The training field at the Ninja Academy was packed with students and faculty, but the most eye-catching figure was undoubtedly the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, standing at the center. Dressed in his signature white robes with a crimson cloak and donning the conical hat emblazoned with the kanji for "Fire," he exuded an undeniable presence.
"Hokage-sama, it's time," a teacher standing beside Sarutobi informed him, his tone slightly tense as the designated hour approached.
"Then let the examination begin," Hiruzen declared before adding with a sigh, "Sakumo's child... his talent surpasses even Sakumo's."
"What a pity. If not for Sakumo being away on a mission, I'm sure he would have wanted to witness today's test."
Among the gathered crowd, Veigar observed the Third Hokage for the second time in his life. The last occasion had been at the Academy's entrance ceremony.
Looking at Hiruzen now, Veigar couldn't help but silently grumble to himself.
There was no doubt—Hiruzen wasn't just here to oversee Kakashi's early graduation.
More likely, he was here for some... propaganda—no, correction, to instill the Will of Fire in the students and faculty.
In the original storyline, the Third Hokage had been a persistent presence, a veritable fixture of the Hokage's office.
Having served two terms, his influence on the next generation was undeniable.
Whether it was the future Kakashi Hatake, the yet-to-be-born protagonist Naruto Uzumaki, or even Iruka Umino, Naruto's teacher at the Academy, Hiruzen somehow found his way into nearly everyone's memories.
"Now, both participants, step forward."
At Hiruzen's signal, the proctor took his place at the center of the training field and announced in a calm voice.
Kakashi Hatake and his opponent for today, Chunin Eiji Momoshiro, quickly moved to the center of the field.
"The graduation examination for Kakashi Hatake is about to begin. His opponent will be Chunin Eiji Momoshiro."
"The rules are as follows: The match will end if one participant loses their combat ability, surrenders, or if I determine that one of you is unable to continue fighting. Additionally, if Kakashi Hatake can last three minutes against Eiji Momoshiro, the match will also be considered complete."
"Do either of you have any objections?"
The proctor looked at both combatants as he laid out the rules.
Neither of them spoke. Kakashi simply shook his head, his sharp gaze fixed on the Chunin before him, brimming with vigilance.
"Then, form the Seal of Confrontation."
As per the proctor's instruction, Kakashi and Eiji performed the traditional hand seal.
The moment their hands separated, the proctor raised his hand and declared: "Begin!"
The instant the words left his mouth, Kakashi made the first move.
From his ninja pouch, he drew three shuriken and hurled them at Eiji Momoshiro, aiming for three vital areas—his head, heart, and left thigh.
At the same time, Kakashi swiftly retreated, his first action being a probing attack to test his opponent.
But as expected of a Chunin, Eiji Momoshiro wasn't going to be taken down so easily.
With a practiced motion, he reached into his own pouch, pulling out a kunai, and effortlessly deflected all three shuriken, knocking them aside. Without wasting a second, he counterattacked—launching his kunai directly at Kakashi.
Kakashi reacted instantly, sidestepping just in time. The kunai grazed past his cheek, narrowly missing.
"Earth Release: Rock Fist Technique!"
The moment Kakashi dodged, Eiji had already completed his hand seals, unleashing his signature Earth Release technique.
Now up close, Eiji closed the distance in an instant, his rock-covered fist barreling toward Kakashi's face.
"I've won."
"Genius or not, at the end of the day, you're just a kid who hasn't even graduated yet."
Seeing that Kakashi had no room to dodge, a triumphant grin spread across Eiji's face.
"Ahhh—!"
"Kakashi—!"
From the sidelines, the students watching the fight cried out in alarm, sensing Kakashi's imminent defeat.
Many were already imagining the devastating impact of Eiji's punch.
Among them, Might Guy reacted the strongest, calling out Kakashi's name in deep concern.
Bam!
The truth was undeniable—Kakashi had no way of avoiding the blow.
Eiji's stone-covered fist made direct contact with his head, sending Kakashi crashing hard into the ground.
As Eiji stood over his seemingly downed opponent, he smirked, believing the fight was over.
But then—he heard Kakashi's voice.
"Lightning Release: Lightning Ball."
Out of nowhere, Kakashi reappeared behind him, lightning chakra crackling in his hands.
Eiji's eyes widened in shock. It was only then that he realized—the Kakashi he had just struck down was nothing more than a Shadow Clone.
But Eiji wasn't a Chunin for nothing. His battle instincts kicked in immediately.
Without hesitation, he spun around while forming hand seals, slamming both hands against the ground.
"Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall!"
A solid rock barrier erupted from the ground between them, cutting off Kakashi's attack.
Boom!
The Thunder Ball crashed into the wall, detonating on impact, but failing to fully breach the defense.
Seeing the cracks spread across the barrier, Eiji took a deep breath, feeling relieved that he had recently mastered this B-rank Earth Release technique.
Had he used his weaker defensive jutsu—"Earth Release: Earth Return"—he might have already lost.
However, just as he felt a momentary sense of security, a cold sensation touched his neck.
A sharp, gleaming dagger was now pressed against his throat.
"You lost."
Kakashi's young but eerily calm voice reached his ears.
"The match is over. The winner: Kakashi Hatake."
The moment the proctor saw Eiji being held at knifepoint, he immediately declared Kakashi the victor.
Kakashi re-sheathed his dagger, while Eiji slowly stood up, still struggling to process the fact that he had lost—to a child who had yet to graduate.
He couldn't understand it.
How had Kakashi gotten behind him?
Yet, around them, the watching proctor, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Academy teachers, and even the hidden ANBU observing from the shadows—all of them were utterly astonished by Kakashi's performance.
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