Chapter 13 - First Year 04.

[Chapter Size: 1900 Words.]

Third Person POV

Ninja Academy, Konoha, Year 32.

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After the kunai throwing session, the teacher decided to shift the focus of the training to hand-to-hand combat. It was an essential part of ninja training, teaching not just fighting techniques but also how to react under pressure, assess opponents, and quickly adapt to varied situations. The children gathered, some eager, others apprehensive, but all aware that this would be a test of their physical and mental abilities.

"Let's test your combat skills," announced the teacher. "It's not just about strength, but strategy, agility, and effective use of your environment. Remember, the goal is not to severely injure your opponent, but to demonstrate control and technique."

The students were paired up, and the training field quickly transformed into a whirlwind of activity. Minato was paired with a classmate he only knew by sight. Although not as physically imposing as some of the other students, there was a clear determination in their eyes.

As the fight began, Minato focused on observing and reacting. He knew his physical abilities were strong, but he was also aware that hand-to-hand combat was unpredictable and that any overconfidence could be quickly undone. He moved with agility, defending against his opponent's attacks and looking for opportunities to counterattack.

Around him, the training area was full of action. Some fights were quick and decisive, while others were prolonged tests of endurance and skill. Shouts of encouragement and frustration could be heard mixed with the sound of rapid footsteps and strikes.

Minato, using his superior strength and speed, began to gain an advantage in his fight. He dodged attacks gracefully and responded with controlled strikes, always careful not to cause serious injury. He could feel fatigue beginning to affect his opponent, but instead of using that to end the fight quickly, he slowed down, allowing both to have a longer, more analytical training.

At the end of the exercise, Minato emerged victorious, but his spirit of camaraderie remained intact. "It was a good fight," he said, extending his hand in a gesture of friendship and respect.

"Thank you... I guess..." the classmate responded, still catching their breath, but clearly grateful for Minato's consideration.

It was then that the teacher intervened, deciding to raise the level of challenge for Minato. "Minato, fight against Shikaku," he announced, referring to Shikaku Nara, known for his intelligence and strategic skills, as well as his characteristic laziness.

"Such a drag... Go easy. I don't want to go home hurt," Shikaku spoke in a typically bored tone of his clan. Minato sighed, understanding the reluctant nature of his new opponent, but also recognizing the opportunity to learn from someone whose skills were more mental than physical.

The ensuing fight was an interesting contrast to the previous one. Shikaku, despite his lazy demeanor, was a cunning opponent, using his shadow jutsu to try and control and predict Minato's movements. Minato, in turn, had to adapt his fighting style, relying less on brute force and more on speed and strategy to overcome Shikaku's deceptive techniques.

Eventually, the cat-and-mouse game began to wear on Shikaku, who clearly preferred activities that required less physical effort. With an exaggerated yawn and a look conveying a mix of boredom and mild irritation, he finally backed off.

"Such a drag... That's enough," Shikaku announced, his voice laden with boredom as he put his hands in his pockets and slowly walked away. "I'm not interested in getting hurt just to prove a point. You win, Minato Namikaze." His casual attitude and lack of interest in continuing the fight didn't surprise Minato, who knew the Nara clan's reputation for preferring mind over muscle.

Minato, watching Shikaku walk away, sighed lightly, a mix of relief and disappointment in his chest. He understood and respected Shikaku's decision, but at the same time, longed for a challenge that would truly test his abilities. His attention, however, was quickly diverted by a commotion around.

"Oww, look at them!" An excited child's voice cut through the air, followed by murmurs and glances pointed towards another part of the training area. Curious, Minato turned to see what was attracting so much attention.

At the center of the training track, Tsuna Senju and Mikoto Uchiha stood face to face, ready to begin their own fight. It was a scene that captured attention: on one side, Tsuna, known for her physical strength and the fierce determination that ran in her Senju blood; on the other, Mikoto, with her speed and agility that made her a formidable opponent, distinctive traits of the Uchiha clan.

As the fight began, the difference between their approaches became evident. Mikoto moved like a blur, her steps quick and light, almost dancing around Tsuna, who, in turn, responded with powerful and decisive movements. Each of Tsuna's strikes was a demonstration of pure strength, while each of Mikoto's dodges was a testament to her exceptional speed.

The fight between them was like a ballet of contrasts: strength against speed, power against agility. The other children watched in silence, some cheering, others merely absorbing every move, every tactical decision.

Minato, in particular, also watched the fight attentively, hoping to absorb something from the different fighting styles, even though his style was more like Mikoto's, favoring speed.

The fight made all other bouts stop to watch the exchange of fists between the girls, each strike, each dodge was made by two of the class's leading geniuses.

In the end, the fight ended in a draw with the interference of the teacher.

"You managed to get out unscathed this time, Uchiha," Tsuna spoke arrogantly.

"You were lucky, Senju. Next time won't be so easy..." Mikoto spoke with a small smile.

