Konoha's Tag-System Ninja

Chapter 7: The Gap!

Shūichi Hoshita ultimately decided not to alter his study plan to practice the Clone Jutsu and Substitution Jutsu first.

The next morning, he woke up at 5 AM, feeling more energized than ever before—no longer the fatigue that used to linger after staying up until midnight to study.

Shūichi felt invigorated, full of energy, and could clearly sense the extraordinary effects of the "Strong and Sturdy" tag!

Moreover, he noticed another aspect of his recovery: his injuries. The swelling and redness from yesterday's training had completely disappeared.

In the past, his recovery was never this fast.

After breakfast, Shūichi was the first to arrive in the classroom, followed shortly by Shizune.

Taking advantage of the fact that the other students hadn't arrived yet, Shūichi began observing Shizune closely.

She was his second target for the Transformation Jutsu.

Feeling his gaze, Shizune blushed and turned to ask, "Shūichi, is there something you need?"

"If there's anything I can help with, just let me know."

Recalling their interactions over the past two months, Shūichi identified one of Shizune's key traits: her kindness and thoughtfulness.

"I'm observing you for the Transformation Jutsu," Shūichi explained with a smile. "On the battlefield, in enemy territory, the Transformation Jutsu is often used spontaneously and for short periods. That requires keen observational skills to capture details quickly, avoiding any flaws that might give you away."

"Besides the appearance and shape, I believe we also need to pay attention to demeanor and aura. Additional details like voice and walking posture are crucial too."

"These elements need to be practiced, and you have to carefully observe the characteristics of different people."

Shizune nodded enthusiastically. "Lady Tsunade says the same thing!"

After finishing his observation, Shūichi formed the hand seals and performed the Transformation Jutsu under Shizune's watchful eyes.

*Poof!*

When the smoke cleared, there were two identical Shizunes sitting across from each other.

Just then, someone walked into the classroom—it was Rin Nohara.

She froze at the sight of the two Shizunes, unable to tell which one was the real one.

Suddenly, with a puff of smoke, one of the Shizunes transformed into Rin Nohara.

"Kakashi!" the 'Rin Nohara' next to Shizune clasped her hands in front of her chest and cheered.

This was exactly how Rin acted every time Kakashi stood out during practical or shuriken-throwing lessons.

Although she wasn't the only girl who did this, the real Rin standing at the door still blushed deeply upon hearing it.

At that moment, Shūichi once again performed the Transformation Jutsu, turning into Kakashi with a puff of smoke.

He stood up, hands in his pockets, and started walking towards Kakashi's seat.

Rin stared in surprise.

The cool expression, the hands-in-pockets stance, that back—it was just like...

"Could it be Kakashi...?"

Rin almost believed it, but then quickly dismissed the thought.

Kakashi wouldn't play such a prank.

Just then, Shūichi stopped in the aisle, turned around, and with another puff of smoke, transformed into Uchiha Obito, complete with goggles.

Pushing up the goggles, the "Uchiha Obito" snorted, "That arrogant Kakashi! Next time, I'll make sure he gets a taste of my power!"

Rin was startled. "Obito?"

"No, wait, Obito wouldn't arrive this early."

*Poof!*

Shūichi returned to his original form and smiled, "Sorry, I was practicing the Transformation Jutsu."

As expected.

Rin breathed a sigh of relief, then smiled, "Shūichi, you're amazing! Sensei only taught this yesterday, and you've already mastered it."

Shūichi shrugged and said with a smile, "But I still didn't fool you, did I?"

His rapid, precise transformations were thanks in large part to his Memory Palace technique.

After all, he had already stored samples of each of his classmates in his Memory Palace.

He had now completed five targets.

Returning to his seat, Shūichi chatted with Shizune for a bit. As more classmates arrived, he began observing each one, adding more details to his Memory Palace.

By the afternoon, during the practical training class, Shūichi also felt the noticeable effects of his improved taijutsu talent.

Even though Shūichi Hoshita had struggled with certain techniques despite rigorous training, today he found himself using them with remarkable ease, leaving his opponent, Might Guy, at a loss.

