Some gaps… can't be closed with effort alone.
As Watanabe's announcement settled—
the classroom erupted.
Students who trained diligently were eager, confident smiles on their faces.
This was their stage.
Others—
looked miserable.
For them, this was public embarrassment.
In truth, aside from academy teaching—
guidance outside class mattered just as much.
If your parents were Chunin or Jonin—
you likely had an advantage.
If they were ordinary civilians—
you struggled.
Some would remain genin forever.
Advancing to Chunin would already be considered lucky.
Take Itachi—
his strength wasn't accidental.
Fugaku had trained him relentlessly.
"What should I do…" Nami murmured nervously, brows knit together.
She preferred quiet study.
Not fighting.
Daiki, on the other hand—
was practically vibrating with excitement.
His gaze toward Kai carried unmistakable intent.
Kai glanced at him—
unbothered.
At his current level, he could easily overwhelm most students.
Win quietly.
That was enough.
If he faced Daiki—
he'd just hold back a little.
After all—
this was an official spar.
…
Afternoon.
Class 1-3 gathered at the training field.
Watanabe stood at the center.
"I'll assign matchups based on your recent performance."
"You may use chakra—but no ninjutsu."
This ensured fairness.
Some clan children had already learned techniques.
Most hadn't.
"Fight with everything you have!"
"First match—Inuzuka Yano versus Akimichi Seichō!"
Two boys stepped forward.
One lean, with the Inuzuka clan's signature red fang markings.
The other—
round, large—
and still chewing chips.
"Form the confrontation seal."
"Here I come!" Yano shouted.
"Bring it!" Seichō replied.
They charged—
And then—
grabbed each other's hair.
Pulled ears.
Wrestled like street brawlers.
…
Silence.
"…Stop! Stop!"
Watanabe covered his face.
This was unbearable.
Absolutely unbearable.
"Give me three more minutes!" Yano protested.
"Who are you calling fat?!" Seichō snapped.
"Enough!" Watanabe's chakra flared.
Both froze instantly.
"Form the reconciliation seal."
Grumbling, they obeyed.
The next matches—
were far better.
Back-and-forth exchanges.
Actual technique.
"Next match—Sarutobi Daiki versus Uchiha Kai."
Kai sighed inwardly.
Of course.
Daiki grinned at him.
This was definitely arranged.
Clan privilege.
What could you do?
Fine.
He'd settle it now.
Once and for all.
After forming the confrontation seal—
they stood three meters apart.
Spectators gathered.
"Go, Brother Daiki!"
"You'll crush that Uchiha!"
Cheers erupted.
"Nami…" Kai glanced briefly.
She clenched her fists.
"Kai… do your best…"
Even Watanabe watched closely.
A Sarutobi.
An Uchiha.
This would be interesting.
"I'm coming!" Daiki shouted, excitement coursing through him.
He moved fast—
surprisingly fast for his build.
In an instant, he closed the distance.
A heavy punch came down.
But—
Kai had already drawn on his reserve chakra.
It flowed through his body.
Strength surged.
He raised an arm—
and blocked effortlessly.
"Fast…"
"Uchiha… not bad," Daiki thought, startled.
He followed up with a kick—
swift and sharp.
Kai shifted slightly—
and dodged with ease.
Then—
a single palm strike.
Pressed lightly against Daiki's chest.
Boom.
A surge of force.
Daiki staggered backward—
then fell flat onto the ground.
If that had been a kunai—
he'd be dead.
Cold sweat broke across his back.
"You lost," Kai said calmly.
"I… lost?"
Daiki stared in disbelief.
He had thought this would be easy.
Instead—
he was defeated in an instant.
So this was the strength—
of the one he had been chasing.
"I'll train harder," he said, clenching his fists.
"One day—I'll beat you."
Then he turned and walked back.
"Brother Daiki, that was just bad luck!"
"You'll win next time!"
"…Yeah."
Daiki's voice was firm.
"In the shinobi world—who dares claim invincibility?"
"Who dares say they'll never lose?"
"A single defeat… only makes me stronger!"
"I'm going to become Hokage!"
"That's right! You definitely will!"
Watanabe shook his head slightly.
He could tell—
Kai hadn't even gone all out.
For Daiki to surpass him—
would be extremely difficult.
"This match—Uchiha Kai wins."
"Next—Hyuga Sora versus Hyuga Nami."
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