Graduation Day : part 4

After the obstacle course, Iruka led the students to the final part of the taijutsu exam, the combat test. The clearing was now set up with a sparring area marked by wooden boundaries.

Iruka explained that this part of the exam would focus on their ability to apply taijutsu techniques, including strikes, blocks, and evasive maneuvers. The goal to showcase their proficiency in hand-to-hand combat. The combat test aimed to evaluate their understanding of the fundamentals they had learned during their time at the academy.

Iruka, facing the students, declared, "Contrary to what some of you may think, it won't be a peer fight. Today, you're going to either face me or Mizuki."

The announcement brought a mix of surprise and anticipation among the students. They had been tested on various physical skills, but now they were going to face their teachers directly in a simulated combat situation.

The students exchanged whispers and glances, unsure of what to expect. Naruto, with a determined look on his face, mumbled to himself, "This is my chance to show everyone what I can do."

Sasuke, maintaining his calm exterior, gave a cool answer, "This should be interesting",triggering the love eyes of Ino and Sakura,both watching him with dreaming eyes.Shikamaru, looking bothered by the additional challenge, sighed, muttering, "What a drag. Just when I thought we were done."

Seeing the nervous faces of some students, Iruka comforted them, "Remember, it's not required to beat me. What matters is how well you can apply the result of your training. As your teachers,we're here to help you grow as shinobi. Focus on applying your techniques and strategies, and don't be discouraged if things get tough. Use this as an opportunity to learn and improve.

"and don't forget to give it your all ! "

The words provided a sense of reassurance and encouragement to the students, and they nodded in acknowledgment. The clearing buzzed with a mix of determination, anxiety, and excitement as the first student stepped forward to face the instructors.

Iruka, standing firm, gestured for the student to give the seal of confrontation, a customary prelude to a sparring match. As the student initiated the seal, Iruka exchanged a brief glance with Mizuki, silently communicating their readiness to evaluate the student's skills. The tension in the clearing escalated, and the other students watched intently, observing the dynamics of the upcoming confrontation.

The first move belonged to the student named makoto, who lunged forward with a swift strike. Iruka, demonstrating a blend of defensive and evasive maneuvers, expertly countered the attack. Mizuki, in the periphery, observed the student's techniques with a discerning eye, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses.

The exchange continued,in a dance of strikes, blocks, and counters, each movement a testament to the student's training. Iruka,totally at ease, provided occasional feedback, guiding the student in refining his techniques.satisfied with what he has seen,iruka told the student to stop.the student,now taking deep breath of exhaustion,gave the seal of reconciliation,getting the same seal out of iruka,who smiled.

the sparring session concluded, Iruka and Mizuki offered constructive criticism and encouragement to the student. The clearing echoed with the sounds of footsteps as the next student stepped forward, ready to face the instructors in the ongoing taijutsu exam.

Finally,it was sasuke turn.

Sasuke Uchiha, true to his reputation, stepped forward with unparalleled precision and speed. The clearing fell silent as he executed the seal of confrontation, and a wave of anticipation rippled through the onlookers. As he launched his first strike, it became evident that Sasuke possessed a level of skill that left the other students in awe.

His movements were calculated, each strike executed with a fluidity that showcased years of training. Iruka,an experienced instructor, found himself giving all his focus, acknowledging the exceptional display of taijutsu.not wanting to lose to his student,Iruka showed his exceptional mastery of the basics.

Sasuke,appreciating the challenge,his eyes now giving an intense glow, seamlessly weaved between offense and defense, leaving minimal openings for counterattacks.

The clearing became a stage for a masterful performance, and Sasuke's techniques reflected the heritage of the Uchiha clan. The intensity of his exchange with Iruka heightened the suspense, captivating the attention of everyone present. The air buzzed with admiration and respect for Sasuke's prowess.kicks,stricks,hit redirecting,they looked more like dancing than fighting.Sasuke hitting iruka away, the latter suddenly aware of how much effort he was giving,decided to stop,not seeing the point in continuing. giving the signal to sasuke to stop,they both saluted each other with the sign of reconciliation.

