Chapter 9: THE BATTLE BEGINS

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Yuki Yuichi wore an innocent expression, thinking it would be better if he had a pair of glasses now.

In truth, Kakashi's strength alone wasn't a real challenge for him, especially without using his sword skills. It wasn't a joke to have been pinned to the ground and beaten.

However, Yuichi was curious. If Kakashi used the Hatake family's traditional sword technique this time and didn't cheat, could he actually defeat him?

Although Yuichi benefited from the Seventh Hokage and Haruno Sakura templates, these didn't improve his physique. The templates only provided specific skills and, if applicable, a bloodline limit.

Currently, Yuichi's strength came from the Uzumaki clan's bloodline and a 20% damage reduction from Ninja Taijutsu. He also had a 10% ninjutsu enhancement bonus as a ninja student.

As Yuichi pondered, the classroom buzzed with excitement over the upcoming fight. Many students didn't know Kakashi or Yuichi and lacked family emblems on their clothing.

"Yeah! Fight, fight!"

Two students began cheering for the fight.

Yuhi Kurenai, worried, tugged at Yuichi's sleeve. "It's not good to fight on the first day of school, is it? Dad said not to cause trouble."

Yuichi chuckled. "Don't worry; it's just a spar."

"If Uncle shinku finds out, he'll understand!" Yuichi reassured her.

Though Yuhi Kurenai stopped protesting, her concern didn't lessen.

"Okay then." She took out a bandage from her pocket. "I'm glad I brought this. It could come in handy if anyone gets hurt."

She waved the bandage in front of Kakashi and Yuichi.

"Ah, kurenai is so kind!" some boys said, showing hostility towards Yuichi.

Yuichi narrowed his eyes, noting the boys' remarks. He silently made a mental note of them, thinking they would be dealt with later.

"Let's go to the training ground," Kakashi said, determined to prove himself. "This time, I'll show you the Hatake Sword Technique!"

With that, Kakashi left the classroom, and Yuichi followed. Almost everyone trailed behind them.

Uchiha Obito walked beside Nohara Rin. "What's so interesting about this?"

"Let's have lunch," Obito suggested, as he and Rin had known each other for some time.

Obito had fallen for Rin when he helped an old lady cross the road, but had never expressed his feelings.

Rin looked worried. "Obito, it might be dangerous if they get hurt."

"I learned bandaging from Sister Yuze at the hospital. I can help if needed."

"Ah haha, right," Obito replied awkwardly. "I'll help too! I'm from the Uchiha clan, so if things get out of hand, I'll step in."

Rin's concern grew, knowing Obito's tendencies to be unreliable despite his good nature.

As they arrived at the training ground, Kakashi took out a wooden training sword and faced Yuichi, who also readied himself, wrapping his hands with bandages.

They stood about ten meters apart and formed their starting stances.

"Kou Kou Xi, you can't beat me."

"I will definitely beat you!" Kakashi replied seriously, holding his wooden sword firmly. "Also, my name is Hatake Kakashi!"

"Jerk!"

Kakashi charged forward, his sword slashing downwards.

"The enemy who is defeated by me will never be regarded as an opponent by me. I'll give you time to catch up until you're out of sight!"

"Jerk!" Yuichi responded, with Kakashi's anger making him even more attractive to the girls watching.

Yuhi Kurenai clenched her fists, thinking, "Yuichi is mine! He won't like anyone else!"

Meanwhile, boys who admired Yuhi's kindness were angry at Yuichi, vowing to deal with him later.

Yuichi Yuuki remained cautious despite his confident demeanor. Kakashi had graduated at six, become a Chunin at seven, and a Jonin at twelve. Only Hashirama Senju and Uchiha Madara surpassed his talent in Konoha.

Kakashi had been struggling with the burden of Obito's eyes and had been in a state of decline.

As Kakashi closed the distance, his wooden sword struck towards Yuichi's neck with great speed, causing onlookers to exclaim.

Yet, to Yuichi, Kakashi's movements seemed a bit slow. He deftly evaded Kakashi's downward slash, turning his body to avoid it.

Kakashi anticipated the dodge, shifting his sword horizontally toward Yuichi's waist. If it were a real sword, it could cause serious harm.

Kakashi's simple moves were deadly, each one intended to land a decisive blow. However, the brief pause in his movement when changing directions gave Yuichi an opportunity to react.

In front of the astonished spectators, Yuichi leaned back, supporting himself with his hands, and twisted his body to avoid Kakashi's horizontal slash.

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