He yawned, stretched his arms, ran a hand through his messy hair, and finally pushed himself up from the bed.
After breakfast, Dosuke walked to the academy as usual.
He sat at his desk and looked around. Today, the students studied hard. Even Obito and Guy, who often ranked last in exams, held textbooks and frowned.
* What is happening? * Dosuke thought. He tapped Shizune, who sat beside him, and pointed at Obito, whose face was buried in a book. Obito never cared about written tests.
"If they fail the written exam in this ranking battle, they must sit at the back of the class during lessons," Shizune added softly. "Obito is studying because failing means he will be moved away from Rin."
"No way! I just want to prove I am a genius in combat and studies. You should worry about your fighting skills, Dosuke. Do not beg for mercy when I beat you," Obito said. He overheard Dosuke talking with Shizune.
Time passed quickly…
By the end of the school day, Dosuke found himself staring at Kakashi's empty seat. * It doesn't make sense. Did Kakashi graduate already? * The thought unsettled him.
In his mind, Kakashi's graduation had always signaled the beginning of the Third Shinobi War. But now, with Kakashi missing for days, doubt crept in. Has something changed? or had he misunderstood everything from the start?
Time passed.
Dosuke settled into a routine of school, home, and the training ground, each day much like the last. Then, finally, the ninja school held its ranking battles.
At the Konoha training grounds, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat among a row of jounin, the early sun bright against his face. He had left his Hokage hat behind, and his expression was serious as he addressed them.
"These are Konoha's new flames," he said. "Some of them will become your students, and you will guide them. Pay close attention." His eyes narrowed slightly as they rested on Jiraiya, who was slouching in his seat with his usual carelessness. "That includes you too, Jiraiya."
The students stood assembled in the center of the field. Even Dosuke, who was usually late, had arrived early this time. His gaze swept over the crowd and froze.
Kakashi was there.
After days of absence, he had returned, standing silently among the others as if he had never left.
Teacher Ryo addressed the students in his calm voice. "This is a friendly match. Competition comes second. Those who rank low should not lose hope. You all have time to grow." He paused briefly before continuing, "First match will be Dosuke versus Kakashi."
Before the match could begin, Obito's voice cut through the air, "Teacher! I want to challenge both Kakashi and Dosuke!"
Ryo turned his gaze toward Obito. "This match follows the ranking order. If you perform well today, you may challenge them next time." His tone left no room for argument.
Kakashi and Dosuke moved to the equipment area to collect their training tools. They selected practice kunai with and blunt training swords, standard safety measures for school assessments.
As they prepared, Kakashi spoke first. "Fight seriously, Dosuke. I've been waiting to test myself against you."
Dosuke adjusted his new orange jacket, and met Kakashi's gaze. "Don't worry about me. I came prepared to win today.
Teacher Ryo's voice carried across the training ground. "Remember, you are classmates and future teammates, not enemies."
The two boys mirrored each other's movements, hands forming the familiar sign. Then Ryo's command rang out: "Begin!"
Whoosh. Whoosh. Whoosh.
Three shuriken sliced through the air, arcing toward Dosuke from different directions.
Puff. A burst of white smoke erupted as the shuriken thudded into a wooden log.
Substitution Jutsu!
As the smoke cleared, two Dosukes stood on the battlefield.
"Water Bullet!" "Water Bullet!"
The twin cries came from both sides of Kakashi.
*When did Dosuke learn a B-rank ninjutsu?* Kakashi's eyes narrowed. Two marble-sized spheres of compressed water shot toward him with deadly precision.
Kakashi's blade flashed.
*Clang!*
The dagger met water with an unnatural metallic ring. Across the field, twin splinters exploded from distant trees as the remaining shots found their marks.
Tsunade's eyes narrowed at the dissolving clone. "Not bad," she muttered under her breath.
"The chakra in those water bullets doubles their power, speed, and penetration compared to a normal Water Bullet," Jiraiya said.
Orochimaru's tongue flicked out. "How...stimulating. Two prodigies in one generation."
Hiruzen's pipe paused mid-draw. "Sakumo. Will those blades affect your son?"
"They're fine." The White Fang's voice carried quiet certainty. "My son fights with what he's given."
The Hokage exhaled smoke, eyes returning to the battle.
Dosuke charged forward with a spinning kick. "Leaf Whirlwind!"
Kakashi swung his dagger at Dosuke's chest.
He's really taking the hit? Kakashi thought.
Bam!
The kick slammed into Kakashi's side. His left arm shot up just in time, taking most of the impact as he slid backward. * Good. Could've broken ribs without that block. * Kakashi Thought.
Dosuke pressed a hand to his aching chest. The water barrier had stopped the blade's edge, but the force still left him breathless. His arms felt heavy - too much chakra spent already.
Across the field, Kakashi was getting up.
No time to rest. Dosuke made hand signs.
"Water Bullet!"
A bunch of water bullets shot toward Kakashi.
Kakashi's dagger knocked each one away with sharp metal sounds.
Kakashi dodged some and cut others with his chakra-infused dagger.
Whoosh. Whoosh. Whoosh.
Another dozen water balls came.
Kakashi stopped and stared at Dosuke. * He is not fighting close now. When I slashed him, it did not feel like hitting a person. That blue wall on his chest shows normal attacks do not work * , he thought.
"Dosuke, do you know why I was absent from school?"
"I was with my father, clearing bandits nearby. Now, I fight you with the will to kill!" Kakashi shouted.
* He has seen blood, * Dosuke thought. If Kakashi was a fierce dog before, now he is a wolf ready to strike.
"I'll give this everything I've got," Dosuke said aloud. * My chakra control is better. I won't go down easy, * he thought.
"Lord Third, should we stop the match?" Ryo asked, seeing their serious intent.
"No. With me and Lord Third here, we can intervene," Sakumo said. "It is rare to see someone Kakashi's age push him this far.