At first, the Third Hokage thought Noah was just a gifted rookie.
But as he realized Noah's talent was astronomical-and that he was Shisui's disciple-Hiruzen grew intrigued.
Because of Shisui, the Third had placed Noah in Kakashi's team to groom him. But Kakashi's reports made it clear the boy was far from simple. First, he used high-speed movement to steal bells and demonstrated unbelievable sensory skills. Then he defeated Zabuza. Finally, whispers circulated that he might even be of the First Clan.
How could the Third not be interested? Especially after Noah's entrance just now-that wasn't standard high-speed movement. Every ninja present anticipated it.
Shikamaru had seen Noah return from the forest first, unscathed. He knew Noah was hiding his true strength and wondered just how deep it ran.
Neji wanted to see this "genius" Guy had mentioned.
The other rookies felt similarly, though Nathan and Justin just felt bad for "Bushy Brows" (Lee). They had been with Noah long enough to know how terrifying he was.
Compared to previous matches, this one was highly anticipated. Even the proctor, Hayate, felt the weight of the crowd's burning gazes as he announced the start.
"Ninth match! Begin!"
Lee assumed his stance immediately. Noah remained nonchalant.
The moment the start was called, both vanished.
"So fast!" The novices gasped.
Even the elites' expressions shifted-novices moving at this speed was startling.
In the blink of an eye, Noah and Lee had swapped positions countless times. Noah, faster and able to read Lee's patterns, chose not to counter yet, fearing Lee couldn't react in time.
The arena echoed only with the sound of punches hitting thin air.
Slowly, the slower novices lost track of the fight.
"This speed... beyond a novice... even beyond mid-level ninja," Anko muttered to Hayate.
They were impressed with this year's crop. But why was Noah only dodging? They assumed it was deliberate; at that speed, countering should be easy.
They noticed the short blade at his waist-perhaps he was a master swordsman waiting for the right moment.
"Fascinating little fellows..." the Third Hokage whispered, puffing his pipe.
"I heard he isn't good at hand-to-hand. I wonder if he'll draw his sword," Kakashi had told him. Noah preferred closing in with his blade rather than wrestling.
The Third was curious to see how he would handle this. But he was already satisfied-after all, this was just the warm-up.
The novices were stunned. The Sand Ninjas remained calm-they had seen much, and this was merely "decent."
The Leaf novices, however, were floored.
"Are you kidding? They're both that strong?"
"He's always been strong," Nathan defended Noah. "Never lost a sparring match at the academy." Justin didn't argue.
Despite his pride, having been through so much with Noah, he couldn't deny the gap.
Noah's grades were average, but his combat record was flawless.
The novices' worldviews shattered.
After another clash, Lee and Noah separated. More accurately, Lee realized his efforts were futile and backed off, while Noah hopped back to create space.
"Noah, no need to hold back," Lee said seriously. "You have a blade. You should use it."
"We'll see," Noah shrugged. "But the warm-up is over." He looked at Lee.
Like him, Lee wasn't even sweating. That intensity-it was only the warm-up.
Lee noticed it too. They had moved at high speeds, yet both were composed. That said plenty.
"Warm-up? Are you kidding?" Ino whispered.
"It's no joke, at least not for Noah," Justin said calmly. "Look closer. They've been fighting for minutes, yet they aren't sweating, and their breathing hasn't changed."
The truth became clear. Noah hadn't drawn his sword. Those who knew Lee-like Neji-realized the boy still wore his heavy weights.
"Take off the weights," Noah said to Lee. "You're no match like this. You can't even touch me."
"But..." Lee hesitated, glancing at Guy.
Guy nodded from the balcony.
"Go for it, Lee!"
"Right, sensei!" Lee removed the leg weights. He didn't drop them, but the thud against the arena floor sent a shockwave through the room.
"Ridiculous..." Even Kakashi muttered, as others stared in disbelief.
Now light as air, Lee began bouncing to adjust, making the audience's heads spin. How had he moved like that with weights on? He was a monster. And he was still holding back.
Noah drew his short blade and tilted his head. The next second, he vanished from sight.
Many times faster than before.
"So fast!" Lee shifted gears, narrowly dodging Noah's strike. Noah still wasn't going all out-if he had, the fight would be over.
Even so, the audience was wide-eyed.
The current students didn't know last year's class. Lee hadn't been a genius at the academy. Without expectations, his strength didn't feel as strange as Noah's.
Noah, who had been low-profile at the academy, was an enigma.
The battle truly began, but the dynamic had shifted. Though Noah's hand-to-hand skills were mediocre, his speed was terrifying. His blade, coated in chakra, shattered the floor with every strike.
Now, Noah chased Lee around the arena with a flurry of strikes.