In the apartment…
"This level of strength is impressive, but something still feels off. Is it because the fusion isn't complete, or because Tsunade's suppressants dampened the First's cells' activity?"
Shinji pondered silently.
Unlike the outside world's assumption that he was under immense pressure from Yakumo's impending challenge, he was, at that moment, calmly assessing Yakumo's post-surgery condition in his apartment.
To others, Yakumo—who'd completed the transplant surgery—was a rising star, poised to single-handedly reshape the shinobi academy's hierarchy by toppling its four geniuses one by one.
But in Shinji's eyes, while Yakumo's post-surgery performance was excellent, it lacked a certain wow factor!
He'd been one of the participants in her surgery.
He even understood the First's cells' power better than Yakumo herself. Back then, to suppress those cells, he'd unleashed his Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan without holding back, barely managing to subdue them through 'Wazunagi.'
So, in his view, Yakumo—having survived the surgery—should be performing far more spectacularly than she was now.
"Maybe she's still holding back!"
Shinji reined in his thoughts.
Anyway, tomorrow Yakumo would likely challenge him, and then he could personally test her true post-surgery state.
Only by confirming Yakumo's real condition could he refine or tweak Tsunade's surgical plan, making it more efficient and safer for use on Karin and himself.
The next morning…
The shinobi academy's training field was unusually lively. Besides the students at morning practice, many of their parents and academy instructors had arrived early.
Surveying the bustling field, Shikamaru sighed lightly, "Man, it's down to just Shinji now…"
Ino beside him said, "Yeah, if even Shinji loses, Yakumo'll be the undisputed top of our class!"
Choji, munching on bread, asked, "Shikamaru, will Shinji lose?"
Shikamaru thought seriously for a moment, then shook his head, "Hard to say. But Yakumo beat Sasuke and the others so easily—Shinji might just fall to her too this time."
On the other side…
Sasuke stared intently at the school gate, muttering, "Why aren't they here yet!"
Sakura asked, "Sasuke, who are you waiting for?"
Sasuke replied, "Obviously Shinji and Yakumo, those two! They know everyone's waiting, and they're still this late!"
Naruto scratched his head, "I thought I'd gotten pretty strong already, but Yakumo's improving even faster than me!"
"Yeah, I'm so jealous of Yakumo. If only I could apprentice under Lady Tsunade too!" Pausing, Sakura asked Sasuke, "Sasuke, who do you want to win?"
Sasuke said, "Shinji can't lose!"
Naruto asked, "But Yakumo's gotten so strong—can Shinji even beat her?"
Sasuke fell silent.
Over the past two days, he'd mulled it over repeatedly and realized beating Yakumo wasn't easy. If even he—with his awakened Sharingan—couldn't do it, he figured it'd be even harder for Shinji, who hadn't awakened his yet.
On a tree outside the campus…
Swish.
With a gust, Tsunade's figure appeared.
Kakashi greeted, "Lady Tsunade!"
Jiraiya, leaning against the trunk, grinned, "Tsunade, I thought you wouldn't show up today!"
"There's no suspense in this fight! Uchiha Shinji's talent might be decent, but he's no match for Yakumo." Shaking her head, Tsunade added, "I only came today to see why Yakumo insisted on saving Uchiha Shinji for her last challenge."
At the shinobi academy gate…
Shinji, arriving for school, and Yakumo happened to meet right at the entrance, their gazes naturally locking.
"They ran into each other right at the gate!"
"Quick, go tell the others!"
"I'm so excited!"
Seeing this, the surrounding students buzzed with excitement.
Yakumo's stunning comeback had reached its final moment. If she could defeat the last one, Shinji, this former dead-last would complete her sweep of the academy's geniuses.
Soon, the crowd waiting on the field heard the news and rushed toward the gate, joined by some parents and instructors in the mix.
Yakumo and Shinji both ignored the surrounding clamor.
Yakumo stared steadily at Shinji, recalling the time she'd asked him to guide her training, her heart swirling with emotion, "I never thought I'd stand here so soon, challenging you as an equal!"
Shinji smiled, "We've always been equals."
Yakumo said, "Another location?"
"Hm." Agreeing, Shinji added, "This time, it might get a bit loud, so I'll pick the spot!"
"Alright!"
Yakumo nodded.
After settling it, Shinji exhaled, activating his 'Body Flicker Technique' and 'Breathing Method.' With a whoosh, he sped off at an unbelievable pace.
Yakumo froze for a split second, then chased after him with all her might.
"What's happening?"
"Where'd they go?"
"Was that the 'Body Flicker Technique'? That's way too fast!"
"Just two academy kids, and they're this quick?"
The crowd was floored by Shinji and Yakumo's speed. Not just the students—even many parents and instructors couldn't help but gasp in awe.
"Heh, those two brats!"
Jiraiya chuckled, then flickered out of sight.
Kakashi followed silently.
"That Uchiha kid's that fast?"
Tsunade frowned, muttering to herself before joining them.
Shinji, racing at full speed, glanced back and saw Yakumo keeping up. The corner of his mouth ticked upward.
The purpose of this duel was to test Yakumo's post-surgery condition, and speed was undoubtedly a key factor.
"How's his 'Body Flicker Technique' this fast?!"
Yakumo, struggling to keep pace behind Shinji, felt ripples in her heart. She genuinely hadn't expected Shinji to be this swift.
Amid their chase, with villagers exclaiming in shock, the two darted through Hidden Leaf's streets and alleys, arriving at the Forest of Death on the village's edge.
Deep in the primeval forest's towering canopy, Shinji finally stopped, "Here's good!"
Yakumo, panting lightly twice, steadied herself and said, "Perfect. Fighting here, no one will interrupt us!"
"I told you, we've always been equals. So don't hold anything back—show me everything you've got!"
Shinji spread his arms.
Nothing tested Yakumo's Koryugan and post-surgery state better than real combat.
"Shinji, I hate that casual attitude of yours! Your so-called equality is just you looking down on me. What I want is your respect!"
By the end, Yakumo lunged at Shinji ferociously.