Since it was Danzo who sent him, I… absolutely cannot win!
A thoughtful look flashed in Yukigetsu’s eyes, but his hands didn’t stop moving as they exchanged a few more rapid blows. His resistance grew weaker, and finally, he stumbled, his whole body wavering as the enemy’s kunai sliced through the leaves, aiming for his neck.
Swish!
His eyes widened in apparent terror, though within them, a glimmer of resolve shone. His right hand formed into a sword sign; even if he miscalculated, he was confident in counterattacking before being killed.
Never do anything without certainty—that was his creed.
The opponent’s kunai gleamed menacingly, seemingly about to pierce his throat. But Yukigetsu keenly noticed the kunai’s speed decreasing sharply. He immediately relaxed his right hand, simultaneously feeling a slight relief.
Swish.
Sure enough, the kunai halted firmly at his neck without advancing an inch further.
Yukigetsu and the masked ninja locked eyes, the atmosphere momentarily tense…
Step. Step.
At that moment, a figure emerged from behind the trees, stepping on fallen leaves. His right arm was slung across his chest, wrapped in white bandages, even covering his right eye. He walked with a shuffling gait, like a frail old man.
However, Yukigetsu dared not relax at all, for this was the representative of Konoha’s dark side, the leader of the Root, Shimura Danzo.
This man had built an extensive network of spies and assassins throughout the shinobi world. His cunning and power were such that even the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, couldn’t afford to clash with him openly.
Danzo was known for achieving his goals by any means necessary, making Yukigetsu extremely cautious. Moreover, Danzo had placed a Binding Curse Mark on him.
Shimura Danzo looked at the young man before him without any expression, not even blinking.
Six years had passed, and the murderous aura that once emanated from this child had vanished. The blood-red eyes that had once impressed even Danzo were no longer visible. Such a fine weapon… If only he could have extracted some chakra back then, Danzo wouldn’t have discarded him so easily…
Danzo waved his hand casually. The masked ninja nodded slightly before disappearing in a flash.
Freed from the grip, Yukigetsu immediately put away his kunai and respectfully knelt down, lowering his head. “Lord Danzo.”
“Bloodclad…” Danzo called out Yukigetsu’s former codename, a hint of disappointment in his eyes. “You can extract chakra now, but your strength has diminished.”
Yukigetsu remained bowed, his body unmoving. “Yes, I have disappointed you, Lord Danzo.”
Seeing Yukigetsu as obedient as he had been six years ago, Danzo’s eyes narrowed slightly, satisfied.
He recalled how Hiruzen seemed to value this child highly. Recently, the people monitoring Yukigetsu disappeared, likely because of Hiruzen’s orders. This was why Danzo had come to test him, to see what qualities Hiruzen saw in him.
However, once a member of the Root, always a member of the Root. Danzo’s subordinates would always obey his commands. No matter how high Yukigetsu’s achievements were, even if Hiruzen told him how to reverse the Binding Curse Mark, the initial imprint of obedience to Danzo would prevent him from ever betraying him.
Since coveting the Hokage’s position, Danzo had been steadily weakening the Third Hokage’s power. Now, seeing that Hiruzen might be getting senile and misjudging things, Danzo felt a bit of satisfaction.
Ordinary children raised in the Root constantly instilled with obedience, might indeed follow Danzo’s commands for life. His grasp of human nature was precise.
However, Yukigetsu came from Earth; he had his own thoughts. Moreover, Danzo was the one who caused Tsunade decades of pain and was the reason for Yukigetsu’s separation from his mother. Yukigetsu had long marked him as a target for death. His current obedience was merely to lull Danzo into a false sense of security.
“Bloodclad, Hiruzen values you. You must gain his trust. I will have tasks for you in the future.”
Having tested enough and seeing nothing in Yukigetsu that piqued his interest, Danzo seemed disinterested and casually instructed before turning to leave. He didn’t consider the possibility that Yukigetsu might have been holding back; after all, it was a life-or-death situation. He didn’t believe anyone would hide their skills in the face of death.
Yukigetsu respectfully agreed. Only after Danzo’s figure disappeared did he slowly stand up, a mocking smile on his lips, then quickly headed towards the ninja academy.
When I surpass you, Danzo, be ready to take my thirty-six slashes, hitting all vital points. Let’s see if you can withstand it, old man!
