The Wager

Konohamaru curled his lip. "Tch, aren't you afraid of biting your tongue with all that boasting? You're so fair and delicate-looking, not at all like a ninja. Anyone can tell you don't know any Ninjutsu. And you're bragging to me about knowing Rank A Ninjutsu and wanting to crush me?"

"You've got to be kidding. I grew up under my grandfather's guidance and Teacher Ebisu's instruction. How could I be like you? I may not know many Ninjutsu, but Teacher Ebisu said every one of mine is powerful."

Ye Lan smiled. "All right, then. Since you don't agree, how about this? You can learn my Ninjutsu. If you can learn it within the time limit I set, I'll concede to you. Even if you only manage to grasp a little of it, that counts. But if you can't learn it, then you lose this match—and there'll be conditions for losing!"

Konohamaru's eyes lit up at once. What an idiot. He looks pretty smart, but who knew he'd be this stupid? Not only can I secretly learn his Ninjutsu, but I won't have to take any responsibility. If I win, I even get a reward. Isn't that the best of both worlds?

Besides, I'm exceptionally talented. What Ninjutsu could possibly be beyond me? Learning one of his simple techniques would be easy.

And at his age, how could he possibly know Rank A Ninjutsu? Rank A Ninjutsu was something only Jonin knew, and even Jonin might only know one or two. Yet he was here boasting to me? Hmph! I didn't believe him at all.

How could Ye Lan possibly not know what Konohamaru was thinking?

So he said, "All right, it's settled, then. The contest will be for you to learn my Ninjutsu. But there's something I need to make clear first. You can learn my Ninjutsu, but what will you do if you lose?"

Konohamaru tilted his head and thought for a long time, but could not come up with anything. Ye Lan seized the opportunity and said, "How about this? If you lose, you'll acknowledge me as your big brother. If I lose, I'll find someone to teach you more than five Rank A Ninjutsu. What do you think?"

Konohamaru nearly burst out laughing. This guy really is an idiot. Who knows where he came from? Not only does he love to brag, he even says he'll teach me more than five Ninjutsu. How could I possibly lose? Besides, all I'd have to do is acknowledge him as my boss. What's so hard about that?

Without even thinking, Konohamaru said, "Fine! We'll do it your way! Let's start now. Teacher Kakashi is right here to witness this for us. Whoever loses can't go back on their word, and neither of us is allowed to cheat."

"No problem!"

Seeing the two of them arguing so noisily, Kakashi could not help but smile. "All right, then. Hurry up and show us your Ninjutsu, Ye Lan."

Ye Lan chuckled. "No rush. I haven't asked Konohamaru what type of ninja he is yet. Is he a Fire Style ninja or a Water Style ninja?"

Konohamaru said proudly, "Only you know one or two types. I'm the Third Hokage's grandson, so naturally I can use every type. But if we're talking about my strongest one, it's definitely my Fire Style Ninjutsu."

Ye Lan continued asking, "Oh? Then what Fire Style Ninjutsu do you know?" Konohamaru said.

"I don't know many. I'm currently learning the Great Fireball Technique, and it won't be long before I master it. So, am I impressive or what?"

Ye Lan smiled dismissively. "What's so impressive about that? The Great Fireball Technique is only a relatively ordinary Fire Style Ninjutsu."