Third Hokage: Is it too late for me to leave now?

Asuma understood this, but he still felt wronged, looking at Soseki with a gaze full of resentment.

It was only then that he noticed Soseki was still calmly sitting in his seat reading a book.

Seeing this, Asuma couldn't help but step forward and angrily questioned, "Our decisive battle is about to begin, and you're still here reading? At least show some tension!"

Soseki closed his book with a helpless expression. "It's precisely because you, Asuma, are so strong that I'm seizing every moment to improve!"

"Huh? Is that so? Hahaha, I'm not really that amazing!" Asuma laughed proudly, then asked, "But what's the use of reading? Besides, you don't have time to memorize it now!"

Soseki looked confused. "Why wouldn't I have time?"

Asuma's mouth twitched slightly. "You mean you can memorize the contents of a book after reading it just once?"

"Yes! Isn't that normal for people like us?" Soseki nodded matter-of-factly, then tilted his head and asked, "Can't you do it, Asuma?"

Although he had already planted quite a few psychological suggestions in Asuma, this time it was the real deal—as a genius in the eyes of ordinary people, he had the talent of photographic memory in his previous life.

It was precisely based on this talent that he could still recall all the details of this world with clarity, even after transmigrating for several years.

Asuma's mouth instinctively fell open, his throat feeling dry. He truly couldn't do it!

Could it be that I'm not actually a genius... Thinking this, Asuma's eyes began to water.

Seeing Asuma start to doubt his life, Soseki smiled and walked outside. "Let's go, I've been looking forward to a battle with you, Asuma, for a long time!"

Asuma nodded and followed with heavy steps.

On the school playground, many teachers and senior students were already waiting.

Although in the eyes of most people, this was just a farce between children, it involved the Hokage's son, so they were somewhat interested.

"What a bunch of rowdy kids. We weren't this childish back in our day."

"Hey, hey, you're only six years old, why are you talking like an old man?"

"Cough, cough... There are newcomers watching, don't damage my senior's dignity!"

It wasn't just the students whispering; teachers from various grades were also discussing in low voices.

"Tsk, tsk, when did a battle between two genin start attracting so many people? I hope this fight isn't too embarrassing!"

"What's so good about a fight between two rookies? Are they just spitting at each other? At most, it's spit with chakra."

"Generally speaking, learning to refine chakra in half a month is already good, but don't forget, that Asuma Sarutobi is the Hokage's son!"

"That's right, geniuses can break conventions... Yagami, don't play dead over there. You're their teacher, you should know their progress best."

Yagami Kei smiled slightly. "Asuma is indeed a genius. He could already use the Three Basic Ninjutsu proficiently when he enrolled. Now, he might have even learned more than one D-rank Ninjutsu."

"Are you kidding? Doesn't that mean he's already met the graduation standards?"

"Don't talk nonsense. Ninjas aren't just about using the Three Basic Ninjutsu; techniques and experience are also very important parts. However, such talent is indeed astonishing!"

"As expected of the Hokage's son. It seems our Konoha will have another genius like Lord Orochimaru."

Just then, a hearty laugh came from behind them.

"Haha, don't praise him too highly. Compared to Orochimaru, he's still far behind!"

Everyone turned around and saw the Third Hokage, dressed in casual clothes, arriving.

"Hokage, Hokage-sama! You've actually come!"

The Third waved his hand and smiled. "I'm not here as the Hokage today. Just consider me a regular student's parent."

Despite his words, the few teachers standing beside the Third felt immense pressure.

Fortunately, Soseki and the other boy appeared at the right time and walked onto the field, drawing the Third's attention. The faint pressure they felt finally lessened considerably.

"Soseki, I know you're strong. In this school, only you are worthy of being my opponent!" Asuma shouted loudly, his face flushed with embarrassment. "Come on, let these people witness our strength!"

Hiss... Everyone shivered. What was with this overwhelming sense of secondhand embarrassment?

Many teachers subtly glanced at the Third. Children's behavior often imitated their parents. Could it be that the Hokage acted like this at home?

The Third's right hand, holding his pipe, stiffened. He began to wonder if his decision to appear today was correct.

Soseki, on the other hand, formed the "Opposing Seal" with both hands, his eyes firm. "Classmate Asuma, I'm starting!"

Asuma also formed the "Opposing Seal." "Bring it on!"

The moment the words fell, Asuma leaned forward, swinging his arms straight behind him, charging forward in a short burst.

Soseki rapidly retreated backward, taking four shuriken from his tool pouch and holding them between his fingers. His gaze focused on Asuma's feet, predicting his next move.

Then—whoosh!

Four shuriken were shot out simultaneously, piercing the air, aimed at Asuma's shoulders and ankles.

Asuma's rapid charge faltered, and he forcefully changed direction, leaping to the left. But before he could relax, a low whistling sound from behind startled him.

Glancing with his peripheral vision, he saw another four shuriken flying towards him, making it feel as if he were willingly presenting himself.

He predicted my movements in advance. This kind of throwing technique is worthy of Soseki! Asuma thought with admiration. Although his stamina and chakra were superior to Soseki's, he was the one in crisis first.

"However, this level of throwing technique doesn't count as Ninjutsu! Let me show you how Ninjutsu is used!" Asuma didn't dodge; he charged straight ahead.

Bang—Ding ding ding ding!

A cloud of smoke billowed, and the spot where Asuma had been standing was replaced by a piece of rubble.

Having just landed, Asuma immediately accelerated forward without hesitation, his gaze fixed partly on Soseki's waist. "All the shuriken in your tool pouch should be gone by now. What are you going to do next, Soseki?"

"To be able to use the Substitution Technique so skillfully is truly impressive… Wait, is that…"

"Ah! Watch out!"

Hearing the gasps of surprise from the surroundings, Asuma instinctively looked back. A cold glint surged into his vision.

This is… Asuma's pupils contracted violently. With no time to form hand seals, he could only hastily roll to the side. (The Three Basic Ninjutsu are not without seals; I specifically checked. When Sakura fought Sakon, she also used hand seals for the Substitution Technique.)

But he was still a step too slow. The cold glint grazed his cheek, drawing a few beads of blood.

Asuma didn't have time to tend to the faint sting on his cheek. Instead, he looked at his opponent with surprise.

In front of him, Soseki stood calmly, his right hand raised, with four shuriken swirling around him.

Between the shuriken and his fingertips were almost transparent chakra threads connecting them.

Thanks to Dongfang Jiaizi for the 1099 reward, Jiewang de Xuezha for the 1000 reward, Sanyu Wumeng Sheng A for the 1000 reward, Wuya Wuya for the 1000 reward, Yongheng rooter for the 500 reward, and Shuyou 20190603125142420 for the 500 reward.