---
The room was abuzz with disbelief. Nobody had expected Kakashi to entertain Kirito's outrageous challenge.
A powerful Jonin was actually willing to engage a young boy who couldn't even use ninjutsu. The chatter in the hall grew louder.
"What?"
"Did I hear that right? Kakashi's going to deal with this clown himself?"
"He's actually taking action? This must mean he's angry."
"And who wouldn't be? Some kid who doesn't even know ninjutsu claims he can beat an elite Jonin? Ridiculous!"
"Defeat *Hatake Kakashi*, Konoha's Copy Ninja? What is this kid even thinking?"
"Wait and watch. Kakashi will humiliate him thoroughly."
Iruka, initially trying to stay out of it, tensed as he overheard Kakashi's decision to fight. His pupils shrank as worry crept onto his face.
"Kakashi-sensei, this isn't right," Iruka said anxiously. "No one can just become a Jonin without proving themselves. Please, don't involve the Hokage in this mess!"
Mizuki, standing beside Iruka, rolled his eyes. He was annoyed with Kirito from the start, and this was a golden opportunity to see him humiliated.
"Iruka, if the kid wants to challenge Kakashi-sensei, let him," Mizuki said with a smirk. "Maybe this is the lesson he needs."
Mizuki turned to Kirito, his eyes gleaming with mockery.
Who was Kakashi? Konoha's prodigious Jonin. How could Kirito—a boy with no ninjutsu—possibly stand a chance? Mizuki was eager to see Kirito embarrass himself in front of everyone.
"But—" Iruka began.
Mizuki cut him off with a cold smile. "This isn't the place for a fight. Let's take this to the training grounds."
He gestured toward Kakashi. "Shall we?"
Kakashi, who had been indifferent to the commotion, gave a slight nod and began walking out of the room. Mizuki followed closely, throwing a glance back at Kirito.
"Well, kid, let's see what you've got."
Kirito remained calm, nodding slightly as he watched Mizuki. The man reminded him of a clown—loud and desperate for attention. Then it clicked.
Wasn't Mizuki the one who tricked Naruto into stealing the Book of Seals in the original timeline?
The thought brought a faint smile to Kirito's lips.
---
### The Training Grounds
Before long, Kakashi and Kirito arrived at the training grounds, but they weren't alone. A crowd of curious onlookers had followed them, eager to witness the duel.
The chatter continued.
"Can you believe this?"
"This kid really thinks he can take on Kakashi-sensei."
"Kakashi will destroy him in seconds."
Even passing ninjas stopped to watch, intrigued by the growing spectacle.
Not far from the Hokage's office, Might Guy, with his bowl-cut hair and green jumpsuit, noticed the commotion.
"Kakashi's fighting someone?" Guy exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement.
Beside him, Yuhi Kurenai raised an elegant eyebrow, her crimson eyes narrowing.
"The training grounds? I wonder what's happening," she mused.
"The only way to find out is to watch! Let's go!" Guy declared, bounding forward enthusiastically.
Kurenai sighed, placing a hand on her forehead, but her curiosity got the better of her. She followed Guy toward the scene.
By the time they arrived, Kakashi and Kirito were already facing each other on the field.
"Let's begin," Kirito said calmly.
Kakashi gave a silent nod.
The spectators watched with bated breath. To most, Kirito's confidence seemed reckless, even suicidal.
"Does he not realize who he's up against?"
"Calling for the fight to start? He's signing his own death warrant."
Amid the murmurs, Kakashi disappeared.
*Swish!*
In an instant, Kakashi reappeared in front of Kirito, his speed astonishing. He swung a knife-hand strike aimed straight for Kirito's head.
The crowd gasped.
"Whoa! Did you see that speed?"
"He's already in front of him!"
"What's Kirito doing? He hasn't even moved!"
Just as Kakashi's strike was about to connect, Kirito took a single step back, effortlessly dodging the attack.
The crowd was stunned.
"Did… did he just dodge?" Iruka muttered, rubbing his eyes in disbelief.
"It's not that Kakashi missed," Might Guy said, his eyes gleaming with interest. "The kid dodged it. He's got skill."
Beside him, Kurenai observed Kirito carefully. She had heard rumors on the way about the fight—how Kirito claimed to know no ninjutsu.
"Interesting," she murmured. "His taijutsu must be exceptional."
Guy nodded in agreement. "He's at least Chunin level in physical combat. But let's see if he can handle Kakashi when he gets serious."
Meanwhile, Mizuki's face darkened. Though surprised, he was quick to dismiss Kirito's display.
"So what if he dodged one attack?" Mizuki sneered. "He doesn't know ninjutsu. He can't win."
Back on the battlefield, Kakashi paused, intrigued by Kirito's reaction. Though he hadn't used his full speed, it was enough to test Kirito's reflexes—and the boy had passed with ease.
"Not bad," Kakashi said, his tone neutral but his demeanor growing sharper. He slid a kunai from his sleeve, spinning it in his hand.
The air grew tense as Kakashi's stance shifted. Even the onlookers felt the pressure of his killing intent.
"Be careful," Kakashi said quietly.
He formed a quick seal with his hands.
*Bang! Bang!*
In an instant, three Kakashi clones materialized, rushing toward Kirito at blinding speed. Their movements left afterimages, too fast for most of the crowd to follow.
"This is it," Kurenai said under her breath, her crimson eyes narrowing. "Kakashi's serious now. This kid doesn't stand a chance."
Yet Kirito remained unfazed, watching the clones approach. As they closed in, he smirked.
"Speed is power," he murmured to himself.
"Kakashi… have you ever been kicked by light?"
---