Chapter 45: Match Three - The Singles Round!

When Mirai stepped into the central tower and submitted the Heaven and Earth scrolls, only then did the other ninja teams waiting outside rush in one after another. The sight of it all made everyone smirk with incredulity.

What a scene… Something like this might never happen again, even if they held the Chunin Exams for a hundred more years.

After handing in the scrolls, Mirai quietly sat to the side and closed his eyes to rest. With two days left until the exams concluded, they had no choice but to wait patiently.

Two days later.

With the final team's submission of the Heaven and Earth scrolls, the test in the Forest of Death officially concluded. A murmur of surprise echoed through the crowd as the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, appeared before them, flanked by a group of Jonin.

"Thank you all for your hard work," Hiruzen began. "To have made it here is proof that you're all highly capable ninja. However, strength alone doesn't determine an exceptional ninja."

He paused, a gleam of pride in his eyes as he recited, "Wherever leaves dance, the fire burns strong. The fire will continue to illuminate the village, encouraging the growth of new leaves…"

Listening to Hiruzen's passionate speech, Mirai sneered silently. He wondered how Sarutobi could stand there and say such things with a straight face.

As Mirai was about to drift off to sleep, Hiruzen finally concluded. Exhaling smoke with a warm smile, he announced, "The final round of this exam will be one-on-one battles."

"Each participant will be randomly matched through a computer draw to determine their opponent," Hiruzen continued.

"Win or lose, you each get three chances. The judging panel will ultimately decide if you're fit to be promoted to Chunin based on your performance."

With that, the Hokage stepped back, and the large monitor at the center of the arena began to rapidly cycle through names. Moments later, it froze.

"Might Guy vs. Uchiha Obito!"

Upon seeing his name on the screen, Guy let out a boisterous yell.

"I'm the very first match! So many people are watching—I've got to give them my best!"

"The power of youth is not to be taken lightly!"

Compared to Guy's enthusiastic energy, Uchiha Obito casually walked to the center with his hands in his pockets, projecting an air of confidence.

"Guy, I wasn't aiming for you, but I did lose to you during graduation because I got careless. This is the perfect chance to set things straight."

"Bring it on! I won't be holding back."

Watching Obito's cocky demeanor, the crowd began to murmur among themselves.

"That guy's an Uchiha too, huh? Must be pretty strong if he's that full of himself."

"No doubt. The Uchiha clan isn't exactly a group to mess with. Just look at Uchiha Mirai."

"Though, didn't I hear Obito was at the bottom of his class back in the academy?"

"Really? No way!"

Hearing the hushed commentary around him, Obito's eyes filled with determination.

Hmph! After today, everyone would know he, Uchiha Obito, was no longer a nobody!

"Referee, let's get this started," he said.

As both participants readied themselves, the referee blew his whistle to signal the start.

In a flash, a green figure darted forward. 

Wham!

Obito took a direct hit to the chin, launching him into the air.

"Leaf Whirlwind!"

A fierce roundhouse kick hit Obito mid-air, slamming him down hard.

"Obito…" Kakashi and Rin both sighed, watching helplessly. They had clearly seen it—the moment the match started, Obito hadn't even taken his hands out of his pockets, leaving him unable to defend against Guy's first blow.

"Next match: Nohara Rin vs. Yūhi Kurenai!"

"Following that: Ebisu vs. Shiranui Genma!"

…

"Match Eleven: Hatake Kakashi vs. Uchiha Mirai!"

The appearance of these two names on the screen sent a wave of excitement through the crowd.

If they had to name two standout prodigies in this year's Chunin Exams, Uchiha Mirai and Hatake Kakashi would certainly top the list. Kakashi was widely known as "Konoha's Prodigy," while Mirai was the young genius of the prestigious Uchiha clan. Though Kakashi had built a reputation earlier, Mirai's recent accomplishments had gained him considerable fame.

The impending match instantly captivated everyone.

"Who do you think will win this fight?"

"It's gotta be Mirai. Even in the second exam, Kakashi admitted he couldn't beat him."

"Kakashi isn't weak, though. I heard he was in the Anbu for a while. Even if Mirai does win, it'll be a tough fight."

"True, this fight will be intense, no matter what."

Under the expectant gaze of the crowd, Uchiha Mirai and Hatake Kakashi made their way to the center of the arena.

With a shrug, Mirai looked at Kakashi. "You've got some bad luck, Kakashi."

"No," Kakashi replied, gripping his short chakra blade, "I'd say I'm pretty lucky. Out of everyone here, you're the one I wanted to face most."

"Oh?" Mirai smiled, catching the fierce gleam in Kakashi's eye. "Then you'd better bring everything you've got. I don't like going easy on people."

"Don't worry." Kakashi smirked, his gaze steady. "I've mastered plenty of new jutsu lately—you'll be in for a surprise."

In the blink of an eye, Kakashi's form vanished, and a flash of cold steel slashed through Mirai's body.

Caw! Caw! Caw!

Mirai's figure dispersed into dozens of crows that fluttered in every direction.

"A crow clone?"

Kakashi's eyes scanned his surroundings, failing to locate Mirai. In response, he sprang high into the air. But as soon as he did, two arms shot up from the ground where he'd just stood.

"Not falling for the same trick twice," Kakashi muttered.

"Oh, really?"

Hearing the voice from behind, Kakashi whipped around to find Mirai standing right there.

Bam!

A swift elbow strike sent Kakashi crashing to the ground. Within seconds, Mirai's long blade was at his throat.

"Kakashi lost! It's over!"

"What just happened? The fight ended in the blink of an eye!"

"Unbelievable, I couldn't follow their movements at all."

"That's Mirai's true strength… To think even Kakashi was defeated so decisively."

"Yeah, it felt like they weren't even in the same league. Mirai finished the fight in seconds."

The crowd buzzed, shocked and awed. No one had expected this eagerly awaited match to end in such a swift and overwhelming victory for Mirai.

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