Konoha’s Black Plague

Assessment

"Why does this place look so much like Training Ground Three? Are we doing the bell test too?"

"What did you say?"

Yue leaned over with a curious expression, noticing Bai Ye muttering to himself.

"Ah, I meant... how is Hizashi-sensei going to assess us?"

Bai Ye thought to himself, I can't exactly tell them I'm thinking about something from twenty years in the future.

"Alright, we've arrived." Hizashi stopped in front of the three wooden training posts characteristic of the training ground. "Before the assessment begins, let's introduce ourselves. We might end up as teammates from now on, so it's good to get to know each other."

He gave Bai Ye and Yue a quick glance, signaling them to stop whispering and listen up.

"I'll go first," Hizashi began. "You've probably heard of me. I'm Hyūga Hizashi, from the branch family."

"That's obvious. I see you at home every day," Yuyan muttered under her breath with a sigh.

"Well," Hizashi continued, ignoring her comment, "this is actually my first time filling in for a class. If there's anything I don't do well, feel free to give me feedback."

He couldn't help recalling the conversation with Hiruzen Sarutobi just the day before. After a lengthy talk, the Third Hokage had finally convinced him to step in for this temporary teaching role.

As I suspected, Bai Ye thought.

"Bai Ye, is something bothering you?" Yue asked.

"Ah, no, it's nothing. Please go on," Bai Ye replied, masking his thoughts. He figured Hizashi's presence had more to do with Yuyan than with himself.

"My hobbies include reading," Hizashi resumed. "My favorite food is soba noodles. I don't dislike any particular food. Ideally, I'd like to see a village without conflict. That's all. Yuyan, you're next."

No conflict in the village, huh? Bai Ye thought. He's talking about the Hyūga clan's internal strife—the tension between the main and branch families. He really hates that cursed seal system.

"My hobby is bullying Yue," Yuyan said with a grin. "I like eating anything Yue cooks, but I hate green peppers. As for my dream, I want to become Hokage and change the unjust systems that shouldn't exist!"

Her initial teasing made Yue roll her eyes, but she was also clearly a bit pleased. Despite the playful tone, Yuyan's conviction was unmistakable—she was serious about her goal.

"Bai Ye, your turn."

"Me?" Bai Ye echoed, pausing in thought. My real goal is to get strong—strong enough before the Third Shinobi War breaks out in full force.

But that wasn't something he could say openly. Not yet.

"My hobby is training. I don't like wasting time on distractions. My favorite food is barbecue, though our family budget is tight. When I have the money, I'll eat it every day. I don't hate any food—I need all kinds of nutrients to support my training."

"As for goals... I don't really have big dreams. I just want to protect the people around me and survive in this dangerous world. That's enough for me."

Compared to Hizashi and Yuyan, Bai Ye's aspirations sounded modest. But in truth, his sentiment reflected the quiet determination shared by many in the ninja world.

"My turn," Yue said softly.

As the others looked at her, Yue grew a little nervous. Her hands subconsciously clenched the hem of her shirt.

"I like spending time with my friends," she began. "I also like barbecue, but it's easy to gain weight, so I have to watch my diet. I don't like spicy food."

"My dream is to live happily with the people I care about."

Her cheeks flushed as she spoke. She suddenly realized how similar her words were to Bai Ye's, and her thoughts spun in a flustered blur.

"That's a wish most people share," Hizashi said quietly, patting Yue on the head. "The ninja world hasn't known peace for a long time."

"Alright, enough chit-chat. Let's get to the test. Don't let me down."

All three students perked up, curious about what was coming.

"The test isn't that difficult," Hizashi said, pointing toward a nearby river. "All you have to do is stand steadily on the surface of the water until sunset. If you can do that, you pass."

He stepped onto the water effortlessly, as if it were solid ground.

Yue and Yuyan immediately focused, their eyes burning with determination.

Bai Ye, however, wore a troubled expression. I haven't practiced chakra control techniques. Without ninjutsu, I've focused mostly on taijutsu... this is going to be rough.

He was sure Hizashi had read his file. That smug smile of his now looked suspiciously like he was enjoying Bai Ye's predicament.

While Bai Ye hesitated, Yue and Yuyan had already stepped onto the river. They were shaky but stayed upright—it was clear they'd get the hang of it with a bit of practice.

"Hahaha! Call me 'big sister Yuyan' and I'll tell you the trick!" Yuyan laughed, hands on her hips as she pointed arrogantly at Bai Ye.

Splash.

Then, with dramatic irony, she immediately slipped and fell into the river, flailing and sputtering.

Pfft.

Bai Ye couldn't help but laugh out loud. Maybe it's better to stay low-key after all.

Yuyan, now soaking wet, was dragged back by Yue. Upon hearing Bai Ye's chuckle, her expression soured, and she pulled Yue away before she could say anything else to him.

"Was that really necessary?" Bai Ye groaned. "You didn't tell me the trick, and now you're dragging Yue away too..."

With both feet soaked, Bai Ye could only sigh in frustration. He hadn't laughed at her maliciously, but now it felt like they were all punishing each other.

He recalled Sakura once saying that water-walking required calm focus and precise chakra control. He wasn't nervous—but clearly his chakra control was still lacking.

He had devoted himself to physical training for years. Now, expecting to master advanced chakra techniques in a single afternoon felt hopeless.

Time passed.

Yue and Yuyan had already gotten the hang of it and were resting nearby, seated next to Hizashi. Despite soft fist being technically a taijutsu form, its true strength came from fine chakra manipulation, unlike the brute-force hard fist style Bai Ye practiced.

Yue, though she had passed, kept glancing at Bai Ye with concern. She had even tried whispering him the trick earlier—but there was still no improvement.

Yuyan, though constantly teasing him, also seemed worried. She just didn't show it as openly.

Meanwhile, Hizashi sat cross-legged, sipping tea from a small set he'd somehow produced from nowhere, his expression unreadable.