The Future of Konoha?

It was a pity that Ishii Kawa did not arrange a sparring match between Kakashi Hatake and Gong Yi.

Ishii Kawa was an experienced and excellent Chunin of Konoha, as well as a fine teacher who understood well how vital self-confidence was to a child.

Kakashi Hatake was the pride of White Fang of Konoha and hailed from a prestigious Konoha clan; the moment he entered the Ninja Academy, he was branded a genius.

He was the top student of the academy, having cultivated chakra in a mere few days.

Gong Yi, however, was merely a war orphan who had grown up in an orphanage—a commoner ninja.

Although Gong Yi was also a genius, Ishii Kawa would not compare him to Kakashi Hatake.

He feared that if Gong Yi lost to Kakashi Hatake, it would damage his self-confidence.

However, Gong Yi had been talking a big game earlier. While Ishii Kawa had originally intended to pair him with another commoner student, he now felt tempted to let Gong Yi face a battle against a clan descendant.

A genius must endure tempering and setbacks.

Most geniuses who have had a smooth sailing journey end up perishing halfway.

On the training ground, seeing Gong Yi emerge from the teaching building with Ishii Kawa, the group of waiting students set aside their playful moods.

This was the first practical combat lesson since enrollment, and everyone was looking forward to it.

"Why is Gong Yi always sticking to Teacher Ishii Kawa?"

Asuma muttered, looking at Gong Yi with clear displeasure.

Ebisu, standing to the side, chimed in, "Exactly. Every time I want to ask the teacher a question, Gong Yi gets in the way. This guy is really annoying, always having questions all day long."

Asuma's expression toward Gong Yi darkened further.

Gong Yi did not care much for these classmates of his.

He knew full well that this was nothing more than the petty jealousy of children.

It was just like when he was in elementary school back in Huaxia, where students would try to get close to the teacher to gain more attention and favor.

But Gong Yi wasn't doing this to compete for favor or to show off.

He genuinely had many questions that required the guidance of an excellent Chunin like Ishii Kawa.

Only by fully grasping the knowledge of Ninjutsu could he hope to survive the missions that awaited him after graduation.

He was doing this for survival, not for the petty rivalries of children.

As the first practical combat lesson of this Ninja Academy term, not only were the students expectant, but some of their parents had also turned their attention toward it.

However, because the school gates were closed, not many could watch the event in real-time, and most would have to wait until school ended to ask their children about it.

Of course, there was one exception.

Hiruzen Sarutobi.

The Third Hokage of Konoha, known as the Professor and a master of Ninjutsu.

As Asuma's father, the Third Hokage appeared cold on the surface, but in private, he was actually very attentive to his son.

Hearing that today was the first practical combat lesson, the Third Hokage took time out of his official duties to come to the top floor of the school's teaching building.

In name, he was still the headmaster of the Ninja Academy, so he naturally had the right to enter.

With the keen eyesight of a ninja, he could clearly see the group of children on the training ground from afar.

"They are all the future of Konoha!"

A school teacher beside him echoed, "Lord Hokage, this batch of children is quite impressive. Asuma, Kurenai Yuhi, Hayate Gekko, and Genma Shiranui are all excellent ninja prospects."

This teacher knew how to speak; he did not shower Asuma with special praise just because he was the Hokage's own son.

Instead, he grouped him with the others, making the comment feel natural while ensuring the Third Hokage was pleased to hear it.

The Third Hokage nodded and took a puff of his pipe.

"We should create the best environment for these good seedlings to grow. Fortunately, the village is still at peace; if this were the time of the Warring States or the Second Great Ninja War, they might already be on the battlefield."

The Chunin teacher who had spoken earlier was stunned. "Children of five or six years old on the battlefield?"

The Third Hokage glanced at him, his eyes filled with sorrow. "War never cares whether you are a child or an adult. My own kin, only six years old, died in the Second Great Ninja War."

Sighing, the Third Hokage waved his hand. "Never mind, let's not talk about that. In this class, which child is performing the best?"

The Chunin teacher said happily, "Kakashi Hatake. As the son of White Fang of Konoha, he has not tarnished that name. He is the top student of this term, and barring any accidents, he will remain so!"

Yet, upon hearing this, a flicker of gloom passed deep within the Third Hokage's eyes.

White Fang of Konoha—that existence who stood above his own three disciples!

Is his son also this talented?

"Lord Hokage, the combat has begun."

"Oh? Is the first match Asuma?"

Ishii Kawa held the roll call sheet, but his gaze fell upon the group of students before him.

"First battle, Gong Yi versus Ebi—"

When Teacher Ishii Kawa's gaze landed on his side, Asuma pushed Ebisu aside and stepped forward.

"Teacher, let me spar with Gong Yi!"

Ishii Kawa fell silent. This was the second son of the Third Hokage; in a sense, his family heritage was even more profound than Kakashi's.

He hesitated.

However, just as he wavered, Gong Yi stepped forward.

"Please, enlighten me!"

Ishii Kawa sighed, "First, perform the Seal of Confrontation!"

"Please!"

"Please!"