Soft Fist? One-Shot
"Teacher, is this the ninjutsu of the second-generation adults?"
"Well, you presided over the exam this time. How will the third match go?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded.
He was quite surprised to see Jingyii perform the Suiton: Suidanha (Water Severing Wave). This kid had actually mastered the Water Release ninjutsu that no one besides Senju Tobirama had been able to fully use since his era.
The Senju clan split up back then and many of their techniques were scattered or lost.
But that wasn't too surprising.
Jingyi's ninjutsu talent is exceptional. Not only had he mastered Suidanha, but he had also modified the Body Flicker Technique (Shunshin no Jutsu).
Even without Senju blood, Jingyii was undeniably gifted.
Orochimaru licked his lips and smiled. "Teacher, there is no third match. I am the third match. Although you've gathered some people this time, the only one who truly needs to be promoted this way is this kid."
"A Chūnin being directly promoted to Jōnin, despite being injured and lacking extensive combat experience... However, we're short on talent and urgently need manpower, so we have no choice."
The Third Hokage sighed.
During wartime, ninja promotions often bypass standard procedures.
However
Jingyii was still wounded. Though his battlefield contributions were significant, they technically fell short of what was expected for Jōnin promotion. It was a delicate situation.
"I'm relieved you're in charge this time. Jingyii's strength is clearly at the Jōnin level. What remains to be tested is his intelligence gathering and battlefield judgment."
The Third Hokage said.
At the time, he was unaware that Orochimaru was studying Hashirama's cells. He believed Orochimaru was simply intrigued by Jingyii's potential, and had volunteered to oversee the promotion.
Everyone admires talent.
Of course
The Third Hokage was also aware of Orochimaru's deep ties with Danzō, so he added:
"Orochimaru, I trust your abilities, but don't get too involved with them."
"Teacher, I'm just borrowing someone to set up the exam layout. This promotion will be more convincing that way."
Orochimaru replied with narrowed eyes.
Hiashi's cousin, Hyūga Tō, had been seconde it seemed suspicious.
"You know what I mean."
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded subtly. He didn't spell it out, but the message was clear. It was up to Orochimaru to heed the warning.
…
Forest of Death.
Jingyii was still engaged in a game of tag with Orochimaru.
This guy Orochimaru was like a piece of stubborn gum that wouldn't let go. Jingyii didn't want to engage him fully: first, it wasn't part of the mission; second, he suspected Orochimaru was after his bloodline or cells.
For now, Jingyii wasn't about to give him the chance.
But
Soon, he sensed another presence ahead.
Hyūga Tō.
Was he working for Danzō too?
No way...
A strange look flickered across Jingyii's face.
But one thing was clear:
Danzō and Orochimaru had conspired, likely aiming to wound him and obtain his blood to further their research into Hashirama's cells.
He didn't sense Tō's chakra through perception, and continued on toward Aburame Fei's location.
The opponent already had two scrolls!
Moments later, Hyūga Tō appeared, blocking his path.
"Sorry. I have a mission. I must proceed."
Tō's words were blunt and emotionless.
Kyoichi sneered and ignored him, but
Whoosh!
The Body Flicker Technique—he passed by instantly.
Hyūga Tō activated his Byakugan and immediately countered.
Soft Fist!
He moved quickly, his Byakugan tracking Jingyi's movements. Confidently, he aimed to strike Jingyi's tenketsu (chakra points).
The plan was sound.
But
As he got close, he noticed chakra flowing densely across Jingyii's entire body.
What was this?
Earth Spear!
Using Earth Release to form a hardened chakra layer over his body.it would be incredibly difficult to strike the tenketsu. Tō knew things had gone wrong, and he retaliated with a backhanded strike
Gentle Fist Art: One Blow Body! (Hakke Kūshō!)
However
Jingyii reacted swiftly, dodging and forming seals.
A Water Dragon rose up and lunged toward Tō.
That was just the first killer move.
The key was
Just as Tō dodged the water dragon, Jingyii appeared behind him.
Shadow of the Dancing Leaf! (Kage Buyō!)
Then a solid kick!
Tō was launched, crashing through multiple trees. If not for Orochimaru cushioning him with Earth Release, he would've flown much farther.
Tō was unconscious, severely injured.
Ruined?
Orochimaru stared at Jingyii, shocked.
Hyūga Tō was an elite from the Hyūga branch personally seconded by him. His strength wasn't lacking, yet Jingyii had incapacitated him with one kick.
He must have used a special taijutsu technique.
Another original jutsu!
"Jingyii... you continue to surprise me."
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed.
He felt he had met a kindred spirit.
"You're Orochimaru?"
Jingyii asked.
"You recognized me, and yet you only sent a shadow clone? Jingyi, I am one of the Sannin, after all."
Orochimaru grinned.
Jingyi had seen him on the battlefield. Paying close attention, he could spot the giveaway traits.
Like
Licking his lips.
A bad habit!
But
He recognized him. He recognized him.
And Orochimaru didn't mind.
He valued Jingyi's innovation and brilliance above all. This was a genius like himself!
A giant snake slithered forward.
It carried Hyūga Tō away into the forest.
"I'm curious about that technique earlier. Can you enlighten me?"
Orochimaru knew Jingyi had used a special taijutsu. His speed had spiked momentarily. Unable to catch up, Orochimaru figured he'd satisfy his curiosity instead.
"I didn't create it. I learned it. Eight Gates Released Formation."
The shadow clone smiled.
Orochimaru didn't attack. He was genuinely delighted.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone just sat down and shared techniques?
Also
He knew the Third Hokage was probably watching. This was a great opportunity to promote Might guy.
"Eight Gates? Ahh... I see. I didn't expect Konoha to have a genius studying that kind of taijutsu. But... this wasn't just the First Gate, was it?"
Orochimaru's eyes shone with excitement.
When it came to research in Konoha, not even the Third Hokage could match him now.
He was familiar with the theory behind the Eight Gates.
Though Jingyii masked the technique's chakra signature, Orochimaru could tell he'd at most opened the First Gate. But even so that alone shouldn't have been enough to one-shot Hyūga Tō.
"Kaiten? No... Kūshō... plus Earth Spear?"
Orochimaru muttered.
He pieced things together, deducing it was likely a hybrid Earth Release taijutsu.
Earth Spear!
"You can't hide anything from Lord Orochimaru."
"Amazing... You can open the Gates and maintain Earth Spear simultaneously. Your chakra control must be incredibly refined."
Orochimaru was genuinely impressed.
He had to admit jingyii was the most talented youth he'd encountered in years. Even Namikaze Minato, brilliant as he was, wasn't the type Orochimaru admired.
Jingyi was.
He had a hunch Jingyi knew far more than he let on.
"I really want to spar with you... but ,I'm the chief examiner this time. It would be too disgraceful if I fought you seriously."
Orochimaru sighed.
He dropped the disguise, making no further move.
At that moment
He noticed a swarm of insects not far away Jingyi
i was now facing Aburame Fei.
As he passed Jingyi shadow clone, Orochimaru whispered:
"Jingyi, next time… let's have a proper conversation!"
Aburame Fei wouldn't stand a chance against Jingyi.
He was absolutely sure.
"Yes!"