Looking at Veigar Koshima, who was still laughing, Kaoru Iwabe couldn't help but feel a surge of frustration. Raising his hand, he swung it toward Veigar's head.
However, when his hand finally landed, it was not with force but with a gentle pat on his head. With a warm smile, he softly asked, "Does it hurt?"
Veigar continued to smile and replied, "Not at all."
Seeing his smile, Kaoru felt ripples stir within his heart.
Back at school, the sight of Veigar returning with injuries piqued the curiosity of his classmates. However, Veigar didn't reveal much, simply stating that he had gotten hurt by accident—after all, the matter involved an assignment carried out by the ANBU.
Time at the academy always passed quickly, and before long, another day had slipped away.
Standing by the window, Veigar stored away the hundred thousand ryō he had just received from an ANBU messenger. Then, as always, he resumed his daily training routine.
In the blink of an eye, more than two months had passed.
At this moment, Veigar found himself in class, lost in thought for the first time. It wasn't that he was slacking off—it was because he was preparing to submit his application for early graduation.
A week ago, he had already completed the second stage of the Human Body Enhancement Technique. After another week of training, he had successfully mastered the third and final stage.
Based on his calculations, he estimated that within twenty days, he would completely master the technique, reaching the peak of his current physical potential.
As the morning classes ended, Kaoru Iwabe, noticing Veigar's distraction, announced that there would be a combat assessment in the afternoon before leaving the classroom.
Veigar was about to stand up and leave when Obito Uchiha suddenly appeared before him, blocking his path.
"Obito, what's up?" Veigar asked, slightly puzzled.
Obito smirked confidently. "This afternoon's combat assessment—I'm challenging you again! This time, I'll completely wipe the floor with you!"
Seeing Obito's competitive spirit, Veigar didn't refuse and agreed without hesitation. "Alright, do your best this afternoon!"
Looking at Veigar's ever-present smile, Obito had the urge to punch him, but after a brief hesitation, he decided against it.
"Veigar, you bastard…
"Just you wait! This afternoon, I'll make you regret it!"
Leaving behind those harsh words, Obito turned and walked away.
His classmates, who had overheard the challenge, burst into laughter once Obito left.
"Obito, didn't you get beaten badly enough last time?"
"Yeah, how's a dead last like you supposed to beat Veigar?"
"You're definitely going to lose again this afternoon."
Hearing the taunts, Obito remained optimistic, clenching his fists in determination.
"Hmph! Just wait and see! This time, I'll show you all!"
Veigar wasn't particularly concerned about Obito's challenge—after all, he was confident in his victory.
At the same time, he understood Obito's mindset. Ever since Veigar had easily defeated him in the last combat assessment, Obito had been unwilling to accept it, seeing him as a rival.
Yet, Veigar also knew that this was still the younger, kind-hearted version of Obito—before the tragedies that would later lead him down the path of darkness, before his obsession with the Eye of the Moon Plan and creating a so-called peaceful world.
Right now, Obito was just a warm-hearted and earnest boy.
Despite being a member of the Uchiha clan, he lacked their usual arrogance. Compared to his clanmates, his pride was more reserved.
He was kind-hearted, always willing to help—even assisting an elderly lady across the street.
He was stubborn but never bullied the weak. Instead, he only challenged those stronger than himself. Each defeat only motivated him to train harder and become stronger.
Afternoon.
Kaoru Iwabe stood on the academy's outdoor training field, holding a roster. The entire class had already assembled.
After taking attendance and confirming that everyone was present, she announced, "I've arranged the matchups for today's assessment. When I call your name, step forward."
"Wataru Yamanaka versus Sasaki Yamada."
"Shirabe Aburame versus Masaru Kobayashi."
…
"Rin Nohara versus Kurenai Yuhi."
"Veigar Koshima versus Asuma Sarutobi."
"Shizune Kato…"
…
"Obito Uchiha versus Might Guy."
Hearing his assigned opponent, Obito immediately protested, stepping forward. "Kaoru-sensei, I don't want to fight Guy!
"I want to challenge Veigar!"
Kaoru glanced at Obito and replied, "Obito, I arranged the matchups based on your current strength levels.
"However, if Veigar accepts your challenge, I will approve the change."
The moment she finished speaking, the class erupted into laughter at Obito's expense.
"Obito, you're just asking to be beaten again!"
"Yeah, you really think you can take on Veigar?"
"Get ready for another loss, Obito!"
Ignoring the jeers, Obito turned to Veigar, his eyes filled with determination.
Veigar met his gaze and responded, "I accept your challenge."
Kaoru studied them both before making a note on the roster. "Alright, the matchup is changed."
"New pairings: Might Guy versus Asuma Sarutobi, and Veigar Koshima versus Obito Uchiha."
"The assessment begins now."
A circle quickly formed around the training ground as students gathered to watch the matches. The first to step forward were Wataru Yamanaka and Sasaki Yamada.
Their figures flickered as they exchanged attacks, but Wataru, hailing from the renowned Yamanaka Clan, steadily held the upper hand.
Despite Sasaki's efforts to counterattack, he lacked the necessary skill, soon falling into Wataru's rhythm before being knocked down and restrained.
"Alright! Match over. The winner is Wataru Yamanaka."
"Both fighters, perform the Seal of Reconciliation."
"Next match: Shirabe Aburame versus Masaru Kobayashi."
…
As the assessment neared its conclusion, the current match was between Asuma Sarutobi and Might Guy.
Before the fight, most students assumed Asuma would easily win. However, the moment combat began, the taijutsu specialist Might Guy shocked everyone—except Veigar—with his sheer skill and intensity…
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