Bang! Snap!
A sharp thwack echoed from the target as the kunai pierced clean through the bullseye and embedded itself into the wall behind it.
It all happened in the blink of an eye—after Kaito finished his throw.
Only two more sounds followed from the other two targets.
Bang! Bang!
Kaito turned away, unfazed by the stunned expressions of his classmates, and calmly walked toward where Ino and the others stood.
"This! This—did I just imagine that?!"
"No way! That's impossible!"
"Did my eyes deceive me?"
"Tch… What kind of insane luck is that?"
After a short pause, the entire ninja class erupted in disbelief.
Iruka stood frozen. As a Chūnin, his vision and insight were far beyond those of six-year-olds. Precision was one thing, but the sheer force behind the throw?
The kunai had not only pierced the target but continued into the wall behind it.
Even most Genin wouldn't have that kind of strength—it was closer to a Chūnin's level.
Was this really his student? The same Ayanami Kaito who constantly fed him headaches and barely scraped by on exams with Naruto?
Iruka's thoughts raced, but he composed himself and announced the result: "100, 70, 70."
He didn't even bother acknowledging those who muttered about cheating.
In the distance, Sasuke Uchiha—widely known for his talent—heard the result and a flicker of surprise crossed his face.
He looked toward Kaito and smirked.
"Hiding your strength, huh? Interesting. Don't disappoint me in the sparring match."
"Wow! Wow... You actually got full marks!" Ino practically bounced with excitement as she grabbed Kaito's arm like it was her own achievement.
"Kaito, congratulations!" Hinata shyly walked up with a gentle smile.
"It's just a small test, but thanks for the support, Hinata."
"And what about me? I've been cheering for you too!"
"Haha, of course. Thank you too, Ino."
Just as Kaito finished speaking, Shikamaru strolled over.
"You really caught everyone off guard."
"What can I say? Gotta keep life interesting somehow," Kaito replied with a grin.
"Hmm, well keep your eyes on him," Shikamaru said, nodding toward Uchiha Sasuke in the distance.
"Don't worry. I'm ready."
Kaito glanced at Sasuke, who stood with a fiery determination in his eyes.
"That's good," Shikamaru replied calmly.
Meanwhile,
"Danzo, the bait is set. Let's see what moves you make. I'm ready to see some blood."
Kaito had revealed a portion of his strength for two reasons.
First, he had grown powerful enough—easily at the level of a Kage. Even if he were somehow overwhelmed, escaping would be no problem.
Second, most of the village's attention—especially that of Danzo and Hiruzen Sarutobi—was currently focused on the Uchiha clan.
Hiruzen wouldn't take action. He'd simply welcome the sudden appearance of a "genius," but wouldn't interfere.
Since the time of the Sannin's departure and the Nine-Tails attack, talented individuals had started to appear in the new generation—but mostly from the Uchiha clan.
Take Itachi and Shisui, for example. Hiruzen knew he couldn't fully rely on them, especially with the Uchiha's growing discontent and the genocide looming.
Outside of them, the only noteworthy shinobi were Kakashi and Might Guy. And while Guy could open the Eight Gates, they were still elite Jōnin—not Kage-level.
So, who would most want a new prodigy to rise from the academy? Hiruzen.
But for Danzo, it was a different story. He was like a vulture—wanting to control anything valuable. If he couldn't, he'd destroy it.
Kaito had reached the level of a shadow, but there was one thing missing—blood.
You don't truly understand what it means to be a ninja until you've taken a life.
Up to this point, since receiving the system, Kaito had only trained in secret. His only "combat" experience came from trivial scuffles in the academy. No real fights. No blood spilled.
"I hope you don't disappoint me this time… Danzo."
Suddenly, a voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
"Teacher Iruka, forget Uzumaki Naruto. I'm not interested in that loser. Arrange a match between me and Ayanami Kaito."
Sasuke Uchiha stood tall, radiating confidence as he locked eyes with Kaito.
Screams of adoration erupted from his fangirls, especially from Sakura.
"Wow! Sasuke is so cool!"
"Sasuke-kun! Go! Go!"
…
Iruka responded with a straight face. "It depends on Kaito. If he accepts your challenge, I won't stop it."
In truth, Iruka was just as curious. This quiet student had never once shown promise—and suddenly he was outperforming everyone.
"Kaito! Say yes! That jerk Sasuke needs a reality check!" Naruto shouted fiercely, his voice filled with righteous fury.
All eyes turned to Kaito.
At this moment, he was like a star center stage.
"Alright. I haven't stretched in a while. A little warm-up won't hurt."
Kaito smiled, gave reassuring looks to both Hinata and Ino, and then strode confidently toward the center of the training ground.
There, he met Sasuke's gaze.
Kaito's face was unreadable—completely calm.
In truth, he didn't care for this childish contest. If not for the need to draw Danzo out, he wouldn't waste his time.
Sasuke, on the other hand, looked thrilled. Eager. Fired up.
"Please form the seal of opposition!" Iruka barked from the sidelines, signaling the start of the match.
---
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