Karot's Assessment

At that moment, a ninja wearing a forehead protector stepped up opposite Kakashi. He looked to be around fifteen or sixteen years old.

"So you're the genius Hatake Kakashi. A genius like you shouldn't become a ninja so early. Just admit defeat!"

The other side spoke to Kakashi as soon as he arrived. There was a hint of protectiveness in his words; he did not want Konoha's genius to become a ninja too soon and be targeted by enemy villages.

"No need. I'll succeed."

"Good, good, very good. Let me see what the genius Hatake Kakashi is capable of."

"Since both sides are ready, the assessment begins now."

At referee Asakawa's command, Kakashi and his opponent rushed at each other. The kunai in their hands clashed instantly, sparks flying as the blades scraped together.

Then, both of them took a step back at the same time.

"So strong."

The watching students exclaimed in admiration. All they saw was Kakashi blocking a Chunin's attack, so their praise was directed at Kakashi.

"As expected of Lord White Fang's son."

The observing ninjas and academy teachers looked at Kakashi with approval.

Most of the ninjas present had lived through the Ninja World Wars. Konoha's White Fang had earned their heartfelt respect by rendering tremendous service to Konoha during the Second Ninja World War. Seeing his son's performance, they could only sigh, "A crouching tiger doesn't have a dog son."

"As expected of a genius. Your speed isn't bad."

That single clash had already told him that Kakashi was weaker than him in strength, but their speed was evenly matched. He could hardly imagine that a five-year-old child possessed such strength. The title of genius truly suited him. The Chunin no longer looked down on him; he could not afford to lose carelessly.

"You don't have time to stand there spacing out."

Kakashi's voice rang out, interrupting the Chunin's thoughts. Several shuriken flew from Kakashi's hand toward him.

Hearing Kakashi's words, the Chunin instantly snapped back to his senses. His reaction was swift. "Clang, clang, clang." His kunai accurately knocked the shuriken aside.

Although Kakashi's shuriken skills were excellent, someone who had survived the Ninja World War would not be harmed by such an attack. Instead, it made his opponent become completely serious.

"I take back what I said about making you surrender. Now, I'm getting serious."

"I wouldn't have it any other way."

Both of their gazes sharpened.

The battle turned into a contest of taijutsu, making the surrounding ninjas nod repeatedly.

They could tell that Kakashi was weaker than the Chunin in strength, but slightly superior in technique. Once the fight dragged on, Kakashi would inevitably lose.

However, this was a ninja assessment with a time limit, which gave Kakashi an advantage. The Chunin facing him could see that as well.

"Shadow Clone Technique."

Poof.

A cloud of white smoke appeared, and he used ninjutsu to attack Kakashi two against one.

Kakashi's expression grew even more solemn when he saw the Shadow Clone Technique. He could use it too, but his Chakra reserves were low. If he used it now, half his Chakra would be split off, making it not worth the cost.

"Be careful, Kakashi."

After that friendly warning, two figures charged at Kakashi from different directions. He had already been at a slight disadvantage, but now he was completely suppressed.

No, I can't keep this up, or I'll lose.

Kakashi considered his options, pulled several shuriken from his ninja tool pouch, and threw them at his opponent while rapidly forming hand seals.

"Shuriken Jutsu."

The number of shuriken instantly doubled.

The Chunin had no time to react. He could handle a few shuriken, but with more than a dozen of them, there was nothing he could do. The shadow clone used the Substitution Technique to switch positions with him.

The Chunin could only watch helplessly as his clone was blasted apart.

"He even mastered the Shadow Clone Technique. He truly is a genius."

The observing ninjas and teachers praised him. After all, many ninjas had yet to master this technique.

After using the ninjutsu, Kakashi's body became unsteady, and he dropped to one knee. The Chunin saw his chance.

"You lost."

A voice sounded beside Kakashi's ear, and a kunai pressed against his neck.

"What a pity. One more exchange, and you would've almost succeeded."

"Is that so?"

As soon as the words fell, Kakashi vanished into a puff of white smoke with a poof.

"The Substitution Technique? When did he...?"

The sudden turn of events stunned everyone present. No one had noticed when Kakashi used the Substitution Technique.

"Where is the real body?"

The Chunin scanned his surroundings, searching for Kakashi's trace.

"Earth Release: Double Suicide Decapitation Technique."

Hearing Kakashi's voice from below, the Chunin already knew what Kakashi was about to do, but it was too late. Kakashi grabbed his foot, and a tremendous force dragged him down. By the time he came to his senses, only his head remained above the ground.

"You lost."

This time, it was Kakashi's Kunai pressed against his opponent.

The Chunin revealed a bitter smile. He had lost, and he accepted it wholeheartedly.

"Kakashi wins. He has passed the assessment."

As Asakawa announced the result, cheers filled the entire school.

"Congratulations, Kakashi."

Rin stepped forward to congratulate Kakashi.

"Thanks."

Kakashi replied coldly.

"Kakashi, don't get cocky! I'll surpass you soon enough!"

Obito pointed at Kakashi and shouted.

"You don't even know whether you can graduate. Dead last."

Kakashi's talent for mockery was maxed out.

"Damn it! Once I awaken my eyes, I'll teach you a proper lesson!"

Mocked by Kakashi, and in front of Rin no less, Obito instantly flew into a rage. His eyes nearly rolled white, as though he had Hyuga Byakugan rather than Uchiha red eyes.

Fortunately, some clear-headed classmates held Obito back.

"Forget it, Obito. Kakashi is a Genin now. You're no match for him."

Might Guy walked up to Kakashi and congratulated him.

"Congratulations, Kakashi. I'll definitely catch up to you."

"Then work hard."

Kakashi had an indescribable feeling toward this boy, whom both his father and brother regarded so highly. It was as though whatever he said would surely come true.

"Quiet, everyone. Settle down."

Teacher Asakawa's voice rang out again.

"The graduation assessment isn't over yet. There's still one person who applied to graduate early."

"What? There's someone else?"

The crowd erupted in an uproar. Kakashi had been the only genius in this class, yet someone else had applied to graduate early as well. No one could make sense of it.

"Who is it, Teacher?"

Obito shouted the question on everyone's mind. He thought that another early graduate might take some wind out of Kakashi's sails.

"Hatake Karot, the next assessment candidate."

At those words, some people looked bewildered, while others immediately turned to Karot. The bewildered ones had never heard the name Karot at school—after all, he was a guy who had attended classes for only a week before taking half a year off due to illness. Those who looked at Karot were his classmates, who knew through Kakashi that his older brother had long been absent due to sickness.

Not only was Kakashi stunned, even Karot was stunned.

"Me?"

Karot asked, pointing at himself.