Appointment, Hatake Kakashi

"Hatake Kakashi, dare you step down and fight me!"

Inside the training ground, Uchiha Yue, having successfully defeated Hyuga Anihiko, pointed toward Hatake Kakashi to issue a challenge, his presence radiating an incomparable dominance.

The arena, which had grown somewhat quiet following the conclusion of the previous match, erupted into a frenzy once more due to Uchiha Yue's declaration of war.

At this moment, every spectator in the stands was speculating on the outcome of a duel between Hatake Kakashi and Uchiha Yue. Although Hatake Kakashi held the title of the Ninja Academy's number one genius, Uchiha Yue's consecutive victories over Hatake Dansui and Hyuga Anihiko had swayed the crowd; surprisingly, those supporting Uchiha Yue far outnumbered those backing Hatake Kakashi.

After all, Uchiha Yue had earned everyone's recognition through his own strength. Now, the masses acknowledged his power, believing him to be the true number one genius of the Ninja Academy.

However, Uchiha Yue had no intention of vying for the title of "number one genius" when he challenged Hatake Kakashi. At this moment, he simply wanted to gauge his own strength and see if he could stand on equal footing with Hatake Kakashi. In essence, Hatake Kakashi was merely a milestone for Uchiha Yue; only by truly defeating him could he be satisfied with his current level of power.

Yet, despite the overwhelming support from the spectators, Hatake Kakashi's own attitude toward the challenge remained cold.

Watching Uchiha Yue's imposing figure in the training ground, Hatake Kakashi let out a cold snort before leaping from the spectator stands into the arena.

Then, after sizing up Uchiha Yue face-to-face, the cold-faced Hatake Kakashi shook his head and said, "You are far too weak. I don't even have the interest to defeat you, so I have no intention of accepting your challenge."

"Boo..."

Though Hatake Kakashi's voice was not loud, every spectator present had been waiting for the battle between him and Uchiha Yue. No one expected him to reject the challenge in such a manner after entering the arena. The crowd immediately began to jeer, feeling that Hatake Kakashi was simply afraid of losing and was using this as an excuse.

However, Uchiha Yue had read the original Naruto series and knew that while Hatake Kakashi was a proud individual at this stage, he was not one to spout empty boasts. Therefore, just as Hatake Kakashi finished his refusal, Uchiha Yue took a deep breath and asked, "Then tell me, when will I be qualified to challenge you?"

"Three months from now."

Hearing Uchiha Yue's question, Hatake Kakashi held up three fingers and said, "I believe you are a genius of the Uchiha Clan, but you still need three months to possess the strength to challenge me. Three months from now, I will be waiting for you right here. We shall see who is stronger then!"

"Fine!"

Upon hearing this, Uchiha Yue nodded directly and replied, "Three months from now, I will come to challenge you again!"

With that, Uchiha Yue had no intention of lingering in the training ground. He walked back to the spectator stands and left the area with Uchiha Obito and Rin. As they departed, the audience in the stands began to disperse as well, though they continued to discuss the encounter between Uchiha Yue and Hatake Kakashi, eagerly anticipating their showdown three months later.

After leaving the training ground, Uchiha Yue took Uchiha Obito and Rin to grab lunch. It was still the lunch break, and having finished his battle, Uchiha Yue felt a sense of hunger and decided to treat himself. On the way to the restaurant, Uchiha Obito and Rin were both incredibly excited. Uchiha Obito, in particular, chattered incessantly about the miserable state of Hyuga Anihiko, as if he were the one who had achieved the victory.

While Rin's expression was slightly more composed than Uchiha Obito's, her eyes shone with undisguised admiration whenever she looked at Uchiha Yue.

Such was the world of ninjas: as long as one possessed formidable strength, they would become an object of worship.

Uchiha Yue's ability to defeat two geniuses of the Ninja Academy so soon after enrollment had already made him a target for many students.

Coupled with his naturally handsome appearance, it was only natural for Rin to admire him. In fact, without her realizing it, the shadow of Uchiha Yue had already been planted in her heart, though the young girl had yet to perceive it herself.

Along the way, Uchiha Yue listened to Uchiha Obito's excited rambling without a hint of annoyance, for Uchiha Obito was, in a true sense, his first friend. Having been in the world of Naruto for four years, Uchiha Yue had learned the taste of familial love from his parents, and through Uchiha Obito, he felt the first stirrings of a bond.

Watching Uchiha Obito's joyful demeanor, Uchiha Yue secretly resolved to change the boy's fate.

However, just as Uchiha Yue was lost in these thoughts, he suddenly noticed Uchiha Obito fall silent. Obito pointed ahead in astonishment, murmuring, "You... you..."

Noticing Uchiha Obito's shocked expression, Uchiha Yue frowned slightly and looked forward.

When Uchiha Yue cast his gaze ahead, even his own eyes could not help but flash with shock!

For standing before them at this very moment was none other than the Third Hokage who governed Konoha, Sarutobi Hiruzen!

Why would he appear here?

Though Uchiha Yue was puzzled by the identity of the Third Hokage, he knew he could not neglect proper etiquette.

He quickly nudged Uchiha Obito, and once the boy regained his senses, they both bowed alongside Rin to the Third Hokage. "Greetings, Lord Third Hokage."

"Hehe, no need for such formality."

Looking at the three figures before him, the Third Hokage smiled kindly and waved his hand. "I've come to have a few words with Yue; it won't take up too much of your time."

"It's no trouble at all, Lord Third Hokage. We were just on our way to get some lunch," Uchiha Yue replied with a slight smile, seeing the Third Hokage's courtesy.

"That's good to hear."

The Third Hokage walked over and patted Uchiha Yue on the shoulder before continuing, "Yue, I saw your battle against the Hyuga boy in the training ground earlier. You are truly worthy of being called a genius of the Uchiha Clan. To be able to create a new ninjutsu at only four years old—even in the entire ninja world, your talent is second to none."

"However..."

As he spoke, the Third Hokage's hand on Uchiha Yue's shoulder suddenly exerted a bit more pressure, causing Uchiha Yue's expression to darken.

Without waiting for Uchiha Yue to ask, the Third Hokage continued, "However, you must never become arrogant because of this, do you understand? I have seen countless geniuses in my life, but those who can truly stand tall in the ninja world in the end are few and far between. Yue, as long as you can harness your talent, I believe you will surely become a pillar of Konoha."

"I heard you have a duel scheduled with the Hatake boy in three months?"

The Third Hokage's lips curled into an enigmatic smile as he said, "How about this?"

"If you can defeat the Hatake boy three months from now, I will find you a great teacher. How does that sound?"