Among the crowd, Kakashi Hatake raised an eyebrow slightly, his usual indifferent expression barely changing as he reluctantly stepped forward.
To be honest, in Kakashi's eyes, even though Uchiha Tunan had awakened his Sharingan, it only granted him enhanced perception. Based on previous combat training, Tunan's actual battle experience was minimal—he wouldn't be much of a challenge.
Everyone watching, including Umino Hisato, thought the same.
"Are you sure about this? You only just awakened your Sharingan," Umino asked, his tone laced with concern.
In truth, Umino believed the best sparring partner for Uchiha Tunan would have been Obito Uchiha. Tunan had always been physically weaker and lacked ninjutsu proficiency. At best, his newly awakened Sharingan would slightly improve his reflexes.
At least Obito, despite his clumsiness, had decent physical strength, making them relatively equal opponents.
Of course, given Tunan's potential, he might catch up to Kakashi someday—but certainly not today.
Umino worried that if Kakashi humiliated him too badly, Tunan might lose confidence just after regaining his resolve.
"Don't worry, Sensei," Tunan replied, his tone calm but firm. "Tianxiong-senpai used to train me often. I couldn't perform well before, but now I can."
By mentioning the deceased Uchiha Tianxiong, Tunan cleverly dispelled any doubts about his sudden improvement.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi took a slow drag from his pipe while scanning through some documents.
He suddenly recalled something and pulled out the Ninja Academy's student records from his desk.
"So, he awakened his Sharingan…"
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes in thought. Knowing that this afternoon's class involved combat training, he placed the records back in the drawer.
Then, placing a crystal ball before him, he infused it with chakra and began observing the match unfold.
The Match Begins
On the training field, Kakashi and Uchiha Tunan stepped forward, exchanging the customary seal of combat.
The moment the match started—
Whoosh!
Kakashi exploded forward at incredible speed, fist poised to strike. He clearly intended to end this match instantly, overwhelming Tunan before he could react.
However, just before impact, Tunan tilted his head slightly, narrowly dodging the punch. At the same time, he delivered a sharp kick to Kakashi's midsection.
Smack!
Kakashi crossed his arms, blocking the kick, but the force pushed him back a few steps. His expression shifted—his initial dismissiveness was gone.
Murmurs spread through the crowd.
"Whoa!"
"They're so fast—I couldn't even see what happened!"
"How did Tunan react in time?"
"Is the Sharingan really that powerful?"
Kakashi wasted no time. He flicked his wrist, sending a series of shuriken flying toward Tunan.
Cling, cling, cling!
The spinning shuriken collided midair, altering their trajectories to confuse Tunan's evasive movements.
Tunan, however, calmly dodged each one, using his Sharingan to predict their paths. He darted left and right, slipping past the projectiles with precision.
Kakashi's stance shifted. His right hand moved behind his back, fingers subtly forming a hand sign.
Tunan charged forward, kunai in hand, slashing at Kakashi.
But then—
Kakashi did something unexpected.
Ignoring the immediate attack, he spun around and thrust his kunai upward—behind him.
Clang!
Kunai met kunai.
The watching students gasped in shock.
"Wait… how?!"
Somehow, Uchiha Tunan had reappeared behind Kakashi, attempting a sneak attack. But Kakashi had already anticipated it, blocking the strike perfectly.
And the "Tunan" that had initially rushed forward?
It vanished in a puff of white smoke.
Only a wooden log remained where he had stood.
Umino Hisato's eyes widened in disbelief.
"He used a clone technique as a distraction, then seamlessly performed a substitution jutsu to swap places with an object!"
"Not only that," he added in amazement, "he even transformed the log into a kunai to avoid suspicion!"
"This is beyond the level of a first-year student… this is high-level strategy, something even top graduates struggle to pull off."
The Clash of Ninjutsu
Tunan's sneak attack had failed, so he distanced himself and began forming hand seals rapidly.
Kakashi didn't hesitate. He threw more shuriken while simultaneously forming his own seals.
Tunan didn't falter. His Sharingan tracked the shuriken's movements, allowing him to dodge effortlessly without pausing his jutsu.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
A massive fireball erupted from Tunan's mouth, roaring toward Kakashi.
But Kakashi's hands slammed onto the ground.
"Earth Style: Earth Wall Jutsu!"
A thick stone barrier rose, blocking the flames completely.
When the fireball dissipated, Tunan wobbled slightly, acting as if he had overexerted himself.
That moment of vulnerability was all Kakashi needed.
A hand suddenly burst from the ground beneath Tunan, reaching for his ankle.
Tunan, however, had already anticipated it. He flipped backward just in time, dodging the trap.
Kakashi emerged from the ground, eyes narrowing.
Hiruzen's Interest
Back in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen watched the battle unfold through his crystal ball, a glimmer of intrigue in his eyes.
"A genius," he murmured. "I didn't expect Uchiha Tunan to be this skilled… quite the surprise."
His expression darkened slightly as he called out—
"Anbu."
A masked figure appeared instantly.
"Hokage-sama."
"Investigate Uchiha Tunan. Discreetly."
"Understood."
The Aftermath
On the training field, Kakashi stood with his hands in his pockets, his usual boredom returning.
"Tunan, let's end it here. The Sharingan is strong, but you're running low on chakra."
Tunan, still panting, gave a tired smile.
He put away his kunai, bowed slightly, and admitted defeat.
"I didn't expect you to be this strong, Kakashi. I'll have to work even harder to catch up."
Kakashi shrugged, returning to his usual nonchalant self as he walked back to the crowd.
Tunan had gotten exactly what he wanted.
If he had won, people would have questioned how a first-year student could defeat someone as skilled as Kakashi.
Instead, by showcasing his talent but ultimately losing, he ensured that others saw him as promising rather than threatening.
It was the perfect balance.
"Kakashi wins," Umino announced. "But Tunan, you performed exceptionally well. Kakashi gets an A+, and Tunan receives an A. You two can rest under the tree for now."
Umino was clearly impressed.
Kakashi was already recognized as a prodigy, but Tunan's unexpected talent made even Umino view him in a new light.
Half an hour later, in the Hokage's office, the Anbu agent returned.
"Hokage-sama, we investigated Uchiha Tunan's background. He is a pure-blooded Uchiha. His father, Uchiha Kenbu, and mother, Uchiha Nanako, both served in the Konoha Military Police. Recently, they volunteered for the front lines."
Hiruzen nodded. "Anything unusual?"
"In his home, we found a large number of books on ninja strategy, Hokage history, and The Will of Fire—including a signed copy from you, sir."
"We also found something else…"
The Anbu handed Hiruzen a small, leather-bound book.
"A diary."
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed as he took it.