Ⅰ

As the sunlight poured into my room, I was getting ready to head down to the training field. My uncle advised us to bring all our tools and weapons to be prepared for the Survival Exercise. Taking his words to heart, I donned my gear and strapped on my katana.

As I made my way to leave my room, I took a glance back at my closet. I hesitated at first, wondering if I should bring that as well. But assuming that I had to give my best in the training field, I decided to grab it: the Hidden Blade.

Ever since the fight against Mizuki-sensei, I had been secretly studying how to use the weapon in combat. I didn't want any of the clan members to see me using it in public; they might question how I had obtained it, especially with Mizuki-sensei's words still lingering in my mind.

'I will find out how you got that weapon… the one used by the cultists who lurked in the shadows!'

Knowing that the blade was primarily designed for stabbing, I wanted to see if it could be used for slicing. I attempted to slice through a rolled-up straw with the Hidden Blade. But it just scraped the surface. It didn't cut it through cleanly. From this, I could only use it to make a shallow cut, such as a quick slice to an enemy's neck to deliver a fatal blow. Although, I only hoped I would never find myself in such a gruesome situation.

Regarding the blade's thickness, it could be used to block the attacks. However, I doubted it could withstand a heavy strike from an opponent's weapon. I feared it might break the hidden blade in half.

I also did a bit of research on the weapon. Particularly the symbol that was engraved at the end of the blade. I tried to uncover its meaning, assuming it might linked to a specific shinobi clan. However, despite my efforts, I couldn't find an answer. There were also no records of the weapon being used or being owned, which only deepened the mystery of it.

I wish I could get to the bottom of this as quickly as possible. I tend to be stubborn about the things that leave me puzzled. But somehow I suspect it might take me months or years to uncover. After all, carrying this unique weapon in my hand, I do have to say that it sticks with me for now.

Also, I should not keep the others waiting for me. I need to focus on the Survival Exercise.

Ⅱ

"Morning, Darren" Chouji waved at me.

"Morning." I waved him back. My friends were already there at the training field when I arrived.

"What took you so long?" Ino asked.

"I was trying to decide which equipment to bring. I wasn't sure how tough the exercise would be, so I brought everything I had," I replied.

"You even brought a katana?" She raised her brow. "Isn't it a bit much?"

"Well, it is better to have a weapon to protect you. Besides, I have been practicing it for a long time. It has been a part of me."

"I see," she mused, but then her gaze dropped to my left hand. "What's that?"

I looked down and noticed what she was pointing at. "Oh, this? It's a hidden blade."

"A hidden blade?" she tilted her head.

Shikamaru and Chouji got curious when they heard it.

"Yeah. Though I'm not sure what it's really called…"

"Wait, you don't know?" Shikamaru asked.

"Well, I found it in my closet. I did some research about the weapon. But strangely, there were no details about it."

"That's weird…" Ino frowned.

"It is…"

"A weapon with no records?" Shikamaru rubbed his chin. "That doesn't add up. There should be something about it. Especially if you found it in your closet."

"Hmm… maybe this thing is rare," I suggested. "It could explain why there wasn't much information about it."

"Could be."

"So, how does it work?" Chouji asked, leaning in.

"It's quite simple. With a flick of your wrist, the small muscle movement activates the mechanism to make the blade come out." I gave a flick to demonstrate it. Then the blade shot out from the gauntlet, gleaming in the sunlight.

"Whoa!" Ino exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise.

"Pretty cool, right?" I grinned, retracting the blade back into its hidden position.

"So, it's more of a stealth weapon then?" Shikamaru crossed his arms, a thoughtful look appeared on his face.

"Yeah. It's quite deadly when you use it to surprise an enemy." My mind flashed back to the day I first used it against Mizuki-sensei. He hadn't expected a concealed weapon to be hidden under my wrist. The experience from using it, I could still recall the sensation when the blade pierced through his chest. It was surreal yet unnerving. I had never felt how a blade could easily pierce through a human's chest. Just thinking about, it makes me feel a bit queasy to this day.

"Interesting. Well, I kinda hope we don't have to use weapons for this exercise," he replied. He then stifled a yawn, covering his mouth. "Man, I'm so sleepy…"

The rest of us echoed his action. We all wondered why we had to come to the field, so early in the morning. We did ask, but my uncle simply replied that it was necessary. He didn't give any further explanation for it.

