**Chapter 10: There Is Also a Gap Between Geniuses**

  "I just knew things wouldn't end that easily."

  Uchiha Mirai put his hands in his pockets and slowly walked to the center of the field.

  As Hatake Kakashi had graduated a long time ago, he did not need to take the graduation exam this time.

  Sarutobi Hiruzen made this arrangement because he likely guessed that Uchiha Mirai would cim first pce, aiming to use Kakashi to suppress Uchiha's momentum and send a clear signal about the power dynamics.

  The influence of the Hokage cn far surpasses that of the Uchiha.

  Both now and in the future!

  Only...

  Feeling the strength surging within him, Uchiha Mirai slightly raised the corners of his mouth.

  Sarutobi Hiruzen would probably be disappointed.

  Once Uchiha Mirai was in pce, Hatake Kakashi also made his appearance at the center of the field.

  The moment he appeared, the crowd erupted with excitement.

  This Hatake orphan, known as "Konoha's most talented ninja," had considerable popurity.

  "This is going to be a good show. I bet Uchiha Mirai will lose miserably."

  "Nonsense! While Uchiha Mirai has some talent, he doesn't stand a chance against Kakashi!"

  "Kakashi has been graduated for so long, and now he's taking the graduation exam. Isn't this bullying an honest person?"

  "Hmph! I can't wait to see Uchiha Mirai get crushed."

  "Kakashi, come on! Show Uchiha Mirai that there's a gap between geniuses!"

  The arrival of Hatake Kakashi electrified the atmosphere.

  No matter how strong Uchiha Mirai was, many believed he would never match up to Kakashi.

  This was the consensus among the crowd.

  "Fugaku, would you be in a bad mood if I arranged a battle between Kakashi and Mirai?" Sarutobi Hiruzen asked, gncing at Uchiha Fugaku.

  "Of course not."

  "His self-control is very high, but that guy may become a bit arrogant. It's better for him to take a hit."

  Uchiha Fugaku replied respectfully.

  Remembering Uchiha Mirai's arrogant attitude from the previous night, he couldn't help but sneer internally.

  Does he really think he can do whatever he wants just because he has some talent?

  Compared to the vilge's power, the Uchiha cn's influence pales in comparison.

  After being bested by Hatake Kakashi, Uchiha Mirai would realize that the only way for the Uchiha cn to survive was to compromise.

  Seeing Uchiha Fugaku's anxious demeanor, Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded with satisfaction.

  Compared to Uchiha Tajima, Uchiha Fugaku was obviously easier to manage.

  Perhaps...

  It was time for Uchiha Tajima to step down.

  At the center of the field, Hatake Kakashi's eyes were like stagnant water, devoid of emotion.

  Even though Uchiha Mirai had performed well in the previous battle, it was merely an average showcase.

  What's more, Uchiha Mirai had just been through several fights. Although his opponents were not particurly strong, they would have left him somewhat drained.

  This was not a fair fight.

  Of course, Hatake Kakashi had no intention of waiting for Uchiha Mirai to regain his peak performance.

  Since Hatake Sakumo's death, Kakashi had realized a key truth.

  Everything is insignificant in the face of a mission.

  In contrast, Uchiha Mirai's face dispyed excitement.

  Kakashi was indeed powerful, and he would allow Uchiha Mirai to gauge his own progress.

  "Get ready; the battle begins!"

  Noticing that the two had no intention of engaging in conversation, Oiwa Kimiyama reluctantly gave up his preferred banter and announced the start of the battle.

  As the battle commenced, Hatake Kakashi drew the short sword from his back, transforming into an afterimage as he charged toward Uchiha Mirai.

  Uchiha Mirai did not flinch; he drew a long sword from his waist and engaged Kakashi in melee combat.

  "Is this the swordsmanship of the Hatake cn?"

  As soon as they cshed, Uchiha Mirai felt a bit of pressure.

  Hatake Kakashi's attacks were sharp and cunning, and each strike targeted his vitals.

  If he wasn't careful, defeat awaited him.

  "Let me tell you, Uchiha Mirai is no match for Kakashi."

  "You're just going to get beaten. Just wait; Uchiha Mirai will be defeated soon."

  "Kakashi is the real genius! Uchiha Mirai pales in comparison."

  As they watched Uchiha Mirai take hit after hit, the crowd booed and ughed.

  What was the genius of the Uchiha cn, anyway?

  It was nothing compared to Hatake Kakashi.

  "Being looked down upon..."

  Listening to the discussions around him, Uchiha Mirai smiled slightly.

  The Uchiha cn has a terrible reputation, and nearly everyone wanted to see him fail.

  Snort!

  Ridiculous.

  With a surge of chakra, Uchiha Mirai's eyes instantly transformed into the scarlet Sharingan.

  "Is there any limit to the Uchiha cn's bloodline?"

  Seeing the Sharingan activate, Hatake Kakashi's eyes flickered for the first time.

  The Sharingan's power was formidable, and if he wasn't cautious, he could easily fall prey to Uchiha Mirai's Genjutsu.

  Kakashi lowered his eyelids, attempting not to meet Uchiha Mirai's gaze.

  "I must finish this quickly."

  His rich experience allowed Kakashi to understand the gravity of the situation.

  Under the intimidation of the Sharingan, the longer he deyed, the more precarious his position would become.

  Kakashi's attacks grew fiercer and faster, but the results were minimal.

  With the Sharingan activated, Uchiha Mirai could see Kakashi's attack trajectories clearly, allowing him to avoid them optimally.

  Coupled with the Uchiha-style swordsmanship he had previously learned from Uchiha Fugaku...

  Kakashi's assaults no longer posed any threat to Uchiha Mirai.

  Tension filled the atmosphere.

  Kakashi fought like a ruthless assassin, and every strike was perfect.

  Uchiha Mirai moved like a dancer, gracefully dodging the storm of attacks, skillfully using the Sharingan to evade every move.

  "Huhu~~~"

  Hatake Kakashi breathed heavily, his chest heaving violently.

  The high-intensity exchanges strained his physical stamina.

  If this continued, he would colpse from exhaustion before Uchiha Mirai ever nded a attack.

  After considering his options, Hatake Kakashi decided to retreat.

  Behind him, Uchiha Mirai quickly formed hand seals. "Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"

  A massive fireball, several meters in diameter, rushed toward Kakashi.

  In a swift motion, Hatake Kakashi smmed his hands onto the ground: "Earth Style: Earth Wall!"

  An earthen wall rose up, shielding Kakashi from the oncoming fireball.

  Boom!

  The Great Fireball collided with the earth wall, producing a violent roar.

  Though the wall sustained damage from the explosion, it successfully blocked the attack.

  As the fmes cleared, Hatake Kakashi rose to find a long knife positioned against his neck.

  ---

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