"Huh?"
Naruto blinked, his face full of confusion.
The three stared blankly at Kakashi, all of them furious, yet unable to vent their anger.
So their teacher thought they had absolutely no chance of winning?
Seeing their defiant expressions, Kakashi sighed inwardly.
He knew very well what sort of opponents these youngsters would face in the Chunin Exams.
They were hardened fighters who had taken part in real wars, with abundant combat experience. They also held an overwhelming advantage in the number of ninjutsu they knew.
That evening, Naruto and Sasuke returned to the Uchiha Clan Grounds.
"Kakashi-sensei is such a killjoy. He actually thinks we're bound to lose and told us to be ready for defeat at any moment."
Naruto grumbled his complaints.
Sasuke stood beside him, looking just as unconvinced.
Hikaku laughed when he heard this.
"He's not wrong. As an elite among jōnin, Kakashi has a good eye."
Xia Le chuckled softly.
"What? You think Sasuke and I are definitely going to lose too, old man?"
Naruto's eyes widened.
"Some of your opponents are weaker than you. We don't need to consider them. Let's just look at those who are stronger."
Xia Le smiled and spoke softly.
Both boys immediately pricked up their ears and listened closely.
"First, there's Gaara from Sunagakure. Like Naruto, he's a jinchūriki, with the One-Tail, Shukaku, sealed inside his body."
"He can freely control sand. Whether attacking or defending, his abilities are flawless."
Xia Le spoke softly.
"I've dealt with his father, the Fourth Kazekage Rasa. He was certainly a difficult opponent."
Sasuke and Naruto both grew solemn.
"But compared with the people from Sunagakure, it's the opponents from the Hidden Rain Village you should be watching more closely."
Xia Le spoke again.
Hikaku glanced at him.
"Your strongest opponents should be