Tactics? What tactics...?
Lock wanted to cry. He couldn't say a word to explain himself. Kakashi had gone and spun some elaborate story about Clone and Transformation Jutsu, when in reality Lock had just… vanished. He hadn't "formulated" anything like Kakashi claimed.
But Kakashi's reasoning had been so airtight, so confident, that everyone believed it. Even Lock himself almost felt like it was true.
Looking at Kakashi now, Lock could only admit—this kid wasn't just talented, he was terrifying. His analysis had been flawless. Even adults might not be able to piece together such a "plan," yet Kakashi did it on the spot.
Genius. Truly genius.
"Sharp," Lock muttered with an awkward smile, forcing himself to give Kakashi a thumbs-up. He felt ridiculous being praised so highly when he hadn't done a thing—but at least nobody knew the truth.
Kakashi narrowed his eyes, satisfied that he'd seen through Lock's "strategy." But in the back of his mind, a flicker of unease lingered. No... I shouldn't be happy. He came up with that tactic instantly, while it took me time to unravel it. He's even sharper than me…
If Lock knew what Kakashi was thinking, he would've coughed blood on the spot. A five-year-old comparing himself to an "adult"? What kind of insane world was this?
"But I'm not Obito," Kakashi said flatly, confidence filling his tone. "If you try the same trick on me, it won't work."
Lock twitched his lips. "Don't be so sure, Kakashi. Until we fight, who knows the result?"
Seeing the two already exchanging words before the fight, Yagyū-sensei didn't waste time.
"Begin!"
"Shh!"
Kakashi moved first. His body blurred, leaping back over ten meters, his eyes never leaving Lock. "I'll give you the chance to use your technique."
Lock froze. What the hell? This guy actually backed away on purpose—just to let me set up? Who does that?
"Sure enough," Lock thought bitterly, "the minds of geniuses don't work like normal people."
Still, there was something admirable about Kakashi. Arrogant, yes, but earnest. Lock almost felt bad tricking him like this. Almost.
The rest of the class stared with wide eyes, expectant. Even Lock, usually thick-skinned, felt the pressure. Everyone was waiting for him to repeat that supposed "strategy."
Fine then. Since everyone's asking for it…
"Clone Jutsu!"
Poof!
Smoke puffed, and two Locks appeared, both gripping shuriken.
Kakashi's eyes lit up. For once, someone in this class was making him feel real pressure.
Without hesitation, the two Locks raised their arms and hurled their weapons—two volleys, eight shuriken total, cutting through the air from every angle.
"Impressive…" Yagyū murmured as he watched. The throws were sharp, precise, and strong. Far above the level of most children. He was certain now—Lock had been hiding his skill all along.
Even Kakashi was impressed. As the White Fang's son, he knew good taijutsu when he saw it. Shurikenjutsu was no exception. Lock's form, strength, and accuracy weren't inferior to his own.
"Clang, clang, clang…"
Steel rang against steel as Kakashi counter-threw with his own shuriken. The weapons clashed midair, sparks flying. Kakashi's eyes traced every arc, every landing spot, and then he moved to a clear patch of ground, confident.
"All the shuriken have been intercepted. My position is safe. Even if you use Transformation again, you won't sneak up on me."
He was calm, certain he had solved the riddle.
"Careless, Kakashi…" Yagyū muttered under his breath.
"Konoha Secret Technique… Millennium Kill!"
With a bang! Lock appeared behind Kakashi in an instant, hands together, fingers pointed.
"What?!"
Kakashi's pupils shrank. His hand shot to the short blade at his hip, pulling it free and swinging behind him. But in the midst of his reflex, he realized—if he cut with the edge, he might actually hurt Lock. His hand twisted, redirecting the strike with the back of the blade instead.
"My ass!" Lock yelped, panicking as the weapon came dangerously close. He jerked back, withdrawing his fingers at the last second and kicking off with both feet, springing several meters away.
The crowd gasped, torn between shock and laughter. Kakashi's sharp counter, Lock's near miss—it was the most exciting match they'd ever seen.