Faced with Nagano's wild, uncoordinated attacks, Kakashi sighed and shook his head lightly.
Enough. Time to end this.
He'd already gone easy on the guy, letting him save face by not finishing the fight in a single strike. Tilting his head slightly, he dodged Nagano's punch with ease, then countered with a precise straight punch, knocking his opponent to the ground.
The force of Kakashi's punch was perfectly measured—enough to down Nagano without causing any real harm.
Nagano staggered to the ground, his face blank with disbelief. He couldn't seem to accept the fact that he'd lost.
Seeing this, Kakashi stepped forward and extended a hand to help him up.
The sight of Kakashi's gesture set off an uproar among the girls nearby.
"Ahh, Kakashi is so graceful! Love him, love him!"
"Strong, handsome, and polite... He's perfect! Totally my future husband!"
"Shut up! Calling him your husband so casually—how shallow. Obviously, he's mine!"
"Ladies, don't fight over a boy. Let's just agree to give Kakashi-sama to me, okay? Hehe."
"Draw your swords, rivals! We'll settle this with strength!"
Off to the side, Obito stood dumbfounded at the girls' chatter.
What the heck?! he thought. Are girls in this world always this... forward?
Wait... I suddenly have a bold idea. I wonder if it would work in the ninja world…
Just as Obito's thoughts began to wander, a furious shout brought him back to reality.
"Don't pretend to be all nice! I don't need your pity!"
Nagano slapped Kakashi's hand away and stood up, his expression full of anger.
One girl whispered in confusion, "What's wrong with that sparrow today? Why is he acting like this toward Kakashi?"
Another girl huffed in annoyance. "Seriously! Kakashi obviously went easy on him during the fight. And now he's being all gracious by offering to help, yet this guy has the nerve to shout at him? What a lunatic!"
Even the teacher frowned, his tone stern. "Nagano, the match is over. Shake hands with your classmate and make peace."
But Nagano had already lost his cool.
Why? Why was everyone siding with him?
With bloodshot eyes, Nagano glared at Kakashi.
"I can't stand that arrogant attitude of yours!" he spat.
"The son of that trash White Fang—what do you have to be so proud of?!"
Obito's heart sank as he heard this. He glanced around the room.
Some students looked puzzled, clearly unfamiliar with the name "White Fang." But others wore strange, uncomfortable expressions—they knew.
Could it be... Obito thought, dread creeping in. Has the story of Konoha's White Fang's failed mission already started circulating in ninja circles?
If so, this was bad news.
Rumors, even baseless ones, had a way of growing uncontrollably, burning everything in their path until they consumed their target entirely.
As Obito's mind raced, the teacher's voice turned icy.
"That's enough, Nagano!"
"A loss is a loss. Attacking your classmate's character won't earn you anyone's respect."
But Nagano wasn't done.
"Why shouldn't I speak the truth, sensei?"
Determined to air the "glorious deeds" of Konoha's White Fang, Nagano raised his voice for all to hear.
"That trash abandoned a mission for the sake of his so-called comrades, causing the village to suffer heavy losses!"
"As a member of Konoha, I have every right to condemn his actions."
"Choosing personal feelings over the collective good—if that's not the definition of trash, then what is?!"
Kakashi's body trembled. His eyes burned with fury, like a wild beast on the verge of attacking.
He wanted to teach Nagano a lesson, but his father's words echoed in his mind. Reluctantly, he swallowed his anger.
Seeing Kakashi's suppressed rage, Nagano felt a rush of satisfaction.
What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?
You always act so calm and untouchable, like you're above it all. But now look at you—helpless and humiliated. Serves you right!
As Nagano noticed the girls who usually admired Kakashi looking at him with different eyes, his smugness reached new heights.
Let's see if anyone still idolizes you now, White Fang's brat. From now on, it's my turn to shine!
Rin, worried, glanced at Kakashi's lonely figure. "Kakashi…" she murmured.
Guy wanted to speak up for Kakashi but struggled to find the words.
The teacher sighed heavily. Sakumo dedicated his life to this village, only to be slandered by a brat. How absurd.
His gaze turned cold.
Nagano, so long as I'm your teacher, don't even dream of graduating.
The murmurs around the classroom were turning malicious.
"Wow, Kakashi's dad really did that? What do you think?"
"Yeah, that's… something."
Hearing the growing gossip, Obito shook his head in disappointment.
He finally understood why White Fang, such a remarkable ninja, had chosen to end his life.
The weight of public opinion... It's crushing.
Obito turned to Nagano, his eyes narrowing with disdain.
This guy, who lost fair and square but still had the gall to stir up trouble—what a piece of trash.
I can't stand it anymore.
Nagano was still basking in his own delusions, imagining Kakashi's fall from grace.
Suddenly, a shadow darted out from the crowd.
"Enough!"
With a flying kick, Obito sent Nagano sprawling to the ground.
Staggering to his feet, Nagano stared at Obito in shock.
"Obito! Are you out of your mind? You dare attack me?!"
Obito sneered, spitting on the ground.
"And you dare slander a hero like Konoha's White Fang? When he was out serving the village, you were still in your dad's pants!"
Nagano stammered, "I… You…!"
Obito picked his nose nonchalantly.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Too dumb to keep up, huh? Fine. Let's settle this the old-fashioned way—with a fight. What do you say, dead sparrow?"
He formed a seal of opposition, glaring provocatively at Nagano.
Nagano's face twisted with rage. Kakashi humiliates me, and now this loser wants in on the fun too?
"Fine! Let's go!"
Nagano charged at Obito, abandoning hand seals altogether in his fury.
Kakashi watched the scene unfold in confusion.
Today's been full of surprises. Even I'm struggling to process it all.
The teacher, however, chose not to intervene.
Though Obito likely wouldn't win, there was always a chance.
After all, Obito is full of surprises. Maybe he really will teach Nagano a lesson he won't forget.
For the first time, the teacher looked at Obito with genuine hope.
Don't let me down, Obito.
Rin clutched the hem of her skirt nervously. She knew Obito's skill level well enough—he didn't stand a chance, especially after being beaten up by Guy earlier.
Obito-kun, you're too impulsive! But… he did look kind of cool standing up for Kakashi just now.
As everyone held their breath, Nagano's fist came hurtling toward Obito.
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