Chapter 3: Chapter Three: The Test Between Brothers

One year later.

Ping——………

The blades clanged as they collided, Kakashi holding a knife with both hands, straining with all his might to thrust the blade forward a step.

But opposite him, Qimu Chao, a head taller, held his knife with one hand and steadily suppressed his attack.

In speed, strength, or technique, Kakashi was completely at a disadvantage.

Since Qimu Chao awakened the Electric Current Propulsion, his physical condition has improved daily; his height, once almost equal to Kakashi's, now exceeds Kakashi's by a good margin.

"Too slow, too slow!"

After channeling force to fling Kakashi back, Qimu Chao struck two successive cuts; Kakashi barely deflected both. The contest now clearly favored one side, yet Kakashi still clung on.

Qimu Shuomao stood nearby with arms crossed, watching the duel; on one hand to gauge the true level of the two children, on the other to intervene should the contest go awry.

But for now, he cannot achieve either purpose.

After all, given the current situation, Qimu Chao is clearly at ease, not using full force, and his power is crushingly superior to Kakashi's; no matter how Kakashi attacks, he cannot wound him, and his attacks cease the moment they threaten to hurt Kakashi.

Qimu Shuomao can even see that each time Qimu Chao launches an attack, it lands at the very limit of what Kakashi can endure, yet still barely.

This mastery of strength and technique even compels Qimu Shuomao to praise it.

Honestly, Kakashi now possesses a strength comparable to a Konoha Village Genin, whereas Qimu Chao…

Chunin? Jonin?

Qimu Shuomao cannot gauge it; with Qimu Chao's methods, a fight against an ordinary Jonin would be a walkover.

When he previously sparred with Qimu Chao, Qimu Chao unleashed an Unmarked Ninja Art called Five-Colored Thread, which wounded him.

After learning this technique, Qimu Shuomao could not help but marvel at his son's talent; the move is truly useful.

According to Qimu Chao, the technique is even unfinished.

Because he was injured by Qimu Chao, Qimu Shuomao is here today to oversee their duel.

Kakashi's talent, though slightly inferior to Qimu Chao's, remains that of a genius among geniuses.

These two children are a treasure bestowed by heaven.

The Will of Fire seeks to protect such a future.

In the courtyard, Kakashi used his knife to brace his body; his thenar was shattered, blood spilling onto the ground.

Gasping heavily, he could not have imagined that Qimu Chao, in their duel, hadn't even broken a sweat, his condition unchanged from before.

When did the gap between them become this wide?

He originally wanted to witness his brother's Five-Colored Thread that injured their father, but now the gap is too great.

A top-tier master can instantly read an opponent's intent during a clash; Qimu Chao may not yet be such a master, but seeing through Kakashi's thoughts is a piece of cake.

Yet he did not expose him then, instead stepping forward and pulling him up.

Kakashi said nothing, head lowered, looking as if struck down.

Qimu Shuomao came over, patted Kakashi's shoulder, then laughed at both, "What a fine duel."

"Clearly a one-sided crushing match."

Kakashi murmured, sighing.

"No, Dad isn't consoling you; at your age, this kind of battle is already the pinnacle."

Qimu Shuomao crouched, looking at Kakashi, "When you enter the Ninja Academy, you'll understand."

"Among peers, there should be no one who can match you."

It was hard to say before, but now Qimu Shuomao can truly guarantee it; even the Third Hokage's son could not be as outstanding as these two children.

Because the pressure from Qimu Chao provides motivation, Kakashi's strength has risen considerably compared to his earlier level, though none of the three—father and sons—realize this.

After hearing his father's words, Qimu Chao thrust his hips and said, "Really, Dad? I'm already this strong, and I still have to go to school?"

Logically, his strength should allow him to Apply for Graduation outright.

"At school you can meet friends your own age, and although your strength is sufficient, your knowledge as ninjas still lacks."

Speaking, Qimu Shuomao stood, looked to the sky, then addressed Xiao Chao: "Little Chao, the Ninja World is far from peaceful now; after the last Ninja World War, many hold grudges against your father, and if they encounter him, they might spare no cost to kill him."

"You are indeed strong now, but not to the level of the First Hokage who could quell chaos; even the First Hokage had a Madara Uchiha who could match him. Staying in the Ninja Academy, not graduating too soon, gives you a chance to become even stronger, doesn't it?"

These practical words are a father's love for his children.

It is his Will of Fire; besides protecting Konoha, he also must safeguard his two children and his family.

Having heard his father's words, what more could Qimu Chao say, especially since his father is right.

Just attend class; after all, the teacher will speak for him, just be himself.

Kakashi, after hearing his father's words, was also stunned.

It was his first time feeling the blood‑soaked reality of the Ninja World; his father's worry left him speechless.

He had originally planned to spend a year at school and then Apply for Graduation, but now he must seriously consider his father's advice.

Entering the house from the inner courtyard, mother QiMu ChunNai, upon seeing Kakashi's wound, first felt a pang of concern, then scolded Qimu Chao, and fetched gauze and alcohol to dress Kakashi.

Qimu Chao, grinning, defended himself before his mother, then returned to his room, took a scroll, and tossed it downstairs to Kakashi.

"What is this?"

Kakashi held the scroll, puzzled.

"It's a Secret Technique Scroll of Five-Colored Thread; read it yourself."

Qimu Chao smiled, then went back upstairs, leaving Kakashi alone, staring at the scroll.

"I previously told Xiao Chao not to give you this technique so early; the chakra condensation, nature alteration, and form changes involved may be too complex for you now."

Qimu Shuomao added, "But since Xiao Chao is giving it to you now, he must think your strength is sufficient."