Kakashi Graduates

"Go, Kakashi!" A group of young girls from the class cheered as the white-haired Kakashi took the stage.

Kakashi's opponent was a thin man, about eighteen or nineteen years old. Kakashi, who was just over five, looked comical standing next to him.

"I won't go easy on you, so be careful," Kakashi's opponent said, pulling out a kunai and tightening the bandages on his hands.

It was clear this was another Commoner Ninja. Perhaps it was because Commoner Ninjas weren't respected by the great clans during this era, but every one of them seemed exceptionally serious and persistent.

Akimichi Choza's opponent in the previous match had fought him for the full five minutes, trading injuries, but was ultimately outmatched.

The referee stepped forward and said, "The rules are as follows: poisons and explosive tags are strictly forbidden. Falling unconscious or surrendering results in a loss. Now, both sides, form the hand seals."

After Kakashi and his opponent formed their seals, the match officially began.

Kakashi's opponent threw three kunai, which sealed off Kakashi's path forward in a triangular formation. Although the opponent had drawn his kunai, he didn't charge Kakashi for close combat. Instead, he took a step back and began forming hand seals.

Kakashi quickly drew his short sword, deflecting two kunai with two sharp clangs. He dodged the third by slightly shifting his body and immediately charged towards his opponent without pause.

When they were less than half a meter apart, Kakashi's opponent unleashed his ninjutsu: Earth Style: Earth Flow Wall.

This ninjutsu was typically used for defense, but it was clear Kakashi's opponent was a ninja with a lot of ideas.

An earth wall about a meter and a half high rose from beneath Kakashi's feet, not only blocking his path but also obstructing his vision.

Kakashi leaped up. By the time he landed on the earth wall, his opponent had already vanished.

Kakashi scanned his surroundings and immediately leaped backward. A rock at the bottom corner of the earth wall suddenly made a boom sound, revealing his opponent.

His opponent's eyes gleamed, and he thrust a wooden kunai towards Kakashi's chest. Kakashi's pupils contracted, and he fell backward, narrowly dodging the kunai. Several severed white hairs fluttered to the ground.

Kakashi broke out in a cold sweat. He flipped, spun, and landed, preparing to take a direct hit and trade injuries.

Kakashi's opponent weighed his options and retreated behind the earth wall. Given their Chakra levels as Genin, they could only use about three C-rank or one B-rank ninjutsu before their Chakra was depleted.

However, Kakashi had no intention of waiting for the time limit. He charged forward again, this time gripping his sword backward.

He lightly tapped the earth wall with his toes before flipping back.

The moment Kakashi jumped onto the earth wall, his opponent didn't attack but threw a kunai.

Kakashi frowned as the kunai grazed past him. Instantly, Kakashi made a decision.

His opponent quickly circled around the earth wall, bursting out from Kakashi's left and throwing a punch.

Kakashi ignored the punch and instead flicked his short sword upward and to the right.

With a zira sound, the kunai was cut. The steel wire attached to the kunai swung around and struck the opponent.

Kakashi's opponent's punch landed on Kakashi's left shoulder, staggering him.

Just as the opponent was about to pursue, he had to face a kunai coming directly at his face.

Bing San couldn't help but narrow his eyes, thinking: Kakashi's combat talent is truly remarkable. By cutting the steel wire, he forced the kunai to turn and attack his opponent, making him retreat.

The Commoner Ninja had no choice but to dodge, wasting a golden opportunity.

Kakashi also used the chance to regain his footing. The two exchanged two more blows. Kakashi was hit once, and the Commoner Ninja used up several ninja tools.

It was clear this was a gap in experience.

The onlookers were cheering enthusiastically.

Bing San looked up and saw a beautiful young couple in the stands nodding frequently. The man had blond hair, a green Jonin vest, and charming, smiling blue eyes.

The girl had red hair, wore a beige top, and was stuffing snacks into her mouth while shouting encouragement to Kakashi's opponent.

It was Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki. Bing San hadn't expected them to be here. He observed them for a moment longer, but was quickly discovered. The man smiled friendly at him.

Kushina, still eating, shouted, "Nishizawa, I'll give you extra chicken legs if you take him down!"

Minato Namikaze smiled and said, "Kushina, don't be like that. Nishizawa-kun is a very serious person. If you shout like that, his opponent might be in trouble. That child is only five!"

It seemed the opponent Kakashi was fighting, Nishizawa, might be Minato's subordinate.

Nishizawa heard Kushina's shout and his body trembled slightly. He murmured, "Lord Minato is still watching. I can't lose."

Then, holding his kunai in one hand, he quickly thrust it towards Kakashi's left side.

Kakashi's left shoulder was hit by a punch, causing him discomfort. He had to dodge to the side.

A cold glint flashed in Nishizawa's eyes. He spun his kunai rapidly, instantly gripping it backward. He quickly completed several seals and shouted, "I'm sorry, I can't lose! Wind Style: Vacuum Sphere!"

Nishizawa spat out a ball of wind, which hit Kakashi with a boom.

However, Kakashi turned into a log with a thump.

Kakashi used the opportunity to teleport behind Nishizawa and quickly began forming hand seals.

"It's over. This seal should be Lightning Style: Lightning Strike. Children these days are truly amazing," said a young ninja from the Hyuga family, dressed in a white kimono.

Another man, identical in appearance, added with emotion:

"Indeed, Big Brother. He's worthy of being that person's child."

"Watch your words, Hizashi."

"Yes, Brother."

These two youths were the brothers Hyuga Hiashi and Hizashi Hyuga.

They were likely here to watch Hyuga Kuji and Hyuga Go's exam.

"Lightning Release: Lightning Strike," Kakashi shouted, and blue currents shot from his hands.

This ninjutsu was only a C-rank, not very powerful. Its advantages were its speed and paralyzing effect.

The person hit convulsed in great pain.

Nishizawa convulsed and fell to the ground, still gripping his kunai tightly.

Sweat streamed down Nishizawa's forehead, veins bulging as he gritted his teeth and tried several times to get up from the ground, but failed.

Kakashi's left arm hung limply, dripping blood, as he walked towards Nishizawa with his short sword in his right hand.

"Nishizawa-kun, that's enough."

Suddenly, Minato Namikaze appeared between Kakashi and Nishizawa, reaching out to help Nishizawa up.

"Lord Minato, I am so sorry, I failed."

"It's alright, you did very well."

At this time, the announcer walked to the center of the arena and declared: "The winner is Kakashi Hatake."