The sunrise now fully crested, bathing the empty grove in golden light.
Several onlookers gathered for the imminent duel.
Genin Sasuke versus Jonin Kakashi!
If Sasuke won, he'd be allowed to leave Team 7.
The air crackled with tension.
But each spectator's mood differed.
Naruto plopped on the ground, still fuming.
Sakura edged beside him, hesitating. "Naruto, if Sasuke really beats Kakashi sensei…"
Before she finished, Naruto shouted, "No way, impossible! Last time, he didn't even grab a bell!"
Sakura recalled the recent bell test, relaxing slightly.
But then she glanced at Shen Mo, smiling.
Her heart tensed again.
Yesterday's cans, though just ingredients, were unforgettable in their magic.
"Let's begin," the Third Hokage's aged voice rang out.
Sasuke and Kakashi formed the Seal of Confrontation.
The moment Sasuke looked up, a flash stung his eyes.
It was… sunlight reflecting off Kakashi's headband!
In that split second…
Kakashi flung three kunai, locking Sasuke's movements, then charged with another kunai. His jonin speed erupted, reaching Sasuke's back before the kunai, wind pressure howling.
It's over!
Kakashi thrust the kunai at Sasuke's neck.
Against a genin…
He'd chosen a sunlit angle from the start and used seven or eight-tenths of his strength and speed, aiming for a quick finish.
If this were the old Sasuke, it'd be done.
But—
Clang! A fierce metallic clash echoed.
Sasuke's broadsword not only deflected the three kunai but parried Kakashi's strike at a cunning angle, sparks flying.
In that clash, Kakashi's visible eye widened sharply.
"This strength!?"
Not enough to surpass him, but it nearly matched jonin-level!
He knew Sasuke's prior strength well.
Just one night!
What gave Sasuke this power?
Kakashi wasn't alone in his shock.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, too!
"Even his strength's this strong now?" Sarutobi seemed to inhale slightly, staring at Sasuke on the field.
"Kakashi sensei," Sasuke said, clearly pleased with Kakashi's shock, a grin he couldn't hide spreading. "I've said it plenty—I'm not the same as before!"
On the last word, he flicked his sword, effortlessly redirecting Kakashi's force, leaping back.
Then—
He stepped forward, charging at blazing speed, attacking!
His longsword danced like a phantom—thrusts, flicks, swings, all showcasing masterful swordplay.
Most crucially, his speed and strength seemed to match Kakashi blow for blow.
Their battle spanned the entire clearing, figures weaving, clashing.
Clang, clang—the sounds never stopped.
This was just a genin!
"How many cans did he open?" Even Tsunade gasped.
Sasuke's current strength, though no match for her…
Given his age, he'd be a genius across the ninja world.
"It's not just quantity," Shen Mo said, shaking his head, raising his voice deliberately. "It's the type. Sasuke's can series is built for combat, unlike your medical cans. Big strength gains are only natural."
"Series, huh? From his style…" Tsunade looked at Sasuke. "His can series must be sword-related."
It was easy to see.
Sasuke's intricate swordsmanship…
His footwork, taijutsu—all served that sword. So far, forget ninjutsu, he hadn't even used a kunai.
"Swords, eh?"
Sarutobi overheard their talk, his gaze heavy with caution.
Indeed.
Sasuke's strength now centered on that sword.
But the key was…
He didn't fight like a novice with raw power. He moved like a swordsman honed for over a decade, every swing seasoned.
It wasn't just his body—his experience had changed!
That's what Sarutobi found hardest to believe.
Strength, techniques, skill—all gained effortlessly through cans. What was the point of ninjas' grueling training?
Clearly…
Sarutobi, a lifetime of hard-won skill, was shaken by Sasuke's overnight power.
He wasn't the only one rattled.
Naruto leapt up, fists clenched. "Kakashi sensei, what are you doing? Beat him already!"
Naruto, though brash, was fiercely competitive—why else would he always talk about becoming Hokage?
And now…
Sasuke, once crushed alongside him by Kakashi, taught that ninjas need teamwork, was holding his own?
No way!
Whether Kakashi heard Naruto or not, his gaze sharpened, seizing an opening. He kicked upward fiercely.
Shadow Dance Leaf!
A Konoha taijutsu move, striking the enemy's chin to launch them, with follow-up attacks.
But Sasuke narrowly blocked with his sword's flat.
He flew backward.
Far from dismayed, his grin wouldn't quit.
He didn't press the attack. One hand held his sword, the other clutched his forehead, shoulders shaking, laughing excitedly. "Heh heh, Naruto, haven't you figured it out? The me now won't lose to Kakashi! No, this fight's victory is mine!"
Even with confidence in his new self…
This fight…
Thrilled him to no end!
His body's strength, sharp reflexes, sword training etched into his soul, and moves at his fingertips—it was a first!
Especially—
His opponent was Kakashi, who'd toyed with and crushed him not long ago!
This sense of power felt like a dream.
He hadn't even used his trump card.
With this strength, maybe he could take his revenge. Just you wait, Uchiha Itachi!
Shen Mo watched the smug Sasuke, his mouth twitching.
Kakashi hasn't even used ninjutsu…
Oh well.
Sasuke's displayed power was already stunning, able to face ordinary jonin, proof enough of his cans' might.
But was Kakashi an ordinary jonin?
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