Kakashi recalled the scene he had just witnessed and murmured to himself, "Such a fast reaction... could I have done that?"
In that moment, he wasn't sure whether Seiryū had predicted the opponent's move or simply reacted on instinct to counterattack.
Regardless of the reason, it proved that Seiryū's combat ability was strong. Kakashi grew even more curious about Seiryū's strength, and his desire to spar with him deepened. He had lost in the written exam and the practical class. He absolutely could not lose in actual combat!
Father had said he was a rare genius, and he wouldn't let his father down!
Guy swung his fists a few times and said excitedly to Kakashi beside him, "Hahaha! As expected of one of the rivals I've chosen! Seiryū really is a genius, but I'll definitely surpass both of you, Kakashi!"
Kakashi and Seiryū were both rivals he had set his sights on. He would prove that geniuses weren't unbeatable, as long as you worked hard enough!
Kakashi said flatly, "Then work hard. Seiryū's practice booklets are actually really helpful for grades. You should do more practice problems..."
As expected, the other rival Guy had picked was Seiryū... "..." The moment practice problems were mentioned, Guy's face stiffened, and he couldn't maintain his excited expression.
Fine. He admitted it—hard work didn't work for everything.
Take practice problems, for instance. No matter how hard he tried, it didn't help. If he didn't understand it, he just didn't understand...
Meanwhile, seeing Seiryū return, Kurenai looked even more excited than Seiryū himself. Her small face was flushed pink, making her look particularly adorable. "Seiryū, you were amazing!"
As she spoke, she grabbed Seiryū's hand, as if declaring to all the other girls that Seiryū was her brother, and she wouldn't give him up. The effect was immediate. Many girls watching this scene felt a vague sense of irritation.
But then they remembered that Kurenai was Seiryū's younger sister... Hmm, if it's a sister, it's acceptable. As long as it's not some other girl!
Seiryū playfully ruffled Kurenai's hair, waving his hand modestly. "Keep it low-key, low-key. Just a normal performance. You know how strong I am..."
Kurenai nodded obediently. "Mm-hmm!"
This scene made the girls who had just calmed down feel jealous again. They also wanted to be patted on the head by Seiryū! So jealous of Kurenai!!
Wait, no. Some of the little girls suddenly remembered something.
It seemed Seiryū was indeed Kurenai's older brother, but during roll call, he didn't seem to have a surname—wasn't his surname supposed to be Yuhi?
Could it be... they weren't related by blood?!
No way... the early bird got the worm!!
"Damn it, don't get so smug!" Asuma was furious too. He had already confirmed with his father that Seiryū... was not Kurenai's biological brother!
He didn't know what Kurenai was thinking. Did she also... No! The early bird got the worm!!
...The actual combat matches continued one after another.
Perhaps it was fate, or perhaps some metaphysical force was at play.
Kakashi's opponent was Might Guy. After a round of sparring, Kakashi won easily, without any surprises.
Obito's opponent was Asuma. Naturally, Obito, the class dead-last, was no match for elite-educated Asuma and quickly lost.
Kurenai's opponent was Rin. Seiryū took some time to watch the battle between the two girls.
In the end, Kurenai, who wanted to compare scores with Seiryū, won.
With a genius older brother like Seiryū, Kurenai was also very motivated. Ordinary students really couldn't match her.
Afterward, several familiar faces appeared, including Genma and Ebisu, as well as students from the Hyūga, Yamanaka, Nara, and Akimichi clans. One by one, they stepped into the arena, and their matches ended with various results.
Because this was a basic Taijutsu drill, no one used Ninjutsu. The matches seemed a bit dull... but that was normal.
Generally, full combat training involving throwing weapons and Ninjutsu was only taught to upperclassmen and required teacher supervision.
The risk was not low.
A small injury was one thing, but a careless mistake could result in death.
This kind of curriculum wasn't meant for first-year students.
Even the most basic "Three Basic Jutsu"—Clone Jutsu, Substitution Jutsu, and Transformation Jutsu—wouldn't be taught until next semester... Hmm, even these simplest jutsu could stump many students.
Some with poor aptitude might still not have mastered them by the time they reached sixth grade. Proficiently using the Three Basic Jutsu was the baseline requirement for graduating from the Academy...
Soon after, the first round of actual combat ended.
Oda comforted the students who lost, encouraging them not to lose heart, and reminded the winners not to get arrogant.
He was a good teacher, very responsible and sincere!
"Next, we begin the second round! Students whose numbers are drawn, step forward!"
The second round of actual combat began. Oda looked at the newly drawn numbers and called out loudly, "Thirty-six and twenty-five!"
Seiryū, whose number was called, looked at his new opponent and couldn't help but question the System internally. 'System, did you really rig something? Why are both opponents mission targets?'
Number twenty-five was none other than Asuma!
Once might be a coincidence, but twice? That was too much of a coincidence, right?
However, Seiryū didn't dwell on it. Having lived in an age of information overload, he knew that in his previous life, there were people who won the lottery twice in two days.
That was ten million combined, money an average person wouldn't make in their entire life!
Having a relative in a leadership position... that was top-tier luck.
So what was so strange about encountering two mission targets in a row?
Actually, it was quite reasonable!
"Hey, it's time to form the Confrontation Seal. Why are you zoning out?" In the arena, Asuma was inexplicably irritated by Seiryū spacing out. He was already waiting to form the Confrontation Seal.
Just staring at him without saying anything, what was that supposed to mean?
He knew Seiryū's combat ability was strong, but this kind of attitude was just insulting!
Damn it, he was getting mad. His fighting spirit was burning. With both old grudges and new ones combined, he wanted nothing more than to beat Seiryū down!
Hearing Asuma's words, Seiryū snapped back to his senses and also formed the Confrontation Seal, his face full of apology. "Ah, sorry, sorry. I was actually overwhelmed by your aura for a second and froze. I wonder if you believe me?"
Asuma: "..."
Did he think he was trying to fool a kid?
He was already six years old, not some three-year-old toddler. This guy was seriously infuriating!
"Take this punch!!" Without another word, Asuma decided to speak with his fists. He kicked off the ground and charged straight at Seiryū!
"Hahaha, well said!" Seiryū laughed heartily, as if facing off against a powerful master. He looked full of excitement and fighting spirit, meeting Asuma's charge head-on without fear...
(To be continued.)
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