On the training ground, Rasa, Pakura, and Hii Kōri each stood at one corner, forming the Rival Seal toward the other two in their field of view.
This was a ninja sparring ceremonial hand sign. Before training or matches, form the seal with the right hand. Afterward, both extend their "Rival Seals" and join them into the "Reconciliation Seal"—symbolizing they remain comrades.
No matter how much you hate someone, greetings are indispensable—even the Kojiki says so. (No it doesn't.)
Even among Tsuchigumo ninja, there exists the "shake hands, shake both hands" etiquette—undoubtedly true! (Stop making things up.)
But with three people, can't form the Reconciliation Seal...
Thinking this, Hii Kōri inexplicitly felt like laughing.
"Ready... begin!"
As other students retreated to safe distance, Misawa returned to the training ground and shouted.
"Wind Release: Flurry of air."
Before his voice faded, Rasa formed several hand seals, casually unleashing Wind Release.
A simple technique with no lethality—merely moving air. Generally useless, but in Sunagakure's sandy environment, it could exceed its cost in value.
Accumulated dust on the training ground lifted on multiple air currents, rapidly spreading dust that obstructed vision.
Adapting to local conditions—this tactical thinking was more valuable than powerful techniques in this era.
Killing wasn't difficult. Even kids with kunai could manage. But using minimal resources for optimal effect, defeating stronger opponents, or at least retreating safely—that's what most ninja should consider.
Even if caught in random AoE, the first to die were those blindly charging forward.
Well, if genin indistinguishable from cannon fodder had such clear thinking, they'd qualify for logistics early on. No need to struggle on front lines from the start.
Pakura, apparently accustomed to Rasa's opening move, clicked her tongue lightly, retreated on light feet, and produced two kunai from her tool pouch.
Hii Kōri stood motionless as if caught off-guard. Pakura felt somewhat disappointed.
But watching from outside, Karura felt quite relieved. Knowing Hii Kōri's sensory abilities, she doubted he'd struggle against such techniques.
Even she could handle it.
Sand Manipulation?
Seeing Rasa genuinely vanish in the dust, Hii Kōri first showed surprise, then recalled Sunagakure's famous technique system.
Though the Second Kazekage-developed techniques emphasized attack range, Sand Manipulation applications weren't so narrow.
"Like covering your body with sand to hide within the dust, right?"
Hii Kōri slightly turned, as if explaining to someone. The next moment, he raised his knee while his elbow swung with fierce force contrasting him calm tone toward the knee's direction.
"Tch!"
A short, annoyed tongue click came from "empty space." A clear air flow swept past; Hii Kōri's knee and elbow struck nothing.
Having witnessed him literally sending his peers flying, Rasa dared not take that hit.
Against Pakura, he'd risk trading blows. But Hii Kōri landing that? Elimination.
As Hii Kōri noted, Rasa had used exactly that method to conceal himself. He'd planned to test Hii Kōri with a "first-time killer" move—didn't expect immediate detection.
Tactically, Rasa's choice was impeccable. His only oversight: Hii Kōri possessed sensor talent—exceptional even among sensors.
Simultaneously, a kunai thrust from behind.
After two months as sparring partners, both thought alike.
Seeing the kunai at nearly unavoidable distance, Pakura—having silently approached—suddenly lunged.
One arm and one leg had exhausted momentum—too late to change, too early to generate new force. Such an opening, plus attacks from two directions—Pakura could almost assert—
"Got him."
"Not quite."
Hii Kōri enjoyed shattering such unrealistic fantasies.
His supposedly track-locked arm and knee suddenly snapped back as if swung open by something. Using that inexplicable force, he twisted, grabbed the incoming kunai, and kicked toward lunging Pakura.
The spinning red-haired boy stirred a violent whirlpool in the dust, voice distorted by rapid motion.
Pakura, seeking to exploit his opening, now found herself riding a tiger with no dismount. Mid-air with no leverage, she hastily crossed her arms before her and—
Flew awkwardly from the dust cloud, slamming hard into the training ground fence.
"Hiss—"
Her exposed back marked red by the chain-link, Pakura hissed in pain.
Back didn't matter. If not for chakra reinforcement, that kick might've broken both arms.
Kunai clashing, bodies colliding, pained grunts—she distinguished sounds from the battlefield, judging Rasa was also getting beaten. Mood slightly balanced.
Damn, this guy's strength is insane?
But she wouldn't quit so easily. Silently complaining, the panther-like girl crouched low, melting back into the dust.
If Hii Kōri knew her rant, he'd probably laugh.
Why do you think the Senju competed equally with the Uchiha—whose kids could awaken Sharingan—during the Warring States Period? Obviously their absurd physique—all musclemen.
As documented relatives—close kin—of the Senju, Uzumaki's physique was equally formidable.
Even without Yang Release training, his pure-blooded Uzumaki body was overwhelmingly superior to his peers.
Sir, I was born with super strength!