A small episode did not affect Kazuki's speed in arriving at the examination room.
He and Sasuke walked out of the tunnel from both sides at almost the same time, taking the same number of steps and stopping on both sides of Gekko Hayate with the same power.
Gekko Hayate glanced at Kazuki with concern. After all, they were from the same clan, and he had taught Kazuki swordsmanship when he was young.
He still remembered that back then, Gekko Kazuki had been terrible at swordsmanship and a complete failure.
Later, for some unknown reason, he started learning everything quickly, becoming the envy and admiration of everyone.
In the past, he was a role model for the younger generation of the Gekko Clan and a genius valued by the older generation.
But since Kazuki went to the Ninja Academy, all his light was stolen.
Still, Gekko Hayate held no grudges against Kazuki because he never cared about those so-called lights.
People live for themselves, not for the approval of others.
"No killing is allowed during the competition. When one side loses combat effectiveness or surrenders, the competition ends. Do you understand?" Gekko Hayate reiterated the rules and asked.
"Um."
"Um."
Both of them responded to Gekko Hayate indifferently. If not for their different faces, Gekko Hayate might have thought that he was looking at a person and their shadow clone!
"Then the competition begins!"
As soon as the words left his mouth, Gekko Hayate was about to retreat when two figures instantly appeared in front of him, clashing with each other.
Is this a genin?
Gekko Hayate was sweating profusely and quickly retreated, fearing that he would get caught up in the fight between the two.
At the start, Sasuke and Kazuki didn't use ninjutsu or swordsmanship but pure taijutsu.
They were punching and kicking, their swift figures flashing through every corner of the arena!
Everyone could hardly believe their eyes as they watched this intense battle.
Is this the speed humans can achieve?
Rock Lee, who had recovered from his injuries, looked at the flickering figures of the two, feeling a sense of reluctance rise within him.
It turns out Sasuke hadn't even used his full strength in their fight!
From the seventh team's position,
Sakura clenched her fists tightly.
"When will I ever catch up to them? I'm so far behind…"
Even Kakashi, his expression hidden beneath his mask, couldn't hide his shock.
Is this my subordinate?
Why do I feel like I am no match for them?
Guy, standing beside him with a stunned expression, said to Kakashi, "Kakashi, are you sure these are your students from this year's class?"
Kakashi was silent for a moment before nodding slightly. "Yeah."
Guy looked incredulous. "Kakashi, I never thought there could be someone more talented than you in this world."
Kakashi remained indifferent;
Genius?
Am I a genius?
Compared to them, I'm just ordinary!
Over in the Sunagakure section,
Baki felt somewhat relieved that Gaara hadn't had to face either of these two.
The speed of these two is beyond what even I can follow, let alone Gaara!
"Gaara," he said.
Gaara didn't respond, merely glancing at him.
"In the future, you should pay more attention to your physical training. Speed, strength, and defense are just as important."
Before, he hadn't cared much about Gaara's training because he was well aware of how terrifying Gaara's strength was.
But after witnessing the two monsters from Konoha today, he realized just how shallow his knowledge had been.
Even Gaara's genius seemed insignificant compared to these two!
Though Gaara said nothing to Baki, the blood trickling from his palms betrayed his inner turmoil.
'Am I scared? Why am I afraid?'
Gaara questioned himself, but no answer came.
Temari looked on, filled with regret.
Why aren't these two from Sunagakure?
Since she was a child, she had never been drawn to anyone, but now she would willingly marry either of them!
In the audience, Kamon Kaieiro, seated in the corner, watched Kazuki showcase his abilities with growing fear.
At first, he had been furious over the defeat of his subordinates, thinking he could eventually suppress Kazuki and the Gekko Clan.
But after witnessing Kazuki's performance, he began to worry for his own safety.
"Prepare ten thousand ryo and send it to the Gekko Clan afterward. I'll go apologize in person!"
"Ah? Yes, Master Kaieiro!"
Kamon Kaieiro was not an ignorant wealthy merchant. Although he looked down on ninja, believing them to be nothing more than mercenaries, he was well aware of the danger that came from offending a powerful ninja.
He could afford to hire many genin, chunin, and even jonin.
But as for Kage-level… that might be out of his reach.
Ninja of that caliber were far too strong and proud to be swayed by money, much less those who were tasked with guarding lives.
He couldn't afford to offend a terrifying ninja like Kazuki, a genius who was already showing jonin-level strength at such a young age, with Kage-level potential!
Maybe Kazuki will be the next Hokage!
Many of the wealthy merchants and nobles watching were just as shocked as Kamon. They weren't ninja, and they weren't from Konoha, so they still believed Uchiha would win the match.
No matter the time, the legacy of the Uchiha was enough for them to place their faith.
But today, the name Kazuki of the Gekko Clan entered their minds!
The Gekko Clan had officially entered the awareness of Konoha's nobles and wealthy merchants!
Kazuki, a genius with the potential to reach Kage-level! The young leader of the Gekko Clan!
"Konoha is truly able to cultivate such talent. Even in decline, they are a force to be reckoned with. Perhaps it's wise to order more missions from Konoha in the future."
"Yes, indeed. Konoha ninja have always been reliable."
"With these two geniuses, it seems Konoha will remain strong for decades, and business with the Land of Fire will be stable."
"Yes, but who will win this match? My money is on Uchiha."
"Isn't everyone's?"
In the heart of the audience,
Orochimaru, disguised as the Fourth Kazekage, was not surprised by the battle between the two. He was already aware of their strengths, especially Kazuki.
The strength he's displaying now is just the tip of the iceberg. If he were to go all out, he might kill Sasuke in a single move.
What intrigued him more was whether Sasuke would use the ninjutsu he had taught him, whether he would resort to the Curse Mark when faced with defeat.
And, would Kazuki be injured or pushed to the limit by a Curse Mark-enhanced Sasuke? Would he be tempted by the power of the Curse Mark?
Orochimaru hadn't given up his desire for Kazuki's body, but this time, he was taking a more patient approach.
After all, with Kazuki's strength, brute force would never succeed.
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The fanfic is finished on p@treon/tambeerg