Victory
Moonlight Tornado did not underestimate the incoming shuriken—everyone knew that the Uchiha clan had mastered the art of shurikenjutsu to an unparalleled level. His immediate reaction was to dodge.
However, as the shuriken flew through the air, they suddenly split into two, altering their trajectories unpredictably.
This was a technique known as the Shadow Shuriken, a signature of the Uchiha clan's shuriken prowess. It bore some resemblance to the Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique, an advanced jutsu developed by the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen. However, while the latter was an A-rank ninjutsu derived from the Shadow Clone Technique (B-rank)—capable of creating fully independent duplicates—the former relied on an intricate sleight of hand and misdirection, making two shuriken appear as one until they separated mid-air.
Moonlight Tornado gracefully evaded the initial assault, but Uchiha Mingjing tugged at the thin, elastic wire wrapped around his fingers, recalling the shuriken back toward his opponent. As they returned, the projectiles clashed against one another, unpredictably shifting their flight paths once more.
"Uchiha Style: Shuriken Manipulation Technique!"
Recognizing the danger, Moonlight Tornado swiftly drew the ninjatō from his waist. Channeling his refined kenjutsu, he spun the blade like a windmill, deflecting each projectile with remarkable precision. Without hesitation, he propelled himself forward like an arrow loosed from a bow, lunging straight at Uchiha Mingjing.
His swordsmanship was undeniably solid.
Just as Mingjing prepared to counter with his kunai, Moonlight Tornado's figure vanished from sight.
"The Transparent Escape Technique?"
Kato Dan, observing from the sidelines, narrowed his eyes in intrigue. The Moonlight Clan's secret technique—though not as formidable as Kekkei Genkai—was still a bloodline ability that granted an overwhelming advantage against opponents lacking sensory skills.
At the Genin and even Chūnin level, an ability like this could be a game-changer. If Moonlight Tornado had ranged techniques to complement his stealth, he would already be considered an elite among Genin.
For a moment, it seemed like a battle between a ghostly assassin and a prodigious heir of the Uchiha.
However, Uchiha Mingjing was no ordinary student.
He took a deep breath and focused, his Sharingan flickering to life.
With a single tomoe spinning in his scarlet iris, the world around him slowed. The chakra networks of everyone in the vicinity became visible to him—including the unmistakable outline of Moonlight Tornado, cloaked in a thin film of chakra that granted his invisibility.
Clang!
The sharp sound of colliding steel echoed as Mingjing met Moonlight Tornado's strike mid-air, forcing his opponent to disengage.
Realizing that his stealth was useless against the legendary dōjutsu, Moonlight Tornado dispelled the Transparent Escape Technique, conserving his chakra.
Mingjing, however, couldn't afford to deactivate his Sharingan.
Despite his keen visual perception, the physical gap between them was evident. Moonlight Tornado had graduated two years prior, meaning he was physically superior—stronger, faster, and more experienced in direct combat. Even though the Sharingan revealed flaws in his opponent's stance, Moonlight Tornado was skilled enough to recover instantly, leaving Mingjing unable to capitalize.
"If only I had mastered Sharingan genjutsu…" Mingjing thought. A single glare could have turned the tide.
Unless his opponent was like Might Guy, adept at fighting without direct eye contact, the fight would have already ended.
Mingjing understood that he couldn't sustain this battle much longer—his chakra reserves were already depleted from prolonged Sharingan use. If he continued at this pace, he would be at a disadvantage.
It was time for a decisive move.
Feinting an opening, he baited Moonlight Tornado into a high kick. Just as the leg swung toward him, Mingjing pivoted, delivering a crushing counter-kick to the exposed limb, using the force to propel himself backward.
As he gained distance, his hands flashed through a rapid sequence of seals.
"Si – Wei – Shen – Hai – Wu – Yin!"
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"
A massive, blazing sphere of fire erupted from Mingjing's mouth, rushing toward Moonlight Tornado with unrelenting heat.
His opponent's eyes widened, but as a prodigy of the Moonlight Clan, he had his own countermeasures.
"Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!"
A powerful gust burst forth from Moonlight Tornado's lips, colliding with the incoming inferno.
However, he was a fraction too slow.
By the time his technique took full effect, the fireball was already upon him.
Wind is weak against fire.
While his wind jutsu managed to weaken the flames, it couldn't completely negate them. A bead of sweat trickled down his forehead as he braced for impact.
Before the scorching flames could reach him, a new voice cut through the battlefield.
"Earth Style: Earth Wall!"
A solid rock barrier rose from the ground, shielding Moonlight Tornado just in time. The combined jutsu dissipated as the dust settled.
"This battle ends here."
Kato Dan stepped forward, his decision final. "Uchiha Mingjing is the winner."
Moonlight Tornado opened his mouth to protest, but at that moment, Uchiha Mingjing disappeared—replaced by a wooden log.
"Substitution Jutsu?"
From the shadows, Mingjing reappeared, landing gracefully. "I have no objections. The real question is—do you accept the verdict?"
Moonlight Tornado stared at him for a long moment before exhaling in resignation.
"I accept."
He stepped forward and extended his hand in the traditional Seal of Reconciliation.
"You're something else, Mingjing."
Shaking his head, he smiled wryly. "I thought I was one of the top Genin of my class. Losing to a ninja academy student? My teammates will never let me live this down."
Mingjing chuckled. "You were strong. I was just running on fumes, honestly. If I couldn't outthink you, I would have lost."
Moonlight Tornado patted his shoulder. "A win is a win. Tactics and intelligence are part of being a ninja."
"I hope you become a big deal in the village someday—so I won't feel too bad about losing."
Kato Dan, watching from the sidelines, nodded approvingly. The new generation was growing stronger.
"Si… Sugoi!"
Jingta, a fellow student, gawked at Mingjing. "You actually defeated someone two years your senior?! Mingjing, you're bound to be top of the class in the graduation exams!"
As Mingjing's reputation spread, one thing became clear—
The Uchiha Clan had yet another prodigy rising among them.