Chapter 3 – Becoming a Genin (Part 1)
On the main platform, Sarutobi Hiruzen turned to the silver-haired man beside him, his face hidden behind an ANBU mask.
"Congratulations, Sakumo. Your son truly is a genius," Hiruzen said, unable to hide the hint of envy in his voice.
He couldn't help but think of his own troublesome son...
"Unlike Asuma… haah…" he muttered with a sigh.
"Thank you for the praise, Hokage-sama," Hatake Sakumo replied respectfully.
Though he spoke with modesty, the pride in his voice was impossible to miss. For a father, there was no greater joy than watching his child shine so brightly in public.
"Hm... Sakumo, the Shunshin technique Yusuke used just now—it's different from yours, isn't it?"
"You're right, Hokage-sama," Sakumo nodded. "That's a variation my son developed on his own."
"What did you say?" Hiruzen blinked, clearly taken aback. "He created his own version of Shunshin at that age? That technique isn't even easy to master for Tokubetsu Jōnin, let alone invent from scratch... and without hand seals?"
"Correct. His version leans more toward a Taijutsu-based application rather than pure Ninjutsu."
"Oh? So it's similar to what the Third Raikage uses? Focused entirely on raw speed and physical reinforcement? Hahaha... What a rare talent. Looks like we've got ourselves another rising star for Konoha's future!"
Hiruzen laughed heartily.
"Next match—Hatake Kakashi vs Uchiha Tenki!"
Uchiha Tenki stepped forward. Despite Kakashi's age, he didn't dare underestimate his opponent. The kid's reputation spoke for itself.
Without wasting time, he launched a flurry of kunai to cut off Kakashi's movement.
Kakashi drew his short blade and deflected each kunai with swift, precise swings.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
Tenki quickly formed hand signs and released a massive ball of flame, not giving Kakashi any time to react.
The audience murmured in awe.
"He can already use a C-rank Ninjutsu before even becoming a Genin?!"
But Kakashi remained calm. He responded just as smoothly:
"Earth Release: Earth Wall!"
A thick barrier of earth rose to block the flames. Tenki didn't stop—he dashed around the side to catch Kakashi off-guard and launched another fireball.
But the attack hit nothing.
Kakashi's body turned into a puff of smoke.
A clone?!
Before Tenki could react, Kakashi emerged from the ground behind him, pressing a kunai to his neck.
"You've lost," Kakashi said coldly.
"When… when did you form the hand signs?" Tenki asked, eyes wide in disbelief.
"No need to explain," Kakashi replied curtly.
That was one of Yusuke's lessons—"Never give your opponent a chance unless you're sure you've won."
The proctor raised his hand.
"Winner: Hatake Kakashi!"
Cheers erupted from the crowd.
"Kakashi, you were amazing!" Rin's eyes sparkled.
"Damn it, Kakashi! I swear I'll surpass you someday!" Obito growled, clenching his fists.
"Sakumo, congratulations. Both of your sons are remarkable," Hiruzen praised again.
"No, Hokage-sama. They're not just my pride—they're Konoha's," Sakumo replied respectfully.
"True, true... They are the future of this village," Hiruzen laughed in satisfaction.
— — —
The rest of the matches went by.
Yusuke won every fight with a single move.
Meanwhile, Kakashi had to push himself to the limit to defeat a talented Uchiha.
Yusuke glanced at the other participants. He didn't recognize any of them. Not surprising—he and Kakashi had graduated early. The others were likely just future cannon fodder.
And now, the final match was here—the showdown between the Hatake brothers.
Well… guess it was inevitable, Yusuke thought. Still, maybe it was time to show off a little.
If he kept holding back too much, it could actually become a danger to himself.
Even if someone like Danzo tried to recruit him into ROOT, Sakumo would never allow it.
And even if they tried to force him... did they really think they could brainwash a transmigrator? Heh, good luck with that.
"Final match: Hatake Yusuke vs Hatake Kakashi," the proctor announced.
"Yo, Kakashi. Guess it's finally our turn. Want me to go easy on you since I'm your big bro?" Yusuke smirked.
"No need," Kakashi replied. For once, his usual dead-fish eyes lit up with serious determination.
He knew exactly how strong his brother was—lazy, sure, but outrageously talented.
And recently, Yusuke had been training harder than ever, even creating his own version of Shunshin.
If Kakashi didn't give it everything he had, he wouldn't stand a chance.
"Then let's begin."
Yusuke vanished from sight and reappeared beside Kakashi in an instant.
"Finger Gun."
Kakashi barely managed to block with his blade, but the impact sent him flying.
He quickly got to his feet and launched his counterattack.
"Lightning Release: Lightning Ball!"
"Too weak," Yusuke muttered.
"Iron Body."
The jutsu hit him dead on—but aside from some torn clothing, Yusuke stood completely unharmed.
"He took it head-on?!" the crowd gasped.
Without waiting, Yusuke activated another technique.
"Shave."
In the blink of an eye, he was in front of Kakashi again, slashing down with his katana. Kakashi barely managed to block—he had no chance to counter.
No wonder... the spectators thought.
Even at a beginner level, the Swordmaster Inheritance was giving Kakashi a hard time. If Yusuke's mastery increased even further...
At the edge of the arena, a man in ANBU gear whispered to Sakumo.
"His swordsmanship is impressive. Looks like he really did inherit your fighting style."
It was Yūhi Shinku, Kurenai's father and one of Konoha's top Genjutsu specialists—someone who could even fool the Sharingan.
"Heh, Shinku... he's still far from perfect," Sakumo replied calmly.
"Come on, Sakumo... your boys are already way beyond what we were at their age," Shinku chuckled.
Sakumo didn't argue. They were old teammates—and he knew Shinku was right.
Back in the ring, Kakashi jumped back. He knew he'd lose if the close-quarters fight continued.
Yusuke understood what Kakashi was thinking but didn't chase after him. Kakashi realized: his brother was giving him space.
He pulled out a kunai, wrapped it with an explosive tag, and hurled it forward.
"Earth Release: Earth Wall!"
A wall of stone rose up, blocking the blast instantly.
Kakashi followed up with, "Lightning Release: Ground Lightning!"
But Yusuke leapt high into the air, avoiding it with ease.
"Moonwalk."
Gasps echoed through the stadium.
"He's… flying?!"
Even Hiruzen was surprised.
"Did he create that technique too?" Hiruzen asked in disbelief.
"It seems so, Hokage-sama," Sakumo replied. "He once said his style was made up of six special techniques… But I've never seen this one before."
"This kid's a monster," Yūhi Shinku muttered, stunned.
From the sky, Yusuke whispered:
"Tempest Kick."
Dozens of slicing air blades rained down across the arena, generated by a series of precise mid-air kicks.
But none of them were aimed directly at Kakashi. After all, he was still his little brother.
"Kakashi, give it up. You don't stand a chance."
Kakashi was silent for a moment, then exhaled softly.
"…I surrender."
There was no regret in his eyes. He knew—his brother had been holding back.
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