The Hokage's Magnanimity (Third Update)

Without much effort, after demonstrating his proficient application of the Clone Technique and Substitution Technique, Gong Yi quickly and sharply knocked Sarutobi Asuma down.

His physique was as high as twelve points, far exceeding these children who averaged only four or five.

Even though Sarutobi Asuma had been well-fed and well-cared for since childhood, his physique was only seven or eight points.

Moreover, Gong Yi's training in taijutsu was nothing short of desperate.

He pursued immense power and blinding speed!

With almost a single punch, he sent the exhausted Sarutobi Asuma sprawling onto the ground.

When that fierce punch landed on his chest, Sarutobi Asuma felt despair once again.

He could clearly sense that even if he were in his prime state, he might not have been able to dodge that blow.

As he was helped up from the ground by Ebisu, Sarutobi Asuma gritted his teeth and said, "Why didn't you use your full strength to fight me from the beginning?"

"Why did you use the Clone Technique to toy with me?"

Gong Yi lifted his eyelids, "You were merely a way for me to test the results of my recent training; it just so happened that Ishii Kawa wanted to examine my Three Body Technique, it's as simple as that."

Sarutobi Asuma froze.

I was just a way for him to test his training results?

The other students were also stunned; had Gong Yi already become this strong?

Kurenai Yuhi and Rin Nohara stood together, eyes wide as they watched the scene.

Kurenai Yuhi exclaimed, "Gong Yi is so strong!"

Rin Nohara looked at Gong Yi, then glanced at Kakashi.

"I wonder if he is as capable as Kakashi?"

Just as everyone fell silent, Ishii Kawa stepped forward.

"A temporary failure means nothing. You have all seen Gong Yi's diligent training during this period; apart from Guy, no one has worked harder than him."

"There are many practical sparring sessions every semester, Sarutobi Asuma, you will have chances to win back your pride in the future."

"Now, both sides, perform the Seal of Reconciliation!"

Sarutobi Asuma remained rooted to the spot, head lowered, hands clenched tight.

Ishii Kawa frowned, "Sarutobi Asuma! This is a school, you are classmates, and in the future, you will be partners on the battlefield and during missions!"

Once the teacher said this, the others began to whisper among themselves.

Yes, they were classmates, not enemies.

The stronger their partners were, the easier it would be to survive during missions; this was actually a good thing.

Of course, the competitive spirit of children also began to spread.

Gong Yi is just a commoner; what he can do, we can do too!

Gong Yi watched this scene, his lips curling slightly as he performed the Seal of Reconciliation with the stiff Sarutobi Asuma, then retreated to the side.

What he was looking forward to now was Ishii Kawa's guidance on his Ninjutsu after school.

And just as he was resting, a white-haired boy stood before him.

"You are strong!"

Kakashi?

Gong Yi looked at the boy in front of him and smiled faintly, "Not bad, you're pretty good yourself."

Kakashi kept a cold face, "However, your words just now were overly insulting to Sarutobi Asuma."

Gong Yi raised an eyebrow, "If he thinks it's an insult, then his future achievements will only go so far. If he thinks it's motivation, perhaps he can reach even greater heights. You must know, his father is the Hokage!"

Kakashi was stunned, unable to find words for a moment.

In the end, he managed to squeeze out one sentence.

"Next time, I will spar with you!"

After saying this, he held his head high and walked away proudly.

Behind him, Obito Uchiha was shouting and gesticulating.

"Kakashi, your opponent is me!"

"Kakashi, you guy, you're pretending not to see me again! I'm going to find the teacher later. In this class, the two of us are sparring!"

This practical sparring session lasted from the morning until the afternoon.

The fastest match to conclude was undoubtedly Kakashi taking down Obito Uchiha in three moves.

The title of the strongest in his grade was gradually becoming solidified.

However, the topic that sparked the most discussion was Gong Yi and Sarutobi Asuma.

Without having received much instruction in ninja knowledge, the average children did not quite understand the exquisite tactical design in Gong Yi's battle.

But they could see that from start to finish, Sarutobi Asuma had been played like a fiddle by Gong Yi, and was ultimately knocked down by a single punch.

Ignoring the gossip of others and indifferent to the envious, provocative, and curious gazes directed at him after school, Gong Yi stood at the office door, waiting for Ishii Kawa with a calm expression.

The wait was a bit long, causing Gong Yi to furrow his brows slightly.

"Sorry, Gong Yi, have you been waiting long?" Ishii Kawa emerged from the office looking somewhat exhausted, offering a smile to Gong Yi.

"Not long."

Ishii Kawa shook his head. "You child, you're as mature as a little adult. Let's go!"

Ishii Kawa had previously promised to teach Gong Yi Ninjutsu, and the time had been set for after school.

Walking along the dirt path of Konoha, Ishii Kawa chatted with Gong Yi while smiling, though a trace of worry remained between his brows.

Suddenly, he stopped in his tracks.

"Gong Yi, did you know that Third Hokage was also at the school today?"

Gong Yi paused for a moment, then replied calmly, "Oh."

Seeing that Gong Yi showed neither the worshipful expression expected toward the Hokage nor any curiosity to ask questions, Ishii Kawa rubbed his forehead.

"The scene where you defeated Asuma today was seen by the Hokage. Actually, you didn't have to choose that way to defeat Asuma."

Gong Yi kept his hands in his pockets and said indifferently, "Asuma is too weak. If I wanted to demonstrate the Three Body Technique in front of you, that was the only way."

"But he is the Hokage's son."

Gong Yi suddenly looked up, gazing at Ishii Kawa. "Teacher, are you worried that I will be held in contempt by the Hokage?"

"Uh..."

"You're overthinking it. The Hokage has at least that much magnanimity."

Ishii Kawa stood frozen in place, letting out an awkward sigh after a long while.

He had been viewing the status of Hiruzen Sarutobi solely as Asuma's father.

But beyond that, Hiruzen Sarutobi was the Hokage of Konoha; in a sense, all the children of Konoha could be called his children.

He was the Hokage, and his magnanimity was far greater than he had imagined.

"It was my own groundless fear. Let's go, find a quiet place, and I will teach you your first Ninjutsu—it is also my specialty!"

Gong Yi nodded, feeling a slight sense of anticipation in his heart.