I Just Like Bullying the Small

In the 42nd year of Konoha, a spring snow swept away the past; pure white masked the smoke of war and the congealed blood, and as the snow melted into icy water, it washed away the bitter memories.

The war that had raged for years, engulfing the entire Shinobi World, had finally reached its end.

Konoha was well aware that the other hidden villages were suffering from a lack of resources. Under the "wise and martial" policies of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, Konoha waived the war reparations from the defeated parties.

The stated justification was noble: everyone yearned for peace, and if their resources were stripped away, war would inevitably break out once more.

Most of the ninja clans said nothing. In the past, they would have seen no fault in this, believing the Third Hokage's actions to be correct, but everything is subject to comparison.

Resources seized from the Cloud Ninja were distributed as poverty relief to those in dire need; this year's spring festival might well be the most comfortable one they had ever experienced.

Although the Uchiha who delivered the goods were somewhat expressionless and spoke in odd tones, no one cared about such trifles.

The joy of the new spring grew even more fervent as the news of the war's end spread.

"It feels like the village is even more prosperous than before."

Hatake Sakumo walked along the bustling street, occasionally stepping aside for passersby. Even before the war, Konoha had never been this vibrant.

Nor had there ever been so many smiles.

Unlike Hatake Sakumo, who had been constantly clashing with the Sand Ninja, Hatake Kakashi—though still a young child—had remained in the village and understood the changes in Konoha quite well.

"The change started when the Uchiha began issuing loans."

"Huh?" Hatake Sakumo didn't quite understand.

"Low-interest loans gave those living below the poverty line in Konoha some breathing room, and the supplies from the Cloud Ninja allowed them to extend their recovery period."

Kakashi spoke softly, though he didn't know why two figures in tight-fitting suits suddenly flashed through his mind.

His father's mission rewards as a genin were not enough to support his growth; high-protein foods like beef and the cost of medicinal supplies were never cheap. But with the support of the Uchiha clan, things had changed.

That guy was working harder and harder, growing at an increasingly rapid pace.

Recalling the power of that strong fist from last time, Kakashi's heart tightened.

"Let's go, Dad, we're running out of time."

"Oh, right." Hatake Sakumo was practically dragged along by Hatake Kakashi, remarking with some emotion, "It feels like there are many more unfamiliar faces in the village now."

Though the crowd was dense, once they crossed the commercial district, the congestion eased, and in a short while, they reached their destination.

Konoha's Ninja Academy.

The edge of the training ground was already crowded with people from the academy.

"We've been waiting for you, Kakashi. As today's protagonist, I'm glad you didn't arrive late." A random teacher from the Ninja Academy approached the Hatake duo with a fawning expression.

Hatake Sakumo nodded slightly and asked in a low voice, "Who is the examiner today?"

Upon hearing Hatake Sakumo's question, the teacher's expression turned awkward.

"Is something wrong?"

"The examiner for today is a bit... special." He hesitated, stammering.

"I am the examiner for Kakashi's early graduation test." A voice rang out abruptly.

Hatake Sakumo's figure flickered, his body leaning back as a cold, murderous intent flashed in his eyes. His elbow sliced through the air and slammed against a large hand. The shockwave from the collision sent Hatake Kakashi's white hair whipping wildly.

Hatake Sakumo's body had reacted faster than his thoughts. Once the attack ended, he realized what had happened and apologized repeatedly, "My apologies! My reaction was too intense."

If not for the voice, Hatake Sakumo would never have sensed that someone was standing behind him!

"It's fine, I was the one who was too abrupt."

"I forgot that you just returned from the front lines, Senior. You really are strong."

"A chilling elbow strike, sharp as the tip of a blade. I truly pity the enemies who have faced the White Fang."

Hatake Sakumo looked up and finally saw the person before him.

It was a young man, his cheeks still appearing quite youthful, yet his intuition kept warning him of the boy's strength and danger.

The red and white fan sewn onto the chest of his clothing allowed Hatake Sakumo to recognize the man's clan.

"Nice to meet you. I am Uchiha Yuji, the examiner for Kakashi's graduation test."

"Huh?"

Hatake Sakumo tilted his head.

Is something wrong with my ears, or has the person who arranged this examiner lost their mind?

This ninja, who is clearly capable of fighting me on equal footing, is the examiner for a child's early graduation from the academy?

I've only been away from Konoha for a few years—has the village's top combat power become this idle?

"Is there some mistake? If I'm not mistaken, this Uchiha should be a powerhouse capable of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with me. Surely an early graduation test doesn't—"

"Dad!" Hatake Kakashi cut off his father's rambling.

The eyes behind his mask were burning with intensity.

If he could defeat him—no, if he could earn his recognition—then he would surely earn his father's recognition as well.

Seeing the look in Hatake Kakashi's eyes, Hatake Sakumo understood his thoughts, and he smiled.

"In that case, do as you please, Kakashi."

Turning around, Hatake Sakumo bowed slightly toward Uchiha Yuji, "I ask that you please look after Kakashi, Yuji-kun."

"There is no need for such formalities; I am a teacher at the Ninja Academy, so naturally, I will look after my student."

Before the final word had even faded, Uchiha Yuji's figure appeared at the very center of the academy training ground, his right hand beckoning slightly toward Hatake Kakashi.

Hatake Kakashi felt no fear; instead, the blood within his small frame seemed to boil like heated water.

He slowly drew a small short blade.

No one called for the start, yet in an instant, Hatake Kakashi launched his attack.

The short, sharp blade sliced through the air, its extreme speed leaving a trail behind the swinging steel that resembled a white crescent moon.

The speed was immense, nearly exceeding the capabilities of a genin.

However.

Uchiha Yuji's speed was even greater.

"Do you know, Kakashi?" The blade light of the White Fang brushed past him.

"Everyone's talent is different; even for a genius, the true period of explosive growth only arrives after the age of twelve."

Uchiha Yuji merely swayed his body casually, the range of his movement barely noticeable, yet he evaded the sharp edge of Kakashi's blade every single time.

"Even if you are a genius among geniuses, the same holds true."

A reader mentioned the issue of Cloud Ninja versus Lightning Ninja today. Honestly, I personally feel the term "Cloud Ninja" doesn't quite suit those brutes; the violence and recklessness of lightning are what truly fit them. Since it's been brought up, I suppose I'll change it—damn it, "Lightning Ninja" sounds so much better and has a stronger sense of familiarity.