Sasuke Frightened
As Sasuke and Xu Fan stood face to face in confrontation, the entire scene suddenly fell silent.
The female students, in particular, widened their eyes and held their breath, afraid to miss a single moment of Sasuke's display.
"You asked for this," Sasuke said in a cold tone. Without hesitation, he spread his legs and launched himself toward Xu Fan.
Iruka and Mizuki, seeing this, immediately stepped back to give them space.
"As expected of the Uchiha clan… they are among the most talented of the village's younger generation," Mizuki muttered, unable to hide his jealousy toward Sasuke.
Especially their unique Kekkei Genkai—the Sharingan.
Once awakened, its benefits to a ninja are immeasurable.
"Yes, if Senju-san underestimates Sasuke, he'll suffer for it," Iruka agreed.
However, real combat training at the Ninja Academy was much safer than actual battles or life-or-death fights.
If necessary, he would step in to stop them.
Just as Iruka considered this, Sasuke had already closed the distance between himself and Xu Fan with astonishing speed.
"Sasuke is faster than before," Iruka gasped.
"His speed is above the average Genin…"
Fast?
Xu Fan tilted his head. From his perspective, Sasuke's movement seemed rather ordinary. He had simply rushed forward, clenched his fist, and swung it straight ahead.
At this point, Sasuke had yet to unlock his Sharingan or receive training from Rock Lee in taijutsu.
So, with precise timing, Xu Fan struck the side of Sasuke's neck with a swift chop.
Thud!
With a muffled impact, Sasuke immediately lost his balance and crashed to the ground.
Plop!
Lying flat on his back, Sasuke's wide eyes were filled with shock and confusion.
What… just happened?
Why did I fall so suddenly?
But it wasn't just Sasuke—everyone in the training yard fell into stunned silence.
No one had expected Sasuke to be taken down so easily by Xu Fan.
"What just happened?"
"I didn't even see it!"
"If Hinata were here, she could have used her Byakugan to analyze it!"
"Sasuke-kun…"
Sakura's eyes widened in disbelief. She had never imagined that Sasuke—the top student—would be so easily defeated.
"It was just…"
Iruka took a deep breath, his experienced eyes processing what had happened. As a Chūnin, his dynamic vision was far better than his students'.
Just as Sasuke was about to land his attack, Xu Fan had reacted even faster, striking a vital point and shifting Sasuke's center of gravity, making him collapse instantly.
Simple, yet brutally effective.
"Senju-san's taijutsu is incredibly strong…" Iruka muttered in amazement.
"This ground is slippery," Sasuke grumbled as he pushed himself up. His head throbbed as though he had been struck by a heavy object. The world spun around him, and a sharp ringing filled his ears.
"See? Sasuke-kun couldn't have lost so easily in taijutsu! The ground must be too slippery!"
One of Sasuke's supporters quickly clung to this excuse.
"But unfortunately, you're going to lose."
Sasuke stepped back again, forcing himself to stay composed. However, deep down, he felt an unfamiliar sense of unease.
I didn't even see his attack.
I only felt a sudden pressure, and then… I was on the ground.
He didn't want to admit it, but Xu Fan's speed and strength were far superior to his own.
If only I had my Sharingan… This wouldn't have happened!
Sasuke clenched his fists.
The Uchiha clan was known for one thing above all else—their legendary Kekkei Genkai, the Sharingan.
A dojutsu even more powerful than the Byakugan, capable of analyzing an opponent's weaknesses in an instant.
Unfortunately, he had yet to awaken it.
But the Uchiha were not defined by the Sharingan alone.
Thinking of this, a smirk played at the corner of Sasuke's lips. He was far from finished.
The other students, noticing Sasuke's expression, tensed up.
"Ah… Sasuke-kun is going to use that move."
"The real ninjutsu…"
Many watched in awe.
Even though they were at the Academy to learn ninjutsu, Sasuke had already mastered some before enrolling.
It was said to be one of the Uchiha clan's many talents.
Naruto, on the other hand, scoffed. "Tch, show-off."
"Fire Style…?" Xu Fan narrowed his eyes as he observed Sasuke's hand movements.
Sasuke was confident that Xu Fan, being new to the Academy, knew nothing about the Uchiha or their techniques.
Even if he recognized the hand seals, he wouldn't understand their meaning.
Just like how he didn't understand the weight of the Uchiha name.
But now…
Sasuke would make sure he learned.
This was the strength he had built through years of hard work and dedication.
"Sasuke!"
Iruka's voice rang out in alarm, realizing what Sasuke was about to do.
Though it was just a spar, it had been limited to taijutsu. If Sasuke suddenly used an offensive jutsu, Xu Fan could be seriously injured.
Mizuki, on the other hand, had a more complicated reaction.
He had heard rumors about Sasuke's abilities, but for a student to use such an advanced technique…?
Shouldn't his chakra reserves still be too low for that?
Is this the power of a so-called genius?
Mizuki clenched his fists in frustration.
But before Iruka could intervene, Sasuke had already finished forming his hand seals and inhaled deeply.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
Whoosh!
Sasuke exhaled a massive stream of fire, shaping it into a roaring fireball that surged toward Xu Fan.
However…
Something unexpected happened.
Right before Sasuke's eyes, Xu Fan imitated his hand signs—albeit at a slightly clumsy pace.
What is this guy doing?
Is he trying to copy my Fire Style?
Impossible…!
Does he have any idea how long it took me to master this jutsu?!
This wasn't a technique that could simply be copied like that!
But the next moment, Xu Fan completed the hand seals and inhaled deeply.
Whoosh!
A towering inferno erupted from his mouth—his fireball was at least ten times the size of Sasuke's.
The sheer force of it sent Sasuke stumbling backward, his knees buckling as he collapsed onto the ground.
He wasn't alone.
Iruka and Mizuki stood frozen, unable to comprehend what they had just witnessed.
What… what kind of monster is this guy?!
"Iruka-sensei…" Mizuki whispered, his throat dry. "H-how much chakra… does he have…?"