"So… has anyone seen my uncle arrive?" I asked.

They shook their heads with their shoulders shrugged. "No."

"Okay," With a resigned sigh, we began to wait for his arrival. Hoping he would show up soon.

Ⅲ

After three long hours of waiting under the blazing sun, my uncle has finally arrived.

"Good morning, everyone! Are you ready for the Survival Exercise?" he greeted us cheerfully.

We all glared at him as he stood at the center of the field. "YOU ARE VERY LATE!"

"Where have you been, Asuma-sensei?! We've been waiting for you!" Ino exclaimed.

"I was still asleep. At home." my uncle replied casually.

Our eyes blinked in surprise and we exchanged our glances.

"Aren't we supposed to be here at 6:30 am?" Ino asked again.

"Yeah, but since I gave the orders, I don't have to follow them. A jounin like me can do whatever I want," a grin spread across his face.

Ino's face flushed with anger as the veins pulsed on her forehead. "That's so… unfair!"

"Unfair?" my uncle raised his brow.

"There's no way a jounin should treat his genin like this! You should be ashamed of yourself!" Ino shot back, her tone fierce.

"Ashamed? Hmm…" he rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Well. If I feel ashamed of mistreating you, then maybe… you are not ready to be a shinobi."

His tone suddenly turned cold. We were shocked by how quickly his demeanor had shifted.

"It isn't all fun and games when you become a shinobi, young lady. There's no fairness in this line of work. Whether you like it or not, we must do whatever it takes to get the job done—even if it means getting your hands dirty. So, if you think this is too much for you, I suggest you should give up right now before you get yourself hurt." He crossed his arms, looking so serious.

We have learned back at the academy that being a shinobi isn't a joke; it can cost you your life if you're not prepared to face the hardships that come with it.

The weight of his words hung in the air, making us feel a bit uneasy. I took a glance at Ino, wondering how she would respond.

She was clenching her hands tight. There was a resolute look on her face. Bringing her right hand up, she pointed her finger at my uncle. "I'll show you that I am capable of being a shinobi, Asuma-sensei We will pass this exercise that will knock your sandals off!" she declared confidently.

Her words resonated with us. Calling this task a "Survival Exercise", was just a way to make it sound easier. In truth, it was the final exam to qualify as an official genin. Among twenty-seven academy graduates, only nine would be accepted.

We were determined to pass this exercise despite the high failure rate. We reminded ourselves that we came here this far to become a shinobi and we should not give up.

My uncle smiled softly, amused by our resolve. He walked over to a tree trunk and placed an alarm clock on top of it. "Before we start the Survival Exercise, let me explain how it works., I've set the alarm for noon. You all have about two hours and thirty minutes to take this from me." He pulled a small chain from his pocket and then put it around his neck. It was a necklace. At the end of the chain, dangled a pendant engraved with the kanji for fire (火).

"There are four of us, Asuma. Why is there only one?" Shikamaru asked,

"Well, as I already said to Ino; there's no fairness in the life of a shinobi. Each of you will have to come up with a strategy to take this from me. If you don't, none of you will be accepted. Also, weapons are allowed for this exercise, so do whatever it takes to achieve it." My uncle explained.

The tension started to rise in the air after hearing that. With one item to grab, we would have to compete against each other to prove ourselves worthy of becoming genin.

However, I find it odd that my uncle would accept only one of us. Historically speaking, there were no such cases where a team had one genin and one jounin. I started to wonder about my uncle's intention. Was he really going to accept just one genin? Or…

"Alright! Begin!" My uncle's sudden announcement snapped me back to reality as I watched my friends scatter. Seeing them go, I quickly followed them after. I need to catch up with them and share my concerns about my uncle's intentions before we begin to compete over the necklace.

Ⅳ

I darted into the woods, where all my friends had gone into hiding. I quickly called their name out as I hopped to one branch and another. But there was no response. It was as if the forest had swallowed my shouts, leaving me alone in the silence.

I activated my eagle vision, trying to locate where they might be hiding. The world around me shifted in a familiar blue glow, including all the trees and bushes to blend in the same color.

However, there was no sign of my friendsーShikamaru, Chouji and Ino were no way to be seen.

Shikamaru, Chouji, or Ino—neither in the trees nor on the ground.

I hopped down from the branch and landed on the ground. I started to pay attention to their movements. Trying to listen to the faintest sounds of their footsteps, I crouched my body down a bit and looked around while I walked.

