At Training Ground 16, Mokutsuki was calling out the names before the exams started.
Since the entire school was taking the exams and practical exams required space, the schoolyard obviously could only accommodate some, so they headed to the training grounds.
After confirming that all the examinees were present, Mokutsuki and Kimura Sugito announced the start of the drawing.
The rules for the practical exam were simple. They called the students in order from the class roster to draw lots. The lot numbers determined their battle opponents—number one would face number two, three would face four, and so on.
“I’m number one, Rin. What number did you get?” Obito asked eagerly after drawing his lot.
“I’m number ten. That means you’re in the first match,” Rin answered.
“It doesn’t matter which match. I’m going to win anyway,” Obito said confidently. He believed everyone would be shocked by his current strength.
After a month of training with Mokutsuki, Obito felt he had made significant progress every day. He was far stronger than he was a month ago.
After speaking with Rin, Obito also checked Guy’s number.
“Number forty,” Guy replied.
“That means we can only meet in the final round,” Obito noted, surprised that Guy’s number was the opposite of his.
“Don’t lose before you face me, Obito,” Guy said, giving a thumbs-up to encourage him.
“That’s my line. I’m a Uchiha,” Obito replied, not sure if Guy was teasing or serious. It sounded like a challenge.
“Where do you guys get your confidence?” a classmate nearby muttered, wondering why two underachievers were acting like they’d meet in a grand final.
“The first match is about to begin. Contestant number one, Uchiha Obito, and contestant number two, Uchiha Tetsuo, please get ready,” Mokutsuki announced.
Obito ignored the people mocking him and quickly moved to the white-lined area for the exam.
Uchiha Tetsuo also stepped into the exam area, exchanging a glance with Obito.
Although they were both Uchiha, the same age, and classmates, they had rarely spoken. There was no dramatic backstory—just mutual disinterest.
Uchiha Tetsuo thought Obito was a bit of a fool—weak, often late, and generally not living up to the Uchiha name.
Obito found Uchiha Tetsuo cold and unapproachable.
“Two Uchiha facing off—this should be interesting,” someone whispered, barely holding back laughter.
Regardless of who lost, it would be embarrassing for the Uchiha clan.
“What’s interesting about this? It’s obviously going to be Uchiha Tetsuo winning. No way Obito beats him,” another classmate said.
“Remember, Uchiha Tetsuo has been the class’s top student since second grade, except for that prodigy Kakashi, who graduated in first grade.”
“And what about Uchiha Obito? He’s never passed a theory exam and is average in practical skills. How could he possibly beat Uchiha Tetsuo?”
The initial excitement about the Uchiha match quickly faded. Most people knew it would be a one-sided fight.
“Be careful, Obito,” Rin said worriedly.
She thought Obito was unlucky. With his current strength, he shouldn’t lose in the first round. But facing Uchiha Tetsuo, who had consistently been top of the class, was a tough draw. Rin hoped Obito wouldn’t push himself too hard and risk getting hurt.
In her heart, she supported Obito and wanted him to win, but the reality was that there was a significant gap in their abilities.
“Almost everyone doubts him, but a victory in such circumstances would be incredibly satisfying!” Guy, with his arms, crossed and a bright smile, believed Obito could win.
The commotion in Class 4B even attracted students from other fourth-year classes who were curious about the Uchiha duel.
But seeing Obito and Tetsuo, many lost interest. They knew each other well enough from past exams. Uchiha Tetsuo versus Uchiha Obito was seen as an easy win for Tetsuo.
Only those who wanted to see Tetsuo’s skills stayed to watch.
The two stood facing each other, forming the Seal of Confrontation.
This was a required part of Academy battles, signaling they were ready to fight. After the battle, they had to form the Seal of Reconciliation, showing they were still friends.
“Begin!” Mokutsuki announced once they were ready.
As soon as Mokutsuki spoke, Uchiha Tetsuo quickly drew three shurikens from his pouch and threw them at Obito, aiming for his head, body, and legs while swiftly closing the distance.
Obito also drew three shurikens and threw them to intercept Tetsuo’s.
The six shuriken clashed mid-air with a metallic clang, all falling to the ground.
“The Uchiha’s shuriken skills are indeed impressive. Even someone with Obito’s average talent has good shuriken abilities,” Kimura commented.
Intercepting shuriken with shuriken required precise aim.
Due to the small arena, Uchiha Tetsuo quickly reached Obito and threw a right hook.
Obito wasn’t intimidated and met Tetsuo’s punch head-on, engaging in close combat.
They exchanged blows, stirring up dust and fighting fiercely.
“Wow, Obito’s taijutsu is pretty good,” someone watching remarked, surprised.
The so-called Uchiha underachiever Obito was holding his own against Uchiha Tetsuo.
If outsiders were shocked, classmates were even more so, thinking they were seeing things. Obito was supposed to be knocked out quickly by Tetsuo, not putting up a fight.
“Obito has really improved,” Rin said, her mouth slightly open in disbelief.
She always thought Obito was just bragging, but he had genuinely become stronger.
“Obito is still lacking,” Kimura shook his head. As a chunin, he could see things the students couldn’t.
“He’s indeed behind in taijutsu,” Mokutsuki nodded.
With only a month to train, it was impossible to excel in all areas. Obito had focused mainly on fire jutsu, making significant progress in chakra control under Mokutsuki’s guidance.
As Kimura said, Obito began to be pushed back.
“I told you, Obito couldn’t possibly beat Tetsuo,” the classmate who mocked Obito earlier felt relieved.
If Obito had beaten Tetsuo, it would have shown how wrong he was.
However, he thought it might be wise to stop calling Obito the Uchiha underachiever after this. Obito’s performance showed he was far from being the weakest.
Obito seized an opportunity to use Tetsuo’s punch to create some distance and quickly began forming hand seals.
He hadn’t trained in fire jutsu just to brawl with Tetsuo.
(End of Chapter)
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