Chapter 36. Over In An Instant

Chapter 36 - 36. Over In An InstantEichiro continued announcing the rankings. As expected, the second place went to Kakashi Hatake. But Kakashi couldn't feel happy because he had fallen from first place. However, there was still a chance. The final rankings were determined by combining theory and practical results. As long as he secured first place in the practical exam, the overall ranking could still be undecided. Kakashi looked at Hanekawa, his expression calm and composed, as if he had anticipated this outcome all along. This feeling reminded Kakashi of his old self. He unconsciously clenched his fist. The practical exam wouldn't be so easy. Kurenai Yūhi ranked sixth, which was consistent with her usual performance. After hearing the rankings, Hanekawa shifted his focus to the system notifications. [E-Tier Talent Trait: Academic Ace (Acquired).] seaʀᴄh thё NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Trigger Condition: Rank first in theory for the first semester.] [Effect: +10% comprehension ability.] [Note: Achieving more first-place theory results can upgrade this trait to D-Tier, Academic Genius.] Comprehension ability? Hanekawa was briefly stunned. The effect was unexpected. But upon reflection, it might be very useful—like when learning advanced ninjutsu. --- "Last place goes to... Uchiha Obito," the teacher announced, shaking his head. Damn it! Obito's instincts had failed him. His face showed a mix of frustration and unwillingness. It wasn't just the pain of his own failure—it was the sting of watching his rivals succeed. First, it had been Kakashi. Now, it was Hanekawa. However, the two were different. Kakashi had zero interest in Rin, living by the philosophy that "women only get in the way of drawing my sword." Hanekawa, on the other hand, had a great relationship with Kurenai and didn't shy away from Rin's attention either. What a despicable... no, enviable... no, a complete scumbag! Obito instinctively glanced at Rin. "Obito." Rin noticed his gaze and comforted him gently, "Just try harder next time." She cares about me! Hearing her soft tone, Obito immediately forgot about Hanekawa and nodded enthusiastically. --- "The first semester has ended, and overall, the results are good—though some students need to adjust their attitudes," the teacher began his closing remarks. Rin found herself distracted. She was curious about how Hanekawa managed to improve so dramatically. Maybe I should ask him next time. "Alright, let's head to the field in order," the teacher clapped his hands and said. The students moved to the field to listen to Hiruzen Sarutobi's speech. It was a tradition for the Hokage to give a speech at both the opening and graduation ceremonies of the Ninja Academy. As both Hokage and the Academy's symbolic headmaster, Hiruzen took this opportunity to instill the Will of Fire in Konoha's future generations, hoping to nurture their growth. --- "Now, let me share six key points..." Hiruzen stood on the podium, smiling as he began. "What the heck is this!" Half an hour later, Asuma was on the verge of storming the stage to drag his father down. The old man is completely wasting my time! Hanekawa silently approved of the familial tension. Hiruzen was truly verbose, his speech flowing endlessly like a river. After another half-hour, the speech finally ended. The teacher sighed in relief. "Now, we'll begin the practical exam." --- "Teacher!" Asuma immediately raised his hand. "I want to challenge Hanekawa!" "No way!" Obito jumped up. "Hanekawa is my opponent!" "No, he's mine," Kakashi said coldly. Rin raised her hand but then put it down again. She wanted to tell them all to stop fighting, but she knew her friends too well—they weren't easily persuaded. The only surprise was that Kakashi, usually aloof, had taken the initiative to challenge Hanekawa. "Hey!" Obito couldn't hold back. "Kakashi, why are you getting in my way?" He couldn't recall any direct interaction between Kakashi and Hanekawa. The only explanation was rivalry. "You're not his match," Kakashi replied calmly, glancing at Obito. "What did you say?!" Uchiha Obito exploded with anger. "You're too impulsive. If you step in, you'll just embarrass yourself," Kakashi calmly analyzed. "You!" Obito completely lost his temper. "Then I'll defeat you first!" "Don't ignore me!" Sarutobi Asuma shouted loudly. Is Hanekawa really that popular? Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had just stepped off the podium, glanced at this chaotic scene and unconsciously stroked his beard. It reminded him of his three disciples in their youth—so full of energy. "Quiet!" The teacher, Eichiro, noticed Hiruzen's presence and quickly intervened. If the commotion continued, he might lose his job. However, the current situation was genuinely tricky to handle. A Hokage's son, a White Fang's son, and an Uchiha—he couldn't afford to offend any of them. "Hanekawa, what's your take on this?" Eichiro thought quickly and asked. I'm watching with my eyes, Hanekawa thought but only coughed lightly and said, "Since my three classmates are so eager, let them all come at once." "Huh?" Eichiro was stunned. Those three weren't just ordinary students! Especially Kakashi—he was a genius among geniuses. "Typical kids," Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled. After all, only kids would want it all; adults understood their limits. "You wicked little brat, Hanekawa! I'll show you..." Asuma, enraged by Hanekawa's arrogance, was about to make a move when Obito jumped in to claim the first spot. "In that case, I'll start with Obito," Hanekawa said indifferently. Eichiro hesitated for a moment before agreeing. Hanekawa casually pulled out two kunai. "Using kunai against a Uchiha? That's the dumbest move you could make!" Obito smirked in disdain, his face all but saying, How dare you show off your petty tricks in front of an expert? Hanekawa simply smiled. So cocky? Are you even good at fighting, little brat? Whoosh! Two kunai flew past Obito's face. He instinctively touched his cheek and felt blood. I haven't even moved yet—how did I get taken down in an instant? He froze on the spot, completely stunned. "Good control," Sakumo Hatake appeared in a flash, catching the two kunai mid-air and praising Hanekawa. Superhuman strength? No, it wasn't that. Hiruzen, as an expert in ninjutsu, could immediately tell there were no special techniques involved—just raw strength. This reminded him of Tsunade, the girl who used to climb walls with ease. No wonder she had been spending time with Hanekawa lately. "So fast!" Kakashi's inner alarms were blaring. His family's swordsmanship was renowned for its speed, yet he had barely reacted to those kunai. "Winner: Hanekawa," Eichiro announced, swallowing nervously. What kind of monster is this kid? The kunai throw alone was terrifying, and he was supposed to be a Chūnin. "Wait! I'm not done yet!" Obito snapped out of it, waving frantically at Eichiro. "Obito." Rin Nohara walked over, gently pulling him aside and taking out a bandage. "Let me patch you up." Her actions not only tended to his wound but also gave him a way to save face. She had already realized that Obito wasn't remotely a match for Hanekawa. (Oot: Do you guys know which novel in this site where the MC was transmigrated into a sect elder but he didn't have any power at all, and must went through everything by pretending? I remember he has Phoenix mount, but he was constantly scared of getting accidentally killed by it. The story is so good, but too bad I forget the title. Thanks) ______ Read 95 advanced Chapters. 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