"Hmm…" Each footstep I took was slow and steady. Scanning around my surroundings, I looked left and right to locate them. The forest seemed to holding its breath as if something was going to happen. But all I could tell was the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze.

Then suddenly, a snap of a twig echoed behind me. I spun around to see if they were behind me. But they weren't. The forest remained still, and the only movement I could hear again was a few leaves fluttering down. I took a deep breath as my heart raced. I tried to stay calm before I began to panic.

Just then, as I was about to turn back, I caught a shadow moving in the corner of my eye. I dodged to the side instinctively, avoiding a kunai that flew straight to me.

I looked ahead who had just attacked me. To my surprise, it was Ino who had thrown the kunai.

"Ino?!" I exclaimed. Seeing her ready for another kunai, I quickly deactivated my Eagle Vision and immediately tried to talk her down. "W-wait! There's no need for us to fight each other, Ino! My Uncle had put us into a—"

But before I could finish, a large impact struck me from the left, sending me flying toward the woods.

I slowly got up, wincing from the impact. I looked to my left to see who had attacked me. There stood Chouji, who had just used the Akimichi Hidden Clan Technique, the Partial Multi-Size Technique（部分倍加の術）on his right fist. Also known as the body enlargement ability.

"C-Chouji?!" I blinked in disbelief. I could see his face was full of regret, but there was something else there too. It was as if he had no other choice.

As the two closed in, I raised my voice in trying to stop them. "Stop you two! There is no need to fight! There is another way to—"

But Ino cut me off as she quickly ran towards me, bringing out her punches and kicks. She was fast. I quickly brought my guard up to block them all at once.

I caught a glimpse of her face—it mirrored Chouji's expression yet there was more of a determined look as if she was ready to take me down.

I shoved her back, creating some distance between us. But then I saw Chouji's enlarged hand coming straight to grab me. I quickly used the Body Replacement Jutsu (変わり身の術) to let him grab the decoy.

As I landed right above the tree, taking the high ground, Ino's eyes locked onto me. "Come down and fight!" she shouted.

"But, Inoー"

"No buts!" she snapped, cutting me off again. "You think I'm going to waste time listening to you? After everything I've done to become a shinobi, I won't back down. Even if it means taking down my friend."

Though hesitant, Chouji nodded in agreement. "She is right, Darren. We don't want to hurt you. But… if this is the only way to be accepted as a genin, we have to settle this."

I knew how hard it was for them to take down your friend. It is something anyone wouldn't want to do as it weighed on them heavily.

I wanted them to realize that we didn't need to do this. But they weren't going to listen to me. I had no choice but to fight them.

I hopped down from the tree and brought down to a stance. A stance I had learned from my grandpa that doesn't rely on weapons: the Shadow Leap Monkey (影風猿). It is a basic fighting style that all Sarutobi members should master at a young age. It was created by Sasuke Sarutobi (猿飛佐助), my great-grandfather.

This stance was all about agility, keeping my feet light. My knees were slightly bent, allowing me to spring into action at any moment, moving from side to side like a monkey. My arms were loose but they were ready to block or counter. I could react to any sudden attack with speed and precision.

I watched the two of them prepare for their next move. They charged toward me, getting ready to take me down. I took a deep breath as I steadied myself. I was ready for whatever was coming.

Ⅴ

They were relentless in putting me down. Their attacks were quick but weren't too unpredictable to deal with. As I stayed focused on dodging their strikes, I was able to analyze their moves.

They were trying to cut me off from escaping the fight, forcing me to fight at a close distance. Ino would sweep me off with her kicks while Chouji would try to punch me with his enlarged fists. Once I learned the patterns of their moves, I quickly hurled a smoke bomb to make myself disappear.

As the two began to look around frantically to find me, I quietly appeared behind them and sent them both stumbling in opposite directions with a slight push.

I first focused on Ino. She may be fast with her legs but tends to overextend them by putting too much force on them. I would step to the side each time she struck. Her frustration grew gradually as her moves started to get sloppy with each attempt. As she overextended with a right kick, I quickly swept her off the ground and brought her into a hold.

But Chouji's powerful swing thwarted the attempt as I jumped back. He then charged at me like a raging bull right after I landed on my feet. His hands closed around me, trying to pin me down.

