"I knew it wouldn't end that easily."
Mirai Uchiha slowly made his way to the center of the arena, hands tucked in his pockets.
Kakashi Hatake had long graduated and didn't need to take part in today's graduation exam.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's arrangement was likely an assumption that Mirai would come in first place, an attempt to use Kakashi to suppress the Uchiha Clan's momentum—to send the Uchiha a message.
The power of the Hokage bloodline far surpasses that of the Uchiha Clan.
Not just now—but even in the future!
However...
Feeling the fullness of power within his body, Mirai Uchiha slightly lifted the corner of his lips.
Hiruzen would surely be disappointed.
Once Mirai took his place, Kakashi Hatake also stepped into the center of the arena.
The moment he appeared, the crowd immediately became restless.
This orphan of the Hatake clan, bearing the title "Konoha's Number One Prodigy," had quite a following.
"Now this's gonna get interesting. I bet you anything Mirai Uchiha will get crushed badly!"
"Obviously! Although Mirai has some talent, compared to Kakashi? Not even close!"
"Kakashi graduated so long ago—why is he participating in a graduation exam now? Isn't that bullying?"
"Hmph! I can't wait to see Mirai Uchiha completely dominated!"
"Go, Kakashi! Let Mirai Uchiha know that even between geniuses, there are still gaps!"
Kakashi's appearance completely shifted the atmosphere in one direction.
No matter how strong Mirai was, there was no way he could defeat Kakashi Hatake.
This was everyone's unspoken consensus.
"Fugaku, I've arranged for Kakashi to fight against Mirai. I hope you won't take offense?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi asked Fugaku Uchiha.
"Of course not."
"Mirai has always been arrogant about his talent. It's good for him to receive some humility."
Fugaku answered respectfully.
Recalling Mirai's arrogant attitude from last night, he couldn't help but sneer.
Does he really believe a little talent grants him free rein?
Compared to the village, the Uchiha Clan's strength isn't even worth mentioning.
Once crushed by Kakashi Hatake, Mirai would finally understand that the only way forward for the Uchiha is through accommodation and restraint.
Seeing Fugaku's humble expression, Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction.
Compared to Tajima Uchiha, Fugaku was clearly easier to control.
Perhaps it was time for Tajima Uchiha to step down.
At the arena's center, Kakashi Hatake's eyes were like still pools of dead water—utterly devoid of emotion.
Even though Mirai Uchiha had performed admirably in his previous battle, that was the extent of his success.
Furthermore, Mirai had just endured several battles. Although his opponents hadn't been particularly strong, he still consumed a certain amount of physical strength and energy.
This was not meant to be a fair fight.
Of course, Kakashi Hatake had no intention of waiting for Mirai Uchiha to reach his peak condition.
Since Sakumo Hatake's death, Kakashi had realized one fundamental truth.
Everything else was insignificant compared to completing the mission.
Compared to Kakashi, Mirai Uchiha's face showed more excitement.
Kakashi was strong—this would be the perfect chance to test how much he had improved recently.
"Ready yourself—the match begins!"
Seeing that neither opponent was interested in conversation, Instructor Kunayama sighed and gave up on his favorite pre-fight banter, announcing the match's start with mild disappointment.
Once the battle began, Kakashi Hatake drew the tanto strapped to his back and dashed forward like a blur toward Mirai Uchiha.
Mirai didn't take things lightly either—he swiftly drew his long katana and met Kakashi in fierce combat.
"This is the swordsmanship of the Hatake clan?"
Right from the first clash, Mirai felt a bit pressured.
Kakashi's attacks were sharp and ruthless, always targeting his vital spots directly.
One wrong step could lead directly to defeat.
"I told you so—Mirai Uchiha is definitely no match for Kakashi."
"He's completely overwhelmed! Just wait—it won't take long before Mirai gets defeated."
"Kakashi is the real genius here. Compared to him, Mirai is way behind."
Seeing Mirai fall into a disadvantageous position, murmurs and laughter rose from the crowd.
What kind of "genius of the Uchiha clan"?
He was far too inferior when compared to Kakashi Hatake.
"They're underestimating me..."
Hearing the whispers around him, Mirai Uchiha chuckled lightly.
The Uchiha Clan's reputation truly was poor—nearly everyone seemed eager to see him fail.
Tch! Ridiculous.
Channeling chakra, Mirai's eyes activated, revealing the crimson Sharingan.
"The Uchiha bloodline limit?"
Seeing Mirai's Sharingan, Kakashi Hatake's previously emotionless gaze flickered for the first time.
The Sharingan's power was tremendous. If one wasn't careful, they could easily fall prey to its genjutsu.
Kakashi could only lower his eyelids, avoiding looking directly into Mirai's eyes.
"This needs to end quickly."
Drawing on his extensive experience, Kakashi immediately assessed the shifting dynamics of the fight.
The longer the fight dragged on under the pressure of the Sharingan, the more disadvantageous it became for Kakashi.
Kakashi's attacks became fiercer and faster, but they barely had any effect.
Once he activated his Sharingan, Mirai Uchiha could clearly track Kakashi Hatake's attack trajectory and chose the most efficient way to dodge.
Combined with the Uchiha Nagare Swordsmanship he had stolen from Fugaku Uchiha...
Kakashi's attacks no longer posed any threat to Mirai Uchiha.
The battle reached a deadlock.
Kakashi was like a ruthless assassin; every attack came swift and clean without hesitation.
Mirai, on the other hand, danced through the storm of attacks, elegantly evading each strike with the foresight granted by his Sharingan.
"Ha... ha..."
Kakashi Hatake gasped for breath, his chest heaving rapidly.
The intense attacks consumed his stamina at an alarming rate.
At this rate, Kakashi would collapse from exhaustion long before Mirai Uchiha even needed to strike.
Realizing this, Kakashi Hatake quickly leapt back.
Right behind him, Mirai Uchiha's hands flashed through hand seals: [Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!]
A roaring fireball, several meters wide, surged toward Kakashi Hatake. Kakashi immediately slammed both hands on the ground: [Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall!]
A wall of earth suddenly rose up, shielding Kakashi from the attack.
[BOOM!]
The fireball slammed into the earthen wall, triggering a violent explosion.
Though badly damaged, the wall managed to block the attack.
As the flames died down, Kakashi stood—only to find a long katana blade instantly pressed against his throat.
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