16 Chapter 16

Unconsciously, Aragami Kyomu had attracted the attention of the top three men in the future ninja world.

The masked man, Uchiha Obito, the one who could hold his own against anyone, Hatake Kakashi, and the almost-endgame hero, Might Guy.

"Kyomu, it seems you've made a new friend again."

"Me and Guy can't be considered friends yet, just that I appreciate him." Kyomu smiled slightly, "But if Guy wants to be friends with us, I won't refuse."

Kakashi nodded, "I somewhat agree with your previous point. In terms of Taijutsu, Might Guy indeed has extraordinary talent and can be a potential opponent."

Glancing at Guy, who was watching from a distance but hesitant to approach, Kyomu said, "I feel he's not good at socializing, though. It might be tiring to be friends with him."

"It will get better in the future," Kyomu didn't delve too deep, "but after it gets better, he might become a bit... well, a bit troublesome. Anyway, who can predict the future?"

Kakashi nodded without dwelling further on the topic of Guy.

"I just checked. Your skills are quite good, but to surpass me, you still lack a bit of meaning." Kakashi tilted his head slightly, "How about considering changing the stakes?"

"Haha, Kakashi seems to be afraid!" Obito suddenly jumped in, seemingly ready to turn it into a 'Kyomu is better' argument, "I knew Kyomu is stronger than you. Why not just admit defeat now? It's not embarrassing at all."

Kakashi rolled his eyes, not saying much, but instead, he raised the note in his hand, "My second-round opponent is a certain Uchiha. Do you want to admit defeat in advance?"

"Kakashi, you really think I'm afraid of you!" Obito instantly got irritated, "When you were skipping class, I was working hard, and I've learned several tricks!"

"Such as?"

"I've mastered a Fire Release jutsu!" Obito had a confident expression, "Just give me a chance to use ninjutsu, and you'll undoubtedly lose!"

Kyomu ignored their banter and went straight to the point, "Kakashi, what if there's no opportunity to use ninjutsu?"

Obito opened his mouth, his face slowly turning red, "Hey, Kyomu, whose side are you on?"

"He's obviously on his own side," Kakashi smirked, "He just wants to exchange a few words with whoever he catches. No hope for him."

With that, Kakashi waved his hand, "Alright, let's stop the pre-exam chat. It's my turn soon."

Kyomu nodded, watching Kakashi leave the circle, and gave Obito a look that said, "Good luck."

Honestly, Obito's talent wasn't bad, just a bit late in blooming, with slightly lower academic performance. But the aura of being an Uchiha added a lot of pressure.

Bearing the Uchiha name meant being a genius or mediocre, proud or shameful. Going by Kakashi's performance, he was undoubtedly the latter among the Uchiha clan.

And among his peers, there was the freak Kakashi who always suppressed him, making Uchiha Obito unable to turn the tables.

Now, with the addition of Kyomu, Obito's situation became even more difficult. For an Uchiha who couldn't secure the top spot, it was hard not to be mocked.

After all, there were so many Uchiha geniuses that people were numb to them. However, if there was an Uchiha who was neither outstanding nor subpar among peers, naturally, it would become a topic of discussion and ridicule.

It can be said that fame has its advantages, but also its drawbacks.

Without making people wait too long, the second public confrontation between Hatake Kakashi and Uchiha Obito finally began, naturally drawing everyone's attention.

Kyomu was no exception.

Watching the back-and-forth attacks between the two, Kyomu couldn't help but nod. Obito had worked hard during this period and could now hold his own against Kakashi.

But obviously, Kakashi still had an absolute advantage against Obito. Can't said to be overwhelming, but defeating Obito wasn't difficult for him.

And as Kyomu had mentioned, under Kakashi's close-range combat, Obito had no chance to use ninjutsu.

Did he really think hand seals took no time?

Kakashi understood very well; he didn't let Obito create distance and didn't give him time to perform hand seals.

The two fought for more than a dozen rounds, exchanging only Taijutsu moves, with no room for Ninjutsu.

The outcome was not surprising; Obito was defeated.

"Congratulations, Kakashi," Kyomu greeted as Kakashi approached, "once again defeating your lifelong rival, Obito."

"He? I don't recognize him as it." Hatake Kakashi shook his head.

"Hey, Kakashi, don't think you can beat me twice and then win a third time!" Obito shouted, "When I was skipping class, I worked hard, and I've learned several powerful jutsu!"

"Oh?" Kakashi crossed his arms, appearing indifferent, "Has no one told you that without a solid foundation, all lofty ideals are just castles in the air?"

"I don't need you to manage me. Just know that the day I open my eyes is the day I defeat you!"

Hearing Obito once again pinning his hopes on the Sharingan, Kakashi smirked without saying much.

In this regard, Kakashi didn't want to discuss it further with Obito. After all, he was an Uchiha, and the Sharingan was everything.

Seeing Kakashi no longer interested, Obito also quieted down, not planning to pursue the matter further.

The Sharingan was indeed Uchiha's reliance, but constantly talking about it could lead to having no friends.

Although Kakashi teased a bit, he was one of the best choices as a good friend.

But compared to Kyomu, Obito obviously preferred to be friends with the latter.

"Kyomu, I might not be able to spar with you later."

"If your strength is lacking, just admit it. It sounds so pitiful; otherwise, people might think you won, or I lost." Hatake Kakashi couldn't resist teasing.

"Shut up! I didn't mean to talk to you!"

Seeing the two about to argue again, Kyomu quickly stepped forward as a peacemaker, "Alright, alright, isn't it better to have another fight after school?"

"Hmph!"

Kakashi and Obito both turned their heads away, ignoring each other.

Smiling, Kyomu patted Obito on the shoulder, "Let's spar after school. I'm a bit regretful I didn't encounter you in the exam."

Obito got excited, "Deal! No backing out."

"No backing out."

"Kyomu, Kakashi, are you two ready?!" At this moment, Shuzo's deep and penetrating voice came, "Prepare, it's your turn soon."

Kyomu and Kakashi looked at each other, sensing the fighting spirit in each other's eyes

This moment had finally arrived!

Adjusting their clothes, the two walked slowly to the center of the field under the gaze of everyone, standing three meters apart.

"Kyomu, please enlighten me!"

"Kakashi, please enlighten me!"

Clang.

The ninja knives on their backs were unsheathed simultaneously, and their steps lightly accelerated. The two petite figures, almost leaving afterimages, collided fiercely.

(End of Chapter)