Asuma understood that as well, but he still felt deeply aggrieved, his eyes full of resentment as he looked at Soseki.
Only then did he notice that Soseki was still calmly sitting in his seat, reading.
Seeing this, Asuma marched over and demanded indignantly, "Our decisive battle is about to begin, and you're still sitting here reading? At least show some nervousness!"
Soseki closed his book helplessly. "It's precisely because you're so strong, Asuma, that I have to seize every moment to improve!"
"Huh? Is that so? Ahahaha, I'm not really that amazing!" Asuma laughed smugly a few times before asking, "But what's the use of reading? Besides, it's too late for you to memorize anything now!"
Soseki looked puzzled. "Why would it be too late?"
Asuma's mouth twitched slightly. "Don't tell me you can remember everything in a book after reading it once?"
"Of course! Isn't that normal for people like us?" Soseki nodded as though it were only natural, then tilted his head and asked, "Don't you have that ability, Asuma?"
Although he had already given Asuma quite a few Psychological Suggestions, this time it was true—regarded as a genius by ordinary people, he had possessed an eidetic memory in his previous life.
It was also because of that talent that, even after spending several years in this world, he still remembered all sorts of details about it clearly.
Asuma subconsciously opened his mouth, his throat dry. He really couldn't do that!
Could it be... I'm not actually a genius...? Asuma's eyes could not help growing moist at the thought.
Seeing Asuma beginning to question his entire life, Soseki smiled and headed outside. "Come on. I've been looking forward to fighting you for a long time, Asuma!"
Asuma nodded and followed after him with heavy steps.
On the school field, quite a few teachers and upperclassmen had already gathered to wait.
Although most people saw this as nothing more than a childish squabble, it involved the Hokage's son after all, so they were somewhat interested.
"What a bunch of rowdy brats. We weren't this childish back then."
"Hey, hey, you're only six too. Why are you talking like such an old man?"
"Ahem... There are newcomers watching beside us. Don't damage my dignity as a senior!"
It was not just the students whispering among themselves; teachers from every grade were also quietly discussing the matter.
"Tsk, tsk. Since when could a fight between two freshmen draw such a crowd? Hopefully, it won't be too embarrassing to watch!"
"What's there to see in a fight between two newcomers? Spitting on each other? At best, it'll be saliva enhanced with Chakra."
"Normally, learning to refine Chakra within half a month would already be pretty good. But don't forget, Asuma Sarutobi is the Hokage's son!"
"That's right. Geniuses can break the rules... Yagami, stop playing dead over there. You're their teacher, so you should know their progress best, right?"
Yagami Kei smiled faintly. "Asuma truly is a genius. When he enrolled, he could already use the Three Basic Ninjutsu proficiently. By now, he may have even learned more than one D-rank ninjutsu."
"You're joking, right? Doesn't that mean he's already reached the graduation standard?"
"Don't talk nonsense. Being a ninja isn't just about knowing the Three Basic Ninjutsu. Technique and experience are also important, but that kind of talent is indeed astonishing!"
"As expected of the Hokage's son. It looks like our Leaf Village is about to produce another genius like Lord Orochimaru."
Just then, a hearty laugh came from behind them.
"Haha, don't praise him to the heavens. Compared to Orochimaru, he's still far behind!"
Everyone turned around and discovered that the newcomer was none other than the Third Hokage, dressed in ordinary clothes.
"L-Lord Hokage! You came too?"
The Third Hokage waved with a smile. "I'm not here today as the Hokage. Just treat me as an ordinary student's parent."
Though he said that, the few teachers standing beside the Third Hokage still felt waves of pressure.
Fortunately, Soseki and Asuma appeared at just the right moment and entered the field. The Third Hokage's attention shifted, and the faint pressure weighing on them finally eased considerably.
"Soseki, I know you're strong. In this school, only you are worthy of being my opponent!" Asuma shouted with a serious expression and an utterly shameless level of embarrassment, "Come on, let these people witness our power!"
Hiss... Everyone shuddered. What was with this unbearable embarrassment?
Quite a few teachers quietly shifted their gazes toward the Third Hokage. Children often imitated their parents' behavior. Could it be that Lord Hokage acted like this at home too?
The Third Hokage's right hand, which held his pipe, stiffened as he began questioning whether coming here today had been the right choice.
Soseki formed the "Confrontation Seal" with both hands, his gaze resolute. "Asuma, I'm starting!"
Asuma formed the "Confrontation Seal" as well. "Come on!"
The instant his words fell, Asuma leaned forward, swung both arms straight behind him, and charged at his opponent in a short burst.
Soseki rapidly retreated, drawing four Shuriken from the tool pouch at his waist with his right hand and holding them between his fingers. His gaze focused on Asuma's feet as he predicted his next movement.
Then—whoosh!
The four Shuriken shot out together, tearing through the air as they flew toward Asuma's shoulders and ankles.
Asuma's rushing figure stalled as he forcibly changed direction and leaped to the left. But before he could relax, the deep whistling sound that suddenly rang out beside his ear gave him a fright.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw another four Shuriken flying at him. It almost seemed as though he had willingly thrown himself into their path.
"He predicted my movements in advance. Such Throwing Techniques... as expected of Soseki!" Asuma marveled inwardly. His stamina and Chakra were clearly both superior to Soseki's, yet he was the first to fall into danger.
"But Throwing Techniques at this level don't count as ninjutsu! Let me show you how ninjutsu is really used!" Asuma neither dodged nor evaded, charging straight at them.
Bang—clang clang clang clang!
Smoke billowed, and a chunk of broken stone replaced where Asuma had been standing.
The moment Asuma landed, he accelerated forward without the slightest hesitation. Part of his attention remained fixed on Soseki's waist. "The Shuriken in your tool pouch should all be used up by now, right? What will you do next, Soseki?"
"He can use the Substitution Technique so skillfully. That's amazing... Wait, that's..."
"Ah! Watch out!"
Hearing the startled cries all around him, Asuma instinctively turned his head. A streak of cold light rapidly expanded in his vision.
This is... Asuma's pupils shrank sharply. With no time to form hand seals, he could only hurriedly roll to one side. (The Three Basic Ninjutsu do not require no hand seals. I specifically checked—when Sakura fought Zaku, she had to form hand seals to use the Substitution Technique too.)
But he was still a step too slow, and the cold light drew several drops of blood from his cheek.
Asuma had no time to care about the faint pain in his cheek. Instead, he looked at the other side in astonishment.
Ahead of him, Soseki stood quietly with his right hand raised. Four Shuriken danced around him.
Nearly transparent Chakra Threads connected the Shuriken to his fingertips.
Thanks to Eastern Prodigy for the 1099 reward, Desperate Underachiever for the 1000 reward, Three Surpluses Dreamless Life A for the 1000 reward, Boundless Toothless for the 1000 reward, Eternal Rooter for the 500 reward, and Book Friend 20190603125142420 for the 500 reward
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