu missing its mark, he instantly fell into a rigid state.

This was the technique’s critical weakness.

If the mental shockwave failed to connect, the user couldn’t return to their own body for a short period. They would be completely immobilized.

Natsuki knew this well—so he ignored Inoichi entirely.

One-Sword Style: Iai — Lion’s Song!

His speed surged again. He vanished from his position.

Almost simultaneously, Nara Shikaku let out a pained cry.

The wooden sword struck his body like a whip, sending him flying backward.

Natsuki reappeared.

Akimichi Choza and Yamanaka Inoichi felt their hearts lurch. A chill ran through their entire bodies.

Three against one—and we already lost someone? How is this possible?

But they couldn’t be blamed.

"The outcome is decided."

Namikaze Minato murmured.

With Nara Shikaku—the tactical core—eliminated first, the remaining two had almost no chance of winning.

Natsuki didn’t waste time.

His chakra reserves couldn’t sustain a prolonged battle.

Fortunately, Orochimaru had noticed this weakness and had been training him specifically to improve it.

Head Chef Drop Kick!

Natsuki spun and delivered a flying kick, sending Yamanaka Inoichi sprawling.

The speed was so overwhelming that Akimichi Choza had no time to intervene.

He gritted his teeth, activated the Partial Multi-Size Technique again, and swung his massive palm at Natsuki.

But this Natsuki was completely different from before.

In martial arts, speed determines victory.

The principle held true in the ninja world as well.

Natsuki sidestepped the palm, raised his wooden sword, and unleashed a rapid slash.

One-Sword Style: 36 Pound Phoenix!

The flying strike hit Akimichi Choza like a cannonball, sending him tumbling.

With that, all three members of Ino-Shika-Cho lay on the ground.

---

Class 2-A erupted in cheers.

Uzumaki Kushina jumped up in celebration.

Namikaze Minato’s feelings were complicated.

On one hand, he was genuinely happy for Natsuki’s victory over Ino-Shika-Cho.

On the other hand, he recognized just how troublesome Natsuki’s terrifying strength would be to overcome.

Class 3-A was dead silent.

Their three strongest fighters couldn’t defeat Natsuki together. What else was there to say?

"Losing to him makes sense."

Nara Shikaku sat up and sighed.

"He is Orochimaru’s student, after all."

Yamanaka Inoichi shook his head.

Akimichi Choza said nothing—but he was convinced as well.

Because Natsuki had used a wooden sword, none of them were seriously injured.

But their entire bodies ached as if they’d been beaten three times in a single second.

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