Ninja Academy, Training Ground.
It was another practical sparring class, and Taiichi and Might Guy were on the field.
The two had already surpassed ordinary Genin by far in Taijutsu. Even Yamada-sensei, a Chunin, had to remain fully focused whenever they sparred to prevent any accidents.
"Taiichi, you've gotten stronger again!"
"But I won't fall behind you at all!"
Might Guy felt the pressure, but it only made his blood boil even more. The force behind his fists and kicks grew stronger, and his speed faster.
"Bang, bang, bang." The sound of fists and feet colliding rang out without pause.
The two exchanged blow after blow, neither able to gain the upper hand.
The students watching cheered for both of them. Interestingly, most of those cheering for Taiichi were girls, while most of those cheering for Guy were boys.
Kakashi, who was also watching, keenly noticed that Taichi Matsushita's strength had improved significantly. He knew Taiichi's Ninjutsu was quite good, especially his Phoenix Sage Fire Technique, which he had developed into all sorts of variations. Yet now, without using Ninjutsu at all, he was evenly matched with Guy through Taijutsu alone. It was easy to imagine how strong he truly was.
Yamada-sensei watched the match and nodded to himself in approval. It was not just Taiichi—there were quite a few outstanding ninja in this class. Still, it was a pity about Might Guy. His Taijutsu talent was so good, but his Ninjutsu talent was poor.
After several dozen more exchanges, the two entangled fighters withdrew their fists at the same time and separated. Taichi Matsushita and Might Guy both dropped to one knee, sweat pouring down like rain. Their heavy breathing could be heard even from the edge of the field. Neither had any strength left to continue.
"Taichi Matsushita, Might Guy, a draw," Yamada-sensei announced.
After the two caught their breath and formed the Seal of Reconciliation, Yamada-sensei continued, "Next match: Hatake Kakashi versus Obito Uchiha."
Upon hearing their names, the two looked at each other. Kakashi still wore his cool, aloof expression as he slowly walked onto the field. Obito Uchiha, meanwhile, turned back to Rin and said, "Rin, watch me knock that annoying Kakashi flat." Rin Nohara could only look on helplessly.
On the field, Obito said, "Kakashi, this time you'll definitely lose to my fists."
"If you didn't show up late every day, I might believe you," Kakashi said flatly.
Obito Uchiha immediately gritted his teeth. "You smug bastard, Kakashi. Just you wait."
Once the two formed the Seal of Confrontation, Obito impatiently rushed forward. Their fierce clash began, no less impressive than Taiichi and Guy's battle just now.
The girls watching, meanwhile, all cheered for Kakashi in unison. This only made Obito on the field even more furious, and his attacks became increasingly sharp.
Taiichi shut out all distractions, his gaze fixed tightly on the two fighters.
He was not the only one improving. Everyone was improving. Even Obito had made tremendous progress.
After more than twenty exchanges, Kakashi seized an opening and kicked Obito flying.
While still in the air, Obito adjusted his posture. After landing, he borrowed the momentum to roll several times, then sprang back up with a Kunai in hand and charged forward again.
Kakashi also drew a Kunai. Amid the clanging of their weapons, sparks flew where the two figures clashed.
"Looks like Kakashi has started learning swordsmanship." Taiichi could see traces of swordsmanship in Kakashi's moves, clearly different from when they had fought before. After all, Kakashi had a father who was a master swordsman known as the White Fang of Konoha.
Thinking about it, Taiichi wondered if he should learn swordsmanship too. Compared with a close-range weapon like a Kunai, he personally preferred a sword.
After another dozen or so exchanges, Obito, who had fallen behind once more, suddenly retreated several steps. After opening some distance, he began forming hand seals. His cheeks swelled, and then flames burst from his mouth.
Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique. This was practically a standard Ninjutsu of the Uchiha clan.
Taiichi was startled as he watched. This was the first time he had seen Obito use Ninjutsu.
But he soon understood. Even though Obito lived only with his grandmother, he was still the child of a powerful clan. His family naturally had a standard ninja training system. He would not be like a civilian ninja, forced to struggle desperately just to obtain one Ninjutsu.
Kakashi, meanwhile, remained completely calm. He formed hand seals as well, then slammed his palm onto the ground. The earth churned, and a wall of earth rose from the ground.
It was Earth Style: Earth Wall.
Boom.
The ball of fire struck the Earth Wall, then burst apart in all directions, forcing the many students watching to retreat.
"Tch."
His carefully prepared Ninjutsu had failed to achieve anything. Obito curled his lips unwillingly and charged in again.
"This is the difference."
Although there were many geniuses in this class, the gap between people was still enormous. In Taiichi's class alone, students like Kakashi and Obito had already mastered several Ninjutsu, while some civilian ninja still could not even use the Three Body Technique proficiently.
Taiichi could not help sighing to himself.
Kakashi had clearly not used his full strength when fighting them in the past. He had only fought with Taijutsu. Judging from how skillfully he used it now, he had obviously not just learned Earth Style.
You could see your own effort, but not the effort of others. That did not mean it did not exist.
With a background like Kakashi's, he had probably begun training when he was three or four years old.
Still, Taiichi would not belittle himself. With the panel, as long as he worked hard and advanced step by step, he would not be inferior to anyone. Hadn't he already caught up now?
After another dozen exchanges, Kakashi used a clone to trick the reckless Obito. He kicked Obito away, then, before he could get up, held a Kunai before his eyes.
Obito was unwilling, but he could only lower his head and admit defeat.
Yamada-sensei, watching the battle, sighed repeatedly. "Kakashi is the White Fang of Konoha's son. He is naturally talented and has inherited his family's skills. He will definitely become an outstanding ninja in the future."
"As for Obito Uchiha, his practical combat ability is also good. At such a young age, he can already use the Great Fireball Technique. It is clear that he lacks neither talent nor diligence. He is simply a little too reckless and needs to be tempered properly."
Seeing Obito concede, Kakashi graciously extended his hand. Obito glanced at it, then reluctantly took Kakashi's hand and stood up.
The two then formed the Seal of Reconciliation.
After that, Asuma, Rin Nohara, Shizune, and the others took the field one after another. Their months of study and training had not been for nothing. Unlike the sparring match at the start of the school year, everyone could now weave the Three Body Technique and Ninja Tools into their fights. Students like Asuma could even occasionally show off one or two Wind Style techniques.
It was clear how much everyone had improved during this time.
After school, Taiichi, Guy, and Kakashi met up again and headed to the small woods to train. Once they finished, Taiichi took the initiative to stop Kakashi and asked, "Kakashi, I saw traces of swordsmanship in your sparring match today. Have you started learning swordsmanship?"
Kakashi was surprised to hear that. He had only started learning swordsmanship a little over a month ago, yet Taiichi had noticed it. His eye for detail was truly remarkable.
"Yes. Is there a problem?"
"It's like this. I also want to learn swordsmanship, but I have no way to do so. Could you teach me?"
"I only need to learn the basics of swordsmanship," Taiichi emphasized.
"I don't have a problem with that, but I'll need to ask my father when I get home. After all, I'm only a beginner myself."
"Thank you so much! I wasn't prepared this time, but next time I'll cook for you myself and treat you to a meal!"
At that, Kakashi's eyes lit up, and he became even more motivated.
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