Chapter 14

Aragami Kyomu's performance in the second round of the exam silenced some critics, making them quickly change their tune and cheer for him.

Strength is not only a likeable trait to women; it also resides in the core of men as well.

Undoubtedly, Kyomu is the current powerhouse, overshadowing everyone of his age except for the equally impressive Kakashi. No one can catch up with or dim his brilliance.

As a result, classmates split into two factions, some rooting for Hatake Kakashi and others for Aragami Kyomu.

However, the number of female students supporting Kakashi is greater than those supporting Kyomu. This is influenced by their personalities and how they carry themselves.

Kakashi, with his aloof demeanor, is more appealing to girls compared to Kyomu, who seems indifferent and carefree about everything.

Watching Kakashi being surrounded by numerous female students, Kyomu shook his head, amused.

He could tell that Kakashi wasn't enjoying the attention and even seemed eager to escape from the encirclement.

Being able to make Kakashi uncomfortable brought Kyomu great satisfaction.

After struggling for a while, Kakashi finally escaped the crowd. However, when he saw the expression on Kyomu's face, his initial sense of relief turned into discomfort.

"You're relishing in my misfortune!"

"What do you mean by relishing in your misfortune?" Kyomu immediately retorted. "I'm just appreciating that you've resolved your life's major issues ahead of time."

"If you keep this up, you'll end up with no friends!" Kakashi gritted his teeth. "Can't you shut up for once? Is that too much to ask?"

"It can't be helped, but why should I stay silent?" Kyomu raised an eyebrow, not continuing the discussion with Kakashi. "How about using a ninja blade in the third round of the exam?"

"Do you want me to use it?" Kakashi's expression became serious. "I can use it, but be prepared for injuries and bloodshed."

Seeing Kakashi's solemn expression, Kyomu naturally wouldn't joke around. "It's okay; I'm prepared, and I really want to see how sharp the swordsmanship of the Hatake clan is."

"You'll see." Kakashi reached into his ninja tools pouch, taking out a very short ninja blade.

Judging by Kyomu's estimation, the ninja blade in Kakashi's hand was only slightly longer than a dagger, with a blade length at most the combined length of two kunai.

Strapping the ninja blade to his back, Kakashi looked at Kyomu and then shifted his gaze to the ninja blade on Kyomu's back.

"Do you also excel in swordsmanship?"

Kyomu shook his head. "Not really skilled, just learned some random styles, a mix of various techniques."

Hearing this, Hatake Kakashi was puzzled. "What are random styles? And how did you learn a mix of various techniques?"

"It's not systematic, but in real combat, some of these moves are quite practical." Kyomu lightly tapped the handle of the ninja blade on his back. "As for how I learned, you can think of me as a genius among geniuses. Just a glance, and I won't forget."

Kakashi fell silent; he no longer doubted Kyomu's words.

Only this explanation could account for why Kyomu didn't pay attention in class, never joined in after class secret training sessions, and slept soundly in the public training ground every day while still possessing outstanding skills.

"I envy you a bit," Kakashi sincerely said. "If I had your talent, I could elevate my strength to another level."

"Can you guys stop this mutual admiration..." Obito approached, irritated. "I'm getting annoyed just listening on the side!"

"Th children should let the adult talk." Kyomu retorted, earning a muffled laughter from Rin, who was standing next to Obito.

Kakashi, despite his mysterious demeanor, found himself at a loss for words in the face of Kyomu's witty banter.

"Kyomu!"

Obito shouted in dissatisfaction but didn't dwell on the matter. He had more important things to discuss with Kyomu.

Approaching Kyomu, Obito slowed down his speech, sounding a bit embarrassed. "Uh, Kyomu, when the exam is over, can I ask you for a favor?"

"Let me hear it."

"Could you teach me your throwing technique..." Speaking of this, Obito lowered his voice, and if it weren't for Kyomu's sharp ears, he might have been able to get away with it.

It was not surprising, though; an Uchiha seeking advice from Kyomu on throwing techniques was akin to Guan Yu asking an outsider for advice on wielding a large weapon. 

Not only Kyomu but even Kakashi heard it. His dead-fish eyes widened instantly.

"Is the great Uchiha out of options?"

"I'm asking Kyomu; I didn't talk to you!" Obito blushed, retorting against Kakashi.

Kakashi fell silent. Although still puzzled, he realized that Obito had come to seek guidance from Kyomu, not him.

"Kyomu, look..."

"If you don't mind losing face, teaching you won't be a problem."

"Thank you, thank you!" Obito quickly expressed his gratitude. "I knew you wouldn't refuse me."

Kyomu nodded, then changed the subject. "But let's be clear; I'm not going to the Uchiha training ground. I don't want any trouble."

Uchiha Obito was taken aback and hesitated. "But if we go to the public training ground, I think..."

"No need for the public training ground." Kyomu looked at Kakashi. "Ask him. After skipping class for more than twenty days, Kakashi must have his secret training ground."

"I don't have any secret training ground. I just set up a simple training field in the Forest of Death."

"I don't care." Obito interrupted, looking up at Kakashi. "Just one thing, will you take us there or not?"

"Take us! Take us!" Kakashi spread his hands. "What's so difficult about it? After all, it's not me losing face; it's our dear Uchiha."

Although Kakashi was sarcastic, Obito felt grateful rather than embarrassed.

Kyomu and Kakashi, despite their teasing, cared about Obito both in their thoughts and actions.

Obito, who longed for friendship, naturally understood and enjoyed all of this.

After a few more chats, Shuzo estimated that the break was almost over. He clapped his hands, signaling classmates to gather.

In his hands, he held a cardboard box prepared long ago, filled with neatly folded pieces of paper.

Its use was quite simple; the opponents for the third round of the exam would be decided by drawing lots.

The winners would advance to the next round, with subsequent opponents determined by drawing lots. Losers would enter the resurrection match and draw lots for their respective opponents from the losers' group.

Overall, the third-round exam was quite complex and time-consuming, requiring at least half a morning and an entire afternoon to determine the final rankings.

Shaking the box, Shuzo called for half of the students to line up for the draw.

After the draw, Kakashi curiously approached Kyomu. "Kyomu, who's your opponent?"

"It's Might Guy, a bit unexpected." Kyomu replied truthfully.

"Him?" Hatake Kakashi looked towards Might Guy in the distant corner. "Doesn't he seem particularly outstanding?"

"We'll see later; he's not simple, especially in the field of physical arts."

Kyomu shook his head, no longer paying attention to Kakashi, and found a place to close his eyes and rest, intending to adjust his state to the best condition.

Kakashi was quite curious; his gaze continued to wander around Might Guy.

A person who made Kyomu so cautious might indeed have some extraordinary qualities.

(End of this chapter)