Naruto: Kakashi, the Ultimate Shinobi

Boom!

With a sharp impact, Kakashi's fist landed squarely on Chō Dazhi's jaw. The sheer force behind it sent the towering man from the Akimichi clan flying backwards like a boulder shot from a trebuchet.

Even as Chō Dazhi's hefty frame hurtled through the air, Kakashi didn't hesitate. In the blink of an eye, he vanished with a Shunshin—reappearing behind his airborne opponent.

In mid-air, Chō Dazhi had no leverage. Though he caught sight of Kakashi's swift movements, his large frame made it difficult to counterattack, leaving him wide open.

"Konoha Combo!"

A modified version of the Konoha Senpū and Lion Combo, Kakashi's technique originated from Gai's taijutsu training—just like Sasuke's. Drawing from that shared foundation, Kakashi had developed his own form.

He grabbed Chō Dazhi's flak jacket mid-air, spun gracefully, and slammed the man downward with a thunderous impact that left a crater in the forest floor.

But Kakashi wasn't done.

Rotating in the air, he followed up with a fierce roundhouse.

"Urgh!"

Chō Dazhi groaned, the wind knocked from his lungs as Kakashi's kick landed solidly on his gut. Though heavy, the blow was measured—just enough to incapacitate without lasting damage.

Landing softly, Kakashi retreated three meters, brushing dust off his gloves.

"Sorry, looks like this round's mine."

The clearing was dead silent.

Taijutsu? Just Taijutsu?

No flashy Ninjutsu, no Sharingan, not even a summoned beast. Just three clean, efficient moves—and a behemoth like Chō Dazhi was on his back.

The crowd stared in disbelief.

Each move seemed ordinary. No elaborate flourishes or excessive chakra. But the sheer precision—his control of timing and rhythm—was almost surgical. It was like watching a seasoned performer hit his marks with perfection.

The three Leaf Jonin accompanying Kakashi—Genma, Raido, and Iwashi—were speechless.

They knew Kakashi. He was the student of the Fourth Hokage, a prodigy known for his ninjutsu prowess and strategic mind. Yet here he was, dominating a physical brawler with only raw technique.

If Kakashi could do this without even tapping into his full arsenal... how strong was he, really?

Even Hyūga Feiyu narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. Chō Dazhi wasn't on his level, but he wasn't far off either. And yet the difference in performance was striking.

He clenched his fists.

Even if he himself fought Dazhi, the match would be tough. He couldn't deny it—this silver-haired boy had already surpassed many of their peers... maybe even him.

Feiyu smiled wryly to himself. Comparing oneself to Kakashi Hatake was bound to end in frustration. At his own age, he'd only recently been promoted to Jōnin.

"You've got real strength, little brother. I won't object to you taking lead on this mission anymore."

"Much appreciated," Kakashi replied respectfully.

Chō Dazhi groaned and slowly pulled himself from the rubble. Thanks to Kakashi's restraint, he hadn't sustained serious damage—just the sting of a bruised abdomen and pride.

He rubbed his belly, the padding of Akimichi bulk having absorbed most of the impact.

"Damn, that kick hurt. You sure you're not part of the Akimichi clan?"

Kakashi gave a rare smile. "Apologies."

Chō Dazhi chuckled, wincing. "No need. You've got skills, kid. Not many can use taijutsu like that without relying on bloodlines or gates."

Given that the Akimichi clan specializes in strength-based combat, Dazhi wasn't weak. His downfall had been underestimating Kakashi. He hadn't expected the younger ninja to be so precise, so explosive.

Had he been serious from the start, maybe the outcome would've been closer. But Kakashi had turned the tide before Dazhi even realized what hit him.

Still, Dazhi wasn't one to sulk. Losing to a comrade didn't shame him. On the contrary, it motivated him to grow.

The Akimichi were like that—loyal, warm, and humble.

"You're too kind, senpai."

"What senpai? Just call me Dazhi, no need to be formal," the big man laughed heartily, patting Kakashi on the back.

Kakashi nodded. "Alright... Dazhi-senpai, then."

"Seriously?"

"Oh, come on," Feiyu interjected, arms crossed. "You're over ten years older than him. Don't act like a genin on his first mission."

"Fine, fine," Dazhi said, scratching his head sheepishly.

Kakashi's expression turned serious as he addressed Feiyu. "Can we have the scroll now?"

Feiyu didn't delay. He pulled a sealed scroll from his pouch and tossed it to Kakashi.

Kakashi examined the unique marker that confirmed its authenticity, then tucked it into his own pack.

"Thank you, senpai. We'll take our leave. This needs to reach the village quickly."

"Travel safe," Feiyu replied. "Danger could still be lurking on the road back."

"We'll keep our guard up."

Kakashi turned to his team. Genma's injuries had stabilized after some quick chakra-based first aid. He was sore, but combat-ready.

The trio watched Kakashi silently. Something had changed.

Admiration, envy, respect—they all swirled together. Kakashi had grown beyond them. He wasn't just a teammate anymore—he was a leader, a true elite among them.

Kakashi pulled the scroll back out and offered it to Genma.

"Here. You're the captain."

But Genma shook his head. "You carry it. You're the strongest. That scroll's safest with you."

Kakashi paused. Then nodded.

"Alright, I won't argue."

He slipped it back into his pouch.

"Let's move."

"Yeah!"

They disappeared into the forest, their sandals whispering across the branches.

Ninja life was like this—rushed, transient. The world passed by too fast for sightseeing. Only legends like Jiraiya had the freedom to explore it fully.

Feiyu watched them go, wind rustling through the trees.

He smiled.

That boy... would one day be a name the whole world would remember.

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