Paths

The augmenting effects of using his version of 'Body Flicker', sharpened his senses and reaction time beyond even a fully awakened Sharingan. The continual moulding and expenditure of chakra made every fibre of his physical and mental being feel like it possessed the power of speed.

It was begging to be unleashed and allowed to wreak havoc. Didn't matter who or what. It just wanted out.

Observing Orochimaru, time slowed.

With the intention of piercing straight through Orochimaru's heart with the new kunai he'd taken from his pouch, Fuzen left behind a cloud of dust moving at maximum speed. He kept the radius of the 'Black Sea' purposely small to increase the downward gravitation force on Orochimaru whenever they engaged.

Arriving behind Orochimaru's unprotected back ready to strike, he noticed he'd been led into a trap as paper bombs littered the ground.

Forced to abort the attack yet again, Fuzen intended to retreat but predicting his route of escape, Orochimaru followed and intercepted him in close range combat.

Despite the practice against the best within Root, Fuzen couldn't get the better of Orochimaru.

So, even though Fuzen was quicker and had the faster reaction time, Orochimaru was stronger and had the experience of having been in real combat multiple times.

A couple of exchanges later, Fuzen could tell Orochimaru was growing accustomed to the gravitational force inflicted upon him. He followed none of the conventional patterns of attacking and defending, which made it difficult to ever gain the upper hand against him.

From all the powerful clashes between their kunai, Fuzen's hand was beginning to grow numb and made a crucial mistake by looking down on the hand in question.

Catching his moment of carelessness, Orochimaru took a step back and released a powerful attack, "Wind Release: Great Breach!"

"Shit..."

Caught with his pants down and dick free-swinging in the air, Fuzen took a gamble knowing he couldn't outrun the incoming attack this close.

Not waiting for the torrent of wind to throw him outside the bound of the circle, Fuzen used 'Shadow Walk'. Letting himself get pulled down into the ground by a cloak of darkness and went to the furthest possible spot before attempting to materialize.

However, when he did, Orochimaru was waiting with a sharp kunai held at his throat.

"You lose," Orochimaru licked his lips.

The scenario reminded him of the first time attempt it in Danzo's office, and how it'd gone terribly wrong. This time, however, he did manage to salvage it somewhat.

Shaking his head, Fuzen grinned. "Actually, I'd call it a draw."

"What –" Covering the spot where he stood, Orochimaru found paper bombs.

Having gone over the possible scenarios he'd prepared a spot with paper bombs during their close range fighting. This way he might now win, but at least he would force a draw.

"Payback is a bitch, ain't it?"

Orochimaru removed the kunai from Fuzen's throat and made an eerie cackle. "Indeed, that she is."

Almost drunk on the exhilarating feeling of power experienced during the fight, Fuzen took a moment to steady his mind. This was the first time he'd ever pushed himself this far, and by Chaos, he loved every second of it.

After completing the Seal of Reconciliation, the Anbu team took down the barrier protecting the audience and had successfully isolated the two of them to their own little battlefield.

As it'd been a regenerative barrier, it was impressive how the damage caused by Orochimaru's last attack still hadn't been fixed by the time they removed it. A testament to the power jutsu contained and Fuzen making the correct decision of not taking it head-on.

If this had been a real battle, Fuzen would have teleported further away. Thereby, Orochimaru could never have closed in on him before he was prepared.

"Excellent performance," Hiruzen complimented. "Orochimaru you'll have to improve if you want to stay ahead."

Orochimaru didn't spare the Hokage a single glance and ignored the attempt to rile him up. While in seemingly deep contemplation, he walked out of the examination hall.

"Tsh, what an inconsiderate student!"

Hiruzen looked to the audience and saw a shocked expression plastered on everyone's faces. And he had to agree the boy was indeed terrifying. What made it worse was knowing he wasn't even five years old.

Though he knew Orochimaru hadn't gone all out, Fuzen still displayed an unmatched future potential.

"Are you satisfied? Or do I need to fight another one? Perhaps one of the examiners..."

Fuzen pointed at the female examiner who'd been so outspoken against him.

Having become the target of Fuzen's attention, all blood drained from her face when she thought about what would happen if the Hokage allowed the fight to occur.

With self-preservation in mind, she looked to the Hokage with eyes pleading for mercy.

Fuzen was disgusted. "Pathetic."

"No further spars are needed. I've seen enough to know that you're ready to be deployed to the battlefield." Glancing at the crowd, Hiruzen could see people nodding their heads in agreement and support. Some might still have questions concerning his allegiance, but no one openly opposed his judgement.

"The only question left is where... Most of the new graduates from our Academy are placed on a three-man team led by a more experienced shinobi's." Hiruzen stroked his greying beard. "However, I'm going to allow you to chose between two others as well."

Fuzen waited for Hiruzen to explain. "The second option is to join Anbu, the Special Assassination and Tactical squad of our village, that I believe your skills would be perfect for."

"And the third option is with me in Root, the Foundation of the village." Danzo came out of nowhere and stared at Fuzen with emotionless eyes.

"Oh, so you came Danzo. Are the dramatic entrances of Fuzen rubbing off on you?"

"Like that would ever happen." He disregarded Hiruzen's comment and returned his attention to Fuzen.

The two men with most political power in Konohagakure both waited, interested to hear his answer, and in the audience filled to the brim with the most influential people, quite a few held their breaths in anticipation.