Sparring Practice

Amada's gaze followed the students as they faced off on the field.

He watched the first few matches with interest. His familiar classmates showed their individual strengths in combat.

Some charged into their attacks recklessly and impatiently, without any strategy. Others defended timidly, leaving openings everywhere.

With the keen insight granted by the [Spectator] potion,

what might have seemed ordinary to others was riddled with flaws in Amada's eyes.

Thinking back on his rapid progress over the past few days, Amada felt a surge of confidence he could hardly suppress.

His improved chakra control and ability to focus his chakra, along with his rapidly advancing Illusion Technique, gave him plenty of confidence.

He thought to himself that, with his current abilities, none of the classmates before him posed a challenge.

Even against Kakashi, who was always regarded as a genius, he could hold his own.

Looking at the class as a whole, only Kakashi and Might Guy could probably match him.

"Should I make a good showing this time?"

The thought kept circling in Amada's mind.

He knew full well that if he stood out in this sparring match,

the benefits of earning a reputation as a genius would be obvious.

Being seen as a genius meant access to better educational resources.

Konoha would assign an experienced elite ninja to be his team leader.

He would also receive some protection during missions and wouldn't be casually sent on extremely dangerous assignments.

However, Amada was also well aware of the downsides.

The aura of a genius was dazzling, but it also drew too much attention—not only from enemies outside the village,

but potentially from people within the village who had ulterior motives.

His abilities came from a special source: they were all obtained through system draws.

If he used too many of those strange items and abilities, how could he explain where they came from?

It was a thorny problem. One careless move could bring disaster down on him.

Amada weighed the options over and over in his mind.

In this ninja world, strength was certainly important, but keeping his cards hidden and staying low-key were just as essential.

If he hid his strength too much, he might miss out on opportunities to improve.

But if he showed off too much, he could attract trouble he didn't need.

After thinking it over for a long while, he finally made up his mind. He would show a little of his talent in this sparring match—

just enough to do well. At the very least, he needed to shed the long-standing label of "Dead Last."

"Sorry, Obito. From now on, you'll have to carry the title of Dead Last by yourself."

Amada muttered to himself, a faint smile appearing on his face.

As Amada pondered, the sparring matches on the field continued in full swing.

After a series of "fierce" clashes, the students grew more and more excited.

Several pairs had already taken their turns.

"Next up, Uchiha Obito and Kakashi Hatake. Get ready!"

The teacher's voice rang across the field, instantly drawing everyone's attention.

The students turned their eyes toward the center of the field, anticipation written on their faces.

Amada raised an eyebrow. The teacher had really paired Obito with Kakashi.

It seemed the teacher thought Kakashi was strong enough to easily handle anyone.

So he might as well have him face Obito—

that way, Kakashi could show off his skills with ease while also settling the long-standing grudge between them.

Obito strode onto the field, his face beaming with confidence.

He held his head high, stared at Kakashi, and shouted,

"Kakashi, I'm definitely winning this time!"

His voice rang with conviction.

Watching Obito, Amada couldn't help feeling puzzled.

"What's making Obito so confident?"

Amada then turned his attention to Kakashi.

Kakashi casually kept his hands in his pockets, his eyes full of disdain for Obito,

as if, in his mind, the outcome of the match was already a foregone conclusion.

Yet every now and then, a trace of barely perceptible resignation flickered in his eyes—

perhaps he felt that facing Obito was a waste of time.

But thanks to his [Spectator] insight, Amada noticed the corner of Kakashi's mouth twitch slightly.

It was an almost imperceptible movement, but it suggested Kakashi had already made some sort of decision.

"Begin. Form the sparring seal!"

The teacher's voice rang out.

To everyone's surprise, the instant the match began, Obito didn't hesitate at all.

He charged straight at Kakashi.

His reckless move left the students around them stunned. Even Amada hadn't seen it coming.

"Seriously, where'd he get the confidence to think he can beat Kakashi in a straight-up fistfight?!"

Amada complained inwardly.

"Oh!! That's the way! A real man should go fist to fist. Obito, you're a passionate young man too!"

That was Might Guy's voice.

The moment Kakashi saw Obito charging at him without a care, he froze briefly.

Clearly, he hadn't expected Obito to use such a simple, direct attack.

But after that brief surprise, he reacted at once.

He nimbly sidestepped, easily avoiding Obito's head-on charge.

Then he followed through with a kick, clean and swift, without the slightest wasted motion.

The kick landed squarely in Obito's stomach.

Obito didn't have time to defend himself. The force sent him flying.

He hit the ground hard and lay there in a sorry heap for a moment, looking dazed from the kick.

But just as everyone thought he might give up, Obito planted both hands on the ground and struggled back to his feet.

"I have to say, Obito's ability to take a hit is right up there with Naruto's in the future."

Standing off to the side, Amada watched Obito get back up and marveled to himself.

"Damn you, Kakashi! That kick really hurt!"

Obito clutched his stomach, his face twisted with pain.

Then his expression suddenly turned serious.

"Now I'll beat you with the new ninjutsu I learned!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Obito began forming hand seals. His movements were a little slow, but they were definitely the seals for a jutsu.

The students around them stared in astonishment.

"Those are Fire Release hand seals. Could Obito really use Fire Release?"

The teacher was filled with surprise and uncertainty.

A hint of worry showed in his eyes. He furrowed his brow and kept his gaze fixed on Obito.

As an experienced ninja, he knew how powerful Fire Release Ninjutsu could be.

If Obito really managed to use it, things could easily get out of hand.

He readied himself to rush in and stop Obito if he performed the Fire Release.

That would protect Kakashi from harm and keep Obito from accidentally injuring any of the other students.

Kakashi's previously carefree expression vanished in an instant, replaced by a grave look.