[Naruto: Monthly Refreshing Passive] Chapter 7 (Patreon)

The rather sly and dark-hearted Hatake Kakashi did indeed play a trick on Aragami Kyomu.

As long as Hatake Kakashi established his reputation, and Aragami Kyomu remained the only acknowledged opponent by his own admission, Kyomu would never find peace again.

"Kakashi, is your heart so dark? Can't you let me peacefully get through a month?"

In the corner by the wall, Kyomu pushed Hatake Kakashi, saying, "Hurry up and explain to those eager people. I really don't want to cause trouble."

"Too late," Hatake Kakashi smirked. "If you accept my challenge, you won't have these troublesome matters. But if you refuse and keep avoiding, be prepared to be harassed every day."

Taking a deep breath, Kyomu sighed, "Fine, it seems you are determined. Since that's the case, forget what I said earlier."

As he spoke, Kyomu turned his head, ignoring Hatake Kakashi, and immersed himself in his thoughts.

Hatake Kakashi chuckled and didn't bother Kyomu anymore. He turned his head to survey the entire classroom.

Soon, his gaze collided with Uchiha Obito, and Hatake Kakashi saw the dissatisfaction and determination in Obito's eyes.

That's more like it. This is the normal behavior of boys in this age group.

"Hey, Kakashi," Uchiha Obito shouted across the room, "I was careless before, and I haven't awakened the Sharingan yet. I haven't truly shown my strength. Tomorrow, when I've adjusted, dare you have another match with me?"

Hatake Kakashi couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, intentionally provoking, "Since you've already lost, don't find excuses. If you still want another match, come back when you can surpass Aragami Kyomu."

"Don't underestimate me!" Uchiha Obito slammed the table, shifting his gaze from Hatake Kakashi to Kyomu. "Hey, Kyomu, let's have a match this afternoon. I'll definitely beat you!"

"I'm not interested in comparing and sparring." Kyomu shook his head. "If you insist on comparing, you've already won. I concede."

"Surrender before even fighting?!" Uchiha Obito slammed his hands on the table, leaning towards Kyomu. "What do you mean? Are you looking down on me like Kakashi?"

Kyomu felt annoyed. He just wanted to quietly endure a month, but Hatake Kakashi had to disrupt his peace.

"I said I'm not interested in sparring for now."

"Damn it!"

Unable to hold back, Uchiha Obito leaped from his seat and punched towards Kyomu's face.

With a focused gaze, Kyomu caught Uchiha Madara's incoming fist with one hand, then, with his left hand clenched in a fist and right leg taking a step forward, he delivered a punch and a kick almost simultaneously on Uchiha Obito.

Next second.

Bang.

Uchiha Obito lost his balance and fell to the ground, adopting the same posture as when he fought Hatake Kakashi earlier.

Receiving the same blow twice under the same move, at this age, it was somewhat disgraceful for Uchiha Obito.

However, Hatake Kakashi, who had been watching, brightened up. He turned his head sharply to look at Kyomu.

"I knew it. I knew you were not ordinary!" Hatake Kakashi spoke rapidly. "If you didn't have enough combat experience as a backing, you wouldn't be able to achieve this level."

Hatake Kakashi was familiar with Kyomu's moves against Uchiha Obito since he had used them during the break.

But compared to Kyomu, Hatake Kakashi felt his proficiency was slightly lacking. From this, it could be inferred that Kyomu's combat strength might not be lower than his own, possibly even higher.

Having reached this conclusion, Hatake Kakashi became more excited, continuously focusing his gaze on Kyomu.

"All of this is thanks to you, Kakashi." Kyomu looked at him seriously. "Also, stop looking at me with that gaze. I'm allergic to it, and it's severe."

"It seems my method is effective," Hatake Kakashi misunderstood Kyomu's words. "I'll intensify it until you agree to spar with me."

Rolling his eyes in exasperation, Kyomu had no intention of continuing the conversation.

Misunderstandings could stay as they were; he didn't mind. As long as he could watch Hatake Kakashi's fights from the sidelines and unconsciously learn from them, Kyomu chose to deal with the rest in a laid-back manner.

