Konoha's Taijutsu Prodigy

When Hatake Sakumo and his two sons stepped out of the Hatake residence, pedestrians on the road warmly greeted Sakumo. As Konoha's hero, Hatake Sakumo had rendered tremendous service to the village and commanded great prestige among the ordinary villagers.

Karot watched the villagers with great interest. They could be the most lovable people, but they could also become the sharpest blade—the blade that would later stab straight into Hatake Sakumo's heart. Kakashi, meanwhile, kept a cold face the entire time, as though everyone owed him money. Trying to look cool. Hatake Sakumo warmly returned the villagers' greetings. After all, the Hatake clan was only a small family, and its relationship with the villagers was fairly harmonious.

When they arrived at the school gates, some of the parents seeing their children off even gathered around the three Hatakes.

"As expected of Sakumo-sama's children. They're truly fine-looking."

With smiling faces, they offered flattering words, and Sakumo responded to each of them in turn.

After completing the registration and leaving the Ninja Academy, Hatake Sakumo let out a sigh of relief. He would rather go on missions than deal with scenes like this. It was too difficult—exhausting for both his heart and his face.

The Ninja Academy's assessment mainly examined physical aptitude. For the Hatake brothers, it was hardly worth mentioning; they passed with ease.

Most students could also easily pass the basics of ninjutsu and illusion arts. Karot was immune to illusion arts, and with the Hokage's letter of recommendation, he passed openly and properly. Kakashi, on the other hand, entered in dazzling fashion on the strength of the word "genius."

But there were also failures, such as those with talent only in taijutsu but no aptitude for ninjutsu or illusion arts.

Just as they stepped out of the school gates, Karot and the others ran into the father and son, Might Duy and Might Guy, standing outside. Their eye-catching outfits made Karot recognize them at a glance.

"Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you. I hope my sons will be in your care from now on."

Knowing his two sons' personalities well, Hatake Sakumo was the first to greet them.

Kakashi looked confused at his father's words. Did he need someone else to look after him?

"Father."

Kakashi said helplessly, but Sakumo ignored him and continued speaking to the other party.

"Please get along well with them!"

"No, I can't do that."

At that moment, Might Duy spoke up.

Hearing Might Duy's blunt refusal, Hatake Sakumo showed an incredulous expression.

Seeing his father's expression, Kakashi explained.

"No, Father, you've got it wrong. This guy didn't get into the Ninja Academy this time."

"I see. My apologies. I jumped to conclusions because you were standing at the school gates."

Hatake Sakumo said awkwardly. He had committed a ninja's grave taboo—gathering insufficient information.

"Hahaha!"

Might Duy laughed without the slightest concern.

"That's how it is."

"Is that funny?"

Kakashi asked with a frown.

"Hey, Kakashi, that's very rude."

Hatake Sakumo immediately reprimanded him.

"Father, you're being even ruder! This guy desperately wanted to get into the school, but he can't even use ninjutsu..."

Before Kakashi could finish, he thought of his own older brother and shut his mouth. His brother couldn't use ninjutsu either, but Kakashi couldn't beat him!

"Are you Kakashi?"

Just as Hatake Sakumo was about to lead Kakashi and Karot away, Might Guy spoke.

"Hm?"

Kakashi turned back in confusion.

The other boy gave him a thumbs-up, his face full of enthusiasm. His gleaming white teeth were especially dazzling.

"Thank you for remembering me."

Kakashi's expression became even more confused upon hearing that.

"Hahaha, you're an interesting person."

At that moment, Karot laughed. He walked over to Might Guy and patted him on the shoulder.

That laugh left both Kakashi and Sakumo puzzled, but Might Duy and his son were used to it. Too many people had mocked them.

"I believe in you. You'll definitely become an extraordinary ninja someday."

"Your training won't betray you."

But Karot's next words stunned the father and son, and softened Might Guy's heart. Before this, all he had received was ridicule and contempt. Aside from his father, Karot was the first person to acknowledge him.

"Really?"

Tears welled up in Might Guy's eyes.

"Of course."

"This path will be difficult, but you can definitely make it."

Karot nodded with certainty.

"Thank you. I definitely won't let you down."

Might Guy tightly clasped Karot's hand. As if to reinforce his resolve, his grip grew stronger and stronger. Guy held great respect for Karot, the first person to acknowledge him.

"Brother, you..."

Kakashi was puzzled. How had this person made his brother say such things? In Kakashi's eyes, Might Guy was merely an ordinary person who was somewhat better at taijutsu.

"Kakashi, Karot is right."

Hatake Sakumo spoke as well.

"Even if you get into the Ninja Academy, don't become arrogant. If things continue like this, that child may become even stronger than you someday."

Kakashi noticed the serious expression on his father's face.

"Him?"

Kakashi clearly did not believe it.

"The supplementary admissions list hasn't been finalized yet. The academy wouldn't be foolish enough to give up a student with special talent, especially when their own son is also a taijutsu prodigy. Go ask him his name."

Sakumo rubbed Kakashi's head.

Since his father had said so, Kakashi could only comply.

"Hey, kid, what's your name?"

Hearing Kakashi's question, Might Guy finally released Karot's hands.

Striking a pose, he said confidently, "Might Guy. I'll definitely become the strongest man someday." After saying that, he did not forget to flash his gleaming white teeth.

His awkward pose, terrible expression, and inexplicable confidence made Kakashi think the boy was foolish. He decided he needed to stay far away from him.

"Fine, I'll remember that. Father, Brother, let's go."

Kakashi turned away coldly, as though something had latched onto him. His heart told him to leave this place as quickly as possible.

After Hatake Sakumo and Karot bid farewell to the Might father and son, they turned and left.

"Guy, don't disappoint those who believe in you."

After Sakumo and his sons left, Might Duy instructed his son.

"Yes, Father. I won't disappoint Brother Karot."

In Guy's heart, Karot—the first person to acknowledge him—held an extraordinary place.

"Karot, did you also notice what was different about that boy?"

After they had walked some distance, Hatake Sakumo asked Karot. Upon hearing his father's words, Kakashi perked up his ears.

"Yeah. There are signs of training on his fists and feet. The power hidden within his body came from the effort he put in. In terms of taijutsu, Kakashi probably isn't his match."

"How is that possible?"

Kakashi retorted.

However, neither Hatake Sakumo nor Karot paid him any attention.

"If he keeps training, he'll definitely become an exceptional ninja in the future."

"Hahaha, as expected of my son. You really do have a sharp eye. Kakashi, you should learn more from your brother in this regard."

Hatake Sakumo rarely praised his eldest son.

"You say Kakashi isn't his match. What about you, Karot?"

Faced with his father's question, Karot answered as he walked.

"He's just a child."

Watching his son's figure and hearing his firm tone, Sakumo already had his answer. As expected of my son.

"Karot, to celebrate you and Kakashi getting into the academy, let's go home and have barbecue!"

"Okay."

Hatake Sakumo then turned to Kakashi.

"Keep up, Kakashi."

With that, he strode forward.

Watching his father and brother walk away, Kakashi still refused to believe that watermelon-headed boy was worthy of becoming his opponent.

Having made up his mind, he cast the thought aside and followed in his father and brother's footsteps.