…
The ninja academy was packed with people.
Yukigetsu finally squeezed into the B-Class area, instantly hearing several excited shouts.
“Leader, you’re finally here!”
“Leader, good luck.”
He greeted everyone and sat beside Choji, who was munching on snacks. With his mouth full, Choji said, “Yukigetsu, this time, our B-Class is counting on you.”
Yukigetsu chuckled softly, his eyes on the arena.
Although the graduation exam hadn’t officially started, some students, eager to show off, were already sparring on the surrounding platforms.
As Yukigetsu watched the scene with mild interest, a commotion behind him caught his attention. A sweet scent wafted through the air, and a slender, graceful figure appeared beside him, her voice playful. “Hey!”
Yukigetsu turned slightly, seeing Ino standing next to him. Dressed in a purple outfit, her pretty face and bouncing blonde ponytail attracted many admiring glances.
Ino was beautiful and had a good temperament, making her the undisputed school beauty of the ninja academy. At least, Hinata couldn’t compare to her yet. Ino always drew fiery gazes wherever she went.
Being liked wholeheartedly by such a girl was undeniably pleasing.
“Why aren’t you like yesterday?” Yukigetsu’s lips curled into a smile, surprised to see Ino return to her usual confident self. Yesterday, she had been quite different.
Remembering her behavior yesterday, Ino blushed and huffed, turning her head away.
Yukigetsu, hitting a soft spot, awkwardly scratched his nose. Turning, he saw Shikamaru’s teasing smile. Given his intelligence, Yukigetsu suddenly realized, “You told her, didn’t you?”
“Of course, I helped you out.” Shikamaru stretched lazily, closing his eyes. “For the stability and unity of the team, I had to do this. Such a hassle.”
“Thanks, then.” Yukigetsu shook his head, amused.
“Hey, can you handle it? Sasuke challenged you, and you had a conflict with him last time. Today, he’s probably determined to cause you trouble.”
Worry flickered in Ino’s bright eyes. She knew how crucial today was; losing could mean losing a lot of attention and affecting future prospects in Konoha.
“I’ll do my best.”
Yukigetsu smiled, about to say more, but then sensed something, looking up. Across from him, Sasuke was staring at him with a contemptuous look.
Yukigetsu met Sasuke’s gaze with interest. Their eyes locked sparks seemingly flying between them.
Both were well-known figures in the ninja academy, even gaining some fame in Konoha. Many knew today’s main event was their showdown, and their confrontational stance drew everyone’s attention. It promised an exciting spectacle.
Ino, noticing this, pouted. “That guy is so annoying.”
Yukigetsu couldn’t help but laugh. His dark eyes fixed on Ino, his gaze so intense that it made her blush.
“Don’t worry, he’s not much trouble.” Yukigetsu spread his hands, reassuring her.
“Hmph, say that after you beat him.”
Ino pouted, scanning the arena. Her expression suddenly changed, and she whispered, “That guy’s here too.”
Yukigetsu followed her gaze and was also momentarily stunned. It wasn’t just him; the entire academy fell quiet.
In the direction of their gaze stood a boy about thirteen or fourteen, leaning against the railing, his pure white eyes scanning the arena with indifference.
“It’s Neji Hyuga. Isn’t he graduated? Why is he here?” A student swallowed hard, his voice dry.
Neji Hyuga was a legend in the academy, having set countless records during his time. His top spot was never challenged in his year.
Yukigetsu glanced at him without the fear others showed, his expression calm.
With Danzo as his primary target, he wasn’t intimidated by his peers. But the little girl approaching Neji caught his attention.
“Neji-niisan…”
Hinata greeted softly, but Neji merely nodded slightly, not even turning his head, leaving Hinata looking dejected.
Yukigetsu’s mouth twitched. This guy, like Sasuke, knew how to put on airs. My Hinata is so cute and likable, and you dare ignore her? I’ll remember this. Don’t let me catch you, or I’ll teach you a lesson…
Shikamaru noticed Yukigetsu’s gritted teeth and was puzzled. He hadn’t heard of any conflict between Yukigetsu and
Neji. Glancing at Hinata, he thought, could it be because of her? Interesting.
Boom!
As Neji drew everyone’s attention, a clear bell rang out, invigorating the crowd.
The graduation exam was finally about to begin.
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