Ninja Academy, Training Ground.
It was another combat practice session. Currently on the field were Taiichi and Might Gai.
Both of their Taijutsu skills far exceeded that of an average Genin. Even Teacher Yamada, a Chunin, had to focus completely on their match to prevent any accidents.
"Taiichi, you've gotten stronger again!"
"But I won't fall behind!"
Might Gai felt the pressure, but it only made his blood burn hotter. With every punch and kick, his power grew, and his speed increased.
Thwack, thwack, thwack. The sound of fists meeting flesh rang out incessantly.
The two went back and forth, fighting to a standstill.
The watching students cheered them on. Interestingly, most of the girls were cheering for Taiichi, while most of the boys were cheering for Gai.
Also watching was Kakashi, who keenly noticed that Taiichi Matsushita's strength had improved significantly. He knew Taiichi's Ninjutsu skills were quite good, especially his Phoenix Flower Jutsu, which he could use with impressive versatility. Now, fighting Gai to a draw using only Taijutsu without any Ninjutsu... one could only imagine his true strength.
Teacher Yamada nodded in approval as he watched. It wasn't just Taiichi; this batch of students had many outstanding ninjas. However, it was a pity for Might Gai—such great talent in Taijutsu, but his aptitude for Ninjutsu was poor.
...
After dozens of rounds, the two entangled figures simultaneously retracted their fists and separated. Taiichi Matsushita and Might Gai both dropped to one knee, sweat pouring down like rain. Their heavy panting could be heard from the sidelines. Neither had the strength to continue fighting.
"Taiichi Matsushita vs. Might Gai—Draw," Teacher Yamada announced.
After the two regulated their breathing and made the Seal of Reconciliation, Teacher Yamada continued, "Next match: Kakashi Hatake, Obito Uchiha."
Hearing their names, the two exchanged a look. Kakashi maintained his aloof posture as he slowly walked onto the field. Obito, on the other hand, turned back to look at Rin and said, "Rin, watch me knock that annoying Kakashi down!" leaving Rin looking exasperated.
On the field. "Kakashi! This time you're definitely going to lose to the Great Obito's fists!"
"I'd believe that if you weren't late every day," Kakashi said indifferently.
Obito immediately started gritting his teeth. "Stuck-up Kakashi! Just you wait!"
Once they made the Seal of Confrontation, Obito charged impatiently. A fierce clash began, no less intense than the fight between Taiichi and Gai just moments ago.
The girls watching from the sidelines cheered in unison for Kakashi. This made Obito even more furious, and his attacks became increasingly aggressive.
Taiichi focused completely, his eyes locked on the two combatants.
He wasn't the only one improving; everyone was. Even Obito had made significant progress.
After twenty rounds or so, Kakashi seized an opportunity and kicked Obito away.
Mid-air, Obito adjusted his posture. After landing and rolling to disperse the force, he sprang up, kunai in hand, and charged again.
Kakashi also drew a kunai. Amidst the clanging of metal, sparks flew where their figures clashed.
"Looks like Kakashi has started learning Kenjutsu (sword techniques)," Taiichi noted, seeing shadows of swordplay in Kakashi's movements. It was distinctly different from their previous spars. After all, Kakashi had a father known as the "White Fang of the Leaf," a master swordsman.
Thinking about this, Taiichi wondered if he should learn Kenjutsu too. Compared to close-range weapons like kunai, Taiichi personally preferred swords.
After another dozen rounds, Obito, who had fallen into a disadvantage again, suddenly retreated rapidly. After putting some distance between them, his hands began to form seals. His cheeks puffed out, and then he opened his mouth, spewing a torrent of flames.
Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu. This was a standard Uchiha clan ninjutsu.
Taiichi was surprised; this was the first time he had seen Obito use Ninjutsu.
But he quickly understood. Even though Obito lived with his grandmother, he was still a scion of a noble clan. They had a standard ninja training system at home. Unlike civilian ninjas, he didn't have to risk his life just to learn a single jutsu.
Looking at Kakashi, he didn't panic at all. He also formed hand seals and slammed his palms onto the ground. The earth rumbled, and a mud wall rose from the ground.
Earth Style: Mud Wall.
Boom.
The spherical fireball impacted the mud wall and then dispersed, forcing the surrounding students to back away.
"Tch."
Seeing his carefully prepared ninjutsu fail, Obito pouted unwillingly and charged again.
...
"That's the gap."
Although there were many geniuses in this class, the gap between individuals was still huge. In Taiichi's class, people like Kakashi and Obito had mastered several jutsu, while some civilian ninjas still couldn't use the Three Basic Jutsu proficiently.
Taiichi couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
In the past, Kakashi clearly hadn't used his full strength when sparring with them, relying purely on Taijutsu. Judging by his proficiency with that Earth Style jutsu, he definitely hadn't learned it yesterday.
You see your own hard work, but you don't see others'. That doesn't mean they aren't working hard.
With a background like Kakashi's, he probably started training at three or four years old.
However, Taiichi wouldn't belittle himself. With the system panel, as long as he worked hard and took it step by step, he wouldn't be inferior to anyone. Look at him now—he had already caught up.
After another dozen rounds, Kakashi used a clone to trick the reckless Obito. Then, after kicking Obito flying, he didn't wait for him to get up but held a kunai to his face.
Reluctant and unwilling, Obito could only lower his head and admit defeat.
Teacher Yamada watched their battle with admiration. "Kakashi is the White Fang's son; naturally talented and with family training, he will definitely become an outstanding ninja."
"As for Obito Uchiha, his combat ability is also good. Being able to use the Fireball Jutsu at such a young age shows he lacks neither talent nor diligence. He's just a bit reckless and needs to be tempered."
Seeing Obito admit defeat, Kakashi graciously extended a hand. Obito glanced at it, then reluctantly took Kakashi's hand and stood up.
The two then made the Seal of Reconciliation.
Next, Asuma, Rin, Shizune, and others took the field one after another. Everyone's months of study and training hadn't been in vain. Unlike the sparring at the start of the semester, everyone could now weave the Three Basic Jutsu and ninja tools into their combat. Asuma and a few others even showed off a Wind Style jutsu or two.
The progress everyone had made during this time was immense.
...
After school, Taiichi, Gai, and Kakashi met up again to train in the small woods. Once training ended, Taiichi stopped Kakashi and asked, "Kakashi, I saw shadows of Kenjutsu in your sparring today. Have you started learning sword techniques?"
Kakashi was surprised. He had only started learning Kenjutsu a little over a month ago. He didn't expect Taiichi to spot it; his observational skills were really something else.
"Yeah. Is there a problem?"
"It's like this: I want to learn Kenjutsu too, but I don't have a way to learn it. Could you teach me?"
"Just the basics of Kenjutsu would be enough," Taiichi emphasized.
"I don't have a problem with it, but I need to ask my father first. After all, I'm just a novice myself."
"That would be amazing! Thanks so much! I'm not prepared this time, but next time, I'll cook personally and treat you to a meal!"
Hearing this, Kakashi's eyes lit up, his motivation surging.