"I've indeed been learning blade techniques from my father all along. But how did you know?" Kakashi Hatake was even more surprised. Akira actually knew about this?
He had never mentioned it, nor had he ever shown it in front of others.
How did Akira know?
"It's simple." Akira didn't find it strange at all. In the original story, young Kakashi was always carrying a blade.
He didn't explain how he knew. Instead, he casually made something up:
"Gathering intelligence is one of a ninja's basic qualities. In battle, intelligence is especially important. I don't want to lose to anyone—especially since you've already put quite a bit of pressure on me…"
A little mutual praise made future interactions easier.
Akira understood social etiquette well. He was a mature and reliable adult!
"I see. I've learned something." Kakashi felt it made sense, but his expression grew even more serious.
Akira was indeed different from others—he already understood the importance of intelligence at such a young age.
No wonder he regarded Akira as an opponent. He himself had learned something.
Moreover, what surprised him even more was that Akira also considered him an opponent. That was recognition—and made it even more unacceptable to lose!
At that moment, Teacher Oda, who had overheard their conversation, stepped in with a solemn tone:
"Student Akira, Student Kakashi, today is only basic taijutsu practical combat. A full-scale battle is still too early for you!"
What were they thinking?
A full-scale battle was dangerous. These two little brats actually wanted to try it already?
Wasn't that too fast?
Although he was also curious about what these two would show, as a teacher, he had to step in and stop it!!
Akira smiled at Teacher Oda. "Don't worry, Teacher. We'll know our limits. Besides, with you here, nothing dangerous will happen. I trust your strength!"
Kakashi also nodded, unwilling to miss this opportunity. "Teacher, please!"
"Th-this…" Looking at the expressions of the two, Teacher Oda felt strangely moved.
They kept saying they trusted him, asking him—he found it hard to refuse…
And he felt a bit proud.
Thinking carefully, with him, a Chunin, present, there really shouldn't be any danger. After all, they were just two first-year kids…
With that thought, Teacher Oda didn't refuse.
"Alright then. Let the other students see your performance too. To be honest, I'm also curious what ninjutsu you've already learned…"
His words were naturally heard by the other students.
They were instantly stirred up!
The two geniuses of the class had already learned ninjutsu?
And they were going to have an unrestricted battle? This was too interesting!
Asuma Sarutobi clenched his fists in frustration. "Damn it! You can even do that? Why didn't I think of it?! Kakashi beat me to it!"
Was he really not smart enough?
No—impossible. He had just forgotten for a moment!
"Kakashi… is also a warrior!" Kurenai Yuhi blinked. She felt Kakashi was brave to challenge Akira seriously.
Would he get punched into tears for a long time?
"..." Rin Nohara looked left at Akira and right at Kakashi, her index fingers circling together—her small habit.
Both were her friends. Who should she cheer for?
So conflicted!
Mm, she would cheer for Akira. After all, Akira had helped her a lot and explained questions to her…
"Kakashi, go! Knock Akira down!!" Obito Uchiha had no such dilemma. He wished he could take Kakashi's place and teach Akira a lesson himself.
Unfortunately, he didn't have that strength. So he could only cheer for Kakashi.
Akira was his number-one enemy!!
Ignoring the surrounding noise, the two once again formed the Seal of Opposition.
Kakashi took out a wooden short blade from his ninja pouch and held it firmly. His gaze grew sharper as he said calmly:
"Be careful, Akira. Although it's just a wooden blade, it will still hurt if you're cut!"
Akira also became serious. "Don't worry. I'm ready. Let's begin!"
Whoosh!
The moment Akira's words fell, Kakashi moved.
With a light step on the ground, he shot forward like a spring.
Almost in the blink of an eye, he was already in front of Akira. The wooden short blade slashed downward at a tricky angle, even producing the sound of cutting through air!
"Body Flicker Technique?" Akira narrowed his eyes. That instantaneous burst of speed was not ordinary movement—it could only be the Body Flicker Technique!
Kakashi truly deserved the title of genius. Even among Genin, few had mastered the Body Flicker Technique.
But it wasn't enough to overwhelm Akira.
His senses were extremely sharp, and his dynamic vision was astonishing. Kakashi's movements could not escape his sight.
Just as the wooden blade was about to strike him, Akira tilted his body slightly to evade it. At the same time, his right leg bent like a drawn bowstring, gathering force before lashing out!
Bang!
The kick struck Kakashi's body—but instead of a solid hit, there was a muffled sound, followed by white smoke.
A broken log was blasted away by Akira's kick…
Here it was—the signature ninjutsu of Naruto: the Substitution Technique.
At the moment of being attacked, he had quickly used a log to replace his body, making the opponent think the attack succeeded.
However, Akira's excellent dynamic vision had clearly seen it—
At the instant before being hit, Kakashi had pulled out the log from his ninja pouch and pushed it forward…
The Substitution Technique was not space-time ninjutsu. It did not actually swap positions.
That was something only Sasuke Uchiha's Rinnegan technique, Amenotejikara, could achieve.
The Substitution Technique was merely a confusion tactic. It might deceive Genin or Chunin, but against Jonin it was almost ineffective—and could even expose an opening.
With the time spent performing Substitution, it would be more efficient to prepare a stronger ninjutsu.
Through the white smoke and scattered wood fragments, Kakashi had not retreated far.
In that instant, his hands formed seals. His chest swelled, and he spat out a blazing fireball:
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"
The Great Fireball Technique—a C-rank ninjutsu.
Usually used by Chunin. But prodigies could learn and master it at a very young age.
Boom!
A fireball over one meter in diameter, trailing flames, surged toward Akira. Heat waves rolled outward, the firelight illuminating the faces of teachers and students alike—shock and awe written clearly upon them!
Five-year-old Kakashi had already mastered a C-rank ninjutsu?!
What kind of monstrous talent was that?!
"Not good!" While others were stunned, Teacher Oda had more to consider.
C-rank ninjutsu was powerful. Even if the fireball was only about one meter wide, a direct hit would absolutely cause injury!
No—his rice bowl!
No—that was wrong. Akira was in danger!
Teacher Oda was responsible. He was just about to use the Body Flicker Technique to save Akira—
But the next scene made his mouth open wide.
His expression turned even more incredulous and shocked, as if witnessing something beyond comprehension!
"Not bad. You've even learned a C-rank ninjutsu…" Akira praised calmly while facing the incoming Great Fireball.
Then—
Instead of dodging, he rushed straight toward the blazing fireball.
"But I'm not bad either!"
The scorching heat had already hit his face. Firelight reflected off his calm expression. His short red hair appeared even more vivid in the flames.
Akira stepped forward, raised his right arm, clenched his fist, and punched directly at the fireball that was now inches away.
At the moment of impact, chakra surged explosively—
And collided head-on with the Great Fireball Technique!!
Boom!!
With a thunderous crash, the fireball seemed to freeze for an instant—
Then, as if struck by an overwhelming force, it exploded violently, scattering into countless fragments of flame…
Shattered by a single punch!!
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