A young genin, standing around 150 cm tall, faced an even smaller child.
Yuji was only about 120 cm tall, though he was noticeably taller than most children his age.
The other two students stood at the edge of the training field, eagerly waiting for the duel to begin.
"Alright, remember the rules. Begin!" Iwabe announced as he took his place as the referee.
The genin named Yama immediately dashed forward.
His movements were far faster than those of an ordinary person. Even so, Yuji could clearly tell that Yama relied heavily on his strong physique.
In the blink of an eye, Yama closed the distance and threw a powerful punch toward Yuji’s stomach.
Yuji calmly shifted half a step to the left, letting the heavy punch slice through empty air before countering with a swift kick.
Even without his Sharingan, Yuji could clearly read Yama’s movements.
Compared to his father’s attacks—which felt like trying to dodge lightning—Yama’s strikes seemed surprisingly slow.
"Dad’s training really messes with your standards..." Yuji thought.
Seeing his punch dodged so effortlessly, Yama’s eyes widened in surprise.
Then he noticed the incoming kick and grinned.
"A kid’s kick? Easy."
He concentrated chakra into his arms to lessen the impact before catching Yuji’s leg with both hands.
"Got you!"
Yama forcefully yanked Yuji into the air, preparing to slam him onto the ground.
Unfortunately...
That was exactly what Yuji had expected.
Using the momentum of the pull, Yuji twisted his body midair and fired a spinning kick with his free leg.
BAM!
The kick smashed directly into Yama’s temple.
"Khgh—What the—?!"
Yama staggered backward, his mouth hanging open in pain.
The spectators instinctively touched their own heads in sympathy.
"That looked painful..."
"And that wasn’t even the ground yet."
Instead of falling helplessly, Yuji landed lightly on one foot like a feather.
Yama stumbled back three steps, clutching his head.
How can a little kid hit this hard!?
Ignoring the throbbing pain, Yama immediately leaped backward to create distance.
But before his feet even landed—
Yuji was already beside him.
"So fast!"
Yuji’s sweeping kick flashed across the ground.
WHAM!
Yama’s legs were knocked out from under him, sending him crashing onto his back before he could react.
Still refusing to give up, Yama twisted his body while falling and launched a desperate punch toward Yuji’s face.
It was a clever counterattack.
Unfortunately...
Yuji’s reflexes were even better.
He tilted his head slightly, letting the fist miss by only a few centimeters.
Then Yuji extended two fingers together, shaping them like the blade of a kunai.
In one smooth motion, he pressed them gently against Yama’s throat.
The meaning was obvious.
If this had been a real kunai... the battle would already be over.
Silence covered the training ground.
The taijutsu duel had ended with Yuji’s overwhelming victory.
Yama stared at the small fingers touching his neck before grinding his teeth in frustration.
Losing to someone much younger than himself hurt his pride far more than the kick to his head.
He looked at Yuji, whose expression remained calm from beginning to end.
"...Let’s fight again!"
"Alright, that’s enough! The duel ends here!" Iwabe declared before Yama could move another muscle.
Yama clicked his tongue and stood up.
"Tch... I’m a ninjutsu-type ninja. You’re lucky ninjutsu wasn’t allowed."
He brushed Yuji’s hand away, trying to sound confident.
One of the watching students whispered,
"Yeah... keep telling yourself that."
"I heard that!"
Even Yuji almost smiled.
Seeing Yama’s embarrassed expression, Iwabe walked over.
"That’s enough."
He looked directly at Yama.
"A true ninja doesn’t care whether the opponent is older or younger. If you lose, acknowledge your defeat."
Yama lowered his head without arguing.
Then Iwabe turned toward Yuji.
"And you, Uchiha Yuji."
"Your taijutsu talent is exceptional."
"But never become careless."
"No matter how talented you are, overconfidence will eventually get you killed."
"There are countless shinobi who died simply because they underestimated their opponents for a single moment."
Yuji nodded respectfully.
"Thank you for your advice."
Iwabe smiled warmly.
"My name is Iwabe Sarutobi, a chūnin from the Sarutobi Clan."
He gently patted Yuji’s head.
"I have to admit... you’re the friendliest Uchiha I’ve ever met."
Yuji blinked.
"...Is that supposed to be a compliment?"
Iwabe laughed awkwardly.
"It is!"
Watching their sensei pat Yuji’s head, the female genin could no longer contain herself.
She rushed over with sparkling eyes.
"Waaah! You’re amazing, Yuji-kun!"
"My name is Yui Oguri! Just call me Big Sis Yui!"
Without waiting for permission, she pinched Yuji’s soft cheeks.
"So squishy!"
"..."
Yuji silently accepted his fate.
Winning the duel was easier than escaping cheek-pinching techniques.
The male student quickly stepped forward as well.
"Don’t forget about me! I’m Satoshi."
"And the guy you just defeated is Yama Hirokawa."
Yama scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"...Yeah. Nice to meet you."
Though embarrassed, he finally accepted his defeat.
Yuji gave them all a polite bow.
"My name is Uchiha Yuji."
"It’s a pleasure to meet everyone."
"And thank you for taking the time to spar with me."
He then walked over to Yama and held out a small pouch.
"Here."
Yama blinked.
"...What’s this?"
"One thousand ryō."
"For the duel."
Yama froze.
"...Wait."
"I lost."
"And you’re paying me?"
Yuji nodded innocently.
"You still helped me train."
For several seconds, nobody said a word.
Then Yui burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! Even when he wins, he gives compensation!"
Iwabe chuckled and shook his head.
"This kid..."
"He really is unlike any Uchiha I’ve ever met."