Friendly Exchange

"Well said. A ninja's skills are not meant for petty brawling, though a friendly spar between comrades is certainly acceptable!"

Following Uchiha Sasuke's words, an aged voice of approval drifted from behind the group.

"Lord Hokage!"

The group, drawn by the voice, turned their heads to see the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, walking slowly toward them with a benevolent expression.

Originally, Sarutobi Hiruzen had only intended to observe the strength of these newcomers. However, after hearing Uchiha Sasuke's words, he suddenly formed a new plan. Uchiha Sasuke had already been thoroughly indoctrinated with the "Will of Fire," and the next step was to turn him into a loyal supporter.

With this thought in mind, Sarutobi Hiruzen stepped out from the shadows into the light; after all, he needed to start winning hearts and minds. These people were, after all, the future of Konoha!

Seeing Sarutobi Hiruzen emerge, Uchiha Sasuke's expression turned subtle. He had said those words specifically to make Sarutobi Hiruzen lower his guard. After all, his system panel had vanished without a sound a moment ago, leading Uchiha Sasuke to conclude that someone was monitoring the area.

What Uchiha Sasuke hadn't expected was for the old fox Sarutobi Hiruzen to appear here in person. This left Uchiha Sasuke feeling puzzled. What was this guy doing here? Watching a show? That seemed unlikely! If this guy had that much free time, shouldn't he be off peeping at something else?

"Since all the recent graduates are here, let's take this opportunity to let these newcomers spar. It will be a good chance for you to identify their shortcomings!"

Ignoring the flattery from the others, Sarutobi Hiruzen sat on a large rock nearby and suggested with a kindly smile, looking every bit like a man who had settled in to watch a show.

"Since Lord Hokage has spoken, why don't we let them have a spar?" Hearing Sarutobi Hiruzen's words, Kakashi turned to Asuma and Kurenai Yuhi to suggest it.

"Let's have a spar then! It shouldn't be dangerous anyway!" Upon hearing Kakashi's words, Asuma agreed immediately. Although he didn't know what the old man was up to, Asuma didn't like to undermine him.

"However, we need to rest for a moment. And Uchiha Sasuke, please don't use that Rasengan of yours! It would be too much of a bully move!"

Seeing that Asuma had agreed, Kurenai looked at the restless Inuzuka Kiba in her own squad and made a suggestion.

"I will tell him."

Recalling Uchiha Sasuke's new Rasengan, Kakashi fell silent for a moment before nodding with a solemn expression. After all, the power of that strike was indeed a bit overwhelming; it was better not to use it.

Just as the three instructors were discussing, Uchiha Sasuke clearly saw an Anbu approach Sarutobi Hiruzen and hand him a scroll.

What is he up to now! Uchiha Sasuke, having witnessed this, muttered to himself before waiting quietly.

A short while later, Kakashi came before Team 7 and began to explain the rules the three instructors had just established.

"In a moment, you will engage in one-on-one spars with the other two squads. Sakura, Naruto, just do your best. As for Uchiha Sasuke, watch your limits and don't hurt anyone. Alright, go ahead and prepare yourselves."

Leaving behind these simple instructions, Kakashi walked to the side to read his book.

As for Asuma and Kurenai, they repeatedly warned their students not to clash head-on with Uchiha Sasuke. After all, a single Rasengan was enough to wipe out their entire squads. Although Uchiha Sasuke wouldn't use it, this was a spar, and safety came first.

"I will definitely defeat him with my own ninjutsu!"

Regarding Kurenai's warning, Inuzuka Kiba didn't take it to heart, feeling extremely confident in the new ninjutsu he had learned.

"Got it. I'm not stupid enough to go head-to-head with that freak!" As someone who had witnessed Uchiha Sasuke's terrifying proficiency with the wind element, Shikamaru knew full well he was no match for him.

Lazily scratching his head, Shikamaru also began to prepare for the battle. Soon, all nine were ready. The most relaxed among them was Uchiha Sasuke, who had no interest in this fight at all; after all, if he were to lose his temper, all these people would be sent straight to the afterlife.

"What a group of vibrant young people!" Watching the group preparing for battle, Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled with satisfaction. His fingers continuously traced the scroll in his hand. On the cover of the scroll was the crest of the Uchiha clan, as if it were a portent of something to come.

As the preparations neared their end, a small box appeared in Kurenai's hand. It was used for drawing lots; after all, a spar still needed to be fair!

The ones drawing the lots were Asuma and Kakashi, the three of them having clearly divided their duties.

"Uchiha Sasuke!" Looking at the paper ball in his hand, Kakashi's expression turned subtle. Why was Uchiha Sasuke the first one? Wouldn't this just crush the others' confidence?

"Inuzuka Kiba!" While Kakashi was still pondering, Asuma looked at his own paper ball, curled his lip in resignation, and then gave Kurenai a strange look. Was he sure there was no rigging involved?

"First match, Uchiha Sasuke versus Inuzuka Kiba!"

Ignoring Asuma's surprise, Kurenai announced the start of the match.

Called by name, Uchiha Sasuke walked slowly into the center of the training ground, the designated spot for the spar.

"Great! The title of number one is finally mine!" Compared to Uchiha Sasuke's indifference, Inuzuka Kiba was extremely excited. Back at the Ninja Academy, he had always wanted to surpass Uchiha Sasuke, and now Inuzuka Kiba believed his time to shine had finally arrived.

Listening to Inuzuka Kiba's bold words, Kakashi, Asuma, and Kurenai all shook their heads helplessly. They hoped he wouldn't lose too miserably; after all, their strength was on entirely different dimensions.

"Come on, Uchiha Sasuke!"

"Woof!"

After his grand declaration, Inuzuka Kiba and his Akamaru stepped across from Uchiha Sasuke.

Watching the excited Inuzuka Kiba, Uchiha Sasuke's expression was subtle. If this guy was so full of confidence now, what would happen if he couldn't accept the reality after losing and decided to quit being a ninja? Ruining someone's future was not a good thing!

After performing the Seal of Reconciliation, Uchiha Sasuke slowly pulled out a Kunai and tossed it toward Inuzuka Kiba.

Easily dodging the Kunai, Inuzuka Kiba's expression became even more smug. After all, Uchiha Sasuke's Kunai skills hadn't been this simple before! It seemed Uchiha Sasuke's aim had regressed!

"Akamaru, Gatsuga!"

After a brief thought, Kiba immediately performed the Transformation Technique, preparing to unleash the ninjutsu he had only just learned.

"Sorry, I win." Watching the confident Kiba, Uchiha Sasuke said this while swapping positions with his Shadow Clone via the Kunai.

"How is that possible?"

The Third Hokage comes to watch the show, and Inuzuka Kiba is full of confidence!

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