On Yue Yan's side, after he came back, seeing the blood on his abdomen, all his friends surrounded him and asked about his injuries.
Seeing this, Yue Yan just waved his hand, indicating that he was fine. But Asuma and the others were so worried that Yue Yan still lifted his clothes to show his recovered body, which made them believe him.
Seeing that Yue Yan was really okay, they also breathed a sigh of relief.
Then Obito Uchiha couldn't help but start complaining.
"Yue Yan's recovery ability is incredibly strong. Coupled with his Mystical Palm Technique, I feel like if I stood there and fought Yue Yan with swords, by the time I fell down, Yue Yan probably wouldn't even have a scratch on him."
Hearing Obito's jealous remarks, Kakashi rolled his dead - fish eyes.
"What? Are you jealous? I heard from Minato Namikaze that Yue Yan only sleeps for five hours a day. The rest of the time, he's either practicing or studying. If you worked half as hard as Yue Yan, you wouldn't be so useless."
Although he really wanted to refute, Obito couldn't find a point to argue against, so he could only mutter to himself in a voice that only he could hear.
After all, what Kakashi said was the truth. Even if Yue Yan's talent was just average, it would be unreasonable for him not to be strong given his hard work. In fact, Yue Yan was quite talented.
After the daily teasing of Obito, Kakashi then looked at Yue Yan, who was chatting and laughing with Asuma and Hong.
During their time at the ninja school, Kakashi originally thought Yue Yan was an ordinary ninja, but now it seemed not. He had also witnessed Yue Yan's battle with Zabuza before. He had to admit that even if he himself fought against Zabuza, he wouldn't win easily, yet Yue Yan managed to do it.
Kakashi had the pride of a genius, but he didn't look down on others just because people around called him the number - one genius in Konoha.
Now, in his eyes, Yue Yan's strength was on par with his own. He really wanted to have a duel with Yue Yan.
"Yue Yan, after the Chunin Exams, let's have a practical combat duel."
Suddenly called by Kakashi, Yue Yan blinked blankly. He wondered why this white - haired guy with dead - fish eyes ignored his good friend Obito and instead came to him. If it was because Obito was too weak, Yue Yan thought there was still Guy. Then Obito and Guy could team up and definitely satisfy Kakashi.
While Yue Yan's thoughts were wandering as usual, Kakashi's gaze on him became even more intense.
"I think you're a genius no less than me. Therefore, I want to have a duel with you."
Hearing this, all the friends around weren't sleepy anymore and gathered around. Among them, Obito was the most excited.
"Is this a challenge? I bet Yue Yan will win."
Saying that, Obito looked at Yue Yan with pleading eyes.
"Yue Yan, you must win. Teach this white - haired guy with dead - fish eyes a good lesson for me.
Feeling the gaze of Obito Uchiha on him, Yue Yan twitched the corner of his mouth. Fighting Zabuza was already a hassle enough. After all, it wasn't like dealing with an easy - target opponent. He had to formulate various plans in his mind and adapt to the situation at any time. Not to mention facing Kakashi, whose combat IQ was even higher than Zabuza's. It would definitely be even more of a hassle.
Moreover, even if he defeated Kakashi, the most he could obtain was a blue treasure chest. For Yue Yan at this moment, it could at most increase his means of dealing with enemies, but it couldn't bring about a qualitative change in his strength.
Considering all these factors, Yue Yan thought that compared to fighting Kakashi, practicing the sealing ninjutsu given by Kushina would yield greater benefits.
Under Kakashi's eager and expectant looks, Yue Yan gave the same dead - fish - eye look and picked his nose.
"Fighting is so troublesome. I don't want to do it."
As he said that, Yue Yan flicked the booger he picked out onto Obito Uchiha beside him.
Seeing Yue Yan so unenthusiastic, Kakashi somehow remembered how he looked when facing Guy's challenge. It should be about the same as Yue Yan's current state.
But Kakashi really wanted to have a match with Yue Yan.
"If you beat me, the title of the No.1 genius of Konoha will be yours."
Hearing this, Yue Yan's expression became speechless, mixed with extreme disgust.
The title of the No.1 genius of Konoha was no joke. During these Chunin Exams, basically all ninjas from other villages were eyeing Kakashi. If outside the exams, they'd surely do whatever it takes to kill this so - called Konoha genius.
Yue Yan's previous performance had already been eye - catching enough. He didn't want to be targeted by people from other villages because of such a false reputation.
There was a saying: In a chaotic world, mediocrity is the path to follow.
Although the ninja world wasn't exactly in troubled times, with the fierce competition and intrigue among the Five Great Nations, it was basically the same.
"I'm not interested in the title of the No.1 genius. If you really want to decide the winner, then just consider you've won."
Looking at Yue Yan's indifferent appearance, Kakashi gritted his teeth. Just as he was about to say something, he heard the announcement that it was his turn to play.
Not only him, but Yue Yan also received the on - site announcement.
Taking this opportunity, Yue Yan quickly left the place and headed to the arena to avoid being pestered by Kakashi again.
On Kakashi's side, seeing Yue Yan leave, he had no choice but to give up. However, he still had a burning desire in his heart. He planned to perform well in the next battle, maybe still arousing Yue Yan's interest. After all, kids at this age all liked to challenge the strong.
And Kakashi's opponent was that young man from the Kaguya Clan of the Mist Ninja Village.
Standing in the arena, looking at the young man from the Kaguya Clan who was no different from a mad dog, Kakashi took a deep breath and prepared to take it seriously.
The reason why it wasn't a Chunin Exams duel was mainly because the Chunin Exams weren't a martial arts selection. It wasn't necessary to fight for the first place. After a certain number of candidates passed, the Chunin Exams would naturally end.
On the Konoha side, a certain number of ninjas have been eliminated, so it's difficult to encounter battles between Konoha ninjas in the subsequent matches.
On the other hand, when Yue Yan saw his opponent, he couldn't help twitching the corner of his mouth.
There was no other reason. He was facing Mei Terumī, with whom he had an unpleasant encounter two days ago.
It seems I've really stirred up the Mist Ninjas' hornet's nest. All the last few matches are against Mist Ninjas. Will that young man from the Kaguya Clan be assigned to me later? Is that old Third Hokage targeting me? It's clearly written in my profile that I'm a medical ninja.
When Mei Terumī saw her opponent was Yue Yan, she was also taken aback. Then, recalling her previous defeat to Yue Yan, her expression turned serious.
"I know your last opponent was Zabuza. Although he's not as good as me, he's still very strong. You must be injured even if you won. I don't want to take advantage of you. You'd better surrender to avoid getting beaten and making a fool of yourself."
Hearing this, Yue Yan rolled his eyes. Zabuza was indeed very strong, but with his current physical condition and the Mystical Palm Technique, the wound on his abdomen had already healed, let alone other minor injuries. As for the chakra consumption, it was the same. After all, not much chakra was consumed in the previous battle. Moreover, Yue Yan's chakra recovery speed was also very fast.
Therefore, apart from some mental exhaustion, it was no problem to say that Yue Yan was at his peak.
As for surrendering, it was impossible. It would be okay if he surrendered when facing a Konoha ninja, but the one in front of him was Mei Terumī from the Mist Ninjas. If Yue Yan surrendered, it would definitely be a disgrace to Konoha. Not to mention what the high - ups in Konoha would think, just Team - Leading Jonin Hizashi Hyuga would definitely hang Yue Yan up and beat him, and by the way, give Yue Yan a set of One - Hundred - Twenty - Eight Palms to loosen his bones.
As for the fact that Yue Yan would probably be half - dead at that time, Hizashi said he wouldn't care.