Chapter 23. Duel

Chapter 23 - 23. DuelHanekawa didn't linger and left the Konoha Knowledge Bookstore right away. There was nothing more he needed to handle; Tsuchibashi would take care of the rest. He just wondered which writer Tsuchibashi would hire as a ghostwriter. He thought of Jiraiya, but that was unlikely—hiring a ghostwriter wouldn't reflect well if it got out. Hanekawa headed to the Fourth Training Ground, picked up a wooden sword, and began practicing the Konoha-style sword technique. An hour later, he finished his training and started walking toward the Ninja Academy. Before long, Hanekawa spotted Asuma Sarutobi. seaʀᴄh thё nôvel_Fire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Leaning against a tree with his hands in his pockets, Asuma gazed at the sky at a 45-degree angle, exuding an air of invincibility. "You're here." Asuma turned his head and said. Hanekawa tugged at the corner of his mouth. What was he supposed to say to that? You weren't supposed to come? Do you think this is a samurai drama? "I'm here to remind you not to forget about the practical combat class this afternoon." A gleam of eagerness flashed in Asuma's eyes. He could hardly wait to defeat Hanekawa and win back Kurenai Yuhi's heart. "I know." Hanekawa nodded slightly. "Good." Asuma suddenly turned his back to him and said, "I hope you'll make it worth my while." With a dramatic flick of his head, he strode off. Hanekawa paid no attention to this small episode. He headed to the classroom, greeted Shizune, and started studying. "Class, please take out your Will of Fire books," said Eichiro, smiling as he stood at the podium. "Who can tell me what the Will of Fire represents?" Many students eagerly raised their hands. "Obito, you answer." Eichiro scanned the room and called out a name. "Where the leaves dance, the fire burns eternal. The flames will continue to illuminate the village and cause new leaves to sprout!" Obito Uchiha recited in one breath. "Not bad." Eichiro opened the book and said, "Today, we'll discuss the new leaves—the future of Konoha Village, which is all of you." Hanekawa, however, tuned it out and continued solving math problems. The workbook under his pen seemed to come alive, and by the end of the morning, it was filled with answers. The afternoon was dedicated to the practical combat class. For first-year students, the combat lessons were laughably basic—essentially weaklings pecking at each other. Since they hadn't yet learned the Three Basic Techniques, they could only practice taijutsu and weapon throwing. The Three Basic Techniques wouldn't be taught until the second semester. Although they were considered the most fundamental ninja skills, many students needed six years to master them. "Kakashi, I challenge you!" As soon as class began, Obito Uchiha couldn't wait to shout. On normal days, sparring depended entirely on Kakashi Hatake's mood. Most of the time, Obito couldn't get a match, leaving him seething in frustration. But during practical combat class, Kakashi couldn't easily refuse. "..." Asuma Sarutobi was a second too late, swallowing his challenge, leaving him simmering with frustration. The sight of Hanekawa chatting and laughing with Kurenai Yuhi only made it worse. "Kakashi," said Eichiro with a smile, "why don't you demonstrate for your classmates?" Kakashi walked to the center of the field with a calm expression. "Obito, be careful," Nohara Rin said helplessly. "Don't worry!" Obito patted his chest confidently. "I'll hold back!" Rin was momentarily at a loss for words. He kept losing every match—where did he get the confidence? Obito stepped to face Kakashi, forming the Seal of Confrontation. As soon as the seal was formed, he charged forward. Kakashi remained still and threw a single punch. Uchiha Obito lunged low, sliding forward to attack Kakashi Hatake's legs. But Kakashi was faster. Body Flicker Technique! In an instant, he sprang forward, appearing behind Obito and delivering a swift kick. Bang! Obito spun away like a toppled spinning top and collapsed on the ground, unable to get up. "Winner: Kakashi Hatake," Eichiro announced, unsurprised. Cheers erupted around them. Kakashi, with his strength and cool demeanor, was incredibly popular in the class. Although Hanekawa was starting to catch up, he was still second place, falling just short of the critical step to surpass Kakashi. "Obito, are you okay?" Nohara Rin hurried over and asked. "I'm fine!" Obito stood up and said, "I wasn't in top form today. Next time, I'll win!" "..." Rin swallowed her comforting words. She sighed resignedly "Does anyone else want to challenge? If not, we'll continue with the lesson," Eichiro asked. "I challenge Hanekawa." Sarutobi Asuma raised his hand. All eyes shifted from Kakashi to Asuma. Asuma, the Hokage's son, had previously lost to Hanekawa. This was a grudge match. The class buzzed with curiosity, their hearts aflame with gossip. "Hanekawa," Asuma walked to the center of the field and said with a snort, "the same genjutsu won't work on me this time!" Hanekawa ignored him and casually formed the Seal of Confrontation. As soon as the seal was made, the spar began. Asuma immediately diverted his gaze, focusing on the ground. Most genjutsu targeted vision. The simplest way to counter it was to avoid looking into the opponent's eyes. Using his peripheral vision and sound to locate Hanekawa, he was slightly disadvantaged but still capable. Especially since Asuma had undergone special training over the past two weeks. The sound of something cutting through the air broke the silence. Kunai! Asuma twisted his body and dodged flawlessly. Two kunai struck the ground on either side of him. Glancing at them, a smug smile spread across his face. His two weeks of sweat and effort had paid off. Now the tides had turned! Asuma quickly formed hand signs, keeping his gaze on Hanekawa's feet. Wind Release: Gale Palm! A gust of wind surged from his palms. But in the next instant, the kunai on the ground sprang up like carp leaping out of water. What's going on? Had the kunai come to life? Asuma instinctively turned his head and froze, eyes wide like saucers. Threads. Barely visible strings attached to the kunai were now crossing each other, entangling him under Hanekawa's control. Asuma stumbled and fell face-first into the dirt. No! If I go down here, my pride is over! Quickly regaining his composure, Asuma suppressed the pain and scrambled to his feet. But waiting for him was another kunai. "I..." Asuma's face turned bright red with frustration. You're not playing by the rules! A genjutsu user relying on kunai like an Uchiha? This is outrageous! But a loss was a loss. In front of so many classmates, Asuma couldn't shamelessly make excuses like Obito. "Winner: Hanekawa," Eichiro announced, breaking Asuma's hesitation. Asuma sighed in relief, but frustration followed immediately. Two weeks of special training had been completely wasted—who could endure that? [E-rank talent trait 'Swift Gale' upgraded.] [Wind Release proficiency increased by 30%.] Seeing the two glowing lines appear before him, Hanekawa couldn't help but feel elated. _____ /rashta For advanced Chapters