"Thank you for your restraint, Kakashi."
As he looked at Kakashi's dazed expression, Shinichi slowly withdrew the long blade that had been pressed against the other's throat.
Five years of planning, accomplished in a single moment.
Shinichi had rehearsed this scene countless times in his mind, imagining the surge of exhilaration he would feel after defeating this genius. Yet now, when it truly happened—when the dust had settled—what he felt was instead a deep-pool-like calm.
There was even… a trace of an indescribable emptiness.
"I lost." Kakashi came back to his senses and looked at the black-haired youth before him.
"This time, you won. But that doesn't mean my father's swordsmanship is lacking—it's just that I…" He pressed his lips together, not saying words like insufficient training or inadequate strength.
"Next time, I'll win it back!"
Shinichi met his gaze, the same gentle, sunlit smile still on his face.
"I look forward to our next match, Kakashi."
"Ahem." Fumio stepped forward at the right moment, positioning himself between the two as he announced loudly, "This practical assessment ends here. The victor—Higashino Shinichi!"
"Shinichi! Shinichi! Shinichi!!"
Before Fumio's voice had even fully fallen, Class Two erupted like a volcano long held in check. Deafening cheers shot straight into the sky.
Among them, Ryū's rough, booming voice rang out like a war drum, driving the entire class's excitement: "Beautifully done, Shinichi! That was amazing!! I knew you could do it!"
"H-He actually won?!" Shizune's eyes went wide, her mouth hanging open.
In stark contrast to Class Two's fervor, Class One fell into silence.
"Kakashi…" Rin clasped her hands tightly at her chest, her face filled with worry.
"Kakashi, that guy… he actually lost…" Obito looked at a loss for words. He had thought he would be happy to see Kakashi suffer a setback, but it wasn't so. Instead, his heart felt oddly uncomfortable.
In the crowd, Might Guy, who had witnessed the entire match as well, said nothing. Yet beneath his thick brows, his eyes burned with an intensity never seen before.
"Now, both sides, please form the seal of reconciliation!" Fumio announced loudly at the appropriate moment, drawing everyone's attention back to the ceremonial procedure.
Shinichi and Kakashi extended their hands and formed the seal of reconciliation. After completing it, Kakashi said nothing more, turning around and walking back to Class One's formation.
Shinichi, however, did not return with Class Two.
Fumio noticed his pause and asked gently, "Shinichi, is there something else?"
Shinichi let an appropriate trace of an expression surface on his face—somewhere between troubled and apologetic. He bowed slightly, his tone sincere. "It's like this, Matsumoto-sensei. Although this may not be the most appropriate time right now… I really have run into something lately that's been making me uneasy and confused. Considering that after today's exam ends, the next time I see you might be next term, I have no choice but to be presumptuous and ask you here."
"What problem is it? Tell me."
Shinichi organized his words and described it in a slightly uncertain tone. "It's that recently, when I sleep at night, I sometimes feel something very strange. Sometimes, in the middle of the night, I'll inexplicably feel that it's noisy around me, but I can't tell where the sound is coming from. Other times, it's like I hazily sense that there's something nearby, but after I wake up, I find everything is as usual."
"And also… after I wake up, I always feel like my body is a bit tired. I checked, and I found that the chakra inside my body seems to be a little less than it was before I fell asleep—like… when I enter deep sleep, my chakra uncontrollably disperses outward on its own, just a little."
He revealed just the right amount of a youth's unease. "Sensei, this… could it be that something has gone wrong with my training? Or that there's some hidden problem with my body?"
"This…" Hearing that, Fumio immediately frowned. With one hand supporting his chin, he fell into thought.
"Sensory aptitude!" Off to the side, Inoue, Class One's homeroom teacher, lit up and spoke first, his tone carrying a bit of interest. "Shinichi, the phenomena you're describing sound very much like an initial awakening of sensory aptitude! It's very possible that you have the inborn potential to become a sensory-type shinobi!"
"Yes, yes—sensory!" Fumio also reacted sharply, realization dawning on him. The doubt on his face vanished at once, replaced by surprise and delight. "That's right! When chakra relaxes deeply and unconsciously releases outward, producing a faint resonance with the external environment or living beings, it can create a sense of strangeness and even vague information feedback… This is precisely one of the common signs many sensory-type shinobi show in the early stage of their talent awakening!"
"A sensory-type shinobi?" Shinichi appropriately displayed the right measure of confusion and curiosity.
Seeing this, Inoue took the initiative to explain to all the students in the field who had perked up their ears. "Sensory-type shinobi are those special shinobi who, whether by nature or through training, can release their own chakra outward with a high degree of refinement to probe the surroundings, sense vital signs, and especially detect other people's chakra. They're like a team's eyes and ears, and they have an irreplaceable role in reconnaissance, vigilance, and tracking. For example, our Konoha Yamanaka clan is skilled in sensory ninjutsu."
