38. I Am the Hokage

The crowd watching let out a collective gasp.

Since their enrollment, Kakashi Hatake had been an undefeated presence. This was the first time they saw him falter.

Obito Uchiha rubbed his eyes, hardly believing what he was seeing.

Rin Nohara clasped her fingers tightly, looking visibly tense.

The battle continued.

Taking advantage of Kakashi Hatake's unstable stance, Hanekawa shot forward like an arrow leaving the bow.

The samurai sword in his hand was raised high before it came slashing down.

Danger!

Kakashi Hatake dared not block it head-on. He rolled on the ground awkwardly, then quickly reversed his short sword to slash at Hanekawa's thigh.

A gust of wind swept past.

Hanekawa summoned his chakra and leapt into the air.

In midair, she spun her right leg around, striking Kakashi Hatake square in the chest.

Bang!

His body was sent rolling backward.

Hanekawa landed without a moment's hesitation, his samurai sword swinging toward him.

Gasps rang out again.

Kakashi Hatake narrowly dodged the sword.

The blade struck the ground, leaving a deep gash.

Kakashi Hatake had no time to catch his breath before another flash of steel lit up before him.

He quickly raised his short sword, blocking the samurai sword with precision.

"Ah!"

Kakashi Hatake gripped his sword with both hands, letting out a roar as he resisted the immense force.

But he knew this wasn't sustainable.

After only half a second, he suddenly let go. His short sword was flung away.

Caught off guard, Hanekawa stumbled forward.

Kakashi Hatake leapt up, drawing a kunai from his waist and stabbing toward him, aiming to strike a critical blow.

"Hanekawa!"

Kurenai Yuhi cried out instinctively.

"I won!"

Obito Uchiha cheered inwardly.

Naturally, he hoped Kakashi Hatake would win.

If Hanekawa came in first, it would pose too much of a threat to him. He couldn't bear to watch Rin Nohara being drawn to someone else.

Asuma Sarutobi shuddered in astonishment.

How are both of these guys so strong?

Kakashi Hatake was understandable—his father was the legendary White Fang, Sakumo Hatake.

But Hanekawa?

---

A kidney strike!

Hanekawa felt a jolt in her heart. It was too late to adjust his body.

He made a snap decision. His right hand twisted, and she hurled her samurai sword like a ninja tool.

What?!

Kakashi Hatake had no choice but to turn and use his kunai to block the incoming sword.

In that instant, his pupils shrank.

Hanekawa, using astonishing core strength, spun his body and caught the samurai sword mid-air.

Under her control, the blade sparked against the kunai, followed by a crescent slash aimed at Kakashi Hatake's torso.

Clang!

Kakashi Hatake drew another kunai with his left hand, narrowly deflecting the strike.

Hanekawa pressed his sword downward, forcing him to hold off his blade with both kunai. Then, with his left hand, he threw a punch.

Kakashi Hatake could only watch as the fist closed in, ultimately meeting his face mask with a forceful impact.

The strength, far beyond his peers, left his cheek swollen as he fell backward.

Hanekawa took a step forward, pointing his sword at him and pinning him down.

The training field fell silent.

"Is that Konoha-style swordsmanship?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi stroked his beard, visibly surprised.

Hanekawa's proficiency was beyond his expectations.

More importantly, his genjutsu and skill with ninja tools were equally remarkable.

To achieve this level in under a year was nothing short of astonishing.

"That's a fine blade!"

Sakumo Hatake's eyes lit up. "Kakashi's defeat wasn't undeserved."

But this wasn't to say the Hatake swordsmanship was inferior.

If both were equally skilled, Konoha-style swordsmanship might not even have a chance to parry.

"Well done!"

Shinku Yuhi, usually stoic, couldn't help but praise.

He truly hadn't expected Hanekawa to defeat Kakashi Hatake.

After all, the genius reputation of this individual was renowned even among the Jōnin.

The only thing that troubled him was that Hanekawa used Konoha-style swordsmanship instead of ninjutsu.

Obito Uchiha took two steps back.

How could this happen?

The invincible Kakashi was defeated?

Why was he so useless today?

"Yay!"

Kurenai Yuhi cheered excitedly.

Rin Nohara exhaled slowly as she gazed at Hanekawa.

It all felt surreal, and her perception of him was subtly beginning to shift.

"Ah! Hanekawa-kun!"

The next second, many girls screamed in excitement.

Strong and handsome, Hanekawa had instantly won them over, skyrocketing his popularity to its peak.

"The winner: Hanekawa!"

After a long pause, Eichirō finally announced.

Oh my gosh!

Comparisons are truly disheartening.

Is this the world of geniuses?

But on second thought, this was his opportunity.

Teaching such a student would undoubtedly lead to promotions, raises, marrying a beautiful wife, and reaching the pinnacle of life.

"Are you okay?"

Hanekawa approached and extended a hand.

"..."

Kakashi Hatake silently grabbed his arm and stood up.

He had considered the possibility of losing, but not like this—not to swordsmanship.

Losing in the art of the Hatake sword style, which he prided himself on, left him with no room for excuses.

Hanekawa's thoughts stirred, and a new entry appeared in his system.

[E-Rank Talent Entry: Thunderbolt Sword.]

Trigger Condition: Defeat a young Kakashi Hatake.

Effect: Enhances Lightning Release and swordsmanship talents by 10% based on their original levels.

Hanekawa was a bit surprised.

Dual effects?

As expected of Kakashi.

"What a spectacular duel," Hiruzen Sarutobi remarked. "The future of Konoha lies in their hands."

What comforted him most was Hanekawa's attitude after the battle.

Not arrogant or overbearing, he perfectly embodied the principle of putting the match second.

The practical exams continued.

The remaining matches paled in comparison, feeling like weaklings fighting amongst themselves.

After watching for a while, Hiruzen Sarutobi left the training field.

---

"Lord Hokage."

An ANBU ninja appeared outside the Hokage's office. "Lord Danzo is waiting inside for you."

"Danzo? What does he want?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered as he pushed open the door.

Hearing footsteps, Danzo Shimura reluctantly stood up from the Hokage's chair.

"What do you want?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi walked to the Hokage's chair and sat down.

He could feel the lingering warmth from where Danzo had been sitting and was left speechless.

Oh, my old friend, I'm going to kick your butt for this!

"Give Hanekawa to me!" Danzo said directly. "Shinku Yuhi cannot properly develop his potential!"

"Under my guidance, he will surely become a sharp blade for Konoha!"

Danzo's insistence came after hearing about Hanekawa defeating Kakashi Hatake.

Kakashi was a genius Danzo coveted, but his father, Sakumo Hatake, was untouchable, so he had to let that go.

Hanekawa was different. With no powerful background, all Danzo needed was to convince Hiruzen.

"I don't want a sharp blade," Hiruzen Sarutobi replied, shaking his head. "I want Konoha's future."

"You're too naive!" Danzo retorted firmly. "Emotions only hinder a ninja!"

"Enough talk."

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at him sharply. "If there's nothing else, don't interrupt my work."

"You'll regret this, Hiruzen!" Danzo's face darkened as he stormed out angrily.

"I am the Hokage," Hiruzen Sarutobi said calmly.

Bang!

Danzo slammed the door as he left.

---

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