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Perhaps it was because of the ninja tool throwing assessment, where Mitarashi Kai showcased skills far beyond the level of a typical academy student.
For the past three months, Kai had been enjoying a peaceful time. No students dared to challenge him, and even when he was late, left early, or slept during class, his Chūnin instructor, Takajiro, simply turned a blind eye.
"It's currently the 38th year of Konoha. In just a few years, the Third Great Ninja War will erupt. Before the war begins, I must develop enough strength to protect myself. The things I can learn at the ninja academy are minimal at best. It seems it's time to consider applying for early graduation," Kai thought to himself as he sat at his desk, listening to Takajiro explain chakra refinement.
Kai was well aware that the Third Great Ninja War would be the first to involve all five major nations of the ninja world (the Land of Water did not participate in the First and Second Ninja Wars). Its brutality surpassed that of the previous two wars.
Moreover, lurking behind the Third Ninja War were two major antagonists: Madara Uchiha and Black Zetsu. Who knew what kind of unpredictable butterfly effects Kai's presence might trigger?
Only by becoming stronger could Kai face all the schemes and conspiracies that might arise. Clearly, the ninja academy was no longer a platform for him to grow his abilities.
"Once I perfect and develop that technique, I'll apply for graduation," Kai silently decided in his heart.
Suddenly, a voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Mitarashi Kai, I challenge you!"
Kai frowned and looked at the person standing in front of him. With silver hair and a cool demeanor, who else could it be but Kakashi Hatake?
"Not interested," Kai replied indifferently, glancing at Kakashi. No matter how much of a prodigy Kakashi was, it didn't matter to him.
Over the past three months, Kai's progress had been rapid. His chakra reserves had already reached the level of a Chūnin. His ninjutsu and taijutsu had become even more refined, and coupled with his masterful ninja tool throwing skills, he was confident he could defeat Kakashi—not just now, but even a year later when Kakashi became a Chūnin.
Kakashi stared directly at Kai and said, "As the top student, you're not allowed to refuse challenges."
"What a hassle. Looks like I need to accelerate the development of that technique. Otherwise, dealing with constant challenges will be too annoying. Still, defeating Kakashi should earn me a good amount of reputation points, maybe enough for another beginner reputation draw. That's not bad," Kai muttered to himself.
He then looked at Kakashi and said, "Fine, I accept the challenge. Can we do it now? I have other things to do later."
"You..."
Seeing Kai's dismissive attitude, as if he didn't take him seriously at all, Kakashi's face showed a hint of anger. He snorted coldly, "Hmph, don't regret it later when you lose."
"Oh, really? If that happens, I'll be looking forward to it," Kai replied with a smirk.
The news of Mitarashi Kai and Kakashi Hatake's duel for the title of top student spread quickly throughout the academy. Both were prominent figures at the school.
Soon, the training field was packed with spectators.
"Let's begin," Kai said calmly, looking at Kakashi.
"Hmph."
Kakashi snorted, said nothing more, and charged at Kai with a kunai in hand.
"Not bad. Your speed has reached the limit of a Genin. If it were someone else, they might find this very troublesome."
Kai stood still, watching Kakashi charge at him, and praised him. Then he changed his tone and continued, "However, this level of speed doesn't pose any threat to me."
As Kakashi closed in, Kai suddenly moved. In a swift motion, he grabbed Kakashi's wrist.
At the same time, his other hand clenched into a fist and struck Kakashi's abdomen. Kakashi's entire body was sent flying.
"How is this possible!? Such strength! He's only five years old!"
Kakashi's eyes widened in disbelief as he looked at Kai. He could tell that the force of Kai's punch to his abdomen was at least twice his own strength.
"Kakashi, if you don't show your true skills, you'll lose instantly. Next time, I won't hold back," Kai said calmly, looking at Kakashi.
"He actually held back earlier!"
Kakashi's pupils contracted, and his expression became more serious. He straightened up and slowly pulled out the Hatake clan's signature short sword from his back.
"So, you're getting serious? Perfect, I've been curious to see the Hatake clan's swordsmanship," Kai said with interest.
"You'll see it soon enough," Kakashi replied. Holding the short sword with both hands, he charged at Kai at high speed.
"His speed has doubled compared to before. As expected, the Hatake clan's swordsmanship relies on extremely high speed. This time, I can't take it head-on."
Kai quickly made the best decision in his mind. His wrist moved repeatedly, and several shuriken shot toward Kakashi, blocking his path.
However, Kakashi's speed didn't slow down at all. With just a few twists of his short sword, he deflected all the incoming shuriken.
"A shorter blade is riskier, but it also offers greater flexibility and stronger lethality. The Hatake clan's swordsmanship truly has its unique merits. No wonder Sakumo Hatake earned the title of 'White Fang of Konoha.'"
Seeing that his shuriken didn't hinder Kakashi in the slightest, Kai wasn't disappointed. If such simple tactics could trouble Kakashi, then his reputation as a prodigy would be undeserved.
In the blink of an eye, Kakashi had closed the distance and was right in front of Kai. Yet Kai remained motionless.
"This is bad! He's not countering—Kai is in danger!"
The Chūnin teacher watching from the side turned pale. Kakashi's sword strikes were so fierce that even he, as a Chūnin, couldn't confidently block them. Now, it was too late to intervene, as Kakashi's attack was simply too fast.
Kakashi's blade showed no hesitation as it swung directly at Kai.
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