Meanwhile, the teacher continued the fights.

"Let's continue the fights. Minato, fight against Chōza Akimichi," the teacher instructed, and Minato nodded.

Chōza Akimichi would not just be a member of the renowned Akimichi clan, known for their ability to manipulate their size and weight, which gave them a significant advantage in terms of strength and defense, but also the future patriarch of the clan like Shikaku. Minato knew that this fight would be a true test of his abilities, facing an opponent with such unique and powerful potential and capacity.

As they positioned themselves, Minato assessed Chōza, trying to plan a strategy. He knew brute force wouldn't be enough and that he would need to use his speed and agility to try to circumvent Chōza's defense.

The fight began with Chōza immediately utilizing his body strength, jumping on top of Minato to slow his movement. Minato, moving quickly, tried to find a weak point, a moment of opening. He dodged Chōza's powerful blows, each capable of causing serious damage if it hit.

Minato managed to land a few strikes, but soon realized that his damage was minimal due to Chōza's impressive natural defense. Each attack Minato made seemed only to make Chōza more determined. The Akimichi used his strength trying to unbalance Minato and force him into a vulnerable position.

The fight continued, with Minato striving to maintain agility, but fatigue began to set in. Each dodge and run consumed his energy, and he could feel his pace slowing down. Chōza, noticing this, intensified his attacks, becoming increasingly confident of his victory.

Finally, in a critical moment, Minato stumbled, a fraction of a second of hesitation that was enough for Chōza to take advantage. With a quick and powerful move, Chōza managed to hit Minato, sending him to the ground with a surprising impact.

Minato lay there, panting and defeated, but not discouraged. He knew that each defeat was a lesson, a moment of learning to become stronger. Slowly getting up, he faced Chōza with a look of respect. "Good fight," he said sincerely, acknowledging his opponent's skill.

Chōza offered his hand to help Minato up. "You fought well too," he replied, a sign of mutual respect between the two.

The teacher, observing the end of the fight, noted the results and moved on to the next combatants.

Minato's next opponent had a mocking and confident look. "I'm Akame Uchiha, I'll defeat you easily as any Uchiha would, civilian!" The boy taunted, clearly underestimating Minato due to his lack of a renowned clan and by his natural Uchiha pride. Minato, in turn, rolled his eyes, not letting himself be intimidated by Akame's provocative words.

Both positioned themselves in the makeshift ring for the fight, under the watchful eye of the teacher and peers. The fight began, and immediately it was clear that Akame had more training. His stance was firmer, his movements more fluid and confident. He advanced quickly, trying to dominate Minato with a series of agile moves. Minato, in turn, remained focused, dodging Akame's attacks and trying to find an opening.

Despite his lack of formal training, Minato had an iron determination and a natural ability to adapt quickly. He observed every move of Akame, learning and anticipating. However, Akame's skill and confidence were palpable, and he seemed to have control of the fight.

But then, in the heat of the moment and perhaps due to overconfidence, Akame made a mistake. In a particularly arrogant move, he attempted a bolder strike, hoping to finalize the fight with style. It was the slip that Minato was waiting for. He saw the opening created by Akame's arrogance and, with a quick movement, took advantage of the chance.

Minato, using his agility, circled around Akame and, with a surprisingly strong push for a boy his age, launched Akame out of the ring. It was a simple but effective move, executed at the exact right moment.

Akame fell to the ground with a dull thud, his expression mixing surprise and confusion. For a moment, the ring was in sepulchral silence, all those present absorbing the unexpected outcome of the fight. Minato, standing, still catching his breath after the effort, felt a wave of realization. He had faced a considerable challenge and emerged victorious.

"It was a good fight," the teacher finally broke the silence, praising both competitors. His voice carried a tone of respect and a slight touch of surprise, reflecting the reaction of the spectators.

"I should have won that fight!" Akame protested, his voice tinged with arrogance and a touch of resentment. He was still on the ground, looking incredulously at Minato.

"Yes, but you're very careless..." Mikoto commented, an evident mockery in her voice as she watched the scene with crossed arms. She couldn't help but point out the flaw that had cost Akame the fight.

"Tsk." Akame clicked his tongue in frustration, clearly dissatisfied with how things had unfolded.

The teacher, seizing the moment as a teaching opportunity, addressed all the students. "Remember, a ninja always has to be attentive, Akame. I hope you learn from this. And Minato, congratulations on using the disadvantages of a stronger opponent," he praised. His words served as a reminder that cunning and perception were as important as brute strength on the path of a ninja.

With that, the class came to an end. The students, still discussing the fights and their outcomes, began to go their separate ways. Minato, with the fresh victory in his mind, decided to use the rest of the afternoon for further training. He knew that each victory was just one step in his journey and that there would always be more to learn and more challenges to face. Determined and focused, he headed to the training field, ready to continue honing his skills and preparing for the future.

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