Kakashi's Moment in the Spotlight

Muzan was panicking!

Even though he knew Kakashi had not faced any life-threatening danger during the Third Ninja War, no one could make guarantees when it came to war.

Muzan was not about to indulge a brat like Kakashi!

Bang!

How could he vent his anger? Only by beating him up!

Muzan punched Kakashi on the head, making him howl in pain. Clutching his head, Kakashi rushed up to Muzan and said angrily,

"You bastard brother, why did you suddenly punch me?!"

"Do I need a reason to punch you?"

Raising an eyebrow, Muzan gestured with his hand before giving him another punch.

"If you can beat me, you can punch me too!"

"I'll fight you, Muzan!"

In the end, Kakashi submitted to Muzan's tyranny, but he insisted on taking tomorrow's exam and passing it perfectly.

"You really never let anyone stop worrying..."

With Kakashi's strength, becoming a Genin was inevitable.

"I need to crush his confidence a little."

The next day, the Ninja Academy was shaken by major news.

Kakashi had applied for early graduation, and his application had already been approved.

"That damned Kakashi actually applied to graduate early. Once I awaken my eyes, I'll definitely challenge him!"

"Looks like my youth is not burning fiercely enough. Kakashi! I'll definitely catch up to you!"

"As expected of Lord Sakumo's son. His talent is truly monstrous!"

Early that morning, a large group of students gathered at the training ground behind the academy to witness Kakashi's graduation.

Nobi Wei personally oversaw Kakashi's graduation. He could not help but sigh inwardly; the title of Konoha's greatest genius was certainly not undeserved.

"Kakashi, are you ready for the battle ahead?"

"You may encounter danger. It's not too late to give up now!"

Ordinary students only needed to be tested on the Three Body Technique to graduate, but students seeking early graduation had an additional special test. They needed to last ten minutes against a Genin to prove they possessed Genin-level strength.

Kakashi stood ready. He had prepared for this test for a long time, so how could he possibly give up?

"I'm ready."

Kakashi drew kunai in both hands and took a guarded stance. Looking into the distance, he watched the approaching Genin. The man had a hideous scar across his face, and his smile twisted unnaturally.

"Kid, real ninja battles aren't child's play like at the Ninja Academy. I won't go easy on you in the fight ahead."

Besides the students at the scene, an old man was also watching the graduation test.

"I never expected Kakashi to lead the new generation. But who should be chosen as his jonin instructor?"

Promising seedlings had to be brought into the Hokage's lineage. Unfortunately, none of his three disciples were suited to teaching students. Moreover, hostile forces had appeared around Konoha, and the powerful ninja all had missions. The Third Hokage needed to carefully consider the matter of Kakashi's instructor.

Shou Yeyu was a Genin who had carried out battlefield missions. Whether in combat ability or overall qualities, he was among the best of the Genin.

Lasting ten minutes against him would not be easy.

"I can't believe that bastard Kakashi has already applied to graduate."

Muzan turned back from the dejected Obito and saw that most of their classmates wore the same expression.

"Why are you all so discouraged?"

Muzan laughed heartily. Of course, he was not mocking them. On the contrary, it was because everyone recognized Kakashi's strength.

"You still have a year. You'll graduate too, and then you can catch up with Kakashi!"

Asuma, who had been badly shaken, raised an eyebrow. He caught the implication in Muzan's tone.

"Bastard, what do you mean, 'you all'?"

"You'll find out soon enough."

Shou Yeyu was already qualified for promotion to Chunin. To him, the little beans still attending the Ninja Academy were utterly unsuited for the battlefield, so he intended to teach Kakashi a harsh lesson.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh...

Three kunai flew through the air in concert, while Kakashi countered them with shuriken.

On top of his existing skills, he accurately struck all three incoming kunai.

Using the opening created by the collision, Kakashi leaped forward.

Bang!

His kick struck Shou Yeyu's arm, and the powerful impact forced him back a step.

Kakashi seized the opportunity and followed with a spinning kick. This move already carried the foundations of the Front Lotus.

Outside the arena, Might Guy stared in astonishment at Kakashi's movements and could not help crying out.

"When did he learn my move?!"

"Kakashi isn't stupid. He spars with you often, so naturally some of your habits have rubbed off on him. Besides, he learns very quickly."

Muzan watched the two in the arena with great interest. The consecutive attacks had put Shou Yeyu at a disadvantage.

"Brat, this ends here!"

Just as Kakashi's third kick was about to arrive, Shou Yeyu rapidly formed hand seals.

Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!

A fireball came straight at Kakashi's face, forcing him to abandon his third attack.

Genin did not have much chakra and relied more on taijutsu. After widening the distance between them, Shou Yeyu pulled out the staff on his back.

He slammed it into the ground. A pillar of earth erupted beneath Kakashi's feet and launched him into the air.

"This is bad, Kakashi is in danger!"

"Could Kakashi fail this graduation exam? If you fail, I'll never forgive you!"

Seeing Obito and Rin's shocked reactions, Muzan lowered his head in thought. This sort of combat style was not like Kakashi at all.

So far, Kakashi had only used taijutsu and kunai. He had not even used the Three Body Technique.

"He won't be defeated that easily. Kakashi doesn't just want to last ten minutes—he wants to defeat his opponent."

As soon as Muzan finished speaking, Shou Yeyu's attack landed on Kakashi. Just when everyone thought the battle was over, they saw Kakashi in the air turn into a cloud of smoke.

"What?!"

Suddenly, Shou Yeyu felt pain in his ankle. Looking down, he saw a pair of hands gripping him.

Earth Release: Headhunter Jutsu!

Shou Yeyu was dragged directly underground. With only his head left above the surface, he finally realized that he had lost because of his carelessness.

The moment Shou Yeyu launched his attack, Kakashi had already reacted. Using the Substitution Jutsu and the dust kicked up by the attack, he completed a perfect switch.

The reason he had not used ninjutsu during the fight was, first, to conserve chakra, and second, to prevent Shou Yeyu from figuring out what ninjutsu he excelled at.

The ability to gather and control information was also an indispensable part of ninja combat.

Shou Yeyu had thought Kakashi was just a child and underestimated him, which was why Kakashi had caught his opening.