Perhaps, with this approach combined with the passive skill "King of Nonchalance," he could unleash a different kind of spark.

And having been knocked down for the second time and ignored for the second time, Uchiha Obito's mood became even worse.

Moreover, the halo from the Uchiha surname was gradually dimming. Even the attitudes of the surrounding classmates towards Uchiha Obito showed subtle changes.

Not necessarily good or bad, but due to Hatake Kakashi's meddling, Kyomu involuntarily entered Uchiha Obito's 'competition list.'

Getting up from the ground, Uchiha Obito, discontented and stubborn, scolded the two, "Wait and see, tomorrow, I will reclaim my dignity!"

Leaving these words behind, Uchiha Obito turned back to his seat, sitting down with a visibly lowered spirit.

Behind Uchiha Obito, Nohara Rin, at this moment, poked his back gently and spoke comforting and encouraging words in a gentle tone.

Now, the downturn in Uchiha Obito's eyes disappeared instantly. Holding Nohara Rin's hand, Uchiha Obito made promises and assured her that he would prove himself tomorrow, defeating Hatake Kakashi and Kyomu.

At the same time, in another corner of the classroom, Might Guy, with a hint of eagerness in his eyes, soon became insecure and weak. His desire extinguished quickly, and he lowered his head, full of hesitation.

Kyomu observed all of this without any intention to change his thoughts. For no other reason than his strength not being sufficient.

Continue to act weak.

After this brief episode, the ninja teacher, Shuzo, began the second class of the morning.

The content was simple and boring—supervising the students refining chakra independently.

For Hatake Kakashi, this learning pace was torture. He felt that going to ninja school was a waste of time.

Glancing at Kyomu, who was drawing next to him, Hatake Kakashi shook his head. He didn't want to waste time in this way.

Suddenly, Hatake Kakashi thought about skipping a grade. Maybe the quality of teaching in the higher grades would improve.

Although Kyomu was pretending to be weak, he noticed the subtle changes in Hatake Kakashi's expression.

"Do you want to learn to draw with me?" Kyomu approached. "It's a good way to alleviate loneliness and a perfect choice for diversified development."

"This is even more boring." Hatake Kakashi shook his head. "Kyomu, have you ever thought about learning more advanced ninja knowledge?"

"Are you going to teach me?" Kyomu looked at Hatake Kakashi seriously. "If you're teaching, I can reluctantly listen when my mind wanders."

Hatake Kakashi had developed an immunity to Kyomu's outrageous statements.

"On a serious note, with your talent, you shouldn't waste time in lower grades." Perhaps geniuses understood each other. Hatake Kakashi extended an invitation to Kyomu. "Do you want to consider skipping a grade with me?"

"Let's wait a bit longer. We can see if the teaching quality improves tomorrow."

After thinking about it, Hatake Kakashi thought Kyomu had a point. Nodding, he was about to respond when suddenly Shūzō called their names.

"Hatake Kakashi, Kyomu Aragami, stand at the door. Come back in when you're done."

Hatake Kakashi was momentarily stunned, while Kyomu stood up promptly and willingly helped Hatake Kakashi up from his seat.

"Hahaha..."

Kyomu, who received the treatment of standing at the entrance for the second time on the second day of school, was once again ridiculed by the entire class, dragging Hatake Kakashi into the misfortune.

"Why is your face red?"

At the doorway, Kyomu questioned Hatake Kakashi's soul, "You said the lessons were boring. Coming out for some fresh air is good; don't worry too much."

"Do you think I'm like you?!" Hatake Kakashi's face couldn't hold up. "And I'm not blushing, not at all!"

"Then, dare to skip class?"

"Skip class on the second day of school?!"

"What I mean is, we can eavesdrop on the higher grades by the door." Kyomu pointed to Shūzō standing on the podium. "I think Professor Toriūma also means that."

Hatake Kakashi quickly understood, and being pulled by Kyomu, the two sneaked to the door of the higher-grade classroom.

Shūzō, however, turned a blind eye, pretending nothing had happened.

(End of this chapter)