Chapter 8: The Limits of Strength

After school.

When Qimu Chao and Kakashi stepped out of the classroom, they found Dai Tu at the doorway, as if waiting for someone.

Next to him stood a girl with short brown hair; each cheek bore a purple mark, which didn't make her face unattractive, but gave it a distinctive charm.

That girl seems to be called Lin…

Qimu Chao was curious; from the looks of it, were she and Dai Tu childhood friends?

"They're out. Go, Dai Tu."

When Dai Tu and Lin saw Qimu Chao and Kakashi emerge, Lin tugged at Dai Tu's sleeve.

Dai Tu exhaled, storming forward to stand before them, bowing deeply: "I'm sorry! What happened earlier was my fault; I shouldn't have been so rude."

"How surprising—you actually came to apologize to me voluntarily."

Seeing Dai Tu like that, Kakashi crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow in surprise; he didn't think a fool like Dai Tu would voluntarily apologize to him.

"What do you mean 'surprising', you guy…"

Hearing Kakashi's words, Dai Tu, who was already upset, instantly flared with anger; Kakashi's tone was infuriating.

"Dai Tu!"

But little Lin, hands on her hips behind him, spoke in a slightly angry tone that calmed him.

"Oh? You two get along well, huh."

Qimu Chao, not understanding the situation, made a teasing remark; little did he know that Dai Tu's face turned red upon hearing it, and Lin shook her head, seriously explaining: "Because my family lives very close to Dai Tu's. Dai Tu's parents have both passed away, and only his grandmother remains at home. If no one looks after him, he becomes quite sloppy…"

"Oh, so that would make it a caretaker and a cared-for relationship, wouldn't it?"

Hearing Lin's explanation, Qimu Chao pretended to look thoughtful.

When Dai Tu heard Qimu Chao's words, his veins bulged: "Damn, your tone is even harsher than Kakashi's!"

"Just kidding."

Qimu Chao smiled and patted Dai Tu's head: "We accept your apology; from now on, get along well with Kakashi."

After saying that, Qimu Chao turned and left.

Leaving Kakashi and the two others stunned in place.

"That adult-like tone—doesn't that mean this guy is as old as us?"

Later, in Konoha Village's famous Ichiraku Ramen Shop, Qimu Chao saw Kakashi, Dai Tu, and Lin again.

Considering himself the class leader, Asuma also invited the two of them.

This time Asuma actually invited many people, such as his childhood friend Xi Ri Hong, and classmates Bu Zhi Huo Xuan Jian, Shen Yue Chu Yun, Gang Zi Tie, Yue Guang Ji Feng, Shan Cheng Qing Ye, and so on… nearly half the class showed up.

When the large group arrived at Ichiraku Ramen Shop, they found there simply weren't enough seats, so they had to switch to a barbecue place…

Fortunately, none of the Akimichi Clan members were in the class; otherwise Asuma might have been stuck working for money.

Even without an Akimichi glutton, Asuma still emptied his small piggy bank, looking at his threadbare wallet and feeling helpless: "If I'd known, I wouldn't have pretended to be a big spender…"

In this relaxed daily school life, Qimu Chao and Kakashi spent their first academic year on campus.

After the first-year exams ended, the students got a two-month spring break, which surprised Qimu Chao; he had thought a ninja's life had no long vacations.

"I thought you'd apply to the teacher for Early Graduation."

On the way home, Qimu Chao laughed and teased Kakashi.

"You haven't graduated yet; why would I apply for Graduation? Just for fun?"

Kakashi gave his brother a blank stare; in his view, Qimu Chao hadn't graduated because he felt he still couldn't handle the enemies that Shuo Mao mentioned.

His brother's strength surpasses his own; if his brother isn't confident, he too must be cautious.

"I'm waiting for a chance; when the time comes, whether I drop out or graduate won't matter."

Qimu Chao laughed heartily; over a year, he had been using Electric Current Propulsion to strengthen himself daily. When the right moment arrives, the speed of his cellular rotation will hit a limit, and surpassing that limit, Electric Current Propulsion can trigger a metamorphosis.

It becomes his greatest reliance since arriving in this world.

Magnetic Field Rotation.

With Magnetic Field Rotation, any corner of the Ninja World becomes reachable; if you can't win, you can at least run away.

Magnetic Field Rotation is that powerful.

On the other hand, although Qimu Chao hasn't deliberately trained his Chakra System, the strengthening from Electric Current Propulsion continuously improves his physical condition, which in turn raises his Chakra Amount.

Combined with the techniques he has mastered and years of combat control training, even as a ninja who fights solely with chakra, a typical Chunin wouldn't be his opponent.

With the overlay of two different systems, Qimu Chao still doesn't know what level his strength can reach.

Kakashi, watching his brother's silhouette, couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Over a year, he gave his all to catch up to his brother's figure, but the results showed the gap widening.

After a year of training, Kakashi also felt confident that his Chakra Amount, the number of techniques he knows, his Body Technique skills, physical condition, and battle control wouldn't be much worse than a Chunin's.

Moreover, having learned his brother's pioneering Unmarked Ninja Art Five-Colored Line, a Chunin who faces him without caution would certainly regret it on the spot.

But if it's only at Chunin level…

Thinking that, Kakashi suddenly quickened his pace to match Qimu Chao's: "Brother…"

"What's wrong?"

"Later, let's have an official Ninja Duel."

In an official Ninja Duel, any tactics can be employed, not just the sword or Body Technique battles of the past.

Hearing Kakashi's suggestion, Qimu Chao was momentarily stunned, then nodded: "Alright."

Kakashi could read his own thoughts to some extent; even though his father wasn't at home to act as a guardian for their duel, he was confident.

He was confident his own strength could control the battle without harming Kakashi, and also confident that Kakashi's full commitment wouldn't cause much damage to himself.

After dinner, the two brothers went to Training Ground No. 7; it was already dusk, and no one else was seen inside the training ground.

Kakashi carefully inspected his Ninja Tools and drew the short sword strapped to his back.

Unlike his older brother, he uses a Short Sword just like his father.

Facing Kakashi's ready-for-battle stance, Qimu Chao raised his Tachi straight up, flicked the hand guard with his thumb, and drew the Tachi from its scabbard.

The wind blew, leaves fell, and in an instant Kakashi's silhouette vanished from the spot, leaving no trace.