The exam was drawing to a close. Kakashi stood inside the white circle, his eyes fixed on the Chunin teacher before him.
"The exam begins."
At the teacher's announcement, Kakashi vanished from the spot. His short sword flashed from its sheath and thrust toward the Chunin.
So fast. That was the first thought of the students and teachers watching.
A kunai appeared in the examiner's hand. He read the short sword's path and raised it to block.
Metal rang against metal. The short sword changed direction at once, sweeping toward his neck, its keen edge a streak of white.
Clang!
Metal rang out again.
The examiner's face grew grave. Kakashi was stronger than he had expected.
The short sword left afterimages as it slashed from every direction. Both fought at blinding speed, sparks scattering through the air.
The students watched, dazzled.
"Come on, Kakashi! Once you pass, you can challenge me!" Obito called.
Kakashi's swordplay faltered for an instant. He struck hard, forcing them apart.
He shot Obito a glance, then focused on the examiner again.
"Getting distracted in a fight is a bad idea."
As he spoke, the examiner's hands flew through signs.
"Wind Release: Wind Blade!"
Blades of wind appeared from nowhere, cutting through the air toward Kakashi.
"Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall!"
Kakashi gave no ground. An earthen wall rose before the wind blades, a lifelike dog's head standing out on its face.
Hiss, hiss.
The wind blades tore into the wall, carving furrows through it and sending dust billowing.
Kakashi had already vanished. Lightning Release Chakra coursed over his short sword, making its keen blade shine anew.
In a blink, he was beside the examiner, his sword sweeping toward the man's body.
The examiner hurriedly raised his kunai. Blue lightning raced along it and into his body.