Naruto: Can't Use Ninjutsu? I'll Create the Strongest Fighting Style

A graduation exam wasn't simply about showing off the basic Clone Jutsu or passing a written test. It included knowledge of mission roles, situational analysis, and ethical decision-making in the field.

The academic portion was even more challenging.

In addition, there was a physical and combat component. Garou Zenin had expected that Lord Third would assign a chunin instructor to evaluate him.

Instead, the Hokage created a Shadow Clone of himself. "I'll personally oversee your physical assessment," the Third Hokage said with a mild smile.

"If you can force me to use anything beyond pure taijutsu, you pass."

The real Sarutobi tapped his pipe against the table but refrained from lighting it, respecting the indoor environment of the Academy.

"Should we move somewhere more spacious?" Garou asked, glancing around.

"No need," the Hokage replied lightly.

Garou bowed slightly in acknowledgment. Facing the Shadow Clone, he and the Third exchanged the customary "Seal of Confrontation."

Then, without any more preamble, chakra surged around Garou's fist as he launched the first blow. The Hokage's clone didn't use ninjutsu, relying instead on basic chakra reinforcement to block the attack barehanded.

But the moment he made contact, the chakra embedded in Garou's punch exploded outward.

Without a pause, Garou followed up with a second strike, moving so swiftly it almost blurred. At the same time, he secretly condensed a small Rasengan in his right hand, striking with his left as a feint before swinging the Rasengan at the Hokage's midsection.

It's just a Shadow Clone, Garou thought. No need to hold back.

The Third Hokage's clone blinked in surprise.

Such fine control!

The boy could concentrate chakra into a blow without injuring himself and could mold a one-handed Rasengan in the midst of combat, a feat many jonin would struggle with.

A terrifying natural talent.

Sarutobi's clone twisted to block both attacks, then flashed behind Garou in a textbook movement, sweeping a kick low for his legs.

But Garou dodged with a swift sidestep, their speed almost matched.

The Hokage narrowed his eyes slightly. Even accounting for his old age and natural physical decline, his taijutsu was still equivalent to that of an elite chunin. Yet Garou was matching him move for move.

Guy hadn't exaggerated a single word.

For several exchanges, they battled fiercely. The Shadow Clone, relying solely on taijutsu, could not overpower Garou. As the clone retreated slightly, Garou hurled four or five kunai in a rapid spread.

The Hokage's clone immediately sensed something odd.

Chakra threads.

Thin, almost invisible strands of chakra attached to each kunai.

His instincts sharpened. With precise movements, he slashed three of the threads with his own kunai, but the remaining ones twisted through the air unpredictably, homing in on him.

When the kunai struck, the clone transformed into a block of wood.

Substitution Jutsu.

From his new vantage, the Hokage clone watched, impressed. "You've mastered chakra threads and used them fluidly in actual combat. Very impressive."