Year 6 of Konoha's Founding
Kenichi Sato's Age: 10
Second Day of Final Eliminations – Late August
As the sun rose, six students who qualified for the finals gathered quietly in the academy arena. Eyes filled with anticipation, but not a single smile.
In the center of the field stood Tobirama Senju, holding a scroll bearing the names of the competing teams.
In a clear voice, he said:
> "Today will feature three team battles. The winning team of each match will qualify for the individual rounds tomorrow."
He paused, then read:
1. Team Six vs. Team One
2. Team Five vs. Team Two
3. Team Four vs. Team Three
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First Match: Team Six vs. Team One (Kenichi – Kagami – Dai)
The two teams faced each other in a dense forest. Their opponents were from the renowned Hatake clan, known for their swift and silent swordplay.
"Push from the front. Kagami, stay behind us. I'll cover from the rear," Kenichi said calmly.
Shurikens flew, chakra shimmered in the air, and strikes echoed across the battlefield.
Kenichi used a brief water burst to disorient the enemies. Kagami capitalized on the confusion, while Dai blocked a surprise attack just in time. In a precise throw, Kenichi knocked two enemies down, ending the match in under two and a half minutes.
> "Winner: Team One!"
Behind the glass, one of the defeated team members clenched his fist and muttered:
> "We'll return… and they'll know who we are."
Another glared sharply at Kenichi:
> "This isn't the end…"
---
Second Match: Team Five vs. Team Two (Hiruzen – Homura – Teammate)
The fifth team launched a fiery assault in a rocky arena. Homura threw smoke bombs as a distraction, while Hiruzen used a wind-style jutsu to neutralize the flames.
With coordinated movements and a brilliant tactic, Hiruzen linked the team's actions perfectly and struck at the critical moment.
> "Winner: Team Two!"
One teacher remarked:
> "For someone his age… he's already leading like a true strategist."
---
Third Match: Team Four vs. Team Three (Danzo – Teammates – from Shimura Clan)
In a quiet sandy field surrounded by dunes, the fight began.
Danzo didn't rush in. Instead, he silently signaled his teammates, who laid a perfect trap and executed it after just one minute.
His cold efficiency and lack of hesitation unsettled some observers, though the match didn't last long.
> "Winner: Team Three!"
A teacher whispered:
> "He fights like it's war… not an exam."
---
Aftermath – Defeated Team Reflections
Two members of the fourth team sat under a tree, avoiding each other's gaze.
> "They beat us with a simple plan… We didn't expect that."
> "This wasn't a normal exam. We should've coordinated better."
As Danzo walked past them without a glance, one muttered:
> "If we'd had one more chance… we would've hit them back threefold."
---
Evening – High Council Chamber
Tobirama stood recording on a scroll.
> "Tomorrow, the individual matches begin. Nine combatants remain."
One of the instructors asked:
> "Are we choosing solely based on who wins?"
Tobirama replied:
> "Even if they lose, we will choose the best… Talent isn't measured by victory alone."
---
End of Chapter