Just As Expected!

"Tap..."

Chiba landed in a half-crouch, his brows knitting slightly. He glanced at his left waist, pursed his lips, and slowly rose with a grave expression before looking toward the smoke-shrouded area ahead.

"Splash!"

At that moment, droplets of water cascaded down from the sky in an arc, scattering across the ground. They shattered into smaller droplets upon impact, soaking into the earth and leaving dark marks in the mud. A few struck Chiba's face and trickled down his cheeks.

I really underestimated Kakashi. Because of the original story, I underestimated Kakashi far too much.

Kakashi's current strength isn't much weaker than his future self's. He definitely possesses Elite Jonin-level combat power. More importantly, his analytical ability, reactions, personal skill, and actual strength all surpass those of an ordinary Elite Jonin. He's the type whose real combat ability exceeds his measured strength.

Feeling the cool droplets splash against his face, Chiba narrowed his eyes slightly. The emerald gleam in them flickered irregularly, while his gaze brimmed with vigilance and caution. In the corner of his vision was his left pant leg, marked by a faint muddy footprint. Even his left foot was trembling slightly.

At that moment, everyone's gazes, like Chiba's, fell upon the rising smoke ahead. Their eyes were filled with shock and confusion, while the children wore utterly dazed expressions.

"What... happened in that instant? I almost couldn't see it clearly..."

The female Anbu Ninja slowly straightened from her position against the wall, staring incredulously at the smoke as she spoke.

"Yeah. That brat Kakashi has gotten much stronger than before. That rate of improvement is simply terrifying. No wonder he was a super genius approved for early graduation at five years old. No wonder he was that monstrous boy who still maintained a Jonin-level mission attendance rate,