The sparring session concluded, Iruka offered brief feedback, recognizing Sasuke's exceptional abilities. The other students, inspired by the Uchiha prodigy, awaited their turns with a renewed sense of determination, knowing that the taijutsu exam was a testament to their growth as aspiring shinobi.

Mizuki, observing from the side, concealed his envy poorly beneath a cold expression. Sasuke's extraordinary talent had ignited a spark of resentment within him. The Uchiha prodigy's prowess and the adoration he received,had drawn jealous feelings of Sasuke's abilities all the more apparent.

As the other students prepared for their turns, Mizuki's gaze turned away Sasuke. The bitter taste of jealousy fueled his desire to make his plan realisation a success ever more.

Unbeknownst to the students, a storm was brewing beneath the surface, and Mizuki's resentment would play a significant role in the events that would unfold during the taijutsu exam.

Mizuki, concealing his discontent, suggested to Iruka that he take a short break after facing Sasuke, a thinly veiled reason to use as a way to vent his frustration on the students

His eyes glinted with a sinister gleam as Naruto's name was called next. With a sinister smile, he loudly summoned Naruto to step forward, anticipation bubbling beneath the surface of his composed exterior. The ominous atmosphere hinted at the approaching storm in Naruto's encounter with the scheming instructor.

The atmosphere in the clearing changed as Naruto,fueled by determination, faced off against Mizuki,the confrontation sign on his hand. Mizuki, concealing his discontent with a harmless smile this time,only made the confrontation sign in return.

Naruto jumped at Mizuki, his resolve evident in his eyes.The clash began, and it quickly became apparent that Naruto's technique and footwork weren't at their best. Despite his lack of coordination, Naruto exhibited good strength and decent speed. Mizuki,with disdain hidden in his eyes, effortlessly countered Naruto's attacks.Kicking Naruto low kick,following it by redirecting his strick away,the giving quick hits to Naruto face.

The onlookers, including Iruka, observed the one-sided confrontation with a mix of concern and anticipation.

As the confrontation continued, Mizuki's irritation became more evident. Naruto, seemingly unfazed by the powerful hits, displayed remarkable stamina and resilience. Mizuki's eyes grew colder with each strike, revealing an undercurrent of anger. Iruka, sensing the escalating tension, frowned and prepared to intervene if needed.

Naruto's determination shone through as he endured Mizuki's onslaught.

Despite his unpolished technique, Naruto's unyielding spirit kept him in the fight. The clearing, once buzzing with excitement, now held a tense air as the students watched the intense exchange between Naruto and Mizuki.

Mizuki, growing increasingly frustrated, intensified his attacks on Naruto. Now fully on the offensive, mizuki rained blows and kicks on naruto,seeminly venting on him.

The students watched in a mix of awe and concern as Naruto absorbed the blows, his determination undeterred. Iruka focused,ready to step in if necessary, couldn't help but feel a twinge of worry for his student.

Naruto's resiliency seemed to provoke Mizuki even further. The clearing became a stage for the clash of wills, with Naruto refusing to back down despite the odds. Mizuki's angry strikes contrasted with Naruto's unrefined yet tenacious fighting style, creating a compelling spectacle for the spectators.

As the confrontation unfolded, whispers spread among the students about Naruto's unexpected endurance and mizuki sudden aggression.

Hinata, watching with a mix of worry and hope, silently cheered Naruto on in her heart. Her gentle eyes reflected a belief in his potential, contrasting with the intensity of the ongoing confrontation.

Sakura and Ino, initially caught up in their rivalry, found themselves momentarily united in shared concern. The fierceness of Naruto's determination left an impression on them, causing a brief truce in their bickering.

Kiba, unable to contain his excitement, shouted enthusiastically, "Go, Naruto! Show 'em what you're made of!" Some of the students, caught up in the unexpected drama, joined in cheering for Naruto, their voices creating a chorus of support amidst the intensity of the confrontation,sensing an underdog story in the making.

Mizuki, however only grew more agitated.His movements becoming sharper and stronger, fueled by a desire to put an end to Naruto's audacious resistance,finding it an insult to him.

