Orochimaru silently observed the boy in front of him.
No suspense?
Maybe, before he had actually seen Yukika, he might have believed that.
But everything changed after their first meeting half a month ago at the Senju training grounds. And after Orochimaru returned home and started studying the ninjutsu manual left behind by the Second Hokage, his perspective was completely overturned.
That wasn't just an ordinary ninjutsu manual!
Besides Tobirama's own notes and summaries, the boy had added his own insights and interpretations!
At first, Orochimaru didn't think much of Yukika's additions. But the more he read, the more shocked he became.
Eventually, when he began to incorporate Yukika's theories into his own combat experience, he found—they actually worked!
For example, the Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet Technique. Tobirama had already simplified the hand seals to just four, using a unique chakra control path to make it easier to perform.
But with Yukika's theory, Orochimaru was able to eliminate yet another seal!
Just three hand seals to execute a B-rank jutsu.
And in that unique way of thinking, Orochimaru glimpsed the potential of seal-less jutsu. It gave him a bold suspicion:
That Yukika had already mastered it.
Now this was a true ninjutsu genius.
A talent on par with—or even surpassing—the Second Hokage.
No wonder. No wonder Yukika had so calmly gifted the manual to him. Clearly, after reading it once, the contents held no more value for him.
However, there was something Orochimaru didn't know.
Yukika could reach that level not just because of immense talent and perfect inheritance of Tobirama's abilities—but also because of his powerful body.
Ulquiorra's essence was that of a Hollow.
For someone of Vasto Lorde class, high-speed regeneration was practically child's play.
With such a formidable physical foundation as a backup, even if Yukika was injured during training, his body would recover quickly.
By inheriting Ulquiorra's power and enhancing it through the Dark Monarch System, even a low-level version of high-speed regeneration was incredibly useful.
So when Yukika handed Orochimaru the manual, he knew Orochimaru had already fallen into his trap.
Because to Orochimaru, Yukika himself was the true treasure.
His curiosity would get the better of him, and he would eventually approach Yukika of his own accord—falling right into the boy's palm.
At last, Yamazaki Ryuji gave a nod to both of them.
It was the signal that the test had officially begun. The five-minute countdown had started!
In that exact moment, Orochimaru swiftly hurled three shuriken—cutting off Yukika's left and right flanks, while the center one sped straight toward his head. At the same time, the Snake Lord's tactical instinct had him forming seals with one hand at lightning speed.
"Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!"
He opened with a killing move!
That's how shinobi fought—no grandstanding or flashy moves. Every technique was meant to eliminate the enemy swiftly.
That was the true life of a ninja.
Unlike the later, dramatized battles where Naruto and others would exchange pleasantries mid-fight, real ninja combat left no room for that.
The shuriken flew at terrifying speed, and every ninja in the crowd tensed up as they watched.
They could see it clearly—Orochimaru was serious. He wasn't holding back.
Three shuriken and one jutsu executed in mere seconds.
If this were an inexperienced genin, they'd likely be taken out on the spot!
So how would Yukika respond?
Everyone in the audience stared intently.
The boy's expression didn't change. Then, under everyone's shocked gaze, he raised his hand.
Buzz!
Lightning crackled.
A sword that shouldn't have existed suddenly appeared!
The Sword of the Thunder God!
The personal weapon of the Second Hokage!
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Three sharp clangs rang out as the incoming shuriken were knocked out of the air in an instant. The clean, crisp motion only made Tobirama Senju's image in their minds even more vivid.
But what came next shocked everyone even more.
Facing the oncoming Wind Style jutsu, Yukika didn't panic. He calmly placed the Thunder God Sword against his chest and whispered:
"Water Style: Water Formation Wall."
A roaring waterfall-like current spun around Yukika, forming a defensive wall. From the stands, Danzo's eyes widened in disbelief and he shot to his feet.
"Seal-less jutsu?!"
He'd really done it!
"It's just a Senju tradition. Nothing to be surprised about," Yukika replied calmly, glancing at Danzo with a faint smile. Then, with a humble gesture, he spread his hands.
"No need to shout. Just use your hands."
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