"Shūichi, you've gotten stronger again!"

"But I won't fall behind at all!"

Might Guy felt the pressure but became even more fired up, increasing the speed of his punches and kicks.

*Boom! Boom! Boom!*

The two fought fiercely, exchanging blows and strikes, with neither able to gain a decisive advantage.

Most of the students watching were cheering for Shūichi, especially the girls.

Kakashi, however, keenly noticed that Shūichi seemed to have experienced a significant improvement.

Kimura Sensei also nodded in appreciation. "Shūichi has made notable progress again. I wonder if he has been practicing privately."

"With such learning talent, he's only slightly behind Kakashi in this batch. Compared to Asuma, he is equally impressive."

...

After several more rounds, the two combatants finally separated, both on one knee, breathing heavily, drenched in sweat.

They had exhausted all their fighting strength.

"Hoshita Shūichi and Might Guy, it's a draw!" Kimura announced loudly.

After Shūichi and Guy performed the reconciliation seal, Kimura Kazuya declared the next match: "Kakashi Hatake versus Obito Uchiha!"

Kakashi maintained his aloof demeanor, while Obito Uchiha, after a quick glance at Rin Nohara, swaggered onto the field and said, "Kakashi, this time you will definitely lose to me!"

Kakashi replied calmly, "If you didn't show up late every day, I might believe that."

Obito Uchiha gritted his teeth in frustration. "Arrogant Kakashi, you're so infuriating!"

The remark had clearly rattled Obito Uchiha.

After performing the confrontation seal, Obito rushed in eagerly, and a fierce clash began, just as intense as Shūichi and Guy's earlier battle.

The surrounding girls, meanwhile, were all cheering in unison for Kakashi.

Shūichi was focused, his eyes fixed on the two fighters.

It wasn't just him who had improved.

After twenty or so exchanges, Obito Uchiha was kicked flying by Kakashi.

Rolling several times on the ground, Obito leaped up, brandishing kunai and charging forward again.

Kakashi also drew his kunai, and the two figures clashed, sparks flying from their intense combat.

"It looks like Kakashi has been training with kunai," Shūichi observed. Kakashi's kunai techniques were noticeably different from their previous fights.

After another dozen or so exchanges, Obito, once again at a disadvantage, suddenly performed a series of backflips. After retreating a distance, he puffed out his cheeks and unleashed a fiery attack.

Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!

Shūichi was surprised to see this for the first time. Despite Obito having lived with his grandmother and lost his parents, he was still a disciple of a prominent clan.

Clearly, clans like the Uchiha and Hyuga had established systems for training ninjas.

Looking at Kakashi, he placed his hands on the ground, and a wall of earth shot up.

Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall!

*Boom!*

The fireball collided with the earth wall, causing flames to scatter and forcing the spectators to retreat.

"Damn it!"

Obito, whose carefully prepared technique had failed, scowled in frustration and charged forward again.

...

"This is the difference!" Shūichi couldn't help but reflect inwardly.

Kakashi had obviously not been using his full strength in their previous encounters, relying solely on taijutsu. The proficiency Kakashi displayed with earth-style jutsu indicated he had learned it a long time ago.

You can see your own efforts, but you can't see others' efforts; that doesn't mean they don't exist.

Kakashi, with his background, must have started training at a very young age.

However, Shūichi didn't let this discourage him. With the help of his Tag Tree, he was confident that with continued effort, he would catch up.

After another dozen rounds, Kakashi used a clone to outmaneuver the reckless Obito. He kicked Obito away and, before he could rise, Kakashi's kunai was already at his face.

Obito, unwilling to give up, could only sigh in defeat.

Teacher Kimura Kazuya reflected, "As expected of the son of Konoha's White Fang. With such strength, without considering mission experience, he could easily qualify as a genin."

However, considering Obito's poor theoretical knowledge and impatient nature, Kimura Kazuya shook his head and announced, "Kakashi wins!"

"Perform the Seal of Reconciliation!"

Kakashi sheathed his kunai and extended his hand.

Obito hesitated for a moment, took Kakashi's hand to stand up, and then the two performed the reconciliation seal.

(End of Chapter)