As a true science student, Yuto Souta had a strict schedule for every moment of his time.
His mind brimmed with ideas… and as each one came to fruition, he'd gain countless skills.
But countless skills meant countless proficiency points—and the time to earn them.
Not every idea would prove useful once realized… So, after the system acknowledged them, testing and practical application became essential.
For now, though.
He was quite satisfied with the results of his Fire Release: Nested Great Fireball evaluation.
Over double the chakra cost for over double the power boost.
With the Ninjutsu Master buff, it only took slightly more chakra than a regular Great Fireball but delivered nearly five times the impact!
A guaranteed win.
And… most crucially, his understanding of chakra natures was deepening.
Given time to master chakra nature transformation, more of his ideas could come to life!
Like… a principle so simple even a middle schooler would know it.
Decompose Water Release!
Extract hydrogen and oxygen!
Could a Hydrogen Release ninjutsu be possible?
By the time the two finished training and recovered, it was nearly evening.
Yuto Souta, loath to waste a single second, was refining his chakra, while Obito Uchiha launched into his endless griping…
"I really don't get how your brain works…"
"A perfectly good Great Fireball, and you made it lay an egg?"
It was beyond anything he'd imagined.
As for today's defeat—yet again—Obito was, as usual, unconvinced.
He always felt he was this close to winning…
But alas, it was always just out of reach.
Damn it! The more he thought about it, the angrier he got!
Turning to Yuto Souta with a solemn air, Obito's tone suddenly grew deadly serious.
"Let's go one more round!"
"If I lose again, I'll treat you to Ichiraku Ramen tonight!"
Nearby, Yuto Souta—who'd been refining chakra in his exhausted state—snapped his eyes open.
But not because of Ichiraku Ramen…
"If you want to fight, take it up with the guy hiding over there."
Yuto Souta jerked his chin toward the small river beside them.
He'd noticed the presence five minutes ago.
He'd ruled out the Hyuga clan—if it were them, the duo's weakened state just now would've been the perfect chance to strike.
Speaking of the Hyuga, Yuto Souta was a bit puzzled.
According to his clone's reports, the Hyuga clan had been quiet for a whole week.
Even the Hyuga kids in their class or the next grade over avoided them like the plague…
This piqued his curiosity about whoever was secretly watching them.
"Someone… in the water?" Obito followed Yuto Souta's gaze, staring hard but seemingly spotting nothing unusual, his face full of doubt.
Yet his hands stealthily crept to the kunai at his waist!
"Souta, I bet it's those Hyuga jerks here for revenge!" Obito's voice dropped low.
"We broke two of their arms last time—they've probably brought a bunch of guys this time!"
"I'll strike first. If things go south, you run!"
Obito's tone was grim and resolute.
He'd just finished training; his chakra and stamina were still depleted.
But… Souta was likely in the same boat!
Obito had made up his mind.
This time, he wouldn't drag Souta into it again!
"Hey! There's no one in that water… You're not scared of losing and having to treat me to ramen, are you?" Obito deliberately raised his voice.
But the moment his words fell, the kunai hidden behind his back flew toward the river!
His clumsy act didn't fool the enemy, though…
The instant the kunai left his hand, a figure burst from the water, executed a flawless 360-degree spin in midair, and landed steadily on the surface.
The move was sleek, impeccable—definitely the work of an expert.
Though the sopping white hair, now a mess, slightly ruined the effect…
The two boys' expressions turned odd once they saw who it was.
A teenager, half his face masked, a short blade strapped to his back, dripping wet as water pooled beneath him on the river's surface. That iconic white hair confirmed his identity.
Their classmate, the top student of the first-year ninja class, and Obito Uchiha's number-one rival.
Kakashi Hatake.
"Wait… why's it you spying on us?!" Obito blurted, relaxing once he confirmed it wasn't the Hyuga out for revenge, his tone reverting to its usual bravado.
"I'm not here for you," Kakashi replied coolly, his gaze sliding past Obito to settle on Yuto Souta.
"Yuto Souta… I'd like to spar with you."