"Kakashi... lost?"
"That Mirai Uchiha actually defeated Kakashi?"
"It's over!"
Everyone wore expressions of disbelief as they watched Mirai Uchiha's long katana pressed against Kakashi Hatake's neck.
Was their highly anticipated Kakashi Hatake really defeated like this?!
Just as everyone thought the outcome had been decided, a sudden change occurred.
Kakashi Hatake's body suddenly transformed into a flash of lightning, exploding onto Mirai Uchiha.
Then, the ground cracked open and Kakashi Hatake burst from underground, holding a tanto across Mirai Uchiha's neck.
"That's as far as you go," Kakashi Hatake murmured gravely.
Originally expecting an effortless match, he hadn't anticipated that Mirai Uchiha could pressure him so greatly.
If not for using his Lightning Release Clone as bait to distract his opponent, it might've been him who fell in defeat.
Upon hearing Kakashi's words, a faint smile appeared on Mirai Uchiha's face.
Witnessing this, Kakashi felt an intense sense of danger rising within.
Before he could react, the Mirai Uchiha before him dissolved into a puff of smoke.
[Earth Release: Double Suicide Decapitation Technique!]
With a low shout, Kakashi Hatake's legs were grabbed by Mirai Uchiha.
In the next instant, his body was pulled underground, leaving only his head exposed above the surface.
Mirai Uchiha crouched in front of Kakashi Hatake, sheathing his long katana.
"You're impressive, but this is as far as you go," he said.
Hearing his own words thrown right back at him, Kakashi Hatake's face burned red beneath his mask.
He actually... lost!
More importantly, Kakashi believed he'd made no mistakes during the battle.
Yet ultimately, he still lost.
Had his opponent anticipated all along that he would use the Lightning Release Clone as bait?
What terrifying combat intelligence!
"Instructor," Mirai Uchiha said, turning his gaze toward Instructor Kunayama, who had finally snapped out of his stunned state. With a slightly trembling voice, he announced, "Winner: Mirai Uchiha!"
As the result was declared, the crowd erupted completely.
"Incredible! Kakashi actually lost."
"Has Mirai Uchiha become this strong already?"
"That battle was amazing—it truly showed what a ninja duel should be!"
"Compared to them, our fights feel like childish play..."
"The long-held title of Konoha's Number One Genius might soon belong to someone else."
For a group of students who hadn't even graduated from the Ninja Academy yet, the battle between Mirai Uchiha and Kakashi Hatake had just shattered their understanding.
Taijutsu clashes, ninjutsu confrontations.
One used a Lightning Release Clone as bait while the other countered with a [Shadow Clone] technique...
Layer upon layer of reversals—it was simply too exciting!
"Damn it, has this guy already grown this strong?"
Asuma Sarutobi, who had once taken pride in mastering Fire Release: Ash Pile Burning, now felt an overwhelming sense of defeat.
The power Mirai Uchiha had just displayed left him in awe.
Obito Uchiha also clenched his teeth tightly.
Wasn't Mirai's performance today exactly what he had dreamed of becoming?
Looking at Rin Nohara's flushed cheeks from excitement, Obito couldn't help but start imagining.
If he had that kind of power too, surely Rin would finally see him as more than just a friend!
"This is the power of a genius? It seems my efforts still aren't enough. I'll do handstands all around the village today!"
[Youth]!
Might Guy's eyes shone with fighting spirit.
Unlike the others,
Guy had been deeply impressed by the Taijutsu skills displayed by Kakashi Hatake and Mirai Uchiha.
Taijutsu was the only thing he truly understood and excelled at. If he couldn't succeed in his strongest area, he wouldn't know what meaning his life would have anymore.
Therefore, Might Guy decided—he must train even harder to improve his Taijutsu from now on!
...
"Hehe... This little one really surprised me."
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled as he took a puff from his pipe after witnessing Kakashi Hatake's defeat.
Mirai Uchiha's display of skill today had truly astonished him.
It seemed like a wise decision indeed not to assign Mirai Uchiha to Konoha's Military Police Force.
Such a genius would feel much safer under his own supervision.
"Third Hokage, this time was merely Kakashi's carelessness. Otherwise, with his abilities, there's no way he'd lose to Mirai Uchiha."
Fugaku Uchiha forced himself to explain.
He naturally understood Hiruzen Sarutobi's intention behind having Kakashi participate in the graduation exam.
Now that Kakashi had been defeated by Mirai Uchiha, Fugaku Uchiha worried that Hiruzen might develop resentment toward the Uchiha Clan because of this.
"Fuagku, a loss is a loss. There's no need to make excuses for Kakashi."
"I'm actually quite pleased that such a prodigy has emerged in Konoha."
Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile.
He had seen more than his share of geniuses throughout his life.
Back then, Kagami Uchiha, Sakumo Hatake, Orochimaru, Tsunade...
Weren't they all considered once-in-a-lifetime geniuses back then?
As long as they hadn't reached the level of Hashirama Senju or Madara Uchiha, he was confident he could control them.
"Alright, today's exam is over. We should head back now."
After saying that, Hiruzen Sarutobi turned and started walking down from the platform.
Fugaku Uchiha, Minato Namikaze, Shizuka Yuhi, and others followed closely behind.
Only Orochimaru remained in place, gazing at Uchiha Mirai with curiosity in his eyes.
As if sensing his stare, Uchiha Mirai glanced over from a distance.
"He's indeed very perceptive."
Excitedly, Orochimaru extended his long tongue and licked his own face.
What an ideal vessel this would make.
Once his research on Living Corpse Reincarnation succeeded, he'd use him as the first vessel.
...
Watching Orochimaru walk away, Uchiha Mirai quietly turned his gaze elsewhere.
Although Orochimaru was extremely dangerous, at this stage, he probably only targeted orphans and death-row convicts.
Before the completion of Living Corpse Reincarnation, there shouldn't be much to worry about.
Once he got stronger after some time, even someone like Orochimaru wouldn't be a threat anymore.
Regarding this, Uchiha Mirai was very confident.
He had only spent a little more than a month but had already managed to defeat Kakashi Hatake.
Given more time, even an S-rank ninja like Orochimaru would struggle to threaten him.
This was the power of an unfair advantage.
The crowd began to disperse.
Kurenai Yuhi happily skipped over to stand beside Uchiha Mirai.
"Mirai, you're amazing."
"You actually defeated Kakashi."
Kurenai said excitedly.
"Why do you seem more excited than me? Someone might think you were the one who defeated Kakashi."
Uchiha Mirai playfully pinched Kurenai Yuhi's cheek, which still had baby fat.
"Hehe… It's practically the same!"
"We'll be assigned to teams tomorrow—don't forget to show up on time!"
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~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** on the weekend!