The morning sun coaxed Okamoto Dousuke awake. He stretched languidly, scratching his sleep-tousled hair, yawned widely, and finally pushed himself up from the tatami mat.
After a quick breakfast, Dousuke Okamoto hurried to the Ninja School, arriving at his classroom just as the bell was about to ring.
Settling into his usual seat, he glanced around the room. Today, an unusual air of diligence hung over all the students. Even Uchiha Obito and Might Guy, typically vying for the bottom two ranks in academic subjects, were hunched over their textbooks, brows furrowed in concentration.
"What's going on?" Okamoto Dousuke leaned over and gently tapped Shizune, who was sitting beside him. He then gestured subtly towards Obito, who looked like he was trying to physically merge with his book. After all, Obito had never been one to take written exams seriously.
Before Shizune could answer, Nohara Rin, who was in the front row, chimed in, "Before you got here, Mr. Hondou Ryo gave Might Guy and Obito an ultimatum. If they fail the written portion of this qualifying competition, they'll have to stand at the back of the class from now on."
Leaning closer, Shizune explained in a hushed voice, "The main reason Obito's working so hard is because if he fails this exam, he might be transferred to a different class and won't be able to stay near Rin anymore."
Obito, overhearing Okamoto Dousuke's conversation with Rin and Shizune, couldn't suppress a flash of jealousy. "How is that possible? I'm aiming to prove I'm a genius in both combat and academics! And you'd better worry about your own fighting skills, Dousuke. Don't let me knock you down and make you beg for mercy!" Why does that guy who looks like a girl get to be liked by so many girls? he grumbled inwardly.
Okamoto Dousuke gave Obito a fleeting glance, then wordlessly rested his head on his arms on the desk, feigning sleep. "The teacher's here. Remember to wake me, Shizune."
"Ah, o-okay," Shizune replied, her face flushing slightly.
The morning classes passed by in a blur, and soon it was time to head home. Okamoto Dousuke glanced at Kakashi's empty seat, which had been vacant for the entire day, and fell into a thoughtful silence. This isn't right. Could it be that Kakashi has already graduated?
Kakashi's graduation was, in Okamoto Dousuke's mind, the unofficial start of the Third Great Ninja War. Kakashi's absence over the past few days had left him feeling slightly uneasy.
Day after day slipped by. Okamoto Dousuke maintained a steady routine of school, home, and training. Finally, the day of the Ninja School's practical ranking competition arrived.
On the training grounds of Konoha Ninja Academy, the Third Hokage sat with a group of Jonin, observing the proceedings.
Morning sunlight illuminated the Third Hokage's face. Though he wasn't wearing his Hokage robes, the Sandai narrowed his eyes, addressing the gathered Jonin. "These children are Konoha's future. Some of them will become your apprentices, and you will guide them as their teachers, so pay close attention. Especially you, Jiraiya." The Sandai shot a pointed look at Jiraiya, who was slouching in his seat.
All the students in the class had gathered in the center of the training ground. Even Okamoto Dousuke, who often enjoyed exploring the academy grounds, had arrived early. He noted that Kakashi, who had been absent for the past few days, had also returned.
"Alright," Hondou Ryo began, his voice projecting across the training area, "remember, in this practical competition, friendship takes precedence, followed by competition. Students who don't rank high should not be discouraged, as you all have ample time to improve." With that, he started the announcements.
"First match: Okamoto Dousuke versus Hatake Kakashi!"
Before Hondou Ryo could continue, Obito, sporting his signature orange goggles, raised his hand. "Sensei, I want to challenge both Kakashi and Dousuke!"
"This qualifying round's matchups are determined by the rankings from the previous qualifying round. If you achieve a good result this time, you can issue a challenge in the next one," Hondou Ryo replied to Obito with an impassive expression.
Simultaneously, Kakashi and Okamoto Dousuke approached the nearby ninja tool chest to select their equipment for the test. They each took unsharpened kunai and wooden practice swords. As this was only an internal academy assessment, causing serious injuries was to be avoided.
"Dousuke," Kakashi said to Okamoto Dousuke, who stood opposite him, "I hope you actually try your best. Otherwise, you're going to lose terribly. I've been wanting to wipe the floor with you for ages."
Okamoto Dousuke, having traded his usual light blue top and white shorts for an orange jacket and black trousers, retorted, "Don't worry about me, Kakashi. I'll give it my all. Didn't you notice my change of clothes? That shows how much I care... about defeating you! I'm going to knock some sense into that head of yours later."
"Okay, now form the opposing hand seals. Remember, you are classmates, and in the future, you're more likely to be comrades than enemies," Hondou Ryo called out to the two students who were still bantering.