However, I wasn't about to let him do it. I slipped free from his grip and delivered a quick jab to his jaw—just enough to make him stagger. As he stumbled backward, I rolled over his shoulder and looped the rope I'd tried to use on Ino around his wrist, bringing him to the ground.

With him taken care of, I looked back to where I'd last seen Ino. She was gone. I quickly activated my Eagle Vision to scan around. Assuming she was hiding in the trees, I looked up. But she wasn't there.

Then, without warning, a bright flash flooded my vision. It forced me to cover my eyes against the sudden brightness. The effect was instant. My vision went to a complete blur and I could not see where Ino was. It was at this point I learned that the Eagle Vision has a weakness. I could feel the burn circling in my eyes, leaving me disoriented. It was like trying to see a clear scenery through a storm of light.

As my vision slowly recovered, I found myself lying on the ground. When I turned my head to the front, I saw Ino's face up close with a victory smirk on her face. I tried to move, but she had me firmly pinned down. She was mounting on top of my stomach.

"Gotcha," she whispered. She slowly raised her fist, ready to deliver a finishing blow.

But then, her expression faltered as her smirk faded away.

I was confused when I noticed her being frozen in place. She looked down at her hands in surprise, trying to move, but her body wouldn't obey.

Then, from a distance, a lazy voice broke the silence. "Perfect timing to hold you down, Ino."

We turned toward the sound and saw Shikamaru forming a rat seal.

"Shikamaru?!" we exclaimed in unison.

"Where have you been?!" I soon asked.

"Hiding and waiting," he replied calmly. "I've been watching the fight the whole time."

"Watching?! You could have stepped in to help me!"

"I could, but my shadow possession jutsu can only hold one person at a time. I had to wait for Chouji or Ino to be taken out."

"That… makes sense."

Ino looked frustrated as she struggled against his jutsu. As he continued to struggle, he slowly shook his head and sighed.

"Would you stop it, Ino? The more you fight it, the tighter my shadows will hold you." Shikamaru said.

"But Shikamaru!" Ino protested loudly. "You heard what Asuma-sensei said! Only one of us can be accepted as a genin!"

"I know. But don't you think it is a bit strange? I mean think about it. There's no way Asuma would only accept one of us. It defeats the whole purpose of this exercise."

Ino paused, her brow furrowed. "What are you trying to say?"

"I'm saying we have been set up. Asuma wants to see if we can figure out what he wants us to do."

"And what's that?"

"Teamwork," I replied. "Remember what he said? 'Each of you will have to come up with a strategy to take this from me.' It may sound like he was telling us to act solo and

compete with each other, but I believe he was intentionally misleading us."

"Exactly." Shikamaru nodded. "Right from the start, you and Chouji fell into Asuma's trap. If he was going to accept one of us, why would Iruka even bother putting us on a team?"

Ino's expression softened as she absorbed Shikamaru's words. With her frustration fading away, Shikamaru released his jutsu and let her move freely. She got off and gave me her hand to stand up.

"Guess I should've listened to you, Darren. I am sorry." she apologized.

I accepted her apology as I shook my head. "It's alright, Ino."

A soft smile spread across her face.

We turned our attention to Shikamaru and saw him walking over to Chouji. He gently untied the ropes and nudged him to get up.

Chouji blinked, looking a bit dazed. Shikamaru helped him to get to his feet and explained what had just happened. Chouji soon understood the real purpose of the Survival Exercise as he too apologized to me for attacking as well.

"So... how are we going to do it?" Ino inquired.

"We need a plan," Shikamaru replied.

"Alright, but how do we make one?" Chouji added. "We don't even know how strong Asuma-sensei is…"

"Relax, Chouji. We already have someone who could tell us about it."

"We do?"

"Yep." Shikamaru replied, then pointed in my direction.

"Me?"

"Yes, you." Shikamaru nodded. "Since Asuma is your uncle, I'm sure he had trained you. You probably know how strong he is and what he is good at."

"Hmm…" Now that he mentioned it, I did have a rough idea of how my uncle fights. Recalling the days I had sparred with him, I remembered how he often kept his footwork light while trying to close in the distance. He would use his feint attacks cleverly, catching me by surprise.

He could easily overwhelm us if we tried to face him up close. But in the mid-to-long range, we might be able to stand a chance.

Organizing my thoughts, I looked back at Shikamaru and gave him a nod. As I shared with them about my uncle's strengths, we began to discuss our attack plan. It made me feel that we were working together as a team.