Chapter 7 - A Challenge from Kakashi!

Note: if you want us to continue translate this story and to get access to +20 advance Chapters or you can purchase the full story from Patreon shop I hope to support us on Patreon.com/flokixy without your support we can't continue 💜

The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and crimson as its golden rays filtered through the trees. The training ground was bathed in a warm glow, casting long shadows across the field where Rong Lin continued his rigorous exercises.

Guy sat frozen in place, unable to comprehend how all his hard work had amounted to nothing against Rong Lin. Being defeated in a single move was a devastating blow to his pride. When Rong Lin pointed out the flaws in his technique, Guy's fiery passion evaporated instantly. He slumped onto the ground, unresponsive.

It was harsh, but Rong Lin knew he had no choice but to be blunt—it was for Guy's own good. While sparring could improve combat experience, at this stage, Guy was better off focusing on basic training.

"If you feel my words hurt your pride, then I apologize."

Rong Lin opened his palm and looked directly at the stunned Guy, his tone growing stern.

"But you're still too weak right now—sorry, that's just my honest opinion. If you're unconvinced, feel free to challenge me anytime."

"1..."

"2..."

Without waiting for a response, Rong Lin resumed his interrupted frog jumps, leaving Guy to reflect on their earlier bout and the truths Rong Lin had laid bare.

"I will! Uchiha Rong Lin! I'll definitely defeat you! Starting today, I'll make it my goal to surpass you!!!"

After what felt like an eternity, Guy finally snapped out of his daze. His face flushed red as he shouted at the top of his lungs before sprinting away, leaving Rong Lin momentarily stunned mid-jump.

Didn't your goal used to be surpassing Kakashi? How did it suddenly shift to me?

Rong Lin couldn't help but chuckle wryly at the absurdity of the situation. Still, he didn't dwell on it. If Guy wanted to challenge him, so be it—the difficulty would only increase with time. Deep down, Rong Lin knew that Guy's declaration was nothing more than empty bravado.

"You've been watching long enough, haven't you, Kakashi?"

After Guy left the training grounds, Rong Lin continued his routine without missing a beat. Mid-jump, he casually tossed out the question as if addressing thin air.

As his strength grew over time, Rong Lin's control over both the Sharingan and Byakugan improved significantly. His sensory abilities sharpened, allowing him to easily detect Kakashi hiding nearby. In fact, Rong Lin had noticed Kakashi lurking since the moment Guy issued his challenge.

"You're strong."

Caught spying and then called out, Kakashi emerged awkwardly from behind a distant tree. A faint blush crept onto the exposed half of his face—a rare display of embarrassment.

Since graduating early, Kakashi had carried the weight of being labeled a prodigy. However, reality quickly proved far more challenging than he'd imagined. Without a fixed team, he often joined missions midway, only to find himself treated as a burden. Though others masked their disdain publicly, private ridicule was inevitable—a common plight for newcomers joining established squads.

During his most recent mission, tensions flared between Kakashi and his teammates. After completing the task, he wandered to the training grounds, only to stumble upon Guy challenging Rong Lin to a spar. What followed left Kakashi speechless—it wasn't a spar so much as a one-sided demolition.

"Thanks for the compliment." Rong Lin smiled faintly, clearly unfazed by the praise.

Kakashi raised an eyebrow, noting Rong Lin's indifference. While others might have basked in Kakashi's acknowledgment, Rong Lin wasn't impressed. Sure, Kakashi was hailed as a genius—but did that mean Rong Lin himself fell short?

Absolutely not. There were things Rong Lin simply chose not to compete for because they held little value to him, but that didn't mean he lacked ambition or drive.

"So, why don't we wrap up your boring training session and spar instead?"

Despite his usual brevity, Kakashi smirked slightly as a kunai materialized in his hand, extending the challenge to Rong Lin.

"Oh?"

Pausing mid-frog jump, Rong Lin was genuinely surprised. The great prodigy Kakashi was issuing a direct invitation? If word got out among their classmates, jaws would undoubtedly hit the floor.

Stretching his limbs lightly, Rong Lin grinned. "While it'll interrupt my training and cost me some time, I suppose this proposal isn't half bad."

Same logic applied here—he didn't seek validation, but that didn't mean he wouldn't rise to the occasion when challenged.

"Then let's begin." Kakashi tightened his grip on the kunai, showing no signs of underestimating Rong Lin as he assumed a serious fighting stance.

Things were getting interesting. Rong Lin chuckled softly and nodded. "Alright, let's go."

A kunai appeared in Rong Lin's hand as well. But something about the way Rong Lin looked at Kakashi irked him—there was a hint of mockery in those eyes. Yes, outright mockery. Kakashi was certain he hadn't misread it.

Accustomed to constant admiration and attention wherever he went, Kakashi bristled at the subtle insult. Thus, as soon as their kunai clashed, the battle erupted.

"Clang!!"

Having graduated as a prodigy, Kakashi's skills far surpassed those of his peers. Yet Rong Lin was on another level entirely. Two small figures collided, their kunai clashing with a sharp metallic ring.

Rong Lin hadn't activated his Sharingan or Byakugan.

The sheer force of the impact traveled through the kunai into both their arms. Kakashi's perpetually lazy eyes widened in disbelief. He couldn't fathom how Rong Lin's speed and power could surpass his own.

Kakashi had initiated the attack, yet Rong Lin countered with superior distance and timing, proving that his speed was unmatched. Moreover, the force transmitted through the kunai nearly caused Kakashi to lose his grip.

"It's unwise to space out during a fight, you know."

Noticing Kakashi's shock, Rong Lin teased lightly. With lightning-fast reflexes, he transferred the kunai from his right hand to his left, slicing through the air smoothly.

Kakashi immediately realized his mistake—he'd let his guard down mid-battle. Using the rebound force, he retreated rapidly. A flash of light streaked past him, and Rong Lin stood calmly in place, making no attempt to press his advantage.

Kakashi's expression darkened. That last exchange could have ended disastrously for him. Even with his quick reflexes, his shirt now bore a clean cut from shoulder to waist.

Fast, ruthless, precise!

In an instant, Kakashi had witnessed firsthand the extent of Rong Lin's prowess.

"What do you think would've happened," Rong Lin began, spinning the kunai deftly and creating a few dazzling arcs in the air, "if my kunai had moved forward just two centimeters more?"

"..."

Kakashi remained silent, his face grim. The answer was obvious—if the blade had advanced another two centimeters, it would have left a fatal wound on his body.

One strike was all it took to determine the victor. To Rong Lin, Kakashi was still too green. Despite having a legendary father like Sakumo Hatake to guide him, Kakashi's weaknesses were glaringly apparent.