NOVEL NEXT Chapter 33: It's a competition
Chapter 33 It's a competetion.
Kakashi, shocked and impressed,
exhaled deeply, lowering his kunai.
"Clatter."
Kakashi let out a long breath,
squatting down to pick up the kunai from the ground before placing it back into
his ninja pouch. Kiba also put down his kunai, sitting to examine his sprained
ankle.
The audience outside the field was
silent.
Kakashi... lost?
Obito Uchiha's eyes widened in
disbelief. Kakashi's admission of defeat felt like a dream. Kakashi lost to
Kiba, who was younger and had just graduated from the Ninja Academy?
Impossible!
But the truth was undeniable,
leaving Obito stunned and speechless. Nohara Rin watched Kakashi with concern,
her heart aching for him. Kakashi, are you okay? This is your first defeat...
Namikaze Minato sighed inwardly. I
initially told Kakashi to go easy on Kiba, but now I see I underestimated
Kiba—and Kushina. Sorry about that!
He glanced at Kakashi again, worry
evident. Kakashi has always been a prodigy, never knowing defeat. I hope this
loss doesn't affect him negatively.
Homura was completely stunned.
Kakashi lost? The Hatake Kakashi?
Impossible! I'd believe it if he lost to a Jonin, but a seven-year-old who just
graduated?
He seemed to forget that Kakashi
was only eight.
In reality, it was a battle
between a seven-year-old and an eight-year-old, but under the genius aura, it
felt beyond their age. The technical prowess displayed indeed surpassed their
years. If ordinary Chunin witnessed this battle, they would feel ashamed.
"This..." Homura glanced
at Namikaze Minato, who smiled back. Homura announced in disbelief,
"Kakashi admits defeat. Taki Kiba wins this duel!"
"Yes!" Uzumaki Kushina
almost jumped up, forming a big "V" with her fingers towards Namikaze
Minato. "Minato, my Kiba won against your Kakashi! According to our
agreement, the Chunin Exam qualifications are ours!"
Namikaze Minato could only smile
wryly. Kiba defeated Kakashi—something even the Third Hokage couldn't have
anticipated.
Hirohiko and Yukina clenched their
fists in excitement. They could now participate in the Chunin Exams!
Kakashi picked up his kunai, while
Kiba checked his sprain and stood up. Kakashi approached, offering the seal of
reconciliation.
Kiba instinctively reached out,
forming the seal. Kakashi clasped Kiba's fingers and pulled him up.
"Thank you," Kiba said
sincerely, noticing that Kakashi's face remained calm, devoid of negative
emotions from the loss.
I'm far from done! I need to train
harder!
Kiba reflected on the duel.
Despite his victory, it didn't mean he was stronger than Kakashi. This was a
sparring match, not a life-and-death battle. In a real fight, the outcome would
be uncertain, and Kakashi might have had the upper hand.
Kiba recalled moments where
Kakashi could have defeated him, such as during the Lightning Release or when
throwing kunai—critical moments!
My fighting style needs
refinement!
Kiba's gratitude was genuine,
appreciating the battle Kakashi had given him.
Kakashi nodded, releasing Kiba's
hand and walking back to his team.
Besides Guy, is there another Taki
Kiba?
Kakashi clenched his fist lightly.
"We're no longer qualified
for the Chunin Exams?" Obito realized, taken aback. He shouted at Kakashi,
"You lost! You lost our Chunin qualifications and Rin's too!"
Obito was furious, glaring at
Kakashi.
"Obito!" Nohara Rin
intervened, stopping him.
"Rin... it's his
fault..." Obito muttered, seeing Rin defend Kakashi, adding to his
frustration.
Kakashi, unfazed, walked past
Obito, ignoring his outburst. Obito's anger flared again, but Rin's gaze kept
him silent.
Kakashi paused. "I'm sorry,
Obito, Rin."
Namikaze Minato's worry vanished,
replaced by a smile. His concern had been unnecessary!
"Kakashi..." Nohara Rin
murmured.
Obito, sulking, was startled by
Kakashi's apology.
Kakashi... you...
He remained silent.
"Are you okay?" Hirohiko
supported Kiba, with Uzumaki Kushina and Yukina stepping forward, smiling.
Kiba smiled back. "Sensei
Kushina, we're going to have barbecue tonight, right?"
Uzumaki Kushina readily agreed.
"Wait a minute!"
Namikaze Minato's voice interrupted.
The group turned, puzzled.
Uchiha Obito had stepped into the
practice field's center, addressing them. "Let's have one more match. If
we win, the Chunin Exam qualifications will be ours. If we lose, I won't take
the Chunin Exam for two years!"
"Obito..." Namikaze
Minato was taken aback.
Nohara Rin looked at Obito in
surprise.
Kakashi sighed, "This
idiot..."
Kiba's group was also surprised.
"Okay, I'll fight you,"
Hirohiko stepped forward, addressing Obito. He glanced at Uzumaki Kushina and
Kiba, seeking their permission.
This feels like... trouble
brewing.
Kiba sighed inwardly.
"Go ahead." Uzumaki
Kushina nodded at Hirohiko, not stopping him.
Kushina didn't stop him?
Strange... She values the Chunin Exams highly. Why allow this? We could
refuse...
Since Sensei didn't stop it, Kiba
couldn't object but felt puzzled.
Receiving confirmation, Hirohiko
released Kiba and walked toward the martial arts arena's center.