NOVEL NEXT Chapter 461: What a Schemer!
Looking at Sakumo Hatake's fake smile, Kazuyama Gekkō felt an overwhelming urge to punch him.
This old geezer was clearly out to get him.
Glancing at the expressions of the people below, Kazuyama could only let out a bit of honesty.
"See? I told you, but you wouldn't believe me."
"Fine, then let me tell you about what I've done on the battlefield."
"As a ninja, I follow one principle—when faced with a strong opponent..."
Before he could finish, a brat below cut him off.
"Get stronger when facing someone strong!"
Everyone nodded in agreement. That sounded right to them.
But Kazuyama just chuckled and shook his head.
"Nope, that's just wishful thinking."
"When there's a huge gap in strength, or you're surrounded by enemies, there's only one word—survive!"
"Sensei, that's two words."
Kazuyama: ...
"When I say it's one word, it's one word. Just remember it."
"Don't charge in like a headless fly. If you see a whole group on the other side and still rush in, you're just throwing your life away. What's the point in fighting then?"
"So remember this—your life is the most important thing."
His words left everyone silent. Sakumo's mouth twitched hard...
He had a feeling Kazuyama was taking a jab at him.
After all, he had retired because of a mission that forced him to choose between completing it and saving his teammates.
That bastard was clearly throwing shade.
"Alright, just take Kazuyama-sensei's words as advice. As for what to do in the end, you all need to make your own choices."
"You can't blindly follow someone else's path."
Sakumo's sudden interruption snapped everyone out of their thoughts. He shot Kazuyama a glare.
Then he continued, "There's no other class today. To give everyone a better learning experience, I've decided—we'll hold an exhibition match."
Those words made Kazuyama completely speechless.
Perfect. This old man wasn't even trying to hide it anymore—he was flat-out coming for him.
He was at a loss for words, but what could he do?
Sakumo was the principal, the top authority in the school.
And with the way he said it, putting himself on the moral high ground, Kazuyama would come off as petty if he refused—especially under the hopeful gazes of all the students below.
"An exhibition match? Alright. If we're going to fight, let's do it."
"I just wonder... who exactly does the principal plan to match up?"
A smug grin crept across Sakumo's face as he stood proudly at the front of the stands.
"Since it's an exhibition match, it needs to be clear and visible to everyone."
"So here's what I've decided."
"Kazuyama-sensei, as the rising star of the village, will take the stage."
"And to face him, it'll be me, Pakura-sensei, and Master Chen."
"With overwhelming strength, we'll show everyone the true peak of what it means to be a ninja."
Kazuyama: ...I! @#%#!@%!#...!
Old geezer! You're seriously ruthless! Dragging yourself into this is one thing, but you even roped in Master Chen?!
Master Chen was bad enough—but you brought in Pakura too???
In the stands, Pakura and Master Chen, who were just watching the drama, were both caught off guard. But before they could react, the students and teachers below burst into cheers.
"Yeah! Go, Pakura-sensei!"
"Pakura-sensei is the best! Crush Kazuyama-sensei!"
"If he dares fight back, don't let him in the house tonight!"
No one knew which bastard shouted that, but it immediately drew the attention of both Pakura and Kazuyama.
Hmm. That was a teacher. Noted.
Master Chen was a bit surprised but quickly caught on.
What the hell did this punk Kazuyama do to piss Sakumo off so badly?
He even dragged him into this. Clearly, the guy was furious.
And Pakura too... tsk, Kazuyama was in for a rough time.
"To ensure everyone's safety, we won't be using any overly flashy or high-powered ninjutsu in this sparring match."
"Taijutsu, Kenjutsu, and some basic ninjutsu will be the focus."
"Is that alright, Kazuyama-sensei?"
Kazuyama: ...Are you kidding me... Old geezer, you're clearly targeting me.
Not allowed to use powerful ninjutsu? Just say it outright—no Crystal Release or Summoning Technique, huh?
Taijutsu and Kenjutsu?
Sakumo Hatake's a samurai with masterful swordsmanship—his Hatake Blade Style is lethal, one strike and you're done.
Master Chen? Konoha's Taijutsu grandmaster. His new disciples? Might Duy and Might Guy!
And for basic ninjutsu... that would be his own wife, Pakura.
Her control over lightweight Fire Release is flawless.
Damn, this bastard Sakumo is definitely out for revenge.
"Kazuyama-sensei? Why aren't you saying anything?"
"Don't worry, I trust Pakura-sensei will be completely fair. She won't go easy on you just because you're married."
"This match will be absolutely fair and impartial."
Fair and impartial, huh? Kazuyama's eyes nearly bulged out.
Pakura sighed and shook her head. With so many people watching, even if she wanted to go easy, it wouldn't be easy.
Meanwhile, Master Chen stretched his limbs and stepped onto the stage.
A sharp glint flashed behind his sunglasses—clearly, he was interested.
"Hmph, hmph, you little punk. This old man's still strong as ever. Let's put on a proper show."
Kazuyama: ...This old guy holds grudges too!
Sakumo smiled as he removed his headmaster's robe, revealing a fitted combat outfit underneath. His short blade, White Fang, was strapped to his back.
"Kazuyama-sensei, get ready."
"Pakura-sensei."
At his call, Pakura leapt onto the stage as well.
The rest of the crowd quickly scattered around.
In an instant, the massive platform transformed into a training arena.
"Hmph, nice setup."
"Hehehe, you're too modest, Kazuyama-sensei. I've heard your Crystal Release has excellent defensive capabilities."
"Any chance you could build us a bigger stage? This one's a bit cramped—not ideal for us to move around."
Kazuyama's mouth twitched hard.
Alright, this bastard really lives up to the name Konoha's White Fang—calculating every step like a chess master.
Fight? Oh, he'll fight. If he doesn't make Sakumo bleed a little today, he's not Kazuyama.
"No problem. I was thinking the same."
"Crystal Release: Crystal Creation."
He casually tossed four crystals outward. The crystals began expanding upward and outward.
In no time, a massive crystal platform took shape before them.
As soon as it was complete, all four of them leapt onto it at once.
...
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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