10. The Sparring Matches Begin

Chapter 10: The Sparring Matches Begin!

The air was tense in Training Ground 7 as Kakashi stood lazily in front of Team 7, his single visible eye curving into a smile.

"Alright then, let's start the sparring matches. You'll each fight me one-on-one. Your goal is simple—land at least one clean hit."

Naruto clenched his fists. "Tch, this is gonna be easy!"

Sakura smiled nervously. "Kakashi-sensei is really strong though…"

Sasuke, standing silently, smirked. This will be a good test for my system skills.

---

First Match: Naruto vs. Kakashi

Naruto charged in immediately, throwing a flurry of punches—Kakashi easily dodged each one, yawning as he moved.

"Too slow, Naruto."

"Tch, take this—Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

Four Naruto clones surrounded Kakashi, attacking from all sides.

Kakashi sidestepped, grabbed one clone, and used it as a shield, making another clone accidentally punch it, causing it to poof away.

"Wha—?!"

Naruto barely had time to react before Kakashi appeared behind him and flicked his forehead.

"Ow! Not again!" Naruto groaned, rubbing his forehead as he fell back.

DING!

> [Naruto vs. Kakashi – Match Over]

Winner: Kakashi

"Next!" Kakashi called out.

---

Second Match: Sakura vs. Kakashi

Sakura took a deep breath, trying to analyze Kakashi's movements. She threw a kunai, which Kakashi effortlessly caught.

"Hmm, decent aim."

Sakura dashed forward, pretending to punch—then suddenly, she dropped low and went for a leg sweep.

Kakashi easily jumped over it. "Nice try."

Before Sakura could react, Kakashi poked her forehead, just like he did to Naruto.

"Oof!" Sakura fell back, defeated.

DING!

> [Sakura vs. Kakashi – Match Over]

Winner: Kakashi

Kakashi sighed. "That just leaves Sasuke."

Sasuke stepped forward, his eyes sharp.

---

Final Match: Sasuke vs. Kakashi

The moment Kakashi said "Begin," Sasuke vanished.

Naruto and Sakura gasped. "He's fast!"

Sasuke reappeared behind Kakashi, swinging his Iron Sword.

Kakashi ducked, narrowly dodging, but Sasuke followed up with a Crescent Moon Slash.

Kakashi blocked with a kunai. "Hmm… much sharper than before."

Sasuke smirked. That's not all.

He jumped back and formed hand seals.

"Katon: Phoenix Fire Jutsu!"

Several small fireballs shot toward Kakashi.

Kakashi dodged, but Sasuke had already teleported using an Ender Pearl, appearing behind him mid-air.

"What—?!"

Sasuke slashed downward, and this time—Kakashi barely managed to block.

But—

DING!

> [Quest Completed: Land a Hit on Kakashi]

+200 EXP

Kakashi jumped back, dusting himself off. "Not bad, Sasuke. You've improved a lot."

Sasuke smirked. "Hn. This is just the beginning."

Kakashi sighed. "Alright, training is over. Let's go eat ramen. My treat."

Naruto jumped up. "YES! RAMEN!"

---

Ichiraku Ramen: A Gathering of Teams

Team 7 arrived at Ichiraku Ramen, but to their surprise, the place was already crowded.

Teams 8, 9, and 10 were there, eating together with their senseis.

Kurenai noticed them first. "Oh? Team 7, you're here too?"

Asuma grinned, puffing his cigarette. "Kakashi, treating your students? That's rare."

Might Guy struck a pose. "Ah! The flames of youth burn brightly in all of you!"

Naruto sat next to Kiba. "Oi, dog-boy, how was your training?"

Kiba smirked. "Better than yours, I bet."

Hinata, sitting nearby, blushed. "N-Naruto-kun…"

Meanwhile, Sasuke took a seat and silently listened to Neji and Shikamaru discussing strategy.

Neji glanced at him. "You seem different, Uchiha."

Sasuke smirked. "You'll find out soon enough."

The night continued as all the teams laughed, chatted, and enjoyed their ramen.

But Sasuke… he was already thinking ahead.

This is only the beginning. I need to get even stronger.

To Be Continued…