Chapter 11

Early the next day.

Aragami Kyomu, Hatake Kakashi, Uchiha Obito, and Nohara Rin met in the classroom, exchanging greetings before going about their own business.

Kyomu was busy daydreaming, Kakashi was busy digesting yesterday's training, Obito and Rin were busy chatting to strengthen their bond.

Life during their student days was orderly, and Kyomu enjoyed it a lot, but there was also an underlying tension.

In five more years, the Third Ninja War would erupt, and Aragami Kyomu wouldn't be able to stay uninvolved.

Therefore, within this month, he was determined not to miss any opportunity to improve himself, no matter how small.

"Kyomu, go stand near the door for me!"

Shūzō erupted again. Although Kyomu answered all the questions correctly, Shūzō chose to have him stand by the door to cool off.

Kyomu walked out of the classroom amid the laughter of his classmates, quickly disappearing outside. He sneaked near the higher-grade classrooms to eavesdrop on their lessons.

As for Kakashi, his desire to skip a grade became stronger. He was fed up with the slow learning progress in the lower grades.

The chakra refining method taught yesterday was still unfamiliar to a large portion of the class, halting the learning progress. For a genius, mastering chakra refinement was easy, either in one try or after a couple of attempts.

However, the Ninja Academy catered to average students, not geniuses. Kakashi wanted to accelerate his progress against the timeline.

During lunch, Kakashi skipped class without taking Obito and Rin, nor did he inform Kyomu. Obito had objections to this, and classmates were disdainful of Kakashi.

Kyomu remained unfazed; he had anticipated this day.

Without the occasional banter with the white-haired kid, Kyomu's afternoon became even more boring today. Without waiting for Shūzō to scold him, he voluntarily left the classroom to continue eavesdropping on the higher-grade lessons.

Shūzō ignored it, but classmates automatically labeled Kyomu as the class slacker, along with Kakashi who skipped class.

Kyomu just smiled indifferently, not bothered by the rumors.

Having spent a perfect day, Kyomu declined Obito's invitation. With a prepared budget, he bought a high-quality ninja knife, five kunai, and a dozen shuriken from the ninja tool store.

With his savings depleted, Kyomu couldn't afford to eat out anymore. He spent evenings at the public training ground, learning and practicing until late, before slowly heading home.

Notably, Kyomu never encountered Kakashi at the public training ground. He wondered where Kakashi went.

Certainly, Kakashi spent the entire day working hard; he wouldn't let himself be idle.

The efforts of a genius were sometimes frightening.

However, in this state, Kakashi was not as effective for Kyomu as sleeping through a couple of lessons at the public training ground.

Days passed, and Kyomu's reputation as the class slacker solidified. Shūzō , the teacher, tried talking to him numerous times during class, but it always ended in failure.

Helpless, Shūzō had to give up. During class, as long as Kyomu didn't disturb others' learning, Shūzō turned a blind eye to whatever Kyomu did.

Similarly, Shūzō didn't bother about Kakashi, who skipped class without a clear purpose.

Enjoying their antics, Shūzō had no intention of interfering.

...

Days of slacking and idling passed quickly.

In the blink of an eye, a month had gone by.

Today, the Ninja Academy organized a unified monthly exam for all grades to assess the students' progress.

The lower-grade exam was straightforward: a written test, a throwing technique test, and a physical skills test, all of which could be completed in a day.

As for the ninjutsu exam.

Sorry, lower-grade ninja students weren't deemed worthy of learning ninjutsu.

"Hey, Kakashi, haven't seen you in over twenty days, huh?" Kyomu turned to the white-haired kid sitting next to him. "Did you go on a beach vacation? Your face got all tan."

"Hmph, dreaming of my vacation while you're daydreaming?" Kakashi rolled his dead fish-like eyes. "Focus on yourself. You can't use the excuse of surrendering or hiding your skills in this month's exam, right?"

"Well, I did have that plan initially, but... recent discussions have been bothering me."

"So, you changed your mind?" Kakashi's eyes lit up, but his words were merciless. "Didn't expect someone with such thick skin like you to be immune to gossip!"

Hearing Kakashi mention gossip, Kyomu suddenly thought of Kakashi's father, Hatake Sakumo .

"Gossip can be deadly..." Kyomu muttered, then shifted the topic, asking Kakashi, "Why did you suddenly stop skipping class? What's the reason?"

"For you."

"Don't joke with me. I'm do not swing that way."

"Damn it." Kakashi had a black line on his face. "Sometimes, I want to tear your mouth apart!"

"I feel the same way, but I'm more curious about the face under your mask."

Kakashi rolled his dead fish-like eyes. "You'll never see it in your lifetime."

"If I win, can you let me see it?"

"Heh, do you think that's realistic?" Kakashi sneered. "I heard someone spent the whole month going to different public training grounds to nap. You think you have the strength to beat me? And I have reason to suspect you'll resort to trickery again."

"Let's make a bet." Kyomu looked unusually serious. "On the last day of this month, let's have a fair and square spar. If I win, you show me what's under the mask. If I lose, I'll be ready to spar with you anytime next month. How about that?"

After a moment's thought, Kakashi nodded. "Fine, it's a deal."

"It's a deal."

The two shook hands, sealing their second promise.

At the same time, both saw a strong determination in each other's eyes.

Kakashi believed this was a secure move; he could finally assess Kyomu's true strength.

For Kyomu, it was a chance to test the effects of his "efforts" over the past month, taking Kakashi as a benchmark.

As for the rumors about them, neither cared.

Rumors could be shattered with strength, couldn't they?

(End of Chapter)