Chapter 36: I Can Tell You're Not Human at a Glance
Eichiro continued to announce the rankings.
As expected, second place went to Kakashi Hatake.
But he wasn't happy, as he had fallen from first place.
However, there was still a chance.
The final exam rank was based on both theory and practical performance.
If he got first place in the practical exam, the final overall ranking was still uncertain.
Kakashi Hatake looked at Hoshikawa with a blank expression.
Hoshikawa's expression was calm, as if he had already expected it.
Wasn't this the exact feeling he used to give others?
Kakashi Hatake instinctively clenched his fist. The practical exam wouldn't be so simple.
Kurenai Yūhi was in sixth place, which was her normal performance.
After hearing this, Hoshikawa's attention shifted to the talent entry system.
[E-rank Talent Entry: Top Student (Acquired).]
[Trigger Condition: First place in first semester theory classes.]
[Effect: Comprehension increased by 10%.]
[Note: Getting first place in more theory classes can be used to evolve into D-rank entry 'Academic Prodigy'.]
Comprehension?
Hoshikawa was taken aback; this effect was a bit unexpected.
But on second thought, it might be very useful.
For example, when learning difficult ninjutsu.
"Last place, Obito Uchiha," Eichiro said, shaking his head.
Damn it!
His feeling was wrong again!
Obito Uchiha's face was filled with frustration.
His own failure was depressing, but his rival's success was even more heartbreaking.
First it was Kakashi Hatake, and now it was Hoshikawa.
However, the situations with the two were different.
Kakashi Hatake had absolutely no interest in Rin Nohara, living by the motto that "women only hinder me from drawing my sword."
Hoshikawa, on the other hand, not only had a great relationship with Kurenai Yūhi but also didn't reject Rin Nohara.
He was so enviable... Ptooey, a womanizer!
Obito Uchiha subconsciously looked at Rin Nohara.
"Obito," Rin Nohara noticed his gaze and said comfortingly, "Try harder next time."
She cares about me!
Hearing her gentle voice, Obito Uchiha immediately forgot about Hoshikawa and nodded excitedly.
"The first semester has ended, and everyone did well, but some students need to improve their attitude," Eichiro began his concluding speech.
Rin Nohara listened, lost in thought.
She was very curious about how Hoshikawa studied.
Perhaps she could ask him sometime.
"Alright, now, in order, head to the training grounds," Eichiro said, clapping his hands.
Going to the training grounds was to listen to Hiruzen Sarutobi's speech.
This was a tradition at the Ninja Academy for both the opening and graduation ceremonies.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was both the Hokage and the nominal Headmaster, so he had to give a speech.
He was also willing to instill the Will of Fire in these future ninjas of Konoha to help them grow strong.
"Now, I'd like to say six things..." Hiruzen Sarutobi stood on the platform, a smile on his face.
"What's the big idea?!" Half an hour later, Asuma Sarutobi was so anxious he wanted to go up and pull him down.
This old geezer was a complete waste of his time!
Hoshikawa expressed his support for this father-son conflict.
He was really talkative, a master orator.
Another half an hour passed, and Hiruzen Sarutobi's speech finally ended.
Eichiro let out a sigh of relief and said, "Now, let's begin the practical exam."
"Teacher!" Asuma Sarutobi immediately raised his hand. "I want to challenge Hoshikawa."
"No!" Obito Uchiha quickly said. "Hoshikawa is my opponent!"
"He's mine," Kakashi Hatake said out of the blue.
Rin Nohara raised her hand, then put it down.
She really wanted to say, don't fight!
But she knew her two friends were not easily persuaded.
The only thing that surprised her was that the arrogant Kakashi Hatake would also take the initiative to challenge Hoshikawa.
"Hey!" Obito Uchiha couldn't help but ask, "Kakashi, what are you doing trying to steal my thunder?"
He didn't remember Kakashi Hatake having any interaction with Hoshikawa.
The only explanation was that he wanted to compete with him.
"You're no match for him," Kakashi Hatake said, looking at him.
"What did you say?!" Obito Uchiha was furious.
"You're too impulsive. You'll only get yourself hurt if you go up there," Kakashi Hatake said, analyzing him.
"You!" Obito Uchiha completely lost his composure. "Then I'll beat you first!"
"Don't ignore me, you two!" Asuma Sarutobi shouted.
Is Hoshikawa that popular?
Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had just come down from the platform, looked at this strange love triangle and instinctively stroked his beard.
He thought of his three students, who were also so full of energy when they were young.
"Quiet!" Eichiro noticed Hiruzen Sarutobi and quickly said.
If he let them continue arguing, he might just get fired.
But the current situation was indeed difficult to handle.
One was the Hokage's son, one was the White Fang's son, and another was an Uchiha.
He couldn't afford to offend any of them.
"Hoshikawa, what do you think?" Eichiro asked, having a flash of inspiration.
I think with my eyes.
Hoshikawa cleared his throat and said, "Since all three of you are so enthusiastic, let's all go."
"Huh?" Eichiro was dumbfounded.
Those three weren't just ordinary students!
Especially Kakashi Hatake, who was a genius among geniuses.
"He's just a kid," Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but laugh.
After all, only kids would want everything; adults knew their bodies couldn't handle it.
"You evil Hoshikawa brat, I'll just..." Asuma Sarutobi was enraged by Hoshikawa's arrogance and was about to make a move when he saw Obito Uchiha had already taken the spot.
"Then let's start with Obito," Hoshikawa said nonchalantly.
Eichiro hesitated for a few seconds before agreeing.
Hoshikawa casually took out two kunai.
"Using kunai against an Uchiha is the most foolish thing you can do!" Obito Uchiha sneered, his face filled with disdain, just short of saying, "A novice's trick, how dare you show off?"
Hoshikawa just smiled.
So arrogant? Are you very good at fighting? You little weakling.
Whoosh!
Two kunai grazed past Obito Uchiha's face.
He instinctively touched it, and there was blood on his finger.
I haven't even started, and I've already been taken down?
He froze in place.
"Good power," Sakumo Hatake said with praise, his body flashing as he caught the two kunai.
Monstrous strength?
No, it wasn't.
As the Professor of Ninjutsu, Hiruzen Sarutobi naturally knew about monstrous strength.
This didn't use any technique; it was just pure brute force.
He couldn't help but think of the wall-climbing Tsunade from his youth.
No wonder she and Hoshikawa had been spending so much time together lately.
"So fast!" Kakashi Hatake's internal alarm bells were ringing.
Their clan's swordsmanship was known for its speed, but he had almost not reacted to those two kunai.
"Winner, Hoshikawa," Eichiro said, swallowing hard.
You bold demon, I can tell you're not human with one look!
The level of his kunai skills felt even more terrifying than his own.
And he was a Chunin.
"Wait! I haven't..." Obito Uchiha reacted and quickly waved at Eichiro.
"Obito," Rin Nohara walked up and pulled him away, taking out a bandage. "Let me patch you up."
It was both to patch him up and to give him a way out.
She had already seen that Obito Uchiha was no match for Hoshikawa.
....
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