Chapter:22

Danzo continued, "You must have heard of the name of the Copy Ninja, Hatake Kakashi. Jonin Kurenai Yuhi mentioned that your strength has surpassed even hers. Today, as long as you can hold out for the time it takes for one stick of incense to burn in a fight against Kakashi, you will pass the Chunin exam."

"Additionally, if you can demonstrate exceptional strength and earn the recognition of Konoha's high-level officials and ANBU elites, you could be promoted directly to Jonin," Danzo added.

"I understand, Lord Danzo," Kirito replied solemnly.

"Then everyone, take your positions," Danzo commanded, his face still stern as he waved his hand dismissively.

Konoha's senior leaders, including Sarutobi Hiruzen, Danzo, and the two Hokage advisors, sat in the VIP section. Kurenai Yuhi and Uchiha Itachi, dressed in his ANBU uniform, stood by Sarutobi and Danzo.

The rest of the ANBU squad remained hidden in the surrounding trees, observing.

In the cleared-out arena, Kirito and Kakashi stood twenty steps apart, preparing for battle.

An ANBU member took position between them, ready to serve as the referee.

"Let's begin," Sarutobi Hiruzen said calmly.

"Fight!" the referee announced, before leaping back to vacate the battlefield.

Both Kirito and Kakashi simultaneously formed the tiger seal with their right hands, a sign of mutual respect before combat.

The moment the referee's voice trailed off, Kirito made his move, swiftly forming seals with his hands. Suddenly, his entire body transformed into petals of cherry blossoms and disappeared before everyone's eyes.

"Genjutsu. Three Absolute Sakura Technique!" Kirito executed the illusion.

"A Genjutsu already? This boy's abilities have improved significantly," Sarutobi Hiruzen mused, as he quickly disrupted his own chakra to dispel the illusion.

The others, aside from Uchiha Itachi with his Mangekyō Sharingan, followed suit and dispelled the illusion themselves. They were impressed by how far Kirito had come with his Genjutsu techniques.

Suddenly, a flash of light sliced through the air, accompanied by the sharp sound of a blade.

Before most of the spectators could fully break free from the Genjutsu, a white blade emerged, and Kirito appeared out of thin air, his sword aimed directly at Kakashi's head.

"He's fast. His speed, precision in seals, and strength are all outstanding," Kakashi thought, no longer underestimating Kirito. He swiftly drew the katana from his back and blocked the attack.

"Shatter! Kyoka Suigetsu," Kirito whispered under his breath.

Instead of using full force, Kirito held back, activating his sword's unique ability, Kyoka Suigetsu. He subtly placed the entire field under his illusion, ensuring no one noticed.

Kirito and Kakashi's blades clashed repeatedly, sparks flying as their swords met.

"Not only his Genjutsu, but his Taijutsu and speed are also exceptional. He's already on par with the top Jonin," Sarutobi Hiruzen commented from the judges' table, clearly impressed.

"Indeed," the two Hokage advisors nodded in agreement.

Danzo, on the other hand, remained stoic, his eyes dark and unreadable.

Uchiha Itachi, observing the fight closely, was deep in thought. Thanks to his Mangekyō Sharingan, he could see things no one else could. Kirito was clearly holding something back, keeping his true strength hidden.

"Kurenai, it seems you've done an excellent job as his teacher," Sarutobi Hiruzen added with a calm smile.

Kurenai Yuhi humbly replied, "Hokage-sama, I've only guided him a little. Kirito's growth is all thanks to his own efforts."

As they conversed, Kirito and Kakashi continued their intense battle, utilizing shuriken, kunai, and body flicker techniques, along with the occasional substitution jutsu.

To the untrained eye, it seemed as if the two were moving faster than light, their forms nothing more than blurred afterimages clashing in midair.

Finally, with the incense stick nearly burned out, both fighters came to an unspoken agreement to halt their hand-to-hand combat. They realized that their current tactics would lead to a stalemate, with no clear victor.

"Kakashi-senpai, your skills are truly incredible!" Kirito said with respect, quickly forming hand seals.

"You're impressive too, Kirito. Be prepared, the next wave of attacks is coming," Kakashi warned, his voice filled with admiration. He planted his sword into the ground and rapidly formed seals with his hands. Inwardly, Kakashi couldn't help but think that Kirito was a genius on par with Uchiha Itachi.

"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!" Kakashi exhaled a massive fireball from his mouth, its intensity resembling a miniature sun.

As the fireball shot toward him, Kirito stood motionless, allowing the flames to engulf him.

"Kirito!" Kurenai Yuhi shouted, fearing the worst.

"Don't worry. Kirito is much stronger than you think," Sarutobi Hiruzen reassured her, his face calm and composed.

"Yes, Lord Hokage," Kurenai quickly apologized, realizing her outburst.

The flames subsided, leaving a shallow pit where Kirito had stood. His body was curled up in the center, severely burned and unconscious.

"Did it work?" Kakashi wondered aloud as he approached the pit to check on Kirito.

Just before he got too close, Kirito's body suddenly vanished in a puff of smoke.

"Shadow Clone!" Kakashi realized just as Kirito emerged from the ground behind him.

"Earth Style: Headhunter Jutsu!" Kirito had used the earth itself to drag Kakashi underground, leaving only his head visible above the surface.

"Looks like I've won this round, Kakashi-senpai," Kirito said confidently.

"Not so fast," Kakashi's voice suddenly echoed from behind him, and Kirito felt the cold steel of Kakashi's blade against his neck. The Kakashi trapped in the earth dissipated into smoke—it was a clone as well.

"How did you know?" Kirito asked calmly, not turning his head.

"Sharingan," Kakashi answered simply. "I saw your hand seals, and I knew what was coming."

"Your combination of techniques was brilliant, Kirito. You're truly something special."

(End of the chapter).

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