Fumio picked up the thread, speaking gently to reassure Shinichi. "So you don't need to worry. Not only is this not a bad thing—on the contrary, it's a talent revealing itself, something worth being happy about! This means that on the path of a shinobi, besides an outstanding physique and willpower, you may also possess precious, rare sensory ability!"
"After you return, make sure to rest properly. You can try calming your mind and focusing your spirit while awake, taking the initiative to capture and become familiar with that subtle sensation of outward perception—but don't force it or become anxious. After the term begins, if similar situations occur or you notice anything new, you can come find us at any time."
"A sensory-type shinobi… so that's how it is." Relief mixed with dawning understanding appeared on Shinichi's face. He respectfully bowed to the two teachers. "Thank you both for explaining this to me. I feel much more at ease now."
Under the varied gazes of the crowd, Shinichi calmly withdrew back into the ranks of Class Two.
Everything he had said was, of course, false.
He had no trouble at all with chakra leaking during sleep, nor was he any kind of naturally born sensory-type shinobi candidate.
This, too, was part of his carefully planned persona management.
Taking advantage of this perfect opportunity—having just defeated Kakashi head-on and become the center of attention—he gently planted the seed of "possibly possessing sensory aptitude" in public, under the guise of consulting about a concern.
With authoritative teachers making an on-the-spot judgment and explanation of "suspected sensory aptitude," and with many classmates hearing it with their own ears and witnessing it with their own eyes—
The seed of impression had already been sown.
Once this notion spread back home through students' mouths, perhaps even recorded by teachers' pens, and gradually circulated within Konohagakure… people would come to believe that Higashino Shinichi possessed sensory aptitude.
At that point, there was a high probability that a new Entry related to perception would condense on his personal panel.
When it came to building a persona, Shinichi always adhered to one core principle: proceed steadily, move from the real to the abstract, and accumulate small victories into a great one.
He never harbored extravagant hopes, nor would he recklessly fabricate those castle-in-the-air "super personas" to directly generate powerful Entries—such as Wood Release, the Sharingan, various kekkei genkai, or even things like reincarnation of the Six Paths or reality bending at a word.
Those were lies that would collapse at a single poke, and the cognitive intensity and breadth required to generate them would inevitably reach a terrifying level.
Therefore, he always started with traits that matched his background, real-world performance, or reasonable logic—traits that could withstand basic scrutiny and the test of time.
Sensory aptitude was one of them.
Just like being strong, diligent, and similar qualities, it was not exclusive to kekkei genkai shinobi. Ordinary shinobi could also possess sensory aptitude.
After Shinichi returned to the crowd, the end-of-term practical assessment continued.
The subsequent matches certainly had their own highlights, but with that earth-shattering duel earlier setting such a high bar, the remaining bouts inevitably seemed somewhat plain.
The students of the two classes either gave it their all or proceeded cautiously, until the sun dipped toward the horizon and all assessments finally came to an end.
The exam was over, but this assessment—especially the waves stirred up by one particular duel—had yet to settle. Instead, like a massive stone thrown into a lake, the ripples were spreading rapidly.
On the streets of Konohagakure, on the way home after school—
"Hey, have you heard? That genius Kakashi from First Year, Class One—he lost today's practical assessment to another student from the same year!"
"What? How is that possible! Didn't the teachers all say that Kakashi's strength was already enough for him to graduate and become an official genin? Last time, two seniors who graduated this year and became genin came looking for trouble because they couldn't stand Kakashi's so-called 'Hokage-like bearing,' and they were both defeated by him."
"It's absolutely true. And later on, Kakashi even used a sword—White Fang-sama's swordsmanship! You have to know, before this, he hadn't used a sword against any opponent!"
"Hiss—he still lost even after using his family's swordsmanship? Then what kind of monster showed up out of nowhere? What's his name?"
"Higashino Shinichi! First Year, Class Two. They say he's from a civilian background!"
An upperclassman well known for being in the know spoke the name with certainty.
...
Some training ground, evening.
"Chen-sensei! Chen-sensei! Do you know? Shinichi! The Shinichi I told you about before—my desk mate, Higashino Shinichi! Today, in the practical assessment, he beat that Hatake Kakashi!"
Ryū charged into the training ground in a whirlwind, shouting loudly at a middle-aged man in the field who was short and stocky, wearing round, small dark glasses, with an air that was somewhat comical. Ryū's dark face was filled with excitement and pride.
"Oh?" The man addressed as Chen stopped what he was doing, pushed up his glasses, and his tone carried a trace of surprise and interest. "That kid… that strong?"
He knew the reputation of the Hatake family's boy, and had some sense of the weight of his talent.
...
Near a residence.
"Shizune, how was the end-of-term exam today?" One of the Sannin, the blonde Tsunade, casually flipped through the book in her hands, not even looking up as she asked the Shizune who had just come home.
"First place should've been that Hatake kid, right?"
