The sun hung high as the Academy's training grounds transformed into a battleground.
Students paired off for the sparring phase of the Genin Exams—physical tests of skill, speed, and strategy.
Noir stood silently, eyes scanning the crowd, waiting for his opponent.
Iruka called out, "Noir, you're up against Kiba Inuzuka!"
A murmur rippled through the students. Kiba and his ninken Akamaru were well-known for fierce attacks and quick reflexes.
---
The match began.
Kiba charged immediately, Akamaru snarling at his side.
Noir moved with fluid grace, eyes flickering—rings of infinity shimmering faintly in the corner of his vision.
He didn't strike immediately.
Instead, he watched time itself.
When Kiba lunged, Noir activated Chrono Stasis—pausing Kiba's momentum just a fraction, enough to slip past his guard and tag him lightly on the shoulder.
Kiba stumbled, surprised.
"No way!" he exclaimed, shaking his head.
Noir's voice was cool, distant. "You're fast… but not fast enough."
The match ended quickly, but Kiba's respect for Noir grew.
---
Later that evening, Noir found himself alone on a rooftop again.
The familiar figure appeared.
Same cloak, same glowing eyes that mirrored Noir's own Kuraseigan.
The figure's voice was calm, echoing in Noir's mind.
"Paths converge and diverge, but the river flows one way."
Noir frowned. "Who are you? What do you want?"
The figure tilted its head. "I am you… and yet, I am not. The future is a spiral, not a line. Choose carefully, or be consumed."
Before Noir could ask more, the figure faded into the night.
---
Noir's heart pounded.
More questions than answers.
But one thing was certain:
The coming days would test him far beyond the Academy walls.
---
[End of Chapter 12 ]