The shuriken test was quickly completed in batches under the supervision of the chunin instructors.
Next came the part everyone both dreaded and eagerly awaited: live combat.
Since this was the first semester and most of the students were still unfamiliar with each other, opponents were chosen by drawing lots.
For most students, the only thing they could pray for now was not to be matched against Hatake Kusuo.
His strength was simply overwhelming.
So strong that it made many of his peers shudder at the thought of facing him.
Someone who had once been the object of admiration and affection was now met with glances tinged with fear.
No one wanted to be crushed.
Sasuke and Neji, those so-called geniuses, were fine—they weren't so far beyond the norm.
But Hatake Kusuo…
He was on a whole different level.
Among the upper years, a legend had even begun to spread.
It was said that while everyone saw Kusuo come to school every day with a sword, no one had ever seen him draw it.
As if, in the entire school, there was no one worthy of him unsheathing his blade.
So, despite Kusuo always greeting everyone with a warm, sunny smile, there was now a sense of wariness toward him.
All except for one person.
"Hey! Sasuke, do you dare accept my challenge?! I'm going to be the future Hokage!"
Naruto stepped forward, hands on hips, and loudly issued his challenge to Sasuke.
But Sasuke's mind was entirely on Kusuo. To him, Naruto was insignificant, not worth noticing.
"Get lost, dead last!"
Sasuke barked at him without hesitation.
Naruto didn't care at all about Sasuke's annoyed expression. In fact, it only made him more excited.
"Coward! You're just scared of me, that's why you won't fight me one on one! Hahaha!"
The other students buried their faces in their hands, mortified to have to claim Naruto as a classmate.
What kind of cheap provocation was that?
Who would fall for something so lame?
"Fine! Alright!"
"I accept your challenge!"
To everyone's surprise, Sasuke, visibly angered, agreed.
Then they saw him run over to speak with Iruka.
Iruka glanced at Sasuke, then at Kusuo, seeming to hesitate between two difficult choices.
After a long moment,
Iruka finally nodded.
Sasuke pumped his fist in excitement and strode over to Naruto.
"Let's go, dead last. I'll show you just how far beneath me you are."
As he passed Kusuo, he gave a pointed snort, as if issuing a challenge.
The other students gathered around eagerly to watch the spectacle.
Since it wasn't their turn yet, they were happy to enjoy the show.
"Kusuo, who… who do you think will win?"
A voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz reached him.
"Huh?"
He looked down to see Hinata asking, head lowered, her small hands nervously twisting together.
"Heh, of course it'll be Sasuke."
Kusuo answered easily.
At this stage, the gap between Naruto and Sasuke was obvious. Sasuke could easily overpower Naruto.
"Oh, I see."
Hinata's voice grew even smaller.
In her heart, she still hoped Naruto could win—partly out of childhood memories, partly out of compassion for the underdog.
But if Kusuo said Sasuke would win, then Sasuke would surely win.
Seeing Hinata's adorable, shy expression, Kusuo couldn't help but smile.
He reached out to gently pat her soft hair, only to startle her so much she scampered off like a frightened little bunny.
Sure enough, it took barely a minute for the match to end.
Relying on his clan training, Sasuke dominated Naruto in every aspect, thoroughly beating him down until Naruto couldn't even get up.
"Alright, that's enough! Both of you, stop!"
Iruka intervened just in time. Naruto, full of frustration, grudgingly exchanged the sign of reconciliation with Sasuke.
Sasuke had decisively crushed him.
His confidence soaring, Sasuke lifted his chin so high it was practically in the clouds, basking in the attention.
Then,
Sasuke shocked everyone.
He raised his hands and pointed straight at Kusuo, who had been quietly watching.
"Iruka-sensei, I want to challenge Hatake Kusuo!"
"What?"
"You're kidding, right?"
"Did I hear that right? Sasuke's challenging Kusuo?"
"Kusuo's terrifying. Does Sasuke really think he's a match?"
"Not so fast. Didn't you see how easily Sasuke handled Naruto just now?"
"Besides, live combat isn't just about standing still and throwing shuriken. Reflexes, experience, battlefield awareness—all of that matters. Sasuke's from the Uchiha clan, after all. He's probably ahead of Kusuo in a lot of ways. I'm backing Sasuke!"
Some of the Uchiha kids in the crowd immediately spoke up for Sasuke.
And their reasoning seemed sound, earning nods from many around them.
Kusuo, for his part, didn't mind at all.
To him, it didn't matter who he fought—they were all just easy targets.
Honestly, the whole thing felt like child's play.
The monstrous talent of Yoriichi Tsugikuni that he'd inherited wasn't for show.
Their movements,
to his eyes, were nothing but flaws and openings.
It was like a champion player facing a total beginner, with completely different levels of awareness and skill.
The crowd buzzed with anticipation.
Two geniuses facing off—who would win?
When Iruka actually nodded in approval, the place erupted in cheers.
All eyes were on them.
Kusuo stepped calmly onto the stage.
…
/////////////////////////
Support me by adding this fic into your library!
100 P.S = 1 Extra Chapter