A year ago, when Dosuke first arrived in this world, he realized his chakra reserves were too low. Unable to rely on ninjutsu, he decided to focus on taijutsu instead.
Dosuke acted quickly. That night, he sneaked into the Konoha Forest, staying near the training grounds by the Forest, avoiding going deeper and more dangerous areas. His small house was fine for chakra exercises, but taijutsu required open space.
When he reached the training ground, someone was already there. A lone figure relentlessly kicked sandbags tied to trees.
"One thousand one hundred twenty seven."
"One thousand one hundred twenty eight."
"One thousand one hundred twenty nine."
"One thousand one hundred thirty."
Tap. Tap.
Dosuke stepped out of the shadows and raised a hand in greeting.
The figure spun around.
"Leaf Whirlwind!"
Bam!
Dosuke flew backward faster than he had approached.
Crash.
He slammed into a tree, groaning in pain.
Under the moonlight, Dosuke spat blood, staining his short sleeved shirt red. A massive footprint marked his light blue top.
Might Guy rushed over, eyes widening in horror. "Dosuke? It's you! Are you okay? Can you stand?"
"Do I look okay?" Dosuke spat more blood before finishing. "Quit staring and get me to Konoha Hospital!" He glared at Guy, who stood frozen in shock.
"Oh! Right!" Guy moved to lift him.
"Wait! Carry me on your back. You probably broke my ribs. Don't hug me," Dosuke snapped.
"Okay, okay! I'll be careful!" Guy replied.
Sliding one arm under Dosuke's waist and the other beneath his legs, Guy lifted him like a princess. Despite Dosuke's weight, Guy sprinted effortlessly, used to running laps around Konoha for training.
At the hospital, a medical ninja in a white uniform examined Dosuke. "You got here early. Only two ribs are broken, and no organs are damaged. Still, you'll need surgery. Call your family to settle the fees."
"Wait!" Guy interjected, panicked. "Treat Dosuke first! I kicked him, so I'll take responsibility. I'll get my father!"
"No need," Dosuke muttered. "I'm alone. My parents died in the Second War. I'm a martyr's child. Lord Third's policy grants me free treatment. My father's ninja ID is 754264945. Verify it."
The medical ninja scribbled in a register before leaving.
"Dosuke, I'm so sorry! If you die, I'll live for you too!" Guy knelt by the bed, tears streaming.
"Wish me well instead. I'm not dying," Dosuke said weakly, eyes shut. He tried to pull Guy up but couldn't move.
A strong female voice echoed outside. "Where's the patient?"
"Here, Tsunade sama!" the medical ninja replied.
The door creaked open. The medical ninja stepped aside, revealing a woman in a tight blue top, her blonde hair tied in twin ponytails.
"Tsunade sama!" Guy shouted.
She glanced at Dosuke, who lay motionless. "You kicked your classmate this hard, kid?"
"Yes. It's my fault," Guy admitted.
Tsunade ordered the medical ninja, "Gather everyone still here. Since his treatment is free, I'll use this as a teaching opportunity."
"But, Tsunade-sama," the medical ninja hesitated.
"Don't argue! Is there a problem with treating a war orphan?" Tsunade snapped.
Dosuke lay still on the bed, sweat beading on his forehead. *Am I sweating from pain or fear?* he wondered.
Soon the room filled with medical ninja, all watching intently.
"Pay close attention," Tsunade instructed. "There are no external wounds to treat. First, you must sense the fractures with your chakra." Her hands began glowing with the Mystical Palm Technique. "Then carefully realign the broken ribs. After that, you can accelerate bone regeneration. Remember - precision is everything. If your chakra control isn't perfect, you'll set the bones incorrectly."
After a while, Tsunade withdrew her glowing hands. "Done. Transfer him to the recovery ward for observation."
Tsunade had worked with perfect precision, living up to her reputation as one of the legendary Sannin - the same warriors who had earned Hanzo of the Salamander's fearful respect.
"Thank you, Tsunade sama," Dosuke said.
She waved dismissively and left.
---
Present Time,
Dosuke turned to Guy with a stern expression. "Be more careful next time. Even though I healed you, intense training can cause hidden damage."
"I understand, Dosuke! My body is strong - no need to worry!" Guy declared, immediately striking his signature pose: left hand planted firmly on his hip, right arm thrust forward, his teeth gleaming unnaturally white in the sunlight.
Dosuke sighed. "The ranking battle is in one week. I won't be training here for the next few days." He gave Guy's shoulder a pat, "Try not to injure yourself."
Guy's eyes sparkled with determination. "This time, I'll definitely win!"
"Alright." Dosuke turned to leave without another word.
"Dosuke!" Guy's voice carried across the training ground. "You should really try the green jumpsuit! Its work's-"
Dosuke stumbled as he turned away, waving dismissively without looking back. In one fluid motion, he leaped onto a nearby tree branch and vanished into the forest, heading home.
Alone in his modest home, Dosuke lay staring at the ceiling, his thoughts racing.
* The ranking battle approaches... Kakashi's just five years old now... In the original story, he graduates after this, becoming Konoha's youngest genin... then chunin... and jonin by twelve... *
His fingers twisted in the thin blanket. * This world values life so lightly. My chakra reserves are pitiful compared to the prodigies... To survive this shinobi world, I need to reach at least chunin level. The ranking battle is my chance to impress the village leaders- maybe even secure a proper teacher. *
* Kakashi's early graduation means the Third Shinobi War is coming... Time is slipping away... But I will survive this... I will make my mark on this world. *
Beneath the blanket, Dosuke's hands clenched into fists.