One Man's Strength, Hard-Hitting a Jonin

"What!..."

The few people watching the battle not far away cried out in alarm once again, all in unison.

They had never expected Sasuke's combat instincts to be so seasoned, as if they had been meticulously honed over decades.

One maneuver linked to the next, cyclical and endless, flowing without pause.

At this moment, they repeated the exact same words they had spoken before.

They were like a broken record, dazed and stunned.

"Is this your true trump card?..."

Tilting his head slightly to catch a glimpse of Sasuke's figure, Kakashi realized the truth.

If this were a test of individual strength, Kakashi would give Sasuke a perfect score without a moment's hesitation.

But this trial had always been about testing teamwork.

His own teacher, Namikaze Minato, had tested them in this very same way back then.

"So... I'm sorry, Sasuke, but I cannot let you pass just yet!..."

With that thought, a cunning arc tugged at the corner of Kakashi's mouth beneath his mask.

He shifted his hand seals.

The next instant.

Poof!

White smoke erupted, and in the blink of an eye, only a log with a clean-cut surface remained, thumping onto the ground!

"What!..."

The four spectators cried out in shock once more.

It was as if those were the only two words they knew how to say.

They were like four mutes, capable only of stammering "aba, aba..." whenever they grew excited.

They could no longer remember how many times they had uttered those words.

Yet, that still failed to capture the depth of their current astonishment.

Sasuke acted as if he hadn't even seen the log on the ground.

He remained standing where he was, a smile of triumph curling his lips as he stood with his hands on his hips, watching the show.

"Sigh... is it over?..."

"No way, is Kakashi really going that far? It's just a test, why be so serious? Could it be that he's feeling threatened by Sasuke's heaven-defying talent?..."

Gekko Hayate gritted his teeth in frustration at the sight.

But right at that moment.

Kakashi's figure suddenly materialized out of thin air in front of Naruto, who was standing there dazed, and he reached out to grab the boy by his collar!

"Oh no! Kakashi is trying to ambush Naruto and pick them off one by one!..."

Uzuki Yugao's beautiful eyes narrowed sharply as she exclaimed.

But even though she had called out a warning the very first second, it was already too late.

Naruto's face was filled with terror, and Sakura stood frozen in place, completely unable to offer any resistance.

The only one with the ability to fight back, Sasuke, was still out on the lawn in the distance, arms crossed, not moving an inch.

It was as if he had simply given up.

But just as Kakashi, looking smug, reached out through the air toward the terrified Naruto.

At the very last split second.

Poof!

White smoke erupted!

But this time, the Naruto in place didn't turn into a log.

Instead, to everyone's utter surprise.

He had transformed into the likeness of Sasuke!

"This..."

Beside them, Sakura's emerald eyes were filled with confusion.

Although he was the person closest to Sasuke right now.

At this moment, he was unable to distinguish whether this Sasuke was a Shadow Clone or the real body.

Facing Kakashi's mid-air grab.

A cunning arc curled at the corners of Sasuke's mouth.

The next moment.

A flash of crimson light flickered in his eyes.

Immediately after.

He let out a fierce shout:

"Sharingan, open!"

It was like a clarion call.

Caught off guard.

Kakashi, who had locked eyes with him, suddenly felt as if he had been dragged into a world filled with blood-red light!

Though it was only a small space, he found himself unable to break free!

"Sha... Sharingan!"

"He has actually already awakened his eyes!..."

In the split second before falling into the Genjutsu.

Kakashi finally realized the truth.

He had always assumed that at Sasuke's current age.

Even for a genius, it should take another two years to awaken the eyes, much like Obito, whom he had always felt indebted to.

But what he hadn't expected was.

Not only had Sasuke awakened his eyes!

He hadn't even used them from the very beginning!

Was he holding back his strength?

Good heavens! When did such a genius appear in this ninja world!

At this thought, Kakashi's heart trembled violently, his pupils contracting as he was filled with shock.

But the next moment, trapped in the Genjutsu, his consciousness sank into that world of crimson!

His body felt heavier and heavier, as if burdened by a thousand pounds.

"Now!..."

Seeing Kakashi's outstretched hand drop powerlessly.

Sasuke knew the opportunity had arrived, but it would only last for this fleeting moment.

If he missed it, he would have nothing!

At this thought.

Sasuke instantly channeled all the remaining chakra in his body.

With a mere flicker of his figure, he snatched the pair of bells from Kakashi's waist!

But how could the sheer gap in their strength be bridged by a mere one-tomoe Sharingan Genjutsu?...

After being stunned for only a moment.

The next instant, Kakashi recovered his clarity from his dazed state.

As he had said before.

If this were a test of individual strength.

He would certainly have gone easy on Sasuke to help him succeed.

But the true purpose of this test was teamwork.

So, even if Sasuke was exceptionally talented for his age and performed brilliantly in this test.

He, Kakashi, would absolutely not go easy on Sasuke in the slightest!

"Sasuke is truly the man I want!"

"He's so cool!..."

Sakura's cheeks flushed red as she lowered her head, lost in some lewd thoughts.

She swallowed from time to time, giggling foolishly.

She completely failed to notice that Kakashi, who was right in front of her, had already awakened from the Genjutsu.

And at this moment, Gekko Hayate was the one with the highest cultivation level here.

Furthermore, he was a sensory ninja by nature.

Therefore, he was the first to notice Kakashi waking up and hurriedly called out a warning:

"Sasuke! Watch out! Kakashi is awake!..."

At this critical moment, he could no longer concern himself with rules or regulations.

Sasuke had already performed so exceptionally well, exceeding all expectations.

How could a prominent elite Jonin like Kakashi have the nerve to play for real against a junior?

He had no shame!

Since you, Kakashi, are being heartless!

Then don't blame me, Gekko Hayate, for breaking the rules!

Although Gekko Hayate's shout was very timely.

Sasuke, however, acted as if he hadn't heard a thing; he remained motionless, clutching that pair of bells while chuckling foolishly.

"It's over..."

Uzuki Yugao sighed inwardly.

Regardless of anything else, Sasuke was her junior apprentice brother.

Even though there was a massive chasm in their strength.

How could she be content to see Sasuke lose?

Yet, what use was this reluctance?

Just as Gekko Hayate and Uzuki Yugao had already given up.

Just as Kakashi smiled, believing the outcome was decided.

Sasuke's figure suddenly dissipated like thin smoke, leaving no trace behind!

Immediately after, Kakashi stumbled, his outstretched hand grasping at nothing!

"This... to be able to use the Body Flicker Technique at a time like this!"

"Could the rumors that Uchiha clansmen generally lack chakra be false after all?..."

Staring blankly at his empty right hand, Kakashi fell into deep thought.

And at this very moment.

From the treetop not far away.

Sasuke's calm and composed voice suddenly drifted over:

"Kakashi-sensei, I accept your concession..."