"It was alright." Shizune set down her bag, her tone still a little weary, then added, "But this time, first place in the practical assessment wasn't Hatake Kakashi."
"Hm?" Tsunade looked up, raising an eyebrow. "Then who was it?"
"It was Shinichi!" Shizune answered seriously. "He beat Kakashi—twice!"
"Shinichi?" Tsunade paused, as if searching her memory for the name. "The one you mentioned occasionally before—the desk mate of yours who looks very hardworking and quite strong?"
"Mm." Shizune nodded, recalling that storm-like assault, and the long blade that had finally come to a steady halt at the opponent's throat.
...
The Third Hokage's residence, dinnertime.
The atmosphere at the table was warm. The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, his wife Sarutobi Biwako, and their eldest son Sarutobi Shinnosuke were all present.
Asuma, meanwhile, was a bit excited, gesturing animatedly as he recounted the duel he had personally witnessed that afternoon.
"…And then that guy Shinichi—one slash and he knocked Kakashi's short blade flying! After that, another attack right away—Kakashi couldn't block it at all! In the end, the blade was right at his neck! It was too fast!"
The Third Hokage listened in silence, the chopsticks in his hand pausing slightly.
Shinichi? That child who once carried a massive stone… to think he could defeat Kakashi head-on?
At this moment, Asuma suddenly said, "Old man, by the way—what exactly is sensory aptitude? Today, Inoue-sensei said that Shinichi is very likely to have sensory aptitude…"
The Third Hokage's eyes shifted slightly. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "Sensory aptitude is a very precious ability…"
...
The Hatake household, in the courtyard.
Sakumo stood quietly beneath the corridor eaves, gazing at his son in the courtyard—who, since returning from school, had not spoken a word and had been continuously practicing his sword swings.
After a long while, Sakumo spoke gently, "Kakashi, it's time to eat."
Kakashi's movements halted. He slowly sheathed his blade and turned to look at his father.
"Father, I…"
"Eat first," Sakumo interrupted him, his tone calm.
Dinner passed in relative silence. After the meal, father and son returned once more to the courtyard.
"I've heard about what happened today," Sakumo said as he looked at his son. "How does it feel to lose?"
"…Very unwilling." Kakashi lowered his head and clenched his fists. "I was too careless, and my strength also—"
"Kakashi." Sakumo placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "Look at me. A single victory or defeat means nothing in a long shinobi career. Failure is a mirror that lets you see your own weaknesses. In my eyes, your talent and potential are far greater than mine were back then. Your future is by no means limited to this."
Kakashi raised his head, fire reigniting in his eyes. "I'll definitely defeat him next time, Father!"
Sakumo smiled with relief. "I believe you. However, training must proceed step by step—do not be impatient for quick success."
He paused for a moment, his tone shifting into instruction.
"By the way, I'm heading out of the village early tomorrow morning to carry out a mission. It may take some time. While I'm away, take good care of yourself. If there's anything you don't understand in your training, you can write it down for now and wait until I get back…"
"Yes! Father, please be careful on the way!" Kakashi nodded solemnly, turning the bitterness of defeat and the concern of parting from his father into even stronger motivation.
...
Night gradually deepened over Konohagakure. Yet the name Higashino Shinichi, together with the fact that he had defeated Hatake Kakashi head-on—and the vague rumors of sensory aptitude—was like a wildfire suddenly ignited, racing through every corner of the village at astonishing speed and scorching many people's perceptions.
One week later.
The impact of defeating Kakashi was immediate and tangible. As Shinichi walked through the streets, he could more frequently feel sideways glances and appraising looks from passersby, occasionally catching fragments of hushed discussion.
This level of notoriety was something he had never come close to achieving even after several years of accumulation before.
During this period, new Entries formed on Shinichi's personal panel, and some existing ones were upgraded.
However, the change he most anticipated—the most core one—still stubbornly failed to appear.
Just when Shinichi was starting to feel a bit disappointed, thinking that his planning might have come to nothing—
That morning, after he finished his morning training, returned home, and washed up, when his mind habitually swept over his personal panel—
At the very top of the Talent Entries section, without any warning at all, a surge of deep azure light suddenly burst forth!
That light was pure and profound, carrying a kind of transcendent quality, completely different from the white and green glows before it.
Within the light, a brand-new line of text—seemingly condensed from starlight—slowly emerged and solidified.
[Genius (Blue): You are an absolute genius who displays outstanding talent in all aspects. Learning, training, combat, and innovation—efficiency and upper limits in all fields receive comprehensive and significant enhancement.]
"He… hehehe…"
Looking at the newly generated Entry, a curve lifted at the corner of Shinichi's mouth. A low, trembling laugh spilled from his throat, at first still barely restrained.
But the emotions that had been compressed for far, far too long quickly became like volcanic magma that had finally found a fissure—utterly impossible to contain any longer!
"Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!"
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