Chapter 87 - The Rival

The large room was filled with children of different ages, who, buried in notebooks, were writing something strenuously.

A man of thirty years old calmly wrote on the blackboard in a beautiful and understandable handwriting. When he had finished writing, he put down the chalk and looked at the children. When he saw that the guys had finished everything, he said – In the end, today there will be a small test. –

– Haaa... – all the guys in the class exhaled with annoyance, except for Kakashi and Guy

Maito was so happy at all – Will there be sparring?! – he stood up

– Yes. – the teacher smiled, as if infected with Guy's optimism and energy

– Great! – the guy in the green suit is fired up – Kakashi! Today I will show you what I have achieved this week! –

In response, Hatake nodded with a serious expression on his face.

A week or two ago, Kakashi would have just ignored the annoying guy in the green tights, but during the month that they spent at the academy, Guy made them pay attention to themselves and take them seriously.

– The essence of the test is simple, first you will show me what you have achieved in the cloning technique, and then there is sparring. Is everything clear? –

- yes! – the children answered at once

- OK. And so, in order... Hyuga Kyoko. –

A girl from the Hyuga clan stood up from her seat. There was a bandage covering the seal on her forehead, a clear sign that she was not from the main branch.

Going to the blackboard, she folded the seal and created a perfect illusory clone.

– Great... Uchiha Obito. –

- yes! – a little nervously said a kid with stupid glasses on his face, which at the moment did not cover his dark eyes. Short spiky dark hair, blue uniform with orange collar and trim.

He looked especially nervously at one girl who was named Nohara Rin.

The girl had straight brown hair that almost reached her shoulders and large brown eyes. There were rectangular purple marks on her cheeks.

Rin periodically, with extreme interest, glanced at Kakashi, which annoyed Uchiha, and Hatake himself did not even notice these glances, since he was focused on the upcoming fight with Maito Guy.

Coming out in front of the class, Obito focused on the technique – "I have to perform the technique perfectly! Must! Then she will definitely look at me and not at him!" –

Unfortunately, everything didn't go according to plan.

With a *POOF* sound, a clone appeared in a cloud of smoke... or rather, some extremely pathetic likeness of him.

The children burst out laughing, and Obito exhaled sadly and frowned. It wasn't the first time he had shamed himself in front of the class like that.

– Khm-khm. – the teacher coughed into his fist, and the children fell silent, leaving only smiles on their faces – Well... Obito, it's not that bad... This time he is able to stand on his own two feet. By the final exam, I am sure that you will succeed. –

– Thank you, sensei. – Uchiha smiled tightly and bowed his head, stomped into place

– Kakashi Hatake. –

A boy with silver pointed hair and dark gray eyes slowly got up from his chair.

– Mm-m. – Kakashi nodded and jumped down to the board

Obito, sitting at his desk, clutched his head – "Oh no, it can't get any worse! Right after my disgrace, summon this stinking Poop! I'll just look terrible against his background!" –

And the guy was right.

Kakashi calmly folded the seals and with a sound of *POOF*, two whole illusory clones appeared in the smoke.

The class instantly exploded with applause and surprised gasps.

– Oh~oh! – Guy jumped right on the chair – As expected from my opponent! –

– Wow! –

– Cool! –

– Kakashi is incredible! –

Obito looked sharply at Rin and saw what he was afraid of. The girl clapped her hands with admiration and showed her delight in every possible way.

- "Why is it so." – Obito bit his lip

Sensei smiled – Great, Kakashi! Even some chunins can't create two illusory clones at the same time, well done, sit down. –

Hatake calmly nodded at the praise and returned to his seat.

- "How much arrogance." – Obito gritted his teeth

– Maito Guy. –

As soon as the teacher said this, many students could no longer hide their smiles.

– "Oh yes!" – Obito rubbed his palms – "Finally, this fool in green will show himself and even I will look good against his background." –

At the beginning of the month, a similar test was already conducted and Guy did not perform very well on it... More precisely, when performing the technique, the clone did not appear, but the pants fell off the guy.

– And maybe not, Sensei? Guy said a little nervously. The guy did not train ninjutsu and genjutsu at all on his own, since he had no talent for it. And yes, this was his way to prove and show the whole world the power of youth and taijutsu.

– It is necessary, Guy, it is necessary. –

- OK. – Maito got up reluctantly and stomped to the blackboard under the whispers of classmates

Guy stood up and folded the seal, closed his eyes.

With a distinctive sound, a perfect illusory clone appeared in the smoke next to the guy.

– He did it! –

– Wow! –

– I thought his pants would fall off again! –

– The perfect clone! –

- "Damn! Heck! Heck! Damn!"– Obito clenched his jaw –"Even he is better than me! Why did he become stronger so quickly?!" –

Maito Guy slowly opened his eyes and stared in shock at the illusory clone, which quickly dissipated when he lost concentration.

