I started a cult in Naruto Chapter 12

Chapter 13: Tatsuma vs. Minato

In the eyes of the watching Heppu, there was a kunai already held in his right hand, prepared to provide support. After all, it was a test, and minor injuries were acceptable, but shuriken were too dangerous.

Tatsuma, who had already guessed what Uchiha Tenpu had done, wasn't overly concerned. He brushed his left hand against his waist, producing a kunai in his hand and threw it towards Uchiha Tenpu, while simultaneously rolling to the side.

Throwing the kunai was to prevent Uchiha Tenpu from launching projectile weapons again while he dodged. Such tactics were quite annoying. Uchiha Tenpu, to avoid Tatsuma's kunai, was forced to halt the third round of weapon projection.

During this opening, Tatsuma crouched and pushed off with both feet, heading toward Uchiha Tenpu, narrowing the distance, attempting to use taijutsu to attack him.

"Close-quarters combat, huh? Hmph! You probably don't know that ranged weapon projection is the Uchiha Clan's innate talent, but close-quarters combat is also Uchiha Tenpu's specialty!"

A kunai appeared in Uchiha Tenpu's hand, thrusting straight at Tatsuma. Meanwhile, Tatsuma had finally released the hand seal, and the chakra he had just refined was already easing the soreness and weakness in his body.

Performing the Gentle Fist, Tatsuma blocked the kunai and Tenpu's hand with his kunai. Then Tatsuma's leading foot landed behind Uchiha Tenpu's heel, aiming to throw him down.

But it seemed Uchiha Tenpu had guessed Tatsuma's intention. He raised his leg to evade and followed with a sweep. Tatsuma had to raise his knee to block.

However, this caused Tatsuma's upper body's strength to weaken, allowing Uchiha Tenpu to retract his hand. In a counter-strike, Uchiha Tenpu aimed his kunai at Tatsuma's temple.

At the same time, Tatsuma's knee movement blocked his path for dodging. Quickly spinning around, Tatsuma evaded the kunai, and in his turn, he executed a counterattack.

Clearly, Uchiha Tenpu had never encountered Tatsuma's tricky style of fighting before, but his reaction was extremely fast. He lifted his leg to block Tatsuma's incoming hand that was aimed at his little brother.

Tatsuma didn't insist on breaking Uchiha Tenpu's guard. He let Uchiha Tenpu's knee firmly block his hand. Just as Uchiha Tenpu was about to declare Tatsuma's attack ineffective with a faint smile, Tatsuma suddenly pushed.

Uchiha Tenpu, who was originally standing on one leg, lost his balance instantly. Tatsuma followed up with a powerful roundhouse kick towards Uchiha Tenpu's face. Uchiha Tenpu was scared and leaned back to avoid it.

With an already unstable posture, Uchiha Tenpu's defenses were completely exposed. Seizing the opportunity, Tatsuma kicked, intentionally elevating the kick slightly. The kick struck the midpoint of Uchiha Tenpu's ribcage.

"Smack~"

In an instant, Uchiha Tenpu fell to the ground, struggling to get up. His face turned red, as if he couldn't even manage to breathe.

Tatsuma glanced at Heppu Sarutobi and realized that he hadn't declared a victory or defeat. Gritting his teeth, Tatsuma continued to press Uchiha Tenpu.

Given his current physical condition, if he allowed Uchiha Tenpu to recover, he might not be able to win. Taking Uchiha Tenpu off guard like this was his best chance.

At the same time, Tatsuma picked up the fallen kunai from Uchiha Tenpu and swiftly flipped Uchiha Tenpu's body over. He sat on his back, pressing him down, and positioned the kunai at Uchiha Tenpu's throat.

Only at this moment did Heppu Sarutobi nod in satisfaction and said, "Sakamoto Tatsuma wins! Exchange the seals of bonding and resolution!"

The people around were somewhat amazed. They hadn't expected that Tatsuma would defeat Uchiha Tenpu in less than a minute.

After announcing Tatsuma's victory, he tossed aside the kunai and tried to help Uchiha Tenpu up. However, Uchiha Tenpu wore an expression of unwillingness and muttered, "You just got lucky!"

Before Tatsuma could respond, Heppu Sarutobi walked over and placed his big hand on Uchiha Tenpu's chest. He used his thumb and forefinger to press down on the spot where Tatsuma had kicked him.

"Ahh!!!"

Uchiha Tenpu's body twisted instantly. Only then did Heppu Sarutobi speak, "Tatsuma held back. If he intended, you might not even be able to continue your ninja career. Do you understand?"

"Impossible!"

Uchiha Tenpu said in disbelief. Beside him, watching the scene, Hyuga Chidou said, "I didn't expect you to know Gentle Fist techniques as well. We should have a match sometime."

Hyuga Chidou's words indirectly affirmed Tatsuma's attack. Although the others didn't understand, both Heppu Sarutobi and Hyuga Chidou could tell that Tatsuma had avoided crucial points, preventing him from injuring Uchiha Tenpu, who couldn't yet utilize chakra to protect his body.

Hitting the ribcage's sword protrusion might cause discomfort for a while but wouldn't be too dangerous. However, a slight movement up or down could lead to a direct end to Uchiha Tenpu's ninja career.

"You flatter me. I only managed to win by luck."

Tatsuma didn't accept Hyuga Chidou's challenge for a fight. Instead, he smiled and extended his hand to Uchiha Tenpu. Uchiha Tenpu also came to his senses and reluctantly placed his fingers on Tatsuma's, exchanging the bonding and resolution seals. However, he still said, "Next time, next time I'll definitely win!"

"Ding~ [Strength +3], [Stamina +2]."

Hearing the system's verdict, Tatsuma's smile grew even brighter. He felt that Uchiha Tenpu suddenly seemed somewhat endearing. Tatsuma nodded and said, "With the Uchiha Clan's talents, you'll surely find a way to defeat me soon. However, the next time, I'll be even stronger. The ultimate victor will still be me!"

"Hmph!"

Hearing praise as the loser made Uchiha Tenpu extremely uncomfortable. He turned his head, not looking at Tatsuma's beaming smile, and walked to the side in silence.

This brief yet exciting battle improved Hapu Sarutobi's view of Tatsuma. Although this student had a somewhat peculiar personality and occasionally did incomprehensible things, it had to be said that among this generation, he was one of the top talents.

The testing continued afterward. Soon, it was Minato and Hyuga Chidou's turn, but the excitement level couldn't match the battle between Tatsuma and Uchiha Tenpu.

Initially, Minato couldn't overpower Hyuga Chidou in close combat. However, after realizing his disadvantage, Minato adjusted his strategy. Using the shuriken-throwing technique Tatsuma had taught him, he forced Heppu Sarutobi to end the test and declare Minato as the winner.

If they didn't stop, Hyuga Chidou might have been turned into a porcupine. Minato was an easygoing and kind person, and his personality was fine. He was friendly and cheerful.

But perhaps he was naturally suited to being a ninja. He was ruthless with his attacks. If there was a weakness, he dared to strike; if there was a vital point, he dared to strike without holding back.

The second round of practical tests ended, and the third-round matchups were announced. Tatsuma felt he was being targeted again because his third opponent was... Minato!

Looking at the matchup chart, Minato's gaze found Tatsuma, and their eyes met. Both of them wore smiles.