"Kakashi… lost?"
"Did that Uchiha Mirai really defeat Kakashi?"
"It's over!"
Seeing Uchiha Mirai's long sword pressed against Hatake Kakashi's neck, everyone's faces froze in disbelief.
Hatake Kakashi—the genius they had placed such high hopes on—just lost like that?!
But before anyone could fully process it, the unexpected happened.
Kakashi's body exploded into a flash of lightning, surging at Uchiha Mirai.
The ground cracked, and Kakashi emerged from underground, holding his short sword across Mirai's neck.
"You're good, but that's all."
His deep voice carried calm authority. Originally, Kakashi had expected an easy fight, but Uchiha Mirai's pressure had nearly overwhelmed him. If he hadn't used the lightning clone as bait, he might have been the one defeated.
A faint smile appeared on Mirai's face.
Kakashi sensed danger. Before he could react, Mirai disappeared into a puff of smoke.
"Earth Escape: Heart Beheading Technique!"
With a shout, Mirai grabbed Kakashi's legs and pulled him underground, leaving only his head exposed. Squatting in front of him, Mirai sheathed his sword.
"You're good, but that's it."
Hearing his own words returned to him, Kakashi's face beneath his mask burned red. I… actually lost?
Kakashi had believed he made no mistakes—but Mirai had anticipated the lightning clone perfectly. The boy's combat IQ was terrifying.
"Teacher, the battle is over," Mirai said calmly to Oiwa Junshan, who had finally recovered. "Winner: Uchiha Mirai!"
The crowd erupted.
"It's unbelievable—Kakashi lost?"
"Is Uchiha Mirai really this strong?"
"That battle was incredible! This is a true ninja showdown!"
"Our fights feel like children playing house in comparison."
"The title of Konoha's number-one genius might change hands today."
For students yet to graduate, the duel between Mirai and Kakashi shattered their understanding of power. Every move was a layered reversal: taijutsu and ninjutsu intertwined, clones used as bait, countermeasures perfectly timed.
Asuma Sarutobi, previously proud of mastering Fire Style: Ash Burning, felt a pang of frustration. Mirai's strength was beyond his reach.
Uchiha Obito clenched his teeth, realizing that Mirai's display mirrored his dream self. Seeing Nohara Rin's excitement, his imagination ran wild. If I had this power, Rin would definitely agree to be my girlfriend…
Might Guy's eyes shone with determination. "Is this what youth is? This is what a genius is!"
Unlike anyone else, Might Guy knew only physical skill. If he couldn't excel there, he felt lost. Watching Kakashi and Mirai, he resolved to train even harder.
"Haha… the kid really surprised me," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, puffing his pipe. Mirai's performance had exceeded expectations. Not allowing him into the Konoha Police Force had been a wise choice—it was safer to keep such a genius under direct supervision.
"Lord Hokage, Kakashi was just careless this time," Uchiha Fugaku said, gritting his teeth. He understood Hiruzen's motives for arranging the match, but now he feared the Uchiha clan might lose favor.
"Fugaku, if you lose, you lose. No need to make excuses," Hiruzen replied with a smile. "I'm just happy to see a genius emerge in Konoha."
Hiruzen had seen many geniuses—Uchiha Kagami, Hatake Sakumo, Orochimaru, Tsunade… none of them could compare to Hashirama Senju or Madara Uchiha—but as long as a prodigy stayed under proper guidance, Hiruzen was confident he could manage them.
"Okay, today's exam is over. Let's head back." Hiruzen led the way, followed by Fugaku, Minato Namikaze, and others.
Only Orochimaru remained, eyes locked on Uchiha Mirai with fascination.
Mirai noticed and returned his gaze.
"Sharp," he thought.
Orochimaru licked his lips in excitement. Such a perfect body… once the immortal reincarnation research succeeds, he'll be the first vessel.
Mirai withdrew his gaze silently. Orochimaru was dangerous, but at this stage, he only targeted orphans and death-row subjects. There was no immediate threat. By the time Orochimaru's reincarnation research matured, Mirai would be strong enough to handle it.
It had only taken a little over a month to surpass Hatake Kakashi. Given more time, even a Kage-level powerhouse like Orochimaru would struggle. This was the power of cheating.
The crowd dispersed.
Kurenai Yuhi rushed to Mirai's side, her excitement palpable. "Mirai, you're amazing! You even defeated Kakashi!"
"Why do I feel like you're more excited than me? If someone didn't know, they'd think you beat Kakashi," Mirai teased, pinching her slightly chubby face.
"Hehe… almost the same," she said.
"Remember, we're divided into teams tomorrow. Don't be late!"
-End Chapter-
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