Chương 11: Defection
(Edited)
Tobirama soon announced at the Academy that, in three days, he and his brother, Hashirama, would formally select disciples from among the 38 students. Afterward, both of them would devote their time to training these chosen few, leaving no room to teach others. From that point forward, the Konoha Academy would be entrusted to other instructors.
Although the students weren't entirely sure who would be chosen as disciples, many had their guesses. The top performers were the most likely candidates. Those who felt they had no chance of being selected were disappointed. Tobirama was a remarkable teacher, and while the thought of learning from someone else wasn't terrible, no one believed the new teacher would surpass Tobirama's skill.
Despite this, the decision had been made, and the students had no choice but to accept it. Over the next three days, they all studied diligently, knowing it would be their last chance to learn from the brothers. Everyone pushed themselves to absorb as much knowledge as possible.
Fumori Masaki, though he already knew he would be selected as a disciple from his conversations with Hashirama, didn't ease up during these three days. He trained harder than anyone else, showing even greater determination.
Masaki was one of the top students at the Academy, and many believed he had a high chance of becoming a disciple. Initially, this sparked jealousy among his peers, but seeing his relentless effort and dedication, many changed their minds. They began to respect his abilities and work ethic.
Tobirama took note of Masaki's performance and admired him. Tobirama himself was strict with his discipline and had a strong belief in hard work. Masaki's focus and tenacity resonated with him. Tobirama also appreciated Masaki's innovative ideas, which made him stand out even more in his eyes.
In the past, Tobirama believed Sarutobi Hiruzen was the ideal candidate to inherit the future of Konoha—possessing both aptitude and loyalty. However, seeing others like Masaki rising to the occasion made him realize that he might need to observe more carefully. Some students, who hadn't yet fully shown their potential, could reveal their true strength when it mattered most.
The final day of training arrived. Students continued to push themselves, determined to make the most of their last moments under Tobirama's tutelage. That afternoon, at Uchiha Kagami's invitation, Masaki joined him in the practice field. They often sparred without using ninjutsu, relying solely on physical techniques to test each other's skills.
Tobirama always emphasized the importance of taijutsu. No matter how proficient a ninja might be with ninjutsu or genjutsu, a solid foundation in taijutsu was crucial. Skilled physical techniques were essential for evasion and counterattack, and even ninja legends like Hashirama and Madara could cross battlefields with mere weapons in hand.
Masaki hadn't neglected his physical training either. Like the others, he understood the importance of taijutsu and regularly engaged in sparring sessions without ninjutsu.
The Fumori clan traditionally wielded short blades, and Masaki chose a practice blade of that same shape. At the Academy, all weapons used were blunted for safety, unlike the sharp, custom-made ones used by clans, which could cause serious injuries. Uchiha Kagami, on the other hand, selected a sickle, one of Uchiha Madara's favored weapons.
Madara was renowned for his mastery of dual-wielding—a fan and a sickle. He hoped Kagami, as his heir, would adopt a similar fighting style. The fan, an heirloom of the Uchiha clan, would eventually be passed down to Kagami as well.
Masaki and Kagami faced off in the practice field, exchanging the traditional sign of respect before raising their weapons. Kagami activated his Sharingan, the black tomoe patterns spinning in his crimson eyes. This powerful bloodline ability allowed him to anticipate Masaki's movements with incredible precision.
Though the sage marks on Masaki's body remained hidden under his clothing, Kagami's Sharingan sensed the unusual chakra flow within his friend. He had seen this before and had even asked Masaki about it. Masaki had explained it was a unique chakra concentration method but kept further details secret, citing the confidentiality of the technique. Kagami had never pressed the issue.
Now, as Masaki adjusted his breathing, the Sage Chakra surged through his body. Without warning, Masaki vanished from Kagami's sight.
But Kagami remained calm. With his Sharingan, he had already predicted Masaki's movement. He turned just in time to block Masaki's attack with his sickle.
Masaki didn't hesitate. His blade shifted subtly, gliding along the sickle's edge, aiming for Kagami. Caught off guard by the swift adjustment, Kagami leaned back to avoid the strike and retaliated with a quick kick.
Masaki blocked the kick but was forced backward. Kagami somersaulted, then charged forward, sickle raised.
The spectators around the practice field gathered to watch. The matches between Masaki and Kagami were always a spectacle. Even though they knew they should be focusing on their own training, they couldn't resist watching the intense battle unfold. It was rare for anyone to match Kagami in taijutsu, given the advantage of his Sharingan. Even Sarutobi Hiruzen struggled against him, but Masaki held his ground.
The clash of blades and sickle was rapid and relentless. Onlookers watched in awe as the two exchanged blows, their movements almost too fast to follow. Only top students like Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo could confidently predict how the match would unfold.
Hiruzen, watching from the sidelines, was surprised by Masaki's growth. Over the past few months, Masaki had improved significantly, becoming even more formidable than he had anticipated.
The match continued with neither side gaining a clear advantage. Their weapons locked together in a final clash, both competitors panting from exertion.
"This is enough," Masaki said. "If we keep going, we won't find a winner."
"Yeah," Kagami agreed, feeling his stamina waning. They stepped back, sheathed their weapons, and exchanged the seal of reconciliation to signify the match's end.
"Great match, you two!" Hiruzen said, clapping. "Masaki, you're really impressive. Honestly, I'm itching to spar with you. How about a match sometime?"
"Anytime you want," Masaki replied with a smile.
"Sounds good," Hiruzen said. "Though, as Kagami hinted, we'll probably have plenty of opportunities in the future."
"That's true," Hiruzen nodded. "Tomorrow, when Tobirama-sensei announces his disciples, I have a feeling you'll be one of them, Masaki. Looks like we'll be in the same group."
"I suppose we'll find out soon enough," Masaki said modestly.
As Hiruzen and Danzo prepared for their own sparring match, Masaki and Kagami stepped aside to rest. The two had become close friends over time, sharing a deep bond.
Just then, another student approached Kagami, looking anxious. "Kagami-kun, I just heard something shocking. You need to return to your clan to confirm it."
"What's going on?" Kagami asked, his brow furrowed. Masaki, sensing something was wrong, grew tense.
The student hesitated before speaking, his voice shaky. "I don't know if it's true, but people are saying… that Madara-sama has defected from the village."
Kagami stood up abruptly, his usually calm demeanor replaced by a cold fury. "That's impossible. Madara-sama would never betray the village. He loves Konoha more than anyone. There must be some mistake!"
Masaki, concerned for his friend, gently pulled him back. "Are you sure about this?" he asked the student.
"I don't know for certain," the student replied, "but people are talking about it in the streets. I thought Kagami-kun should check with his family."
Kagami's fists clenched, his face contorted with disbelief. "This can't be true... Madara-sama named this village himself. Why would he ever abandon it?"
He looked to Masaki, who nodded in silent support. Kagami hesitated for a moment before deciding to return home and find out the truth.
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