The final exam officially began, and the clash between Hayato and Kakashi was like two dazzling stars colliding, instantly igniting the entire arena.
They started with an intense taijutsu exchange. Their movements were swift and powerful, each trading blows with the other in a dance-like display of grace. Clearly, they were still testing one another and hadn't yet used their full strength.
After a brief exchange of punches and kicks, Kakashi flashed aside, swiftly drew a sharp kunai from his waist, and launched another fierce attack at Hayato.
If they were fighting with weapons, who was afraid of whom?
Hayato showed no weakness either. Calmly, he drew an equally sharp kunai from his ninja pouch.
Their kunai clashed in an instant, and the clang of metal rang out without pause.
Sparks flew as their kunai crossed, like fireworks bursting in the night sky—brilliant but fleeting. The exchange showcased their solid fundamentals and profound mastery of ninjutsu.
"Enough with these boring tests." Hayato smiled calmly, then retreated in a flash, putting distance between himself and Kakashi as he prepared to use a more powerful jutsu.
After retreating to a spot more than ten meters from Kakashi, Hayato rapidly formed Hand Seals and called out.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"
In an instant, a massive fireball roughly two meters across burst from Hayato's mouth.
Burning hot like a blazing meteor, it tore through the air and roared toward Kakashi.
The moment the crowd saw it, gasps and cries of admiration rippled through the arena.
They murmured among themselves. "Oh my gosh, is that Fire Release Ninjutsu? That's incredible. No wonder he's a genius of the Uchiha Clan."
On the other side, Kakashi remained calm and composed in the face of Hayato's Great Fireball.
After all, it wasn't the first time he'd seen Hayato use this jutsu. He already had a counter in mind.
As though he'd rehearsed it countless times in his head, Kakashi rapidly formed Hand Seals, then spat a stream of water from his mouth like a running brook.
"Water Style: Wild Water Wave!"
The water shot straight into the middle of the Great Fireball, extinguishing the flames there and opening a path through it.
A thin mist rose across the arena, making it seem as if they were in a fairyland.
The crowd was amazed once again, and they praised Kakashi's strength and intelligence.
In the stands, Obito watched the scene and muttered, "What? Kakashi's learned such a powerful jutsu too? Now it's really impossible to predict who'll win."
He had originally thought Kakashi was a little weaker than Hayato, but now it seemed they were evenly matched. The outcome was still uncertain.
Watching the two agile figures in the arena, Hiruzen couldn't help sighing. "They're both exceptionally talented geniuses."
They'd already mastered jutsu above E-rank at their age, a testament to their gifts. With careful training, they would surely become important forces protecting Konoha in the future.
No matter how shocked or impressed the spectators were by their fight, the two combatants were completely absorbed in the battle.
Their gazes were filled with determination, as if each intended to defeat the other once and for all.
"That move of yours won't work on me, Hayato." Kakashi spoke confidently. He knew how strong Hayato was, but he wasn't afraid.
Hayato's lips curled slightly. He showed no frustration at his failed jutsu.
He knew perfectly well that if a Great Fireball alone could win the match, then his opponent wouldn't be Kakashi.
He understood that the real contest had only just begun, and the battle's most important moments still lay ahead.
When Hayato didn't reply, Kakashi's eyes grew deep, as if he could see through everything.
"My turn to attack." Kakashi rapidly formed Hand Seals.
He formed Hand Seals rapidly once more and shouted, "Earth Style: Earth Flow River!"
The ground beneath Hayato's feet softened like flowing water. His body swayed with it, and he lost his balance, seemingly about to fall.
Seizing the opportunity, Kakashi formed Hand Seals again and performed "Earth Style: Headhunter Jutsu."
In the stands, Obito grew excited. "Kakashi's got him!"
Though he was shocked by Kakashi's strength too, he was proud to see Kakashi win.
Hayato's excellence had always loomed over them like a mountain.
Now someone had finally managed to cross that mountain for them, and Obito was thrilled.
If Kakashi could do it, didn't that mean that one day he could too?
"Go, Kakashi!" Rin cheered from the side.
Nearby, Kurenai watched Hayato with worry, clutching her skirt as she silently prayed for him.
Shuichi looked anxiously toward the battlefield and asked Hiruzen, "Lord Hokage, should we stop them?"
Their battle had gone beyond the scope of the Ninja Academy. The slightest mistake could have disastrous consequences.
Hiruzen shook his head, however, and looked steadily at Hayato. "That boy hasn't lost yet."
He hadn't seen any sign of panic on Hayato's face.
And in fact, though Hayato had been surprised at first, he quickly regained his composure and used Water Surface Walking to steady himself.
Looking at the ground that flowed like water, he smiled. "This has become a conductor too, hasn't it?" Then he formed Hand Seals, blue-violet arcs of electricity flashing around his hands.
Just then, Kakashi sprang into action, grabbed Hayato by the lower leg, and shouted confidently, "I've won!"
"Not necessarily," Hayato replied calmly.
"Lightning Style: Earth Flash!"
A blue-violet arc of lightning slithered into the ground like a green snake and struck Kakashi.
Kakashi's body convulsed as the current hit him. He shot out of the ground, his face slightly pale.
"You've still got a long way to go, Kakashi!" With Kakashi's whole body exposed before him, Hayato seized the chance to close in and raised his hands into position.
"Eight Extremities: Twenty-Four Postures!"
His fists rained down on Kakashi like a hail of bullets. Each blow carried tremendous force, knocking Kakashi to the ground and leaving him unable to fight.
The sudden reversal left the students in the arena dumbfounded.
"What happened? Wasn't Kakashi winning just a moment ago? How did Hayato beat him in the blink of an eye?" Obito asked in shock.
Rin had a sharp eye. "It looks like Hayato used another Lightning Style jutsu just now. That was amazing."
Kurenai looked at the victorious Hayato, first with a flicker of happiness, then with a hint of worry.
It feels like the gap between Hayato and me keeps growing. If this goes on, we'll end up in different worlds. Will I still be able to stand by his side?
The spectators weren't the only ones surprised. Shuichi was astonished too.
He'd just been worrying about whether to stop the fight, but Hayato had moved so fast that it was already over before Shuichi could react.
He hurried into the arena and checked on Kakashi.
Fortunately, Hayato had held back. Kakashi had only passed out and wasn't seriously hurt.
After calling over one or two of the medical staff to carry Kakashi away, Shuichi announced the final result.
"The winner is Uchiha Hayato!"
After the result was announced, the crowd broke into spontaneous applause and cheers.
They didn't look down on Kakashi for losing. If anything, they admired the two of them even more for their strength and talent.
They knew that they themselves weren't capable of fighting like that yet.
But they all looked forward to the day when they, too, could stand on the stage and show off their strength, just like Hayato.
First place Hayato's worth just kept climbing.
After the brief commotion, Hiruzen stepped into the arena. Looking at the energetic young students, he smiled kindly.
"Children, the future of Konoha belongs to you. As long as you keep working hard and striving to improve, you can become pillars of strength who protect Konoha."
His words inspired everyone present, strengthening their convictions and resolve.
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