Just like talents such as Superhuman Strength and Diligent, these are not exclusive to Kekkei Genkai ninjas; ordinary ninjas may also possess Sensory talents.
After Shinichi returned to the group, the final practical assessment continued.
While there were certainly highlights in the subsequent matches, the other matches inevitably seemed somewhat bland after the spectacular showdown that followed.
The students in both classes either gave it their all or took it very seriously, until the sun began to set and all the assessments finally came to an end.
The exam is over, but the ripples caused by this assessment, especially one of the duels, are far from subsiding. Instead, like a boulder thrown into a lake, the ripples are spreading rapidly.
On the way home from school.
"Hey, did you hear? Kakashi, the genius from grade 1, class 1, lost to a student from the same grade in today's practical assessment!"
"What? How is that possible! Didn't the teachers all say that Kakashi's strength was enough to graduate and become a full-fledged Genin? Last time, two seniors who graduated this year and became Genin came to cause trouble because they couldn't stand Kakashi's title of having the potential to become the Hokage, but Kakashi defeated them both."
"Absolutely true. Moreover, Kakashi even used a sword later on; it was White Fang-sama's swordsmanship! You should know that he had never used a sword against any of his opponents before!"
"Hiss, he still lost even after using his clan's swordsmanship? Where did this monster come from? What's its name?"
"Shinichi Higashino! He's in class 2 of the first year, and supposedly comes from a commoner background!"
The well-informed upperclassman confidently uttered the name.
At a training ground, in the evening.
"Master Chen! Master Chen! Do you know? Shinichi! The one I mentioned to you, my deskmate, Shinichi Higashino! He defeated Kakashi Hatake in the practical assessment today!"
Takashi Ishizuka stormed into the training field and shouted at a short, stocky middle-aged man with a somewhat comical demeanor and round sunglasses, his dark face filled with pride and excitement.
"Oh?"
The man addressed as Master Chen stopped what he was doing, adjusted his sunglasses, and asked with a hint of surprise and interest, "That kid... is that strong?"
He knew the reputation of that kid from the Hatake clan and had a vague understanding of the significance of his talent.
…
Near a mansion.
"Shizune, how did your final exams go today?"
Tsunade, one of the legendary Sannin, asked Shizune, who had just returned home, without even looking up from her book.
"Shouldn't the first one be that brat from the Hatake clan?"
"Not bad."
Shizune put down her schoolbag, her tone still somewhat lazy, and then added, "However, the first place in this practical battle is not Kakashi Hatake."
"Hmm?"
Tsunade looked up, raising an eyebrow. "Who is that?"
"It's Shinichi!"
Shizune answered earnestly, "He beat Kakashi in two matches!"
"Shinichi?"
Tsunade seemed to be searching her memory for the name. "Is he the classmate you mentioned before, the one who seemed hardworking and quite strong?"
"Hmm."
Shizune nodded, recalling the storm-like attack and the katana that finally came to rest steadily on its opponent's throat.
...
The third Hokage's house, dinner time.
The atmosphere at the dinner table was warm and friendly, with the third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, his wife Biwako Sarutobi, and their eldest son Shinnosuke Sarutobi all present.
Asuma gestured excitedly as he recounted the duel he had witnessed that afternoon.
"... Then, Shinichi cleaved Kakashi's short sword away with a single strike! Then came another attack, which Kakashi couldn't block at all! Finally, the sword was at his neck! It was too fast!"
The third Hokage listened silently, his chopsticks pausing slightly.
Shinichi? That child carrying the giant boulder... He actually managed to defeat Kakashi head-on?
At that moment, Asuma Sarutobi suddenly said, "Old man, by the way, what is sensory talent? Today, Inoue-sensei said that Shinichi Higashino might have sensory talent..."
The third Hokage's eyes flickered slightly as he pondered, "Sensory talent is a very precious talent..."
…
The Hatake clan residence, in the courtyard.
Sakumo Hatake stood quietly under the veranda, watching his son in the yard, who had been silently practicing his swordsmanship ever since he came home from school.
After a long while, Sakumo Hatake finally spoke gently: "Kakashi, it's time to eat."
Kakashi paused, slowly sheathed his sword, and turned to look at his father.
"Dad, I..."
"Eat first."
Sakumo Hatake interrupted him, his tone calm.
Dinner proceeded in relative silence, and it wasn't until after the meal that the father and son returned to the courtyard.
"I've heard about what happened today."
Sakumo Hatake looked at his son. "How does it feel to lose?"
"... I'm so unwilling to accept this."
Kakashi lowered his head, clenching his fists. "I was too careless, and my strength..."
"Kakashi."
Sakumo Hatake placed his hand on his son's shoulder: "Look at me. A temporary victory or defeat is nothing in the long-term career. Defeat is a mirror to see your own weaknesses. In my eyes, your talent and potential are far greater than mine were back then. Your future is definitely not limited to this."
Kakashi raised his head, his eyes burning with renewed fervor: "I will definitely defeat him next time, Dad!"
Sakumo Hatake smiled with satisfaction: "I believe you. However, training must be done step by step; one cannot be impatient for quick results."
He paused, his tone shifting to one of instruction: "By the way, I have to leave the village early tomorrow morning for a mission, which may take some time. While I'm gone, please take good care of yourself. If there's anything you don't understand about training, feel free to write it down, and I'll let you know when I get back..."
"Okay! Dad, please be careful on your journey!"
Kakashi nodded solemnly, turning the bitterness of defeat and the worry of parting from his father into even stronger motivation.
The night in Konoha deepened, but the name Shinichi Higashino, along with his feat of defeating Kakashi Hatake head-on and the vague rumors of his sensory talent, remained.
But like a wildfire that suddenly ignites, it sprang up and spread at an alarming speed in every corner of the village, scorching the perceptions of many.
One week later.
The impact of defeating Kakashi was immediate.
As Shinichi walked down the street, he could feel the sidelong glances and scrutiny from passersby more frequently, and occasionally catch snippets of hushed whispers.
This level of fame is something he had never achieved in the years before.
During this period, Shinichi's system panel generated new talents, and some existing talents were also upgraded.
However, the most anticipated and core change has yet to materialize.
Just as Shinichi was feeling somewhat disappointed and thought his plan might fall through, that morning, after he finished his morning exercise and returned home to wash up, his mind habitually scanned his system panel.
Without warning, a bright blue light suddenly appeared at the very top of the talent attribute column!
The light was pure and profound, with a kind of otherworldly quality, completely different from the white and green radiance of the past.
Amidst the light, a brand new line of writing, seemingly formed from starlight, slowly emerged and solidified.
[Genius (Blue): You are an absolute genius who demonstrates exceptional talent in every aspect. Efficiency and potential in all areas, including learning, practice, practical application, and innovation, have all seen comprehensive and significant improvements.]
"Hehe... Hehehehe..."
Looking at the newly generated talent, Shinichi's lips curled into a smile, and a low, trembling laugh escaped from his throat, which he initially managed to suppress.
But the emotions that had been building up for so long soon burst forth like volcanic lava that had finally found a crack, and could no longer be contained!
Hahahahahahaha!!!