ALL NOVEL Chapter 14: Chapter 14: No-Holds-Barred Duel – A Full-Powered Battle
Exam day arrived swiftly, beginning with a morning session focused on academics.
For Yagyu, the cultural subject tests posed no challenge. Once the exams concluded, he headed home for lunch. However, there was no time for a nap as the afternoon session awaited—a series of rigorous practical exams.
The fifth-grade exams were the most extensive, even surpassing the simplicity of the sixth-grade graduation tests.
The afternoon's challenges included: shuriken throwing, taijutsu sparring, survival exercises, kunai combat, and the highly anticipated no-holds-barred duels.
Kunai Combat and Rules
Kunai combat was straightforward: participants used a kunai to either subdue or "kill" their opponent to secure victory. Introduced in the third grade, it reflected the reality that a ninja must be proficient in combat and prepared to kill.
The no-holds-barred duels, exclusive to fifth-grade exams, allowed participants to use any method to defeat or "kill" their opponent.
Afternoon Tests
The afternoon began with shuriken throwing, where Yagyu predictably scored full marks.
Next came taijutsu sparring, but Yagyu's opponent wasn't Sasuke Uchiha this time.
By the fourth grade, the exam structure had shifted from Iruka's discretion to a lottery system to ensure fairness. Iruka was now accompanied by a medic-nin teacher, ensuring safety during the duels.
In the third grade, taijutsu sparring rules became stricter: victory was achieved only by subduing the opponent or making them concede. Injuries were expected, and a medic-nin's presence ensured that serious harm could be addressed promptly.
When Yagyu's turn came, he faced a female classmate. She chose not to forfeit, as doing so would result in a zero score.
Out of courtesy, Yagyu refrained from an immediate win, instead engaging in a few rounds before defeating her with chivalrous restraint.
Meanwhile, Sasuke faced Naruto.
Somehow, through the lottery system, Sasuke and Naruto often ended up as opponents. Observing this, Yagyu couldn't help but suspect their "fated brotherhood" was influencing the world's rules.
As expected, Sasuke emerged victorious. Naruto remained the class underdog, consistently scoring poorly in all subjects and frequently submitting blank cultural exam papers.
Kunai Combat
The kunai combat was next, and the atmosphere shifted dramatically. Iruka's stern demeanor and the medic-nin's attentive watch underscored the gravity of the event.
Yagyu's opponent was a male classmate who often greeted him warmly.
"...Thank you for the match!"
Yagyu, as courteous as ever, defeated his opponent swiftly by evading their attacks with ease and appearing behind them in a flash. A kunai pressed to the back of their neck marked the end of the match.
"Not bad at all. You're incredible as always, Yagyu," the defeated boy remarked, shaking Yagyu's hand with no sign of disappointment.
Losing to Yagyu was routine by now. Apart from Sasuke and Naruto, none of their peers harbored any resentment about being bested by him.
In fact, facing Yagyu in combat was considered a privilege, offering a chance to learn from his skillful techniques.
Throughout the matches, students sustained various injuries—ranging from torn clothing to superficial cuts. If a student's life was deemed in danger, Iruka would immediately intervene and declare the endangered participant defeated.
No-Holds-Barred Duels
After the kunai combat ended, students received treatment for their injuries. Some returned with bandages or plasters, while others had already healed.
The next event was the much-awaited no-holds-barred duels.
Each participant queued to receive equipment: a pouch of shuriken and kunai, as well as gloves reinforced with iron plates.
Once geared up, students drew lots to determine their opponents.
When Yagyu saw his opponent, he was momentarily taken aback.
Across the lot stood Sasuke Uchiha.
Sasuke's face lit up with excitement upon realizing the same.
Finally, they were matched against each other!
For years, Yagyu and Sasuke had only sparred during minor quizzes and temporary matches. Since third grade, they hadn't been paired in an official duel.
Although Yagyu had consistently emerged victorious in their previous matches, he had never managed to "extract" anything significant from Sasuke.
This no-holds-barred duel presented the perfect opportunity.
The entire class, along with Iruka and the medic-nin, buzzed with anticipation.
This was a rare chance to witness Yagyu and Sasuke at full power, a battle to determine who truly reigned supreme.
The Showdown
When their turn arrived, all eyes were on the two boys standing face-to-face in the clearing.
"You're going down this time!" Sasuke declared confidently, his voice brimming with pride.
For years, he had been trying to surpass Yagyu, and now he believed the gap between their abilities had closed.
"I'll show you how vast the difference in our strength truly is!"
Yagyu smirked, raising two fingers in a gesture of readiness.
"I'm looking forward to it. Don't disappoint me."
"You won't be disappointed!" Sasuke shot back, matching Yagyu's gesture with his own.
Iruka, observing their mutual readiness, wasted no time.
"No-Holds-Barred Duel, Group Seven: Yagyu vs. Sasuke Uchiha. Begin!"
The whistle blew, and the battle commenced.
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