The teacher patted Guy on the shoulder. It was clear that Sensei was genuinely happy for the baby – Such progress in a month is simply amazing! And you also say that you have no talent for ninjutsu and genjutsu? –

– But... But I really don't have the talent... I understand nothing... I didn't train in ninjutsu... Only in taijutsu. –

– Really? Sensei was surprised

- Yes. Guy shrugged his shoulders. And I also trained chakra control... –

– Then everything is clear. The technique of Illusory Clones is very simple, but demanding to control the chakra. Now it's clear where you got such progress. You're doing great, Guy. –

– Thank you, Sensei! the guy exclaimed and returned to his seat. Guy was overwhelmed with joy and energy – "Oh~Oh~Oh! I did not disgrace myself and even on the contrary received praise! Tetsuya-sama will definitely be proud of my success! The power of Youth boils in me! I want to spar! I want to train! One thousand... No, two thousand circles around the academy!" –

– Juhi Kurenai. –

A black-haired girl with shaggy shoulder-length hair slowly stood up from the table. Unique red eyes shone like rubies on her fair face.

Going down to the blackboard, she silently folded the seal. With a characteristic sound, two clones were born. The classroom exploded again.

– She also created two clones! –

– Unbelievable! –

– I thought only Kakashi was capable of this. –

Sensei shook his head with a smile, "You have a talent for illusions, Kurenai. –

– Thank you, sensei. – the girl smiled and returned to her seat

– Inuzuka Yame... Sarutobi Chiho... Yamanaka Kin... –

After a while, the first part of the test ended. It's time for sparring.

– And so... The first will be Maito Guy and Uchiha Obito. –

- yes! Kakashi, you'll have to wait! Guy jumped up and gave Hatake a thumbs– up

– Yes, but I don't think it will take much time. – Kakashi spread his hands , which infuriated Obito even more

- "Damn! They don't consider me an opponent at all! The fool in the green leotard has no doubt that he will defeat me, and smelly Kakashi only agrees with him in this! I'll show you more!" –

Maito Guy and Uchiha Obito quickly appeared on the platform next to Sensei.

– And so. Folding the seal of confrontation. –

Guy put up the seal with a smile. Obito also did it, only before that he made a significant chuckle and frowned at Guy.

Moving away from the playground, the teacher shouted – Let's start! –

– Oraaa! Guy shouted and rushed towards the enemy

Obito exclaimed mentally

Guy very quickly, for a simple student of the academy, approached Obito and threw his fist in the opponent's face.

– "I can't dodge!" – finally shouted Obito in his head, realizing that he couldn't keep up with Guy's speed and took a blow on the block

There was a thud and Obito took a couple of steps back, as he could not stand still – "It hurts! His fists are made of stone or something! And the power? Is his father a gorilla or what? If I hadn't strengthened my hands with chakra, they would have been broken! How could Kakashi fight with him and win!? Thoughts aside, it's my turn to attack...oh shit!" –

Obito did not have time to recover from the first blow, as the second flew... and then a third... fourth, fifth... Uchiha was forced to go into deep defense and play the role of a punching bag.

- "Damn! Why is everything so!? I can't keep up with him! I barely have time to put a block!" –

– Ora~ ah! – shouted the kid in a green leotard with a groovy smile, while showering blows on the poor Uchiha

– Guy has become stronger! –

"Obito can't do anything at all! –

– Cool! –

All classmates watched this fight with delight, all except two people.

Kakashi thoughtfully watched and analyzed the fight.

Nohara Rin, on the other hand, looked with pity at the Uchiha Obito being showered with blows.

Obito cast a glance in the direction of the enthusiastic classmates and saw how Rin looked at him with pity – "Please don't look at me like that!" – Uchiha exclaimed with anger at himself, but it was not worth distracting from the fight

*BANG* Guy's savory punch reached Obito's face, sneaking out of the blind spot.

The poor Uchiha flew up into the air and turned over a couple of times.

– Stop! – Sensei said quickly and appeared on the set – Obito, how are you?! –

"It's okay, sensei. – with a split lip and nose, the guy replied, "I'm ready to continue... –

– Which one is ready, Rin, come over. –

- yes! – the girl answered quickly and ran up

– Take Obito and take him to the office. –

- OK. – she nodded quickly and held out her hand to Obito – Come on, get up. –

Uchiha quickly revived and staggered up, holding the girl tightly by the hand.

– Come on, lean on me. –

– N-but... –

– Come on. – Rin said sternly and Obito leaned on her with a rapidly pounding heart.

Slowly they hobbled towards the academy.

