Unfortunately, Ishii Kawa hadn't arranged for Kakashi and Gong Yi to spar.
Ishii Kawa was an experienced and capable Konoha Chunin, as well as a good teacher. He knew exactly how important self-confidence was to children!
Kakashi was the beloved son of Lord White Fang, born into one of Konoha's prestigious clans. The moment he entered the Ninja Academy, he was hailed as a genius.
He was the top student in the academy! It had taken him only a few days to develop Chakra!
Gong Yi, on the other hand, was a war orphan who had grown up in an Orphanage. He was a civilian ninja.
Although Gong Yi was also a genius, Ishii Kawa wouldn't compare him with Kakashi.
He was afraid that losing to Kakashi would damage Gong Yi's confidence.
But Gong Yi had been talking a bit too big earlier. Ishii Kawa had originally intended to pair him with another civilian student, but now he couldn't help wanting Gong Yi to face a child from a ninja clan!
Geniuses needed to be tested and face setbacks!
Most geniuses who had an easy ride all the way through ended up burning out before they could reach their full potential!
On the training ground, the waiting students put aside their horseplay when they saw Gong Yi coming out of the classroom building with Ishii Kawa.
This was their first practical sparring lesson since starting school, and everyone was looking forward to it!
"Why is Gong Yi always hanging around Teacher Ishii?"
Asuma grumbled, glaring at Gong Yi.
Ebisu, standing nearby, chimed in, "Exactly! I wanted to ask the teacher something, but Gong Yi kept getting in my way. That guy's so annoying. He's got questions all day long."
Asuma's glare at Gong Yi grew even more hostile.
Gong Yi didn't care much about his classmates.
He knew perfectly well that this was nothing more than children competing for attention.
It was just like when he'd gone to elementary school in Huaxia: students were always eager to get close to their teachers and win more of their attention and affection.
But Gong Yi wasn't doing this to curry favor or show off.
He genuinely had a lot of questions and needed guidance from a capable Chunin like Ishii Kawa.
Only by thoroughly learning about the ninja world could he survive the missions he'd face after graduating.
He was doing it to survive, not to compete for a teacher's attention like a child!
As the Ninja Academy's first practical sparring lesson for this class, it had drawn the attention not only of the students but also of some of their parents.
However, because the school gates were closed, not many could watch in person. Most would have to wait until school let out and ask their children about it.
Of course, there was one exception!
Hiruzen Sarutobi!
The Third Hokage of Konoha, hailed as the Shinobi Hero and Professor of Ninjutsu.
As Asuma's father, the Third Hokage might have seemed cold and distant on the surface, but in private, he paid close attention to his son.
When he heard that the first practical lesson was happening that day, he finished his official duties and took a moment to visit the top floor of the school's classroom building.
He was still officially the Ninja Academy's principal, after all, so he had every right to be there.
With a ninja's keen eyesight, he could make out the group of children on the training ground in the distance.
"They're all Konoha's future!"
A teacher beside him agreed. "Lord Hokage, this class has a lot of promising children. Asuma, Kurenai Yuhi, Gekko Hayate, and Genma Shiranui are all excellent prospects."
The teacher knew how to phrase things. He didn't single Asuma out for special praise just because he was the Hokage's son.
Instead, he praised several students together, making it seem natural while still pleasing the Third Hokage.
The Third Hokage nodded and took a few puffs of his pipe.
"We should give promising children the best environment we can to grow. Luckily, the village is peaceful now. If they'd been born during the Warring States period or the Second Shinobi World War, they might already have been sent to the battlefield."
The Chunin teacher who had spoken earlier stared at him in surprise. "Five- or six-year-old children sent to the battlefield?"
The Third Hokage glanced at him, his eyes sorrowful. "War doesn't care whether you're a child or an adult. My own clan brother was only six when he died in the Second Shinobi World War."
He sighed and waved a hand. "Enough. Let's not talk about that. Which child in this class has performed the best?"
The Chunin teacher said happily, "Kakashi Hatake, the son of Lord White Fang, hasn't disgraced the name. He's the top student in this class, and unless something unexpected happens, he'll remain at the top!"
But when the Third Hokage heard this, a trace of gloom flashed deep in his eyes.
White Fang of Konoha—the man who had surpassed even his three disciples!
Was his son just as exceptional?
"Lord Hokage, the matches are starting."
"Oh? Hm, is Asuma in the first match?"
Ishii Kawa held the attendance sheet, but his gaze was fixed on the group of students in front of him.
"First match: Gong Yi versus Ebisu—"
As Ishii Kawa looked toward their group, Asuma pulled Ebisu aside and stepped forward.
"Teacher, let me spar with Gong Yi!"
Ishii Kawa fell silent. This was the Second Hokage's son. In a way, his family background was even more impressive than Kakashi's.
He hesitated.
But while he was hesitating, Gong Yi stepped forward.
"Please go easy on me!"
Ishii Kawa sighed. "First, form the Seal of Confrontation!"
"Please!"
"Please!"
Before you continue