Senju Karin's Wood Release ninjutsu greatly exceeded Namikaze Minato's expectations. He had assumed that Karin might use some basic D-rank jutsu, but the fact that she could perform Wood Release was completely beyond his predictions.
Although he had no prior warning, Minato—the man known as the "Yellow Flash"—was not someone to be caught off guard. Even as four wooden stakes closed in on him, he reacted swiftly.
Minato crouched slightly, pivoted low to the ground, and kicked the base of one of the wooden stakes. Using the recoil, he propelled himself out of their encirclement, flipped mid-air, and landed gracefully with a light touch of his right hand on the ground.
His movements were seamless—fluid and aesthetically impressive. If this were an Olympic gymnastics event, he would have easily earned top marks.
"It's really Wood Release?! This child has mastered Wood Release! The same ability as the First Hokage!"
"The Senju Clan has produced another Wood Release user! Konoha's new generation has gained a true genius!"
"Is this girl Senju Nawaki's daughter? The great-granddaughter of the First Hokage!"
The moment the spectators saw Karin's Wood Release, the previously quiet stands erupted with excitement. Unlike other bloodline abilities, Wood Release was the very power of the God of Shinobi himself.
Furthermore, its appearance signified something else—the Senju Clan was willing to send even their most elite children to the Ninja Academy.
With the news of a Wood Release user emerging in the entrance exams, some clans who had previously hesitated about sending their heirs to the academy might now reconsider their decisions.
Not only did Wood Release stun the parents, but it also amazed the children taking the exam. Many of them had yet to master even basic ninjutsu, and those from clans like the Ino-Shika-Cho trio hadn't even begun learning their family's secret techniques.
Senju Karin's display of ninjutsu left a lasting impression on the other examinees.
"Shhhhhh!"
Back in the arena, Minato turned his gaze toward Karin, deciding to test her control over Wood Release. He pulled out three shuriken from his pouch and hurled them at her.
Minato deliberately slowed their speed and aimed them at Karin's thigh—just enough to cause minor surface wounds that a medical ninja could heal in minutes.
However, despite Minato holding back, Karin's response caught him completely off guard.
"Wood Release: Wood Locking Wall!"
Without hesitation, Karin remained unfazed, her fists still clenched. A hemispherical wooden barrier rapidly rose from the ground, encasing her entire body.
The shuriken struck the wooden dome but failed to pierce it, falling uselessly to the ground with a metallic clatter.
Ninjutsu-crafted wood was far more durable than naturally grown trees.
"Oh! She can already use multiple Wood Release techniques? This kid is incredible!"
Hyuga Hiashi, who had been observing, exclaimed in amazement. It was already shocking that Karin could use Wood Release at her age, but the fact that she had mastered more than one technique was extraordinary.
This level of talent was frightening—after all, even bloodline abilities required rigorous training to utilize properly. Whether it was the Byakugan of the Hyuga Clan or the Sharingan of the Uchiha Clan, neither came naturally without effort.
"Her chakra reserves and talent in ninjutsu are exceptional—far beyond other children her age."
"As expected from the First Hokage's bloodline. Her talent is comparable to Uchiha Itachi's at that age."
"However, her combat awareness is lacking. It seems she hasn't undergone much real battle experience."
Uchiha Fugaku, standing beside Hiashi, nodded as he analyzed Karin's performance.
"Indeed, using such a large-scale defensive jutsu against a few shuriken is overkill."
"Either she lacks precise chakra control, or she simply doesn't understand the need to conserve chakra in battle."
"Let's keep watching. Minato has probably noticed this flaw and will test her further."
Nara Shikaku agreed, nodding slightly. As the judge responsible for assessing combat strategy, he had yet to see any strong tactical awareness from Karin.
Just as expected, Minato soon decided to test her further.
After Karin emerged from the wooden dome, he threw another set of shuriken—this time aimed at the ground near her feet rather than at her directly.
He wanted to observe her reaction.
But once again, her response shocked the spectators.
Karin immediately clasped her hands together and let out a focused breath.
Another Wood Locking Wall rose in front of her, shielding her completely.
Seeing this, Minato stopped his attack. There was no need to test her further—he had already identified the issue.
Fugaku and the others exchanged glances, sighing slightly.
"It's a shame—she lacks real combat experience, and her battle instincts are still underdeveloped," Hiashi remarked, shaking his head.
"She's still exceptional. Ninjutsu, chakra reserves, shuriken skills, taijutsu—she's undoubtedly a genius. But not everyone can be compared to Itachi, haha."
"Combat awareness can always be trained. The real question is her potential."
"Overall, the Senju Clan has found a worthy successor!"
Fugaku chuckled, though his expression was just smug enough to annoy Hiashi.
"Alright, Karin-chan."
"Your assessment is over."
Minato clapped his hands and called out toward the wooden barrier in front of him. A small head peeked out from the top, resembling a curious little groundhog.
"It's over? Haha!"
Karin was completely satisfied with her performance. In her mind, she had successfully defended against all of Minato's attacks and demonstrated both her ninjutsu and taijutsu. Her score should be excellent!
Minato smiled warmly at her enthusiasm and said, "You did well. It's clear that Tsunade-sama has taught you with great care. Go ahead and rest now."
Hearing his words, Karin beamed, bowed respectfully, and happily returned to the sidelines.
From a distance, Uchiha Sasuke, who had been watching the entire match, smirked confidently.
Karin might have shown off a variety of jutsu, but he had also noticed her weaknesses. He was convinced that he wouldn't do any worse than her.
As Karin left the arena, Minato turned toward Iruka. Understanding his cue, Iruka called out loudly:
"The test results for this round will be announced after all assessments are completed!"
"Next contestant—Uchiha Sasuke!"
(End of Chapter)