Feeling the scent of perfume and Rin herself, Obito smiled – "Thank you Kami for this opportunity... Maybe it's not so bad..." –

– The winner is Guy. – Sensei finally announced – You surprise me, guy. –

– I'm trying, sensei! – Guy smiled, who felt a little guilty for the broken face of a classmate – Sensei! Obito and I didn't show the seal of the fitting! –

– Never mind, when he gets better, you will do it. –

– "He became stronger again..." – concluded Kakashi looking at Guy – "With each of our sparring, Guy became stronger... Now his strength is about equal to mine... It is impossible to develop so quickly in a month... Only if..." – Hatake squinted – "Only if he didn't use the chakra before, but tried to do everything only with the help of the body... Then it all fits together. He himself said that he was increasing his control over the chakra... Hmm, maybe this is not the limit and he will become even stronger... Dangerous... Guy is strong, his father was right, you can't relax with him... We need to strengthen our training and consult with my father... I'm ready to lose to anyone, but not to him." –

Some time later

The children dispersed. Lessons are over.

Guy and Kakashi walked out of the academy together and stomped to the exit

– Today I lost again, which means I have to do double the training rate! Guy clenched his fists with anticipation

– How much energy you have... – Kakashi shook his head – "I won by a miracle today... If things continue like this, then I will lose..." –

As soon as they left the gates of the academy, a man's voice was heard nearby – Kakashi, I'm here. –

– Father... Why are you taking me away. Kakashi sighed

– How why!? – put his palm on Sakumo's chest – I am your parent, your father, and you are my child. –

– I'm not small. – folded his arms on Kakashi 's chest

– I'm just trying to be a good dad, don't make a face. – Sakumo smiled and patted Kakashi's shaggy head – Kakashi has told a lot about you, Guy. You still got into the academy, well done. –

– Thank you for your support! Guy gave Sakumo a thumbs–up

– Ha-ha-ha, so much energy and positivity. You and Kakashi are like fire and water, you are so different from each other. –

Kakashi rolled his eyes, and Guy grinned.

Suddenly Sakumo raised his head and looked at the roof.

– A? Pa, what is it? – Kakashi tilted his head – There is no one there. –

- Yes... it seemed, probably... Sakumo frowned

Suddenly, Sakumo felt someone put a hand on his shoulder.

White Fang jumped up and twisted in the air and took out his sword

– How nervous you are. – said the red - haired guy grinning

– Tetsuya. Sakumo exhaled, putting away his sword and holding his heart – Well, you scared me. How did you do that? I felt you on the roof... –

"My hiraishin seal is still on you. Tetsuya shrugged his shoulders

– That's how, I see. –

– Sensei! Guy shouted, and then closed his mouth

– Sensei? Sakumo raised an eyebrow questioningly... You mean... –

Tetsuya shook his head, "Guy, you're lucky this time. Sakumo, like his son, can be trusted with secrets. Be more careful from now on, okay? –

– I will do my best to make sure that this does not happen again, Sensei! Oh! Sorry! –

– Forget it, just try not to betray secrets anymore. –

Sakumo opened his eyes wide – Did you take this kid as an apprentice? –

- Yes. I saw deep potential in him. It's just between us, okay? It's not worth everyone knowing that I have a student now. –

– I understand. Sakumo nodded

Tetsuya shifted his gaze to the shocked Kakashi – Oh, you're my student's rival, Kakashi. You're not bad, I hope you can keep up with my student and become his eternal rival. –

Then Tetsuya turned his gaze to Guy – I've come for something... I have things to do today, so I will not personally attend your training, but my clone is at your disposal. – at the end of the words, a tree clone appeared next to him

– I see, sensei! –

– Okay, that's it. Goodbye. – after saying goodbye, Tetsuya instantly disappeared, and his clone, changing his appearance, looked at Guy – Well? Shall we start training? Follow me! – the clone ran

– Yes, sensei! – the guy answered and ran with a smile

Sakumo and Kakashi were left alone in a quiet street

– Father. – Kakashi said seriously – I want to strengthen my training and I want to start learning the clan style of kenjutsu... –

– Kakashi... I'm not sure if you recognized Guy's teacher or not, but he did... –

– Uzumaki Tetsuya, the God of Shinobi. – Kakashi finished for him

Sakumo shook his head – Keeping up with the disciple of the Shinobi God will be extremely difficult for Kakashi, even with your talent. Tetsuya once took a whole class of students and you know what? All of them have become Jonins, and most of them work for the ANBU, protect the Hokage and his interests... –

– I don't care, I won't just give up. Kakashi frowned, showing such will and determination for the first time – I'm not going to lose to Maito Guy. And even if I am destined to lose, I will at least know that I have made every effort to win. You said yourself that Guy would be a great opponent for me. –

– I didn't know then that Guy would become a disciple of the Shinobi God... Sakumo sighed, not knowing what to do

– Father. I decided that Guy would be my opponent. – folded his arms on Kakashi 's chest

– Are you sure? –

- Yes. I've never been as sure of anything as I am about this issue of rivalry. My father is Sakumo Hatake, the White Fang of Konoha, and I am sure that with his help I will be able to compete with the disciple of the Shinobi God. –

Sakumo clenched his fists and replied with a smile – Okay, but then don't cry from fatigue and exhaustion. –

– You can't wait, old man. Kakashi said calmly, but he was smiling under the mask.