Naruto: Saving the Universe by Stealing Attributes

"Of course it wouldn't end so simply."

Mirai shoved his hands in his pockets, slowly stepping into the center of the training grounds. Kakashi Hatake, who had graduated long ago, wasn't required to take this graduation exam.

But Hiruzen Sarutobi had clearly planned for this. He'd arranged for Kakashi to face Mirai, likely to dampen the Uchiha's ambitions and send a message that the power of the Hokage faction far surpassed that of the Uchiha—both now and in the future.

But… feeling the strength coursing through his body, Mirai allowed a small smirk to escape. Hiruzen was going to be disappointed.

As Mirai took his position, Kakashi entered the grounds, instantly stirring the crowd. The "Genius of Konoha," the famed Hatake orphan, had quite a following.

"This is gonna be a good show. I bet Uchiha Mirai's going to lose badly."

"Obviously! Mirai's talented, sure, but he's nowhere close to Kakashi's level."

"Kakashi's already graduated! It's almost cruel to have him participate now, isn't it?"

"Heh, I can't wait to see Mirai get crushed. Go, Kakashi! Show him there's a gap even between geniuses!"

Kakashi's appearance had the crowd completely against Mirai. No matter how strong he was, no one believed he could stand up to Kakashi Hatake.

"Fugaku, you don't mind that I set Kakashi up against Mirai, do you?" Hiruzen asked, glancing over at Fugaku Uchiha.

"Of course not," Fugaku responded respectfully. "Mirai's too full of himself. It wouldn't hurt for him to take a hit to his ego."

Fugaku barely suppressed a smirk, recalling Mirai's arrogance last night. Did the boy really think a bit of talent would let him do as he pleased? In the face of the village, the Uchiha clan's power was insignificant. After Kakashi crushed him, Mirai would learn that survival meant submission.

Hiruzen nodded approvingly at Fugaku's obedience. Unlike Tajima Uchiha, Fugaku was far easier to handle. Perhaps… it was time to consider removing Tajima from his position.

In the center of the field, Kakashi's eyes were flat and emotionless, betraying nothing. Mirai's earlier performance hadn't fazed him. Moreover, Mirai had just fought several rounds, even if his opponents weren't particularly strong, it would have drained some of his stamina.

This was far from a fair fight. But Kakashi had no intention of waiting for Mirai to recover. Since his father's death, Kakashi had learned one thing—everything else was trivial compared to the mission.

Mirai, on the other hand, looked eager. Facing someone as skilled as Kakashi was the perfect way to test his progress.

"Ready? Begin!" shouted the instructor, his hopes of a pre-fight trash talk session dashed as the two stared each other down in silence.

As soon as the signal was given, Kakashi unsheathed his short sword, blurring forward like a shadow toward Mirai.

Not underestimating his opponent, Mirai drew his own blade and met Kakashi head-on.

"So, this is the Hatake swordsmanship?"

Right from the first exchange, Mirai felt the pressure. Kakashi's strikes were swift and precise, each one aimed to exploit any opening he found. One misstep, and Mirai knew he'd lose.

"Told you, Mirai's no match for Kakashi!"

"He's totally getting pushed around! Just wait—he'll go down soon."

"Kakashi's the real genius here. Mirai doesn't even come close."

The crowd's sneers grew louder as Mirai fell into a defensive rhythm.

So they think I'll lose… Mirai chuckled softly. The Uchiha reputation sure was tarnished—everyone here wanted him to fail.

Pathetic.

Mirai's chakra surged, and his eyes turned crimson, the Sharingan awakening in a blaze of scarlet.

"So that's the Uchiha bloodline limit?" For the first time, a flicker of unease crossed Kakashi's impassive gaze. The Sharingan was formidable, one careless glance, and he could be caught in a genjutsu. Lowering his gaze, he decided he had to finish this quickly.

Kakashi's strikes grew sharper and faster, but Mirai's Sharingan allowed him to track every movement, weaving around each attack with fluid precision. Combined with the Uchiha-style swordsmanship he'd picked up from Fugaku, Kakashi's assaults no longer posed a threat.

The match turned into a tense back-and-forth. Kakashi moved like a relentless assassin, each blow swift and deadly, while Mirai danced with effortless grace, slipping through Kakashi's onslaught.

"Hah… hah…" Kakashi panted, chest heaving as his energy waned. He'd exhausted himself with the unrelenting barrage, yet Mirai remained calm and collected.

Realizing he couldn't keep this up, Kakashi jumped back. But Mirai was already forming seals at high speed.

"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"

A massive, scorching fireball roared toward Kakashi, who clapped his hands to the ground.

"Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall!"

A stone barrier erupted in front of him, barely absorbing the fireball's impact. The wall cracked and splintered, but held just enough to block the flames.

As the fire dissipated, Kakashi rose, only to find Mirai's sword pressed to his neck.

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