Facing the formidable Nen Arts and the Third Activation state of the Navy sextet, Arakawa Haku remained calm. He shifted his Magnet Release into a defensive formation, creating a revolving shield to support his teammate, Shira.
"Shira's obsession with taijutsu far surpasses that of an ordinary Genin," Shiraishi observed from the stands.
Being naturally "insulated" from ninjutsu and genjutsu, Shira had spent every waking moment perfecting the Eight Heavenly Breaths and pushing his physical limits.
The forbidden art seemed tailor-made for him; in fact, Shira had already begun developing unique combat chains based on the technique.
"Peacock Dance!"
Shira, also entering the Third Activation, let out a burst of chakra that manifested as soaring plumes of energy.
His strikes became a blur, seeking to seal the chakra points of one of the Navy Genin. Each punch released a shower of "feathers," brilliant and dazzling like a peacock in full bloom.
Shiraishi squinted at the battle. In the original history, Shira hadn't even been allowed to become a Genin. In this era, thanks to the New Sand Village's policies and diverse educational tracks, the boy was flourishing far earlier than expected.
Under the storm of Shira's offense, the Navy trio began to falter. However, meeting Morimoto Ryoji's cold gaze, they gritted their teeth and refused to surrender. Instead, a faint, crimson glow began to flicker around their bodies.
Sensing that the trio was attempting to force the Fourth Activation of the Eight Heavenly Breaths, Shikasa turned and questioned Ryoji sharply: "You're letting them force the Fourth state? Do you want their lungs to explode?"
Without sufficient lung capacity and physical conditioning, the higher stages of the Heavenly Breaths were lethal. It was a brutal style of respiratory taijutsu; forcing a breakthrough now might win the match, but it would destroy the children's futures.
"The glory of the Navy must be fought for," Ryoji replied flatly.
"Is this the 'way' of your Navy?"
Having lost his father at a young age, Ryoji valued honor above almost everything else. He would not allow the inaugural class of the Navy Academy to take second place at the Sand Festival.
Just as the Navy trio released a violent surge of air to break into the Fourth state, a red blur descended onto the stage. Uzumaki Tomoki had intervened.
"This match ends here. Continuing is meaningless."
"But Senior, we haven't decided a winner yet," Haku said, his brow furrowing.
Tomoki turned, and with a flick of his wrist, countless Whirlwind Blades erupted into a localized storm.
The majestic wind blades were the signature opening of the Fifth Kazekage, and Tomoki had inherited the technique's essence perfectly.
In an instant, the gale pinned both the Navy squad and Haku's squad to the floor. The sheer pressure of the chakra suppressed their movements entirely, forcing their activation states to recede.
What power... is this the strength of the Kazekage's direct disciple?
Though Tomoki's intervention was abrupt, the high-ranking officials understood his intent. He had stepped in to prevent unnecessary deaths or permanent injuries on the festival stage.
"Tomoki is right. There is no point in continuing. Let's call it a draw," Shiraishi declared, bringing the dispute to a close.
Political Realities and New Bonds
When it came time for the Jonin to select their squads, Yamaji Kumtake—despite his earlier complaints—immediately moved to claim Arakawa Haku's team.
However, Haku's squad received invitations from nearly every high-ranking new Jonin present. Conversely, the Navy Jonin exclusively selected graduates from the Kusu and Kawa Academies.
The Navy's ecosystem was becoming increasingly closed-off, and its friction with the Jonin Assembly was intensifying. Shiraishi frowned as he observed the trend.
Currently, the Sand's expansion was split into two strategic schools: the Mainland Faction (targeting the Leaf and Stone) and the Maritime Faction (targeting the Cloud and the Land of Vegetables/Stars).
The Hidden Star Village, with its "Peacock Method" and the mysterious meteorite required for its cultivation, was a strategic resource the Navy coveted.
Furthermore, the Land of Bears (where the Star Village resided) possessed a harbor far superior to the Land of Rivers. It was a strategic nexus connecting the Mist to the east, the Cloud to the north, and the Leaf to the west.
As the festival ended, Haku watched Tomoki prepare to leave without making a selection. A flash of disappointment crossed the boy's eyes. "Senior Uzumaki, won't you reconsider?"
Tomoki stopped. "Reconsider what?"
"I want to be your subordinate."
Though many Jonin wanted him, Haku's first choice was Tomoki. That display of Whirlwind Blades had left a deep impression.
Kuchitake felt a twinge of annoyance. He had anticipated that Haku might be swayed by Tomoki's flashy entrance.
"I thought you didn't care? Why the long face?" Roxi teased him. She, meanwhile, was more interested in Shira. Both practiced the Eight Heavenly Breaths and had developed their own styles from it.
As Haku approached Tomoki, Shira walked up to Roshi with a polite smile. "Senior, if there is a chance in the future, I would like to ask for your guidance on the Eight Heavenly Breaths."
Looking at the handsome youth, Roshi's face flushed. "You... you know me?"
"Yes. Actually, I hoped you would be our sensei, but Haku and Tamako both wanted Senior Tomoki."
Roshi seemed to melt instantly. "It's fine... just come find me whenever you have questions. Here is my contact info..."
Kumtake rolled his eyes at Roshi's behavior. She's five years older than him and she's already acting like a smitten schoolgirl...
Facing Haku's request, Tomoki shook his head. "I don't need subordinates."
"But I believe only someone with your strength is fit to lead our squad."
Seeing Tomoki's hesitation, Kumtake stepped forward and slung an arm around his friend's shoulder. "Come on, Tomoki, just say yes..."
"Yeah, just agree to it!" Roxi added, still dazed by Shira.
Tomoki wasn't just strong; his background was impeccable as the Kazekage's disciple. Joining his squad would instantly revitalize the struggling Arakawa clan.
It was clear that the "Three Lineages of the Sand" had a powerful will to survive. Haku was gritting his teeth and planning every step for the revival of his clan, while Kumtake's "disappointment" at being rejected was half-theatre—he was actually acting as the wingman to ensure Haku got the best possible mentor.
They were betting everything on the "Kazekage's Lineage."
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