Chapter 64: The True Essence of Staying Low-Key

Chapter 64: The True Essence of Staying Low-Key

"Tonari, ninja tools proficiency test: nine bullseyes and one in the eighth ring, total score of 98. Pass!"

"Tonari, Three Basic Jutsu - Clone Technique test: one perfect clone, score 95. Pass!"

"…"

Tonari breezed through the foundational tests with ease, intentionally holding back to avoid standing out. If the Cloud shinobi decided to challenge someone, better they challenge someone else. He had no desire to become a target.

Under the disapproving glare of Instructor Nakae Ichida, Tonari simply shrugged and returned to his place in line.

While others were striving to impress, hoping to leave a strong impression on the Third Hokage and secure a good team placement with a skilled leader, Tonari knew better. Unless you were concealing your true talents to make a shocking reveal, your fate in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes was already decided.

Showing off now would only attract the attention of the three Cloud shinobi watching from the stands. The more you stood out, the higher the chance of being challenged.

Why seek unnecessary trouble? Staying in the background is better.

---

Kushina, puzzled by Tonari's unusually subdued performance, managed to score full marks in the first two rounds. She wasn't alone—several other students, like Inuzuka Tsume from their class, also achieved top scores.

Despite her feline tendencies clashing with Tonari's dog-centric Inuzuka Clan, even Tonari couldn't deny Tsume's strength and potential.

With so many students scoring high, Tonari's restrained performance made him seem even less remarkable—a sentiment echoed by the Cloud shinobi, who had already dismissed him as filler.

"Dikai, let me go first. I might not even need your help; I'll finish them all myself," said Gitai, a well-built, muscular shinobi from the Cloud team, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"Do as you like," Dikai replied nonchalantly. Compared to Gitai's imposing physique, Dikai's slim build created a stark contrast. Yet, Gitai's deference to him suggested a strong undercurrent of respect.

The third member, Kinei, a female shinobi, hesitated to speak but ultimately chose to remain silent, seeing that Dikai had no objections.

---

Meanwhile, the graduation exam moved to its third round.

Students who passed the first two rounds drew lots for one-on-one battles. The goal wasn't necessarily victory but to showcase skills and earn the teachers' approval. Winning was secondary; what mattered was demonstrating strength and potential.

Standing in the arena, Tonari faced off against an opponent so unremarkable he couldn't even recall their name.

Clearly, he thought, this is Sarutobi-sensei's way of showing kindness.

"Perfect. I'll just play along and pass without stirring up any trouble. Message received loud and clear, Hokage-sama."

Tonari suppressed a grin.

"Tonari-kun, hello. I'm..." His opponent, visibly nervous, began introducing himself.

"Hi! I know you—you're 'Background Character A'!" Tonari cut him off with a casual wave.

"..." The boy froze, unsure whether to be offended or relieved.

Reaching into his pouch, Tonari realized he'd left his signature blade behind to avoid drawing attention from the Cloud ninjas. Instead, he carried only a yellow sachet, but against this opponent, he figured it didn't matter.

"Start!" Ichida's voice rang out.

Immediately, Tonari created two Shadow Clones that charged at his opponent.

Seeing three identical figures rushing him, Background Character A took a deep breath. Though nervous, he had been trained for six years at the academy. He gripped a kunai tightly and assumed a defensive stance.

Ichida, watching from the sidelines, nodded approvingly. The boy's courage in the face of Tonari's fearsome reputation was admirable.

Good luck, kid!

---

Tonari and his clones reached the boy in seconds, launching a flurry of attacks. To everyone's surprise, Background Character A managed to fend them off.

Wait a minute... am I... stronger than I thought?

Gaining confidence, the boy shifted from defense to offense, countering with wide, bold movements.

Ichida, however, was unamused. This brat... Is he seriously playing weak?

The instructor's forehead creased in frustration. He's been sandbagging this whole time! Teaching this kid is infuriating!

One by one, Tonari's clones were destroyed, dissolving into puffs of smoke. Background Character A's confidence soared.

I'm doing it! I'm about to defeat Tonari, the supposed "demon" of the academy! I'll be a hero!

He seized an opening and lunged with his kunai.

"I've won!" he shouted triumphantly.

But just as his kunai was about to connect, Tonari's hands clapped together, trapping the blade in his palms.

Barehanded block?

Stunned, Background Character A barely registered Tonari's apologetic smile.

"Sorry, man."

Before he could process the words, he felt a chill down his spine. Turning slowly, he saw the real Tonari behind him, crouched low in a familiar stance.

---

The audience collectively winced.

Girls turned away, shielding their eyes, while some boys crossed their legs instinctively. Even the stoic Uchiha Yoshinari winced, phantom pain creeping through him.

"Hidden Leaf Secret Taijutsu Technique: Thousand Years of Death!" Tonari declared.

BOOM!

Background Character A was launched into the air, landing face-down in the classic "humiliated bird" pose. His face buried in the dirt, tears streaming down his cheeks, he realized... he had made a grave mistake.

---

The crowd fell silent.

"Too brutal..." someone muttered.

Boys shuddered, thankful it wasn't them.

Meanwhile, Tonari clutched his chest dramatically and dropped to one knee. "Ugh... he was... too strong. I'm injured... Sensei, call the medics!"

Ichida's eye twitched.

"Kid, he didn't even touch you."

The students gawked, dumbfounded by Tonari's shameless act.

---

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