Naruto: Why a Illusion ninja in Sunagakure?

Chapter 2 - The Kunai and Shuriken Competition

A week and a half later, the day of the kunai and shuriken competition finally arrived. The sandstorm had passed, and the village was back to normal. Ayumu and his grandfather, Hajime, made their way to the training grounds on the outskirts of the square to watch Shin compete. The training field didn't have much scenery—mainly large boulders, cacti, and similar features—but it was crowded with families, friends, and fellow shinobi, all gathered to cheer on the young participants in this competition for kids 7 and under.

Standing at the edge of the field, Ayumu watched as Shin prepared for his turn. His brother's face was a mix of determination and excitement, his eyes focused on the targets ahead. Ayumu could feel the anticipation in the air, and even though he wasn't the one competing, he was eager to see what would happen.

There was an initial round to pick the qualified kids, where those with the best scores became part of the 64 kids that moved further in the competition, which Shin easily did. Now the rules changed a bit.

The competition had the kids stepping up to a field where a boulder sat with a board about 2 feet in diameter, marked with 2 rings and a red circle in the middle. The basic rules were: 1 point for the outer ring, 2 points for the inner ring, and 5 points for the red circle. Each contestant would go against an opponent in an elimination match with 5 kunai and shuriken to throw each.

Facing his first opponent, Shin stepped up to the throwing line, kunai in hand. He took a deep breath, steadying himself before he let the first kunai fly. It hit the target with precision, earning a cheer from the crowd.

Hajime, standing next to Ayumu, nodded approvingly. "Shin has been practicing hard for this," he said, his voice filled with pride. "He's got a real talent for it, just like his father."

Ayumu glanced at his grandfather, noting the glimmer of pride in the old man's eyes. Despite the loss of his leg and the hardships he had faced, Hajime's spirit remained unbroken. It was clear that he lived for moments like these, watching his grandsons grow and succeed.

Turning to his grandfather, he said, "I didn't know you were that eager about this whole shurikenjutsu competition." Hajime responded, "Of course, it's the basics that really matter. Most ninja don't have the ability to use too many techniques" then turning back to watch the competition.

Unknown to Hajime, Ayumu pondered deeply on the statement about the basics being important. This thought lingered in Ayumu's mind, making him realize the significance of what was said.

As Shin continued to throw, hitting target after target with remarkable accuracy, surpassing many of his peers, Ayumu's mind wandered. He thought about his own journey and the path he would have to take to become a shinobi. The road ahead seemed worrying, but seeing Shin gave him some ideas about his own future.

The competition progressed, and Shin's performance remained stellar. However, he faced a challenge when competing against older kids, almost losing in the fourth round to an older boy. He eventually won by just one point, with a score of 43 to 42, advancing to the fifth round.

There, he faced Shino, an upperclassman by one year.

Both boys stepped up to the field, where a ninja conducting the competition as part of a D-rank task asked who would go first. Shino confidently volunteered. As Shin walked to the side and Shino approached the platform, Ayumu watched with a worried heart. In previous matches, Shino had shown exceptional skills, surpassing all other contestants.

As everyone watched, Shino raised his right hand with all five kunai and, in one smooth motion, threw them all. The crowd's eyes followed the kunai to the board, then cheered as four of the five hit the red circle, with one just missing it, scoring 22 points.