Looking at Hatake Sakumo's insincere smile, Gekko Chizan felt like punching him.
This old man really was aiming at him.
Watching the looks from the group below, Gekko Chizan could only let out a few honest words.
"Ah, I told you and you didn't believe me."
"Then let me tell you about my conduct on the battlefield."
"As a ninja I have one principle, which is when you meet the stronger—"
Before Gekko Chizan finished, a brat below cut him off.
"Become stronger when faced with strength!"
Everyone who heard that nodded; to them the line was correct.
But Gekko Chizan just chuckled and shook his head with a smile.
"That's wrong. 'Become stronger when faced with strength' is wishful thinking."
"When the gap in strength is obvious, or when you're deep inside the enemy's encirclement, there's one word to live by!"
"Teacher, that's two words."
Gekko Chizan: .....
"I said one word is one word, just remember it."
"You see a group of enemies and still charge in; if you die, what's the point of fighting?"
"So, everyone, life is the most important thing."
Those words silenced everyone. Hatake Sakumo's mouth twitched...
He felt Gekko Chizan's words had an implication.
He had retired years ago because of choices between missions and the lives of teammates.
That bastard Chizan was definitely pointing at him.
"Alright, listen to Teacher Chizan's words, but how to act is up to each of you."
"Don't just blindly follow someone else's path."
Hatake Sakumo's sudden words cut through everyone's thoughts; he glared at Gekko Chizan.
Then he continued:
"There are no other lessons today. To help everyone learn better, I've decided to hold an exhibition match."
The phrase "exhibition match" left Gekko Chizan speechless.
Great, this old man didn't even bother to hide it — he's clearly out to get him.
Gekko Chizan was utterly dumbfounded, but what could he do?
Hatake Sakumo was the headmaster; in the school he was the highest authority.
And his words stood on the high ground. Looking at the expectant faces of the students below, if he refused it would be truly disrespectful.
"Exhibition match? Fine, since it's a match, let's have it."
"I just wonder who the principal plans to pit against who?"
A smug smile appeared on Hatake Sakumo's face; then he stood satisfied before the stands.
"Since it's an exhibition, everyone should see it clearly."
"So, after my decision, this is the plan."
"Teacher Gekko Chizan, as the village's rising star, you must come onstage."
"In that case, I, Pakura, and Teacher Chen will fight against Teacher Chizan together."
"With absolute power clashing, let everyone feel the pinnacle of ninjas."
Gekko Chizan: ..... Me! @#%#!@%!#...!
You're ruthless! Fine if it's just you, but you even dragged Chen in?
Chen is one thing, but you even called Pakura???
Pakura and Chen, who were watching from the stands, were both stunned, but before they could react—
Both students and teachers began to shout excitedly.
"Go Pakura-sensei!"
"Pakura-sensei is the best! Go and stomp Chizan-sensei!"
"If he dares fight back, don't let him into the house tonight!"
Some bastard's shout drew both Pakura's and Gekko Chizan's gazes.
Hm, he's a teacher — noted!
Chen, though surprised, quickly reacted.
What on earth had this Chizan done to Hatake Sakumo?
He even included him; looks like he really pissed him off.
And Pakura — tsk tsk, Chizan was in trouble.
"To ensure everyone's safety, in this spar we won't use overly exaggerated or high-power ninjutsu."
"Taijutsu, swordsmanship and some basic ninjutsu use will be the key."
"Is that okay, Teacher Chizan?"
Gekko Chizan: ..... Damn... you're targeting me.
Not letting me use high-power ninjutsu? You could've just named it and said don't use Crystal Release and summoning technique, right?
And taijutsu and swordsmanship?
Hatake Sakumo was a samurai by background; his swordsmanship was superb — one cut and man and ghost perish.
Chen, the village taijutsu master, had two new disciples, one called Might Duy and one called Might Guy!
Basic ninjutsu... his own wife Pakura.
Lightweight Fire Release techniques at the ready.
Damn, this bastard Hatake Sakumo really wanted revenge.
"Teacher Chizan? Why aren't you speaking?"
"Don't worry, I believe Pakura-sensei will be fair and impartial; she won't go easy on you just because you're married to her."
"This match will be completely fair and just."
What a claim of fairness — Gekko Chizan's eyes nearly popped out.
Pakura heard Hatake Sakumo's words and helplessly shook her head; with so many people watching, even if she wanted to go easy it wouldn't be easy to do.
Chen stretched and walked up to the platform.
Behind his sunglasses, his eyes flashed with determination; it seemed he was very eager.
"Hmph hmph hmph, little brat Chizan, this old man is still vigorous. I hope we can put on a good show."
Gekko Chizan: .... This old man also holds grudges!
Hatake Sakumo smiled as he took off his principal robe, revealing a fitted battle outfit underneath, a short blade "White Fang" hanging at his back.
"Prepare, Teacher Chizan."
"Pakura-sensei."
Hearing Hatake Sakumo's call, Pakura leapt onto the platform.
The others quickly dispersed around.
The large stands instantly became an arena.
"Hmph hmph, good plan."
"Heh heh heh, Teacher Chizan, you're joking. I heard your Crystal Release defense is outstanding."
"Can you make a slightly bigger stage? This stand is too small; it's inconvenient for us to demonstrate."
Gekko Chizan's mouth twitched.
Alright, this bastard is indeed thorough in his calculations, step by step.
Fight — if he doesn't make Hatake Sakumo suffer today, he's not Gekko Chizan.
"No problem, I also think this stand is a bit small."
"Crystal Release, Crystal Creation."
Gekko Chizan casually tossed four crystals around, and the crystals began to spread toward the sky.
Soon a crystal-made platform appeared before them.
The moment the platform was complete, the four of them leapt onto the high stage.
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