It didn't take much effort. After demonstrating his proficient application of the Clone and Replacement Techniques, Kōichi swiftly and decisively defeated Asuma.
His Constitution was as high as 12 points, far surpassing the average 4-5 points of other children. Even though Asuma had grown up with good food and drink,his Constitution was only around 7-8 points. Furthermore,Kōichi's taijutsu training was absolutely relentless, focused on maximizing power and speed!
A single punch was almost enough to send the exhausted Asuma sprawling to the ground. When that sharp punch landed on his chest,Asuma felt despair once again. He clearly sensed that even at his peak,he might not have been able to dodge this blow.
Helped up by Ebisu, Asuma gritted his teeth. "Why didn't you fight me with your full strength from the beginning?" "Why use a clone trick to mock me?"
Kōichi lifted his eyelids slightly. "You were merely a means for me to test my recent training results. It just so happened that Teacher Ishikawa wanted to assess my Three Basic Jutsu. It's that simple."
Asuma was stunned. I was just a means for him to test his training results?
The other students were also shocked. Was Kōichi already this strong? Yūhi Kurenai and Nohara Rin stood together,wide-eyed at the scene. Yūhi Kurenai exclaimed in admiration,"Kōichi is so strong!" Nohara Rin looked at Kōichi,then at Kakashi. "I wonder if he's as strong as Kakashi?"
As everyone fell silent, Ishikawa stepped forward. "A temporary defeat means little.You've all witnessed how hard Kōichi has been training recently. Aside from Guy, none of you have worked as hard as him." "There will be many practical combat sessions each semester,Asuma. You'll have chances to win later." "Now,both of you, form the Seal of Reconciliation!"
Asuma stood frozen in place, head bowed, fists clenched tightly. Ishikawa frowned."Asuma! This is the academy. You are classmates. In the future, you will be comrades on the battlefield and on missions!" Hearing the teacher's words,the others began to murmur in agreement. Yes,they were classmates, not enemies. Having stronger comrades made it easier to survive on missions later;this was actually a good thing. Of course,a competitive spirit also began to spread among the children. Kōichi is just a civilian. If he can do it, so can we!
Watching this, Kōichi's lips curled slightly. He formed the Seal of Reconciliation with the stiff Asuma and then stepped aside. What he was truly looking forward to now was Ishikawa's ninjutsu instruction after school.
While he was resting, a silver-haired boy stood before him. "You're strong."
Kakashi? Kōichi raised an eyebrow."If he takes it as humiliation, his future achievements will be limited. If he takes it as motivation, perhaps he can reach greater heights. Remember, his father is the Hokage."
Kakashi was taken aback, momentarily speechless. Finally,he managed to say, "Next time, I'll spar with you!" After saying that,he walked away proudly, head held high. Chasing after him was a loudly shouting Uchiha Obito. "Kakashi,I'm your opponent!" "Kakashi,you're ignoring me again! I'll go find the teacher. For this class, the two of us will spar!"
---
The practical combat class lasted from morning until afternoon. The fastest match was undoubtedly Kakashi defeating Uchiha Obito in three moves. The title of strongest in their year was gradually being solidified. However,the match that sparked the most discussion was between Kōichi and Sarutobi Asuma.
At this stage, without much ninja knowledge, most children didn't fully grasp the ingenious tactical design Kōichi employed in the fight. But they could see that from start to finish,Asuma was completely toyed with by Kōichi, and was finally knocked down with one punch.
Ignoring the discussions about him and the mix of envious, challenging, and curious looks from others after school, Kōichi stood calmly outside the staff room, waiting for Ishikawa. The wait was a bit long,causing Kōichi to frown slightly.
"Sorry, Kōichi, have you been waiting long?" Ishikawa emerged from the office looking somewhat tired, but offered a smile. "Not long at all." Ishikawa shook his head."You're so mature, like a little adult. Let's go."
Ishikawa had already promised to teach Kōichi a ninjutsu, scheduled for after school. Walking on the village's dirt paths,Ishikawa chatted casually with Kōichi, but a trace of worry remained between his brows. Suddenly,he stopped.
"Kōichi, did you know the Third Hokage was also at the academy today?" Kōichi paused for a moment,then said calmly, "Oh." Seeing that Kōichi showed neither the typical worshipful expression towards the Hokage nor any curiosity to ask more,Ishikawa rubbed his forehead. "Lord Hokage saw the moment you defeated Asuma today.Honestly, you didn't have to choose that method to defeat him."
Kōichi put his hands in his pockets, speaking indifferently. "Asuma is too weak. If I wanted to demonstrate the Three Basic Jutsu in front of you, that was the only way." "But he's the Hokage's son..." Kōichi suddenly looked up at Ishikawa."Teacher, are you worried the Hokage will hold a grudge against me?" "Uh..." "You're overthinking it.The Hokage possesses more than enough magnanimity for that."
Ishikawa stood frozen for a long moment before finally letting out an awkward, relieved sigh. He had been viewing Sarutobi Hiruzen solely through the lens of being Asuma's father. But beyond that,Sarutobi Hiruzen was also Konoha's Hokage. In a sense, all the children of Konoha could be considered his children. He was the Hokage.His magnanimity was far greater than Ishikawa had imagined.
"I was worrying unnecessarily. Come on, let's find a quiet place. I'll teach you your first ninjutsu—the one I'm most skilled at!" Kōichi nodded,feeling a flicker of anticipation.