Naruto: Beyond The Cage

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Chapter 9 - The Challenge

Time passed quickly. Three months had gone by, and Seiji had finally turned four years old. During this period, his training remained consistent, but without major breakthroughs. He had refined the basics, solidifying his proficiency in Jūken, Byakugan usage, and elemental wire manipulation, but he had yet to make any revolutionary discoveries.

However, now something more important occupied his mind. He wanted to enroll in the Ninja Academy.

One evening, after dinner, Seiji looked at his father with determination.

— Father, I want to enter the Ninja Academy.

His father stared at him for a few seconds, analyzing the seriousness in his expression. Then, he crossed his arms and sighed.

— You're still too young for that, Seiji. But I expected you to say this at some point.

Seiji stood firm, waiting for his decision.

— Very well. I will allow you to enter the Academy... but only if you can defeat your cousin.

Seiji narrowed his eyes. His cousin was three years older than him—the son of his mother's younger brother. Although he was no prodigy, he was still a more experienced and trained Hyuuga.

— When will the fight be? Seiji asked without hesitation.

— Tomorrow at dawn. Prepare yourself.

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The Confrontation

The sun was just rising when Seiji arrived at the family training grounds. His cousin was already there, arms crossed and a mocking smile on his face.

— So, my little cousin wants to enter the Academy? — He laughed. — That's a joke, right? You're still just a kid.

Seiji didn't respond. He simply activated his Byakugan and assumed the Jūken stance.

— Seriously? — His cousin scoffed. — You think you can beat me with that? I already mastered the Eight Trigrams! You probably don't even know what that is.

Seiji's father intervened.

— The fight starts now.

Without wasting time, his cousin rushed forward with speed, aiming a Jūken strike at Seiji's chest. Seiji dodged at the last moment, sensing his opponent's chakra flow spreading through the air.

The attacks kept coming. Seiji's cousin was faster and stronger, forcing him to retreat. However, Seiji was analyzing every movement, carefully observing his opponent's stance and attack patterns.

After a few minutes of exchanging blows, Seiji's cousin stopped, smirking.

— You defend yourself well... but your older brother was far better than you.

Seiji felt a chill. He hated comparisons.

— He was far superior to you. — His cousin continued. — You'll never surpass him!

Seiji clenched his fists. He knew he couldn't continue this direct exchange forever. He needed to shift the fight in his favor.

With a swift motion, he extended chakra threads coated with his elemental affinity around his cousin, setting a subtle trap. His opponent didn't notice until he was suddenly pulled backward, momentarily losing his balance.

It was the perfect opening.

Seiji rushed forward, a Rasengan spinning in his hand. His cousin tried to react, but it was too late. Seiji struck him in the chest, sending him flying backward. The impact made him roll across the ground, completely dazed.

Silence filled the training grounds.

Seiji's father slowly approached, crossing his arms with a slight smile.

— Those techniques were quite interesting, son. — He observed Seiji carefully. — Do you have any more hidden tricks up your sleeve?

Seiji hesitated for a moment before answering.

— I only developed what made sense to me. I don't like the idea of relying solely on Jūken.

His father raised an eyebrow.

— So you're really trying to create your own style.

Seiji nodded.

— I'm still a Hyuuga, but I don't want to be defined only by that.

His father let out a low chuckle.

— Very well, Seiji. I will respect your desire to evolve on your own... — Then, he narrowed his eyes. — But if you think you can keep secrets from me forever, you're sorely mistaken.

Seiji felt a slight shiver. His father was still far stronger than him. But deep down, that approval was already a small victory.

Now, he could finally enter the Ninja Academy.