Konoha Light

"Is this... Chakra Threads?"

"Using puppet-style techniques in battle, his chakra control has reached such a high level?"

"Even an ordinary puppet master might not be able to achieve this degree of control."

"Indeed, ensuring both speed and precision without being detected by Asuma requires extremely fine chakra control!"

The audience was astonished. Shimizu had demonstrated exceptional foresight in throwing weapons and seamlessly countered Asuma's swift Substitution Technique. His skills far surpassed those of rookies and even surprised experienced students.

If this alone was impressive but still within expectations, then his ability to manipulate weapons mid-air shocked the entire crowd. In terms of chakra control difficulty, this ability was not inferior to a C-rank jutsu.

"I lost... If I hadn't heard their voices, I would have lost all combat capability." Asuma wiped the blood from his face with the back of his hand, his tone weary.

Hearing this, many people around them showed awkward expressions. The Hokage himself had not intervened, clearly trusting Shimizu's control. However, their subconscious reactions had disrupted his plan.

"Don't worry about it. External factors are part of a battle. Besides, what kind of fight would it be without unexpected variables?" Shimizu smiled slightly, showing no irritation over the interference.

Asuma took a deep breath, no longer hesitating. "I understand now. The greatest respect I can give you is to go all out!"

Almost the moment his voice fell, Asuma charged at Shimizu again. At the same time, the weapons floating around Shimizu lashed out fiercely.

Though the number of weapons was limited, under his control, they formed a relentless storm of attacks.

Asuma couldn't afford to evade—it was impossible to do so. Even though his physical strength and chakra reserves surpassed Shimizu's, once caught in a defensive cycle, his only outcome would be defeat.

His only choice was to fight head-on!

Asuma gripped his kunai tightly, swinging it repeatedly to deflect the oncoming weapons.

Clang! Hiss!

Although he was fast, Shimizu's attack angles were too precise. From Asuma's blind spots, weapons struck from unexpected directions, forcing him into a difficult position.

Dashing forward while deflecting attacks, Asuma endured several cuts along the way.

Still, he did not retreat. Instead, he charged even more aggressively.

"He's using the Substitution Technique but refusing to spend chakra where it truly matters?" Shimizu narrowed his eyes, choosing not to continue kiting him. Instead, he reached into his pouch and assumed a defensive stance.

He was not deceived by the current situation. He understood that his advantage stemmed from Asuma's inexperience and being caught off guard by his combat style.

However, once Asuma adapted, the weaknesses of his tactics would become clear—namely, a lack of raw power!

The weapons were controlled by chakra threads, making it difficult to maintain their initial kinetic energy.

Although Asuma had suffered multiple cuts, he remained capable of pressing forward.

Shimizu knew that without sufficient stamina, if this dragged on, he would be the one to burn out first.

"I need to keep applying pressure!"

Despite being in a disadvantageous situation, Shimizu showed no hesitation. He deliberately acted as though he still had the upper hand, waiting confidently for Asuma's next attack.

For days, Asuma had been influenced by the idea that Shimizu was his ultimate rival—superior in chakra control, intellect, and battlefield strategy. This reinforcement had cemented that belief.

So when he saw Shimizu's stance, Asuma instinctively assumed he had been read and began preparing a jutsu.

"Clone Technique!"

With a bang, three identical Asuma encircled Shimizu.

Though clones from the Clone Technique lacked substance, Asuma had timed his move perfectly—after a round of weapon attacks, Shimizu had no immediate means to test which was real.

However, without even a moment's hesitation, Shimizu locked onto the real Asuma and threw a kunai straight at him.

"What? How did he see through it so quickly?" Asuma was startled, hurriedly raising his kunai to block.

But Shimizu's attack was not so easily deflected. His kunai moved unpredictably, wrapping around Asuma's arm and stabbing into his shoulder.

"I have no choice but to fight!"

Though inexperienced in real combat, Asuma had received proper ninja training. Knowing that retreat was not an option, he gritted his teeth and struck forward with his kunai, making no attempt to dodge.

Rip!

Asuma's left shoulder was pierced, blood spurting out.

Shimizu, though landing a successful blow, also took a light cut to his chest. Due to his poor physical condition, he instantly paled.

Seeing this, one of the instructors, Yagami Kaoru, anxiously asked, "Hokage-sama, should we stop them?"

The Third Hokage raised a hand slightly. "Once you choose this path, you must be prepared to bleed… even be ready to die in battle."

"Besides…" The Hokage's expression grew thoughtful.

"Besides what?" Kaoru asked, puzzled.

"Hehe, just watch. This fight is turning out to be more interesting than expected."

In the arena, despite their wounds, both combatants immediately launched themselves at each other again.

Asuma dominated in physical combat, while Shimizu relied on controlling his weapons to harass and search for decisive counterattacks.

After several exchanges, both were covered in fresh wounds.

Yet neither wavered. They locked eyes, their determination unwavering, as if they could not feel pain.

The surrounding students and teachers fell silent, their expressions serious.

It wasn't just the impressive abilities they displayed—it was their sheer perseverance in enduring pain that left everyone in awe.

"Still, eventually, the fight will tip in Asuma's favor."

Everyone understood this clearly. Not because Shimizu was weak—on the contrary, his tactics and chakra control had been extraordinary.

But in the end, for a ninja not specialized in taijutsu, relying solely on endurance was not sustainable.

Especially when malnutrition had left him at a physical disadvantage.

Even though the audience believed Shimizu had demonstrated superior skill, they assumed the battle was about to end.

But at that moment, Shimizu suddenly bit down on something—painfully. Then, his hands rapidly formed seals, completing a jutsu in less than a second.

"So fast!"

Though he only used a few hand signs, being able to weave them in under a second was rare even among skilled ninjas.

But what jutsu was he about to use…?

Then, they saw Shimizu place his hand over his wound.

Before their very eyes, color returned to his face, and his chest injury rapidly healed.

"This… This is medical ninjutsu?!"

"Not just medical ninjutsu—this level of healing surpasses even the Mystical Palm Technique!"

The students were dumbfounded. Even the teachers were at a loss.

"Hokage-sama, what is this technique?"

The Third Hokage smiled. "There's no need to doubt your eyes. This is medical ninjutsu."

"But… how could medical ninjutsu be this effective?"

"You should be asking yourselves that, as his instructors," the Hokage chuckled. "Are you saying you haven't realized his true potential yet?"