Iruka, alarmed by the intensity of Mizuki's assault on Naruto, swiftly called for him, instructing Mizuki to cease the attack, emphasizing that it was going too far."MIZUKI ! STOP ! "

However, Mizuki appeared to dismiss Iruka's plea, continuing the assault with relentless force till,suddenly,he stopped. Mizuki's sudden freeze and the subsequent change in his demeanor left a lingering tension in the clearing. Naruto, still poised for a fight, expressed confusion with an uncertain "ehhh?" Wondering why the test ceased ,when to his mind,victory seemed imminent.

Iruka, having sensed the brief and intense surge of murderous intent, realizing the gravity of the situation, turned his head in a direction as if deciphering the source. His blank expression hinted at a deeper understanding of the unfolding events.

Mizuki, breaking the silence with an eerie smile, informed Naruto that he had passed. Naruto, still wary and puzzled, hesitated to lower his guard.

Meanwhile, Iruka directed a questioning frown at Mizuki, asking what was going on with him, probing the sudden change in the instructor's behavior. The atmosphere remained charged with uncertainty, leaving both Naruto and Iruka on edge.

The students, witnessing Mizuki's aggressive behavior and blatant disregard for Iruka's intervention, grew wary and uneasy. The tension in the clearing escalated, creating an atmosphere of unease and confusion among the onlookers. The abrupt shift in Mizuki's demeanor had cast a shadow over the taijutsu exam, leaving the students uncertain about what might unfold next.The outcome of this silent exchange held implications not only for Naruto's future but also for the dynamics within the academy.

Iruka, with a forced smile, instructed Mizuki to cool off and prepare for the next phase of the exam."Go. You should cool off in the classroom"

As Mizuki begrudgingly retreated, Iruka turned his attention back to the students. Attempting to restore a sense of normalcy, he finished grading the remaining students, all the while maintaining a smile that couldn't quite mask the tension lingering in the air. The students, though relieved that the confrontation had ended, remained on edge.

Sakura Haruno, known for her intelligence and chakra control, showcased textbook taijutsu in the face of combat. While not presenting a formidable challenge, Sakura held her own, leaving a promising impression.

Ino Yamanaka, relying on her crafty mind, approached the fight with a calculated approach. She created openings, evaded attacks,showing very nimble moves,iruka commanded her ability to think on her feet.

Kiba Inuzuka, accompanied by his nin-dog Akamaru, brought a unique dynamic to the battlefield. The duo's coordination provided a good challenge to iruka,giving a good performance.

Hinata Hyuga, initially hesitant, displayed notable improvement in confidence. Her gentle fist strikes left an impression on Iruka, showcasing good progress.

Shikamaru Nara, despite his reputation as a lazy genius, approached the fight with vigilance. showing good dexterity and quick feet, Shikamaru countered attacks with a level of precision that impressed his instructor

Choji Akimichi, relying on his sheer strength and endurance, faced the instructors head-on. His ability to endure attacks demonstrated his resilience in the heat of combat.iruka noticing his kind demeanor,told him to show more determination,and to go more on the offense.

With the physical portion of the test concluded, Iruka addressed the students, offering his minor healing abilities for anyone in need. While not as powerful as some jounin in the village,Iruka is known within the chuunin circles as one of the most well-rounded chuunin around,having a balanced data. Iruka had garnered respect for his proficiency in various shinobi fields.His assignment to teaching the elite class by the Third Hokage at such a young age only fueled envy and jealousy among his fellow teachers. Iruka's diverse skill set, coupled with his unwavering spirit, had earned him a unique standing in the village.

Starting with Naruto, still nursing his wounds from the intense encounter with Mizuki, was astonished to realize how his injuries were inexplicably healing on their own. Iruka, noticing Naruto's spontaneous recovery, gave his student a blank look, his surprise evident on his face. Naruto,now healed, couldn't contain his amazement and expressed a loud "wow," thanking Iruka for what he assumed was the teacher's intervention. Proudly showcasing his healed face to his classmates, Naruto remained unaware that Iruka had barely done anything. With a forced smile, Iruka accepted the applause from the students and proceeded to lead them back to the classroom