I Knew You Weren't Human at a Glance

Eiichirō continued announcing the rankings.

Unsurprisingly, second place was Hatake Kakashi.

But he couldn't be happy about it, since he'd dropped from first.

There was still a chance, though.

The final exam ranking was based on theory plus practical combat.

If he took first in practical combat, the overall ranking's top spot would still be up in the air.

Hatake Kakashi expressionlessly looked at Hikawa.

His face was calm and detached, as if he'd already anticipated this.

Wasn't this feeling just like his old self?

Kakashi subconsciously clenched his fist. Practical combat wouldn't be so simple.

Yuhi Kurenai was sixth, a normal performance.

After hearing the results, Hikawa shifted his attention to the Lexicon System.

code
[E-Rank Talent Entry: Scholar (Acquired).]
[Trigger Condition: First in first-semester theory class.]
[Effect: Comprehension +10%.]
[Note: Achieving more first-place theory results can evolve this to D-Rank Entry: God of Study.]

Comprehension?

Hikawa paused. This effect was somewhat unexpected.

But thinking it over, it might prove quite useful.

For learning high-difficulty jutsu, for example.

"Last place, Obito Uchiha."

Eiichirō shook his head as he spoke.

Damn it!

His gut feeling had been wrong!

Obito Uchiha's face immediately showed unwillingness.

One's own failure was disheartening enough, but a rival's success was even more agonizing.

Before, it was Kakashi. Now, it was Hikawa.

Yet the two situations were completely different.

Kakashi had zero interest in Rin Nohara, living by the creed that women only slow down his blade.

Hikawa, on the other hand, not only had a good relationship with Yuhi Kurenai but also didn't reject Rin Nohara.

It was enviable... no, scumbag behavior!

Obito instinctively looked at Rin Nohara.

"Obito."

Rin noticed his gaze and said comfortingly, "Try harder next time."

She cares about me!

Hearing her gentle tone, Obito immediately pushed Hikawa out of his mind and nodded excitedly.

"The first semester is over. Everyone did well, though a few students need to straighten out their attitude."

Eiichirō began his closing remarks.

Rin listened absentmindedly.

She was curious how Hikawa had managed to study so well.

Maybe she could ask him next time.

"Alright, now head to the training ground in order."

Eiichirō clapped his hands and said.

Going to the training ground was to listen to Sarutobi Hiruzen's speech.

This was a tradition at the Ninja Academy for both opening and graduation ceremonies.

Sarutobi Hiruzen was both the Hokage and the nominal principal, so he had to give a speech.

And he was happy to instill the Will of Fire into these future leaves of Konoha, so they could grow strong.

"Now, I'll cover six points..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen stood on the platform, smiling as he spoke.

"What the hell is this?!"

Half an hour later, Sarutobi Asuma was so anxious he wanted to go up and drag him down.

This old geezer was just wasting his time!

Hikawa voiced his support for filial piety and paternal affection.

He could really talk—a ceaseless torrent of words, flowing without end.

Another half hour passed, and Sarutobi Hiruzen's speech finally ended.

Eiichirō let out a sigh of relief and said, "Next up is the practical exam."

"Sensei!"

Sarutobi Asuma immediately raised his hand and said, "I want to challenge Hikawa."

"No way!"

Obito Uchiha quickly said, "Hikawa is my opponent!"

"He's mine."

Hatake Kakashi said abruptly.

Rin Nohara raised her hand, then lowered it again.

She really wanted to say, don't fight, all of you!

But she knew her two good friends well—neither was easy to persuade.

The only thing that surprised her was that the usually arrogant Hatake Kakashi would also take the initiative to challenge Hikawa.

"Hey!"

Obito Uchiha couldn't help asking, "Kakashi, why are you competing with me?"

He didn't recall any connection between Hatake Kakashi and Hikawa.

The only explanation was that he wanted to rival him.

"You're no match for him."

Hatake Kakashi glanced at him and said.

"What did you say?!"

Obito Uchiha instantly exploded with rage.

"You're too impulsive. Going up there will only bring trouble on yourself."

Hatake Kakashi analyzed for him.

"You!"

Obito Uchiha completely lost his composure and said, "Then I'll beat you first!"

"Neither of you should ignore me!"

Sarutobi Asuma shouted loudly.

Was Hikawa this popular?

Sarutobi Hiruzen, who had just come down from the high platform, watched this strange Asura field and unconsciously stroked his beard.

He thought of his three disciples, who were just as full of vitality in their youth.

"Quiet!"

Eiichirō noticed Sarutobi Hiruzen and quickly said.

If he let them keep arguing, he might end up getting fired.

But the situation now was indeed hard to handle.

A Hokage's Son, a White Fang's Son, and an Uchiha.

He couldn't afford to offend any of them.

"Hikawa, what do you think?"

Eiichirō had a flash of inspiration and asked.

I think with my eyes.

Hikawa cleared his throat and said, "Since all three classmates are so enthusiastic, then let them all come."

"Huh?"

Eiichirō was dumbfounded.

Those three weren't ordinary students!

Especially Hatake Kakashi—he was a genius among geniuses.

"Just kids after all."

Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't help but laugh.

After all, only children would want it all; adults knew their bodies couldn't handle it.

"Wicked Hikawa brat, I'll just—"

Sarutobi Asuma, provoked by Hikawa's arrogance, was about to act when he saw Obito Uchiha had already seized the position.

"Then let's start with Obito."

Hikawa said with an indifferent look.

Eiichirō hesitated for a few seconds, then agreed.

Hikawa casually pulled out two kunai.

"Using kunai against an Uchiha is the stupidest move!"

Obito Uchiha sneered, his face full of disdain, practically saying, Such a petty trick, daring to show off before an expert?

Hikawa smiled.

That cocky? You think you're tough, little punk?

Whoosh!

The two kunai grazed past Obito Uchiha's face.

He subconsciously touched it—blood on his fingers.

I haven't even started, and I'm already done?

He froze on the spot.

"Nice force."

Hatake Sakumo flickered, catching both kunai, and praised.

Super Strength?

No, not that.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, as a professor of ninjutsu, naturally understood Super Strength.

There was no technique here—just pure raw power.

He couldn't help but think of that girl who liked climbing walls, Tsunade.

No wonder she's been getting close to Hikawa lately.

"So fast!"

Hatake Kakashi's mental alarm bells rang.

His clan's swordsmanship was famed for speed, but those two kunai just now—he'd barely registered them.

"Winner, Hikawa."

Eiichirō swallowed and announced.

Bold demon, I saw through you at a glance!

That kunai skill felt even more terrifying than his own.

But he was a chunin.

"Wait! I haven't—"

Obito Uchiha snapped out of it and quickly waved at Eiichirō.

"Obito."

Rin Nohara stepped forward, pulled him down, and took out a band-aid. "Let me patch you up."

It was both bandaging and giving him an out.

She could already tell Obito Uchiha was no match for Hikawa.