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Chapter 44: Ninja Talent
Chapter 44: Ninja Talent
"Excellent! Thank you to Contestant Number One for that impressive display of the Clone Technique. I give it an eight out of ten."
"And now, let's welcome our next contestant to the stage."
"Teacher Mu Yue, why are we watching this competition? It feels like a waste of time. I doubt even many official ninjas participate," Asuma said in confusion as he witnessed the clumsy clone technique performed by the contestant on stage.
Mu Yue smiled and replied, "Asuma, have you forgotten your battle with Shisui so easily? Never underestimate anyone."
Asuma fell silent, knowing that he would have been devastated after that battle if it weren't for Mu Yue's timely comfort.
"It's always beneficial to get to know the strengths of your peers in the village," Mu Yue added casually.
The main reason for his presence, however, was his concern that Obito might fall short of expectations; being there in person would put his mind at ease.
Asuma scanned the crowd and recognized some familiar faces.
"Even Kakashi is here. I hope he's not participating as well. That would be a bit unfair," Asuma remarked as he spotted Kakashi and his group.
Considering Kakashi a friend, Asuma was well aware of his extraordinary talents. Kakashi had graduated at the age of five and become a chunin at six, possessing terrifying natural gifts.
While others were still learning hand seals and practicing the Clone Technique, Kakashi had already begun mastering various ninja techniques and nature transformations.
And it wasn't just Kakashi; Asuma also spotted Shisui Uchiha, the one who had defeated him previously.
Asuma was actually looking forward to seeing Shisui and Kakashi face off; let the two prodigies have their fun.
"And now, let's welcome our next contestant, Ko Hijiri, to the stage!" The host enthusiastically called out the second contestant's name.
Ko Hijiri promptly made his way to the stage upon hearing his name.
"Good luck, Ko!" Kamizuki Izumo cheered for his close friend.
He himself felt that his training wasn't quite there yet, so he hadn't participated.
Anko Mitarashi, on the other hand, had an interest in joining, but she had other matters to attend to that day and couldn't make it to the competition.
"Contestant Ko Hijiri, what ninja technique would you like to perform for us?" The host asked with a bow.
"I will be performing the Confusion Technique that I developed with my friend!" Ko Hijiri said proudly.
Kamizuki Izumo, sitting in the audience, wore a smile of shared pride, as he had contributed to the development of this technique as well.
"You really can't underestimate the new generation," the host praised. "Despite his young age, Ko Hijiri has already begun developing new ninja techniques."
"If I may ask, how long have you been studying at the Ninja Academy, Ko Hijiri?" the host inquired.
"One year," Ko Hijiri replied honestly.
"Impressive!" The host was astonished. Students in their first year had likely been studying for no more than two months, and even mastering the Clone Technique within that time was considered commendable.
The audience, especially the second and third-year students, felt incredulous, wondering if they had wasted their time in school.
Mu Yue, however, already had a hunch about the technique Ko Hijiri was about to perform; she just wasn't sure how far along he was in perfecting it.
The host stepped back and announced, "Let's all enjoy Ko Hijiri's Confusion Technique!"
Ko Hijiri swiftly formed hand seals to manipulate his chakra. With a puff of white smoke, a chair taller than himself appeared on the stage.
Silence befell the audience.
Everyone stared at the tall chair next to Ko Hijiri with puzzled expressions, wondering what it was for.
The host, who had thought he would never be flustered by a ninja technique after hosting this competition for five years, was proven wrong that day. He stood motionless for a moment, unsure of how to proceed.
"Ahem, Ko Hijiri... About this technique of yours..." The host was at a loss for words.
"The Clone Technique is meant to confuse the enemy, right? My technique combines the Clone Technique with the Transformation Technique to achieve an even more effective deception.
"Because chairs are easy to transform. I haven't learned how to transform anything else yet," Steel Zitie honestly replied.
The audience burst into laughter, thinking they were about to witness a child prodigy, only to be presented with a bumbling fool.
"This kid is a real character."
A strange expression tugged at Asuma's lips. He had just been underestimating the abundance of prodigies, wondering if a first-year could develop a ninja technique and be the reincarnation of the Second Hokage. But in the blink of an eye, his expectations had flipped.
"Teacher Mu Yue, are all the Ninja Academy students like this these days?" Asuma couldn't help but quip.
Mu Yue was also at a loss for words. She had instructed him to start with chairs as a means of practice, but somehow, he had ended up only being able to transform chairs.
"Actually, in terms of mastery, it's quite impressive for a first-year student to have reached this level with the Clone and Transformation Techniques." Mu Yue offered an objective assessment, feeling a sense of pride for her student.
Hearing Mu Yue's words, Asuma realized his mistake. Steel Zitie was merely a first-year student and not yet a ninja. Given that context, his skill level was indeed remarkable.
"You're incredible, Teacher Mu Yue. You weren't fooled by appearances." Asuma felt a surge of superiority as he witnessed the mocking laughter around him.
Kamizuki Izumo fell silent after the initial burst of laughter. He felt relieved that he hadn't participated in the competition. With so many students from the same school present, news of his performance would surely spread, and his school life would become a living hell.
"Let's see the judges' scores. A total of twelve points. The concept behind the technique is actually quite interesting. If it were more refined, it could potentially score much higher," the host commented.
"I will continue to work hard and improve this technique with my good brothers, Kamizuki Izumo and Anko Mitarashi." Steel Zitie smiled and deliberately mentioned their full names.
"So, the other two geniuses are Kamizuki Izumo and Anko Mitarashi. I wonder if they're here today."
Hearing the whispers around him, Kamizuki Izumo's face turned ashen. If word of this got out, how would he ever find a girlfriend?
"And now, let's welcome Contestant Number Three, Uchiha Tekka, to the stage."
"Fireball Jutsu!"
Uchiha Tekka was a man of few words, and he immediately demonstrated his signature move, the Fireball Jutsu. With swift hand seals, he unleashed a blazing fireball taller than himself.
"Incredible! A young member of the Uchiha clan who hasn't even graduated yet has already mastered the powerful Fireball Jutsu!" The host exclaimed in awe.
"It's impressive for a genin to have mastered such a technique," one of the judges remarked, immediately awarding a high score.
The other judges nodded in agreement and gave high scores as well.
"Twenty-six points! Contestant Uchiha Tekka receives a high score of twenty-six and takes the lead!" The host announced excitedly.
With five years of hosting experience, he knew that a score of twenty-six was an easy first place, barring any exceptionally talented participants.
Uchiha Tekka descended from the stage, his expression indifferent. If it weren't for the 8,000 ryo, he wouldn't have bothered with this competition.
"What did you think of my Fireball Jutsu, Obito?" Uchiha Tekka asked.
"It's clear that you've been diligently practicing, Tekka," Obito replied. He had intended to meet up with Kakashi, but along the way, he had encountered Uchiha Tekka and his clan, so he joined them for the competition.
While Uchiha Tekka's Fireball Jutsu was decent, Obito didn't think it would be enough for first place. After all, he had witnessed Kakashi's Fireball Jutsu.
"And now, let's welcome Contestant Number Four, Uchiha Obito, to the stage."
(End of Chapter)
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