"The match begins!" Ryo Hondou announced, his gaze fixed on the two boys who had completed the Seal of Confrontation.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Three shuriken sliced through the air, aimed at Okamoto Dousuke from three distinct angles.
Bang! A sudden burst of white smoke erupted as the three shuriken embedded themselves in the remnants of a wooden stake.
Substitution Jutsu!
As the smoke dissipated, two identical Okamoto Dousukes stood on the training ground.
"Water Style: Water Iron Shot!" "Water Style: Water Iron Shot!"
The distinct sound of water ninjutsu echoed from Kakashi's left and right.
A Shadow Clone? When did Okamoto Dousuke master this B-rank technique? Kakashi barely had time to process the surprise before two marble-sized balls of water hurtled towards him.
Swish! With lightning-fast reflexes, Kakashi drew his practice short sword and slashed at the incoming water projectiles.
Clang! The collision of the water balls and the practice sword surprisingly produced a metallic sound.
Observing from the sidelines, Tsunade remarked, "That child's chakra control is truly exceptional. His clone is so convincing it could easily be mistaken for the original. Furthermore, that's merely a C-rank Water Style jutsu, yet the force behind those shots is remarkable." Her gaze followed the fading clone of Okamoto Dousuke and then to the water ball that had pierced cleanly through two large trees in the distance.
Jiraiya, equally impressed, added, "That condensed chakra water ball possesses more than twice the power, speed, and piercing ability of a standard Water Iron Shot."
Orochimaru, a sinister glint in his eyes, licked his lips and mused, "I didn't expect to see such talent in someone so young, aside from Sakumo-kun's child."
The Third Hokage, his gaze sharp, turned to Kakashi's father. "That's not a standard ninja sword, Sakumo. Will it hinder the child in any way?"
Hatake Sakumo stood confidently. "It won't significantly impact Kakashi. Besides, this is just a school exercise; it's more than enough." He had unwavering faith in his son.
The Third Hokage remained silent, his attention returning to the unfolding match.
With a burst of speed, "Konoha Whirlwind!" Okamoto Dousuke launched a powerful sweeping kick, aiming for Kakashi's waist.
Simultaneously, Kakashi's short sword flashed towards Okamoto Dousuke's chest.
"Are you trying to get yourself seriously hurt? Dousuke, even if it's just a practice blade, a direct hit will temporarily incapacitate you!" Kakashi exclaimed, his eyes widening as Okamoto Dousuke showed no sign of dodging the incoming kick.
Boom!
The "Konoha Whirlwind" connected with Kakashi's waist, sending him skidding sideways as he tried to dissipate the force of the impact.
Luckily, I managed to block some of it with my left arm. Otherwise, this match would be over quickly. Kakashi thought, his gaze fixed on Okamoto Dousuke. What a reckless move.
Okamoto Dousuke rubbed his chest, wincing slightly. Although the water film had absorbed the brunt of the attack, the impact hadn't been entirely negated. Damn, not enough chakra, he thought, glancing at Kakashi being sent back.
"Water Style: Water Iron Shot!"
Dozens of water balls hurtled towards Kakashi.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Kakashi expertly dodged the projectiles he could, while using his chakra-enhanced practice sword to slice through the ones that were unavoidable.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Another barrage of water balls followed closely behind.
Kakashi halted, his gaze fixed on Okamoto Dousuke in the distance. His opponent wasn't engaging in close-quarters combat, and the sensation of his practice sword striking Dousuke earlier had been strangely unsatisfying, not at all like hitting a solid person. The shimmering blue barrier on Dousuke's chest, combined with his seemingly unfazed appearance, indicated that ordinary attacks were ineffective.
"Dousuke," Kakashi called out, his voice carrying a newfound intensity, "do you know what I've been doing these past few days instead of attending school?"
He continued, his voice rising with determination, "I accompanied my father to eliminate a group of bandits near here, and now I'm facing you with the resolve to win, no matter what it takes!"
No wonder his aura feels different, Dousuke thought. If the initial Kakashi was like a seemingly ferocious dog, this Kakashi is a wolf ready to pounce. His entire demeanor has shifted.
"Well then," Okamoto Dousuke replied, his own eyes narrowing slightly, "I will simply have to try my best. My chakra control is unmatched, but I'm not going to be defeated easily."
Observing the escalating tension, Hondou Ryo turned to the Third Hokage. "Lord Third, should we perhaps end the match?"
Hatake Sakumo reassured him, "There's no need, Ryo. With the Third Hokage and myself here, we can intervene if necessary. Besides," he added, a hint of pride in his voice, "it's rare to see someone his age push my son to take a match this seriously."
The Third Hokage remained silent for a moment, his eyes intently focused on the two young ninjas on the training ground.