Chapter 3
On the stage, the Third Hokage looked at the white-haired man wearing a mask, Hatake Sakumo, and congratulated him, "Congratulations, Sakumo. You really have a talented son." The Third Hokage couldn't help but think of his own rebellious grandson.
"Indeed, not at all like Asama," the Third Hokage sighed helplessly.
"Hokage-sama, thank you," Hatake Sakumo replied modestly but with a hint of pride. After all, as a father, he couldn't hide his joy watching his son shine.
"Sakumo, the Shunshin technique your son used just now is different from yours," the Third Hokage pointed out.
"Indeed, Hokage-sama. It's a Shunshin technique created by my son," Sakumo replied.
"What? Such a young child creating a ninja technique, and it's even a Shunshin technique, a high-level and challenging technique," Sarutobi Hiruzen exclaimed. Even some elite Jonin might struggle to master such a jutsu, let alone create one. Most custom-created Shunshin techniques required hand seals, except for some special cases. The difficulty was immense.
"Yes, Hokage-sama. My son's Shunshin technique can be considered a form of Ninjutsu, not just a regular technique," Sakumo answered.
"Oh, is it like the Third Raikage's same-style Ninjutsu? Truly a rare genius! It seems we've gained another extraordinary talent in Konoha, hahaha," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, joyously.
"Next, Hatake Kakashi will face Uchiha Ten."
Uchiha Ten took the initiative and attacked first. He wasn't careless because he had heard numerous rumors about Kakashi's talent. He was well-prepared and on guard from the start.
He started by using Kunai to block Kakashi's path. Kakashi held a short knife to block the incoming Kunai. "Katon: Goukakyuu no Jutsu!" Uchiha Ten swiftly performed hand seals, leaving Kakashi no time to catch his breath.
The audience below marveled at Uchiha Ten's usage of Fire Release. It was impressive for a Genin to execute a C-rank ninjutsu before becoming a Chunin.
However, Kakashi wasn't concerned. He quickly performed hand seals and used Doton: Doryuusou to block the attack. Seeing this, Uchiha Ten swiftly moved to Kakashi's back.
Another Katon: Goukakyuu no Jutsu was launched. But as the fireball was about to hit Kakashi, he suddenly turned into a cloud of smoke. It was a Shadow Clone Jutsu. In the blink of an eye, Kakashi emerged from the ground, holding a Kunai at Uchiha Ten's neck, coldly stating, "You've lost."
"When did you perform the hand seals? How did you..." Uchiha Ten asked in curiosity.
"I can't disclose that," Kakashi replied coldly. These were all tactics taught to Kakashi by Hatake Jason. Without absolute certainty of victory, he shouldn't give his opponent any chances.
"I declare Hatake Kakashi as the winner of this match," the Third Hokage announced, and the audience below erupted in cheers. "Kakashi is amazing," Rin cheered enthusiastically from the crowd.
"Darn it, Kakashi, I'll surpass you someday," Obito said with frustration.
"Sakumo, congratulations once again. Both your sons are truly talented," Hatake Sakumo admired.
"Hokage-sama, they are all Konoha's talents," Sakumo replied humbly.
"Right... right... they are all Konoha's future," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, pausing for a moment before continuing.
The rest of the matches went smoothly. Hatake Jason easily defeated some minor opponents with a single move. Kakashi faced a group of Uchiha geniuses, where he had to use all his trump cards to barely secure a victory. To Jason, these were all unfamiliar faces, as he and Kakashi were both early graduates, and these opponents were likely just cannon fodder, not worthy of much attention.
As the final match approached, the excitement in the air intensified. The crowd eagerly waited for the showdown between Hatake Jason and Kakashi, two exceptional talents destined to collide in a battle that would leave a lasting mark on the Chunin Exams. The anticipation grew as the two prodigies stepped onto the battlefield, ready to unleash their skills and determination. The stage was set for an epic clash that would determine the true prodigy among them.