The Third Hokage Arrived

Although he did not know why the Third Hokage had come, one thing was certain: no one at the school had known he was coming. Otherwise, a teacher would surely have come out to welcome him.

What was this, an incognito inspection?

But dressed like that, you hardly look like you're traveling incognito!

Yet none of the students present had noticed him, nor had the teacher. Without his exceptionally keen perception, Ling Feng probably would have struggled to spot him too.

After all, these were two men with Kage Level strength. Their ability to conceal their presence was first-rate.

Forget it. I'll deal with what's in front of me first.

It was almost Ling Feng's group's turn.

Considering that the Third Hokage was Asuma's father, Ling Feng wondered whether he should go a little easier on him.

It was not to spare the Third Hokage's dignity, of course. Ling Feng simply did not want to attract the attention of Konoha's higher-ups just yet.

Ling Feng was not someone who liked trouble-unless someone else brought it to his doorstep.

Finally, it was Ling Feng and Asuma's turn.

Cheers instantly erupted around the training area.

It was just like when Kakashi's group had taken their turn.

As everyone cheered, most of their attention was on Asuma.

Not because they wanted to flatter him, but because they wanted to stir things up.

Asuma's grades were thoroughly mediocre, while Kurenai Yuhi and Rin Nohara had already told the entire class about Ling Feng's impressive performance yesterday.

Add in the challenge Ling Feng had issued himself earlier, and this match had all the makings of a good show.

"I suggest you fight fair. Don't try any dirty tricks."

Ling Feng spoke calmly.

He meant it as a warning, but Asuma heard it as a threat.

"Who do you think you are? I'll fight however I want! What, are you scared?"

Asuma sneered. Though he was a little worried about facing Ling Feng, he had come prepared.

Seeing this, Ling Feng could not help sighing. From the look of him, Asuma was definitely planning something.

"I won't go easy on you just because your dad is here!"

After muttering those words under his breath, Ling Feng exchanged bows with Asuma. They each stepped back a few paces, ready to fight.

"Ling Feng! You can do it!"

Kurenai Yuhi and Rin Nohara's cheers rang out from the sidelines.

Ling Feng smiled at them, then focused his gaze on Asuma.

Just meeting his eyes, Asuma felt a very distinct pressure, one that made him increasingly uneasy.

That was the difference in their confidence.

Watching from a distance, Hiruzen Sarutobi could not help furrowing his brow.

With his strength, he could naturally see his son's fear at a glance, and his interest in Ling Feng deepened.

"That child opposite him was one of the children attacked yesterday, wasn't he?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen had seen the photographs in the report and vaguely remembered him.

Minato Namikaze nodded. "That's right. He's an orphan who lost both parents at a young age and has always lived on aid from the village. His performance has been mediocre, and he's never done anything noteworthy."

"Is that so? But I don't think he's ordinary. Just meeting his gaze has Asuma terribly nervous. That kind of confidence and pressure is certainly not something a five-year-old should possess," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, narrowing his eyes slightly.

Minato Namikaze replied, "Kakashi, who's in the same year, is also very strong. He's regarded as a prodigy of the new generation. Anyone who faces him feels intimidated just by meeting his eyes."

"Heh, in that case, Konoha is about to gain two prodigies."

"Still, we'll have to wait until the match is over to know for sure," Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile.

At last, Asuma could no longer keep his cool.

If he waited any longer, sweat would start pouring uncontrollably down his forehead.

Damn it, how can this little brat give off so much pressure?

"Shadow Clone Technique!"

Poof!

Asuma chose to create a shadow clone.

Ling Feng watched, unmoved.

What an idiotic move!

This is nothing but a little kid's opening move!

Ling Feng was disappointed. Seeing Asuma's opening move made him lose any desire to keep fighting.

"Don't ignore me, you bastard!"

Seeing Ling Feng stand there without reacting, Asuma flew into a rage. He and his clone raised their hands and hurled four kunai between them.

Ling Feng still made no move to counter. He merely took a few casual steps, effortlessly avoiding every one of Asuma's kunai.

The sight stunned everyone.

Seriously? Was Ling Feng this strong?

They could tell that Asuma had prepared for this match, and he had put all his strength into throwing those shuriken.

The students present all thought that if they were in his place, they certainly would not be so relaxed. Those were shuriken. One mistake could leave them seriously injured. Who would dare be so certain that none would hit?

But Ling Feng dared to be certain.

He had taken only three steps to dodge four kunai.

The Third Hokage's expression grew somewhat grave. "This Ling Feng is much stronger than I imagined."

"Even Kakashi would have needed some evasive movement. But Ling Feng didn't prepare any evasive movements at all. He seemed absolutely confident that he could dodge them."

Minato Namikaze did not answer, tacitly agreeing with the Third's assessment.

"You can't beat me. You're too slow. Just concede now. I don't want to hurt you."

Ling Feng spoke calmly.

He was certain that, at this distance, the Third Hokage and Minato Namikaze could not hear him.

But Asuma refused to admit defeat. Glancing at Kurenai Yuhi nearby, whose eyes were only on Ling Feng, he could not help clenching his fists.

"I won't concede! My attack isn't over yet!"

With that, Asuma suddenly threw another eight kunai, his feet darting into motion. This time they flew faster, accompanied by a sharp fluttering sound.

It sounded like something flapping through the air.

Ling Feng's heart sank at the sight.

Nearby, the Third Hokage and Minato Namikaze also tensed. Naturally, they recognized what was attached to the kunai.

They were explosive tags!

Goddamn it! This is just a simple spar, and you're actually using explosive tags!

Ling Feng was furious.

Faced with explosive tags, even Ling Feng had to adopt a defensive stance. Then he rolled, hugging the ground to dodge them.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

A series of explosions rang out.

Thick smoke instantly billowed across the training area.

Even the practical training instructor was stunned.

He had never imagined that explosive tags would appear in a simple training exercise!

Those were things used only on battlefields and assassination missions.

Under the rules, only ninja ranked Chunin or higher were allowed to carry them, and even then, they needed the village's permission.

In short, they were prohibited items!

Seeing the billowing smoke, Asuma could not help bursting into laughter.

"Hahaha! Ling Feng, oh, Ling Feng! Let's see how you dodge this!"