Naruto: Becoming the Soul King

”I have indeed been learning swordsmanship from my father, but how do you know that?” Kakashi looked even more surprised. How did Seiryū know something like this?

He had never mentioned it, nor had he ever shown it.

How did Seiryū know?

”It’s simple.” Seiryū wasn’t surprised at all. In the original timeline, young Kakashi always carried a sword.

He didn’t bother explaining the real reason and casually made up an excuse: ”Gathering information is one of a shinobi’s basic skills. In battle, intel is especially important. I don’t want to lose to anyone, especially since you put quite a bit of pressure on me...”

A little mutual flattery helped pave the way for easier interaction later.

Seiryū understood this kind of social etiquette. He was a mature and reliable adult!

”I see. I’ve learned something new.” Kakashi found this reasoning very sound, but his expression grew more serious.

Seiryū really was extraordinary, already grasping the importance of intelligence gathering.

As expected of the opponent he had acknowledged. He was the one who had been enlightened.

What surprised him even more was that Seiryū also considered him a rival. This was undoubtedly recognition, and that meant—he absolutely could not lose to Seiryū!

Oda, who had been listening to their conversation, stepped in. His tone was serious, almost warning: ”Seiryū, Kakashi, today is just for basic Taijutsu sparring. Full-scale combat is still too early for you.”

What were these two thinking?

Full combat was extremely dangerous. Did these two kids seriously want to try that now?

Wasn’t it too soon?

Although he was genuinely curious about how the two would perform, as their teacher, it was his duty to stop them.

Seiryū smiled at Oda. ”Don’t worry, sensei. We know our limits. Besides, with you here, there’s no danger. I believe in your strength, teacher!”

Kakashi also nodded, not wanting to let this opportunity slip by. ”Sensei, please let us!”

”Well...” Seeing their expressions, Oda found himself swayed. Being earnestly trusted and begged by two prodigies made it hard to refuse. He even felt a bit proud.

After thinking it over, with himself, a Chūnin, present, there really wouldn’t be any danger. They were just two first-year kids, after all...

With that thought, Oda didn’t refuse. ”Alright then. It will also give the other students a chance to see your performance. Honestly, I’m curious about what kind of Ninjutsu you two have learned...”

These words were naturally heard by the other students.

Their reactions shifted immediately!

The two geniuses in class had already learned Ninjutsu?

And they were going to fight in full combat? This was seriously intense. As expected of geniuses, always doing things beyond imagination...

But their emotions were stirred. Kids loved a spectacle, and they were curious about just how big the gap was between themselves and these two.

What would it take to catch up!?

”Damn it, they can do that? Why didn’t I think of it!?” Asuma was furious. How had he not thought of doing something like this himself? Kakashi had completely stolen the spotlight!

Was he really not smart enough?

No way. He just forgot, that’s all!

”Hmm... Kakashi’s got guts!” Kurenai blinked, thinking Kakashi was bold for actually wanting a real match with that monster, Seiryū.

He’d probably get punched until he cried for a while, right?

”...” Rin looked left at Seiryū, then right at Kakashi, twisting her index fingers together nervously.

They were both her friends. Who should she cheer for?

So confusing...

Well, she’d cheer for Seiryū. After all, he’d helped her a lot and even explained problems to her...

”Go, Kakashi! Take down Seiryū!!” Obito had no such hesitation. He wanted to teach Seiryū a lesson himself, but since he didn’t have the strength, he could only root for Kakashi.

Seiryū was his number one rival!!

Ignoring the crowd’s commotion, the two opponents once again formed the Confrontation Seal!

Kakashi pulled a wooden short sword from his ninja pouch and gripped it tightly. His gaze sharpened. He said flatly, ”Be careful, Seiryū. Even though it’s just a wooden sword, it’ll still hurt if you get hit!”

Seiryū’s expression also turned serious as he prepared to strike. ”Don’t worry, I’m ready. Begin!”

Swish!

The moment Seiryū’s voice fell, Kakashi moved, pushing off the ground and darting forward.

In the blink of an eye, he reached Seiryū, slashing downward with the wooden sword at a sharp angle. The strike even produced a faint rushing sound!

”Body Flicker Technique?” Seiryū narrowed his eyes. That sudden burst of speed wasn’t just natural movement. It had to be the Body Flicker Technique!

Kakashi truly was a genius. Even many Genin hadn’t mastered the Body Flicker Technique.

But it still wasn’t enough to prevent Seiryū from reacting. He wasn’t ordinary either.

His senses were incredibly sharp, and his dynamic vision was exceptional. Kakashi’s movements couldn’t escape his sight.

Just as the wooden sword was about to strike him, Seiryū smoothly dodged to the side. At the same time, his right leg bent like a drawn bow, storing power before whipping out!

Bang!

The kick landed directly on Kakashi, but a muffled thud sounded. White smoke burst out as Seiryū’s foot hit... a log.

The iconic Substitution Jutsu had appeared.

The moment he was about to be struck, Kakashi swapped himself out with a log, making his opponent believe the strike had landed.

But Seiryū’s sharp eyes had caught the trick. Kakashi had pulled the log from his pouch and shoved it forward just before being hit...

Substitution Jutsu wasn’t a Space-Time Ninjutsu. It couldn’t truly switch positions with the log.

Only something like Uchiha Sasuke’s Tomoe Rinnegan technique, ”Amenotejikara,” could do that.

Substitution Jutsu was just a deceptive tactic. At best, it could fool Genin and some Chūnin, but against Jōnin, it had almost no effect and might even create an opening.

It was usually better to spend that time preparing a stronger Ninjutsu instead.

The white smoke and log were distractions. Kakashi hadn’t gone far. In that instant, he formed hand seals, puffed out his chest, and spat out a scorching fireball. ”Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!”

The Great Fireball Technique, a C-rank Ninjutsu.

It was usually used by Chūnin, but those with outstanding talent could learn and master it at a young age!

Roar!

The fireball, over a meter wide, trailed a blazing tail as it rushed toward Seiryū. A wave of intense heat followed behind it, and the flames reflected off the faces of the watching students and teacher. Their expressions were filled with—shock and disbelief!

Kakashi, only five years old, had already mastered a C-rank Ninjutsu!?

What kind of monster was he!?

”Oh no!” While the others were focused on the shock, Oda had more immediate concerns.

C-rank Ninjutsu carried real power. Even though this Great Fireball was only about a meter wide, if Seiryū took a direct hit, he’d definitely be hurt!

This is bad. There goes his job!

Wait, no. Seiryū was in real danger!

Oda was a responsible teacher. He was about to use the Body Flicker Technique to intervene, but the scene that followed left him frozen, jaw wide open in shock.

His face showed pure disbelief, as if he’d just seen something impossible!

”Not bad. You’ve even learned a C-rank Ninjutsu...” In the arena, facing the oncoming Great Fireball, Seiryū only offered a calm compliment.

Then, instead of dodging, he charged directly at the blazing fireball.

”But I’m not bad either.”

The wave of heat blasted across him. The firelight reflected off his calm face, and his short red hair seemed to glow even brighter in the flames.

Seiryū stepped forward, raised his right arm, clenched his fist, and launched a punch directly at the heart of the fireball.

The instant his punch connected, Chakra surged and erupted, colliding with the Great Fireball Technique head-on!

Boom!!

With a dull explosion, the Great Fireball seemed to freeze for a moment. Then, as if struck by a massive force, it burst apart instantly, scattering into countless flames...

He smashed the Great Fireball with a single punch.

(To be continued.)