The dodgeball court was simple, almost deceptively so.
A large "day"-shaped field had been drawn on the ground, measuring roughly ten meters in length and five meters in width. The lines were crude, marked directly onto the dirt, but their meaning was absolute.
Once the game began, neither side was allowed to step outside their designated area.
If they did—
They lost instantly.
The rules were straightforward, but brutal in execution.
One side would throw the ball.
The other side had only one option—
Catch it.
Dodging was not allowed.
Blocking was not allowed.
Failing to catch the ball cleanly meant immediate defeat.
And in this particular match—
The rules heavily favored one person.
Tian Hu.
At the start of the game, the ball naturally fell into Tian Hu's hands.
Standing across from him, Zhao Mu had already understood everything.
And so had everyone else present.
This…
Was an unwinnable battle.
"Combat Level 3 versus Combat Level 25…" someone muttered from the crowd. "They're not even on the same level."
"Forget catching the ball," another added. "The Assistant Instructor could probably knock Zhao Mu flying along with it in a single throw!"
Meng Qiuqiu clenched her fists tightly, her face filled with worry.
"This is completely unfair…"
Zhuo Yun frowned deeply, his voice laced with anger.
"He deliberately chose something that gives him an overwhelming advantage."
The purpose of boot camp was to train recruits.
To strengthen them.
To guide them.
Not to crush them.
Even when conflicts arose, instructors were supposed to resolve them in a way that inspired respect—not fear.
But Tian Hu—
Was clearly doing the opposite.
Lu Yan, who rarely spoke, finally said calmly:
"He has seen Zhao Mu's physical strength."
"If it were any other competition, he might not be confident in winning."
"That's why he chose dodgeball."
"This game is purely about power."
Meng Qiuqiu turned to him anxiously.
"Is there no way out?"
Lu Yan shook his head.
"None."
Her heart sank.
"If that's the case… won't all of Zhao Mu's previous training results be wiped out?"
Zhao Mu had been leading the rankings by a significant margin.
If his points were cleared—
Catching up later would be almost impossible.
Especially since future training might not favor his strengths.
In the crowd, Mo Guanguan stood silently.
Her expression was tense.
The voices around her—all doubting Zhao Mu—made her feel uncomfortable.
Finally—
She couldn't hold back anymore.
"Zhao Mu!"
"Come on!"
Her voice rang out across the field.
Zhao Mu turned his head.
Even in such a dire situation—
He smiled.
Bright.
Calm.
"Mm. Okay."
Just two simple words.
Yet somehow—
They reassured everyone who heard them.
"Ready?"
Tian Hu smirked, rolling the black ball in his hands.
His eyes gleamed with anticipation.
He was enjoying this.
Enjoying the chance to crush someone.
Zhao Mu took a deep breath.
"I know I can't beat you," he said honestly.
"But there are things I must do."
His gaze hardened.
"I will never tolerate bullying the weak—especially women."
He raised his fist.
His expression was resolute.
For a moment—
Tian Hu was stunned.
Then—
He burst into laughter.
"Have you been watching too many dramas?" he mocked.
"A rookie who hasn't even been to the battlefield… talking like a hero?"
Even some of the recruits felt awkward.
"…Isn't he being a bit too dramatic?"
Shao Han sneered.
"I told you—he just wants to show off."
But others disagreed.
"I think he's right…"
Zhao Mu ignored them all.
He looked directly at Tian Hu.
"If you're going to do it…"
"Then use your full strength."
"End this quickly."
Tian Hu's expression darkened slightly.
"Quickly?" he scoffed.
"You think I'll let you off that easily?"
"Don't dream."
Flames ignited.
Spiritual power surged into the ball.
Tian Hu's attribute—
Fire.
The black ball began to glow, turning a blazing red. Heat radiated from it, distorting the air around it.
Everyone could feel the intensity.
"Go!"
Tian Hu stepped forward and threw.
The ball shot forward like a meteor.
A streak of fire tore through the air, leaving behind a trail of black smoke.
It was terrifying.
Zhao Mu braced himself.
His feet dug into the ground.
His arms crossed in front of him, palms facing outward.
Spiritual power gathered rapidly in his hands.
"Bang!!"
The impact was explosive.
The ball slammed into his palms—
Then into his chest.
Zhao Mu was sent flying several meters backward.
"Cough…!"
He hit the ground hard, coughing violently.
The ball spun wildly in his hands—
But—
It didn't fall.
He held it.
Barely.
His palms were charred black.
Smoke rose faintly from his skin.
"He… he caught it?!"
Someone gasped.
Shao Han scoffed.
"The instructor was holding back."
"A true Combat Level 25 attack would have ended this instantly."
"He just wants to play with him."
Everyone fell silent.
Because—
It was true.
Zhao Mu was already at his limit.
Zhao Mu struggled to his feet.
His breathing was ragged.
His face flushed red.
But his eyes—
Were steady.
Tian Hu smiled, clearly pleased.
"Well? Still alive?"
He gestured mockingly.
"Your turn."
"Show me what the great hero can do."
Zhao Mu coughed again.
Then—
Slowly—
He straightened.
His breathing stabilized.
His gaze sharpened.
"Even if I'm weaker than you…"
"I won't give up."
Tian Hu's grin widened.
This—
Was what he enjoyed most.
Breaking people like this.
Watching their hope shatter.
"Come on!" he shouted. "Show me!"
Zhao Mu closed his eyes briefly.
Then—
He focused.
Spiritual power began to gather.
Not wildly.
Not chaotically.
But—
Perfectly controlled.
"Condense."
Spiritual Power Control: 70.
An absurd level.
Even the instructors present—
Couldn't reach it.
Every ounce of energy within Zhao Mu's body—
Was drawn into the ball.
Compressed.
Refined.
Focused.
The air grew still.
Eight meters.
That was the distance between them.
Within range.
Zhao Mu opened his eyes.
They were calm.
Like still water.
Gone was the stubborn boy from moments ago.
In his place—
Was something else.
Something sharp.
Then—
He moved.
No one saw it clearly.
They only saw—
A flash of blue light.
The ball shot forward.
Faster than before.
Sharper.
Deadlier.
It pierced through the air—
Like a bullet.
Straight toward Tian Hu.
Tian Hu was still smiling.
Still confident.
Still reaching out casually to catch it.
Then—
His expression froze.
"Crack!"
The sound echoed across the field.
Sharp.
Clear.
And final.
Everyone's eyes widened.
Because they all understood—
Something had just changed.
Completely.
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)