Naruto: I have an attribute panel

Chapter 12 Real Combat Showdown and Spying from the Shadows

Ninja Academy, classroom.

As soon as Taiichi entered the classroom, he heard Obito taunting Kakashi, "Kakashi, I'm going to beat you in today's battle and show you how powerful I, Obito, am!"

"Is he an old man who's always late?" Kakashi didn't tolerate Obito's behavior and attacked him relentlessly when he found a mistake.

"Ah~ Ah~ Ah~ I can't wait any longer! Come on, Kakashi, let's start now!" Obito was already starting to go hysterical.

Rin Nohara, who was standing nearby, quickly stopped Obito.

"Idiot!" Kakashi scoffed again.

"Can you two be quiet for a bit? You always start arguing as soon as you meet," Nohara Rin said helplessly.

Obito still listened to Rin Nohara. Seeing that Rin was indeed angry, he quickly abandoned Kakashi and turned to coax Rin.

……

Taiyi walked over to Shizune's side, looked at the three lively characters over there, and asked, "Shizune, what's going on over there?"

Shizune's ears turned red the moment she saw Taiichi approaching. Hearing his question, she replied, "Yamada-sensei came to announce that we'd be having practical training today and would be ranking everyone. Obito and Kakashi ended up arguing about who was stronger."

Taiichi was speechless; these two could argue about anything.

At that moment, Might Guy also saw Taiichi and Shizune chatting and walked over.

"Taiyi, were you nervous during today's sparring session? I feel my blood boiling!"

"How could that be, Kai? Don't we practice every day?"

"No, Taiyi, this is an opportunity to showcase myself. I want to demonstrate the results of my training to everyone, so they know I'm not a loser!"

It turns out that Kai was often ridiculed by his classmates because he was among the last to be admitted. They originally thought that Kai was easygoing and wouldn't care, but they didn't expect that he still harbored resentment.

"I see. Well then, Kai, you must do your best. I will support you." For someone who is working hard, all you need to do is support them.

"Ah~ Ah~ I knew it, Taiichi, you understand me best." Sure enough, Kai burst into tears.

……

After several lessons, it was time for the afternoon's practical training. Mr. Yamada led everyone to the training ground.

"Next, the students I call on will go up and practice, while the rest of you will watch from the sidelines."

"Takeshita Haneda, Sarutobi Asuma."

The first match is against the Hokage's son, Asuma. He usually acts like he's second to none, so he doesn't have much contact with Taichi and the others. Today, we can see how good he is.

The two entered the arena and formed opposing hand seals.

With Yamada-sensei's shout of "Start!", Asuma charged towards Takeshita, his speed surpassing that of most of the students in the class. Takeshita was stunned by Asuma's imposing presence, and by the time he reacted, it was already too late.

Asuma closed in and delivered a powerful straight punch that shattered Takeshita's defenses. Without hesitation, he followed up with a combo that knocked Takeshita to the ground.

"Asuma wins," Yamada-sensei announced promptly.

The two stood, formed a reconciliation seal, and exited the stage.

"Asuma's skill level is very high, his foundation is particularly solid," Taichi said, turning to Kai.

"Yeah, he's a formidable rival. That's what youth is all about—competition."

"Second match: Uchiha Obito vs. Hatake Kakashi."

I didn't expect this couple to run into each other so early. This is going to be interesting.

As Obito and Kakashi took the stage, Obito started taunting them again before the match even began. Rin, sitting in the audience, slapped her forehead, utterly speechless.

"Form the seal of opposition!" Teacher Yamada, who was acting as the referee, couldn't stand it anymore and urged.

The two formed opposing hand seals, and the battle began.

Kakashi faced off against Obito, and to Taichi's surprise, the two were able to fight back and forth in the first half, exchanging blows and attacks with considerable skill.

Taiichi felt he needed to re-evaluate his classmates. He couldn't underestimate anyone just because he knew the original story. Taiichi knew Kakashi's level; the two had sparred many times. It was truly beyond Taiichi's expectations that Obito could fight Kakashi to such a high level.

The exciting duel between the two drew cheers from the students on the sidelines, but compared to Obito, Kakashi was undoubtedly more popular, especially among the female students in the class.

Hearing the girls in his class cheering for Kakashi, Obito's Sharingan was about to activate from envy and jealousy. Even Taiichi, who was far away, could feel his resentment.

This made Obito's attacks increasingly frantic and gradually became chaotic, which resulted in Kakashi seizing the opportunity and defeating him with a combo.

