In his mind, Kakashi Hatake replayed the scene from earlier and muttered to himself:
'Such a fast reaction… If it were me, could I have done that?'
In that instant, he couldn't tell whether Akira had predicted his opponent's movement in advance, or whether it had been purely reflexive counterattack.
But regardless of which it was, it proved that Akira's real combat ability was not weak…
Kakashi grew even more curious about Akira's strength, and his desire to spar with him intensified. He had already lost in the written exam and practical class—he absolutely couldn't lose again in real combat!
His father had said he was a once-in-a-generation genius. He would not disappoint his father's expectations!!
Might Guy swung his fists a few times and excitedly said to Kakashi beside him, "Hahaha! As expected of one of the opponents I've chosen. Akira really is a genius. But I will definitely surpass you both, Kakashi!"
Kakashi and Akira were both opponents he wanted to surpass. He would prove that geniuses were not unreachable—as long as one worked hard enough!
Kakashi replied helplessly, "Then work hard. Akira's question booklets are indeed very helpful for grades. Do more practice questions…"
Sure enough, the other opponent Might Guy had chosen was Akira…
"..."
The moment grinding questions was mentioned, Might Guy's expression stiffened. He could hardly maintain his passionate demeanor anymore.
Fine. He admitted—not everything could be solved with effort.
For example, grinding questions. No matter how hard he tried, it didn't seem to help much. If he didn't understand, he simply didn't understand…
Over here, seeing Akira return, Kurenai Yuhi seemed even more excited than he was. Her little face was flushed from excitement, extremely adorable. "Akira, you were amazing!"
As she spoke, she even grabbed Akira's hand, as if declaring to the other girls that Akira was her big brother—and she wouldn't give him away…
The effect was remarkable. Quite a few girls who saw Kurenai's action felt inexplicably unhappy.
But then they thought—Kurenai was Akira's younger sister…
Mm.
It was understandable for a sister to do that. As long as it wasn't some other girl!
Akira ruffled Kurenai's hair and said modestly, "Low-key, low-key. Just normal performance. You already know my strength…"
Kurenai obediently nodded. "Mm-hmm!"
This scene made some of the girls who had just felt relieved start feeling jealous again. They also wanted Akira to pat their heads. They envied Kurenai so much!!
Wait… some of the girls suddenly realized something.
Akira really was Kurenai's older brother—but on the class roster, Akira didn't seem to have a surname. Wasn't he not surnamed Yuhi?
Could it be that they weren't biological siblings?!
Oh no—someone living closest to the water gets the moon first!!
Damn it, don't be so smug!" Asuma Sarutobi also looked displeased. He had already confirmed with his father that Akira… was not Kurenai's biological brother!
Who knew what Kurenai was thinking—could it be that she also…?
Oh no—someone living closest to the water gets the moon first!!
…
The practical combat continued one match after another.
Whether it was fate—or some kind of mysterious metaphysics—
Kakashi's opponent was Might Guy. After a round of fighting, Kakashi won easily, without any surprise.
Obito Uchiha's opponent was Asuma Sarutobi. The perennial bottom-ranked Obito was naturally no match for someone who had received elite education. He quickly lost.
Kurenai's opponent was Rin Nohara. Akira took a moment to watch the battle between the two little girls.
In the end, Kurenai—who had been trying to compete with Akira—won.
With a genius brother like Akira around, Kurenai was also very hardworking. Ordinary students truly weren't her match.
After that, several familiar faces appeared—Genma Shiranui, Ebisu, and members of the Hyuga, Yamanaka, Nara, and Akimichi clans. Victories and defeats alternated.
Since it was only basic taijutsu practical training, no one used ninjutsu. It wasn't particularly exciting…
Which was normal.
Generally speaking, practical combat classes involving ninja tools and ninjutsu required upper grades and teacher supervision.
The danger level wasn't low.
Minor injuries were common; one careless mistake could even lead to death.
That wasn't something first-year students should be doing.
Even the most basic "Three Body Techniques"—Clone Technique, Substitution Technique, and Transformation Technique—would only start being taught next semester…
Mm.
Even these simplest "Three Body Techniques" would block many students.
Those with poor talent might not master them even by sixth grade. Skillful use of the Three Body Techniques was the graduation standard of the Ninja Academy…
Soon—
The first round of practical combat ended.
Teacher Oda comforted the defeated students, telling them not to be discouraged; he also reminded the winners not to be too proud.
He was a good teacher—very responsible!
"Next, we begin the second round. Students whose numbers are drawn, step forward!"
The second round began. Looking at the newly drawn numbers, Teacher Oda announced loudly, "Thirty-six, twenty-five!"
Akira, who had been called, looked at his next opponent and couldn't help asking the system in his heart:
'System, did you really do something behind the scenes? Twice in a row it's the mission target?'
Number twenty-five—was none other than Asuma Sarutobi!
Once could be coincidence. Twice felt a bit too coincidental, didn't it?
[Ding. This system only strives to assist the host in achieving the title of Soul K
ing and has no other functions. Host, please do not over-interpret!]
"..."
Akira didn't quite believe it.
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