"Kakashi Hatake wins."

Obito stood up and reluctantly formed the reconciliation seal.

"The third match: Matsushita Taichi vs. Hyuga Yuhashi."

Upon hearing his name called, Taiichi stepped onto the stage. Looking at Hyuga Yuuhachi approaching from the opposite side, Taiichi was eager to try his hand at Gentle Fist from the Hyuga clan.

The two formed opposing hand seals, and the battle began.

Hyuga assumed a starting stance, and Tai, seeing that he wouldn't attack first, rushed forward. He raised his hand and delivered a straight punch, which Hyuga blocked. Tai then turned and elbowed Hyuga, and seeing Hyuga leap back, he followed up with a high kick to the head. This time, Hyuga couldn't retreat and could only raise his hand to block.

"Bang!"

Hinata hadn't expected Taichi's kick to be so powerful; she couldn't block it with one hand at all. Her hand even hit her head, and she was kicked back several steps before regaining her balance.

Taiichi seized the opportunity and launched a series of attacks, but the Hyuga clan's Gentle Fist was not to be underestimated and gradually stabilized the situation.

After the first phase of their exchange, both men stepped back, panting.

Hyuga Yuuhachi regulated his breathing and launched the first attack. He assumed a starting stance, which puzzled Taichi. However, Yamada, who was watching the battle, became more alert because he recognized it as the starting stance of the Hyuga clan's Baguazhang. He was surprised to find that this year's students were truly talented.

Taiichi was already on high alert when he saw Hyuga Yuuhachi rushing towards him. When he heard the opponent shout "Eight Trigrams Thirty-Two Palms" in the middle of the attack, he dared not be careless and focused all his attention.

The already fast Hyuga Yuuhachi doubled his speed the moment he struck, almost leaving a blur.

Now, Taiyi's talent, the academic genius, begins to take effect, increasing his focus by 10 times and his thinking speed by 100%. This talent, originally intended for learning, is equally useful in battle.

The world in Tai's eyes slowed down, and Hyuga Yuuhachi's movements were clearly seen. Although it was still difficult to keep up with the movements, blocking and parrying became easier.

To outsiders, both men's movements were so fast they were almost blurry. After delivering the final blow to Youzhu that day, he knew he had lost. Sure enough, Taiyi seized the moment after the final strike, taking advantage of the opponent's brief respite, and delivered a decisive punch to the abdomen.

"Matsushita Taichi wins," Yamada-sensei announced. Fortunately, there were no problems; in that situation, he himself might not have had time to act.

The two sealed their reconciliation and left the scene.

Meanwhile, the Hokage, who was secretly watching with a crystal ball, breathed a sigh of relief. Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had been watching the whole thing, was also surprised that Hyuga Yuuhachi could use Thirty-Two Palms at such a young age. He was even more surprised that Matsushita Taichi could completely block the attack and even counterattack. As expected of the child he had chosen.

"Fourth match, Nohara Rin, Shizune."

……

"Alright, that's all for today's matches. The rankings will be posted on the bulletin board tomorrow. That's all for today, get out of class dismissed."

With that "get out of class dismissed," today's lessons came to an end. Students left the school in twos and threes.

As usual, Taichi, Guy, and Kakashi headed to the grove together to expend their remaining energy. Obito, Rin, and Shizune joined them along the way. The group then made their way to the grove.

……

Nighttime, at the root base.

Danzo, the leader of Root and still in his prime, looked at the data in his hand. It was the report on the battles at the Ninja Academy today. "He was born in an orphanage, and both his parents were ninjas who died in battle. He has no bloodline limit. His outstanding qualities are his excellent learning ability and lightning-fast reflexes."

The Root ninja in charge of evaluating outstanding students at the Ninja Academy bowed his head and replied, "Yes, Lord Danzo."

"This Matsushita Taichi has a very strong learning ability. Whether it is ninjutsu, taijutsu or theoretical courses, he is always at the top of the class, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that he is number one."

"His physical skills are not particularly outstanding yet, but his exceptional reaction speed always allows him to turn the tide of battle."

"In addition, he has an extremely good quality, which is self-discipline."

"His self-discipline even surpasses that of most adult ninjas, so I believe that such a person is worth recruiting and training by Root."

"Self-discipline? That's certainly a quality that suits the root of his being. Combined with his other strengths, he's definitely worth cultivating," Danzo said.

"Pay close attention to this Taichi Matsushita."

"yes!"