In the morning, Dosuke opened his eyes. He scratched his messy hair, stretched, yawned, and rose from the tatami.
After breakfast, Dosuke walked to the ninja school 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.
"Before you arrived, Ryo gave an ultimatum to Guy and Obito," Rin said from the front row before Shizune could answer. "If they fail the written exam in this ranking battle, they must stand at the back of the class during lessons."
"Obito is studying because failing means he will be moved away from Rin," Shizune added softly.
"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 Rin and Shizune. Jealousy burned in him. Why did that feminine-looking guy get so much attention from girls?
Dosuke glanced at Obito. Obito said nothing more, leaned his head on his arms, and lay on the table. "Wake me when the teacher arrives, Shizune."
"Oh, I understand," Shizune said, her face turning red.
At the end of the school day, Dosuke stared at Kakashi's empty seat. * It makes no sense. Has Kakashi graduated already? * , he thought. Kakashi's graduation marked the start of the Third War in Dosuke's mind. Kakashi's absence for days confused him.
Days passed. Dosuke followed a routine of school, home, and the training ground. Finally, the ninja school held the ranking battle.
At the Konoha Ninja School playground, Hiruzen sat with a group of jonin. The rising sun shone on his face. Without his Hokage hat, he squinted. "These are Konoha's new flames. Some will become your students, and you will be their teachers. Pay attention, especially you, Jiraiya," Hiruzen said, glaring at Jiraiya, who slouched in his seat.
The students stood in the middle of the playground. Even Dosuke, who often arrived late, came early. He noticed Kakashi, absent for days, had returned.
"This is a friendly match. Competition comes second. Those who rank low, do not lose hope. You have time to grow," Ryo said. He paused, then announced, "First, Dosuke versus Kakashi."
"Teacher, I want to challenge Kakashi and Dosuke!" Obito, wearing orange goggles, raised his hand.
"This match follows the last ranking's order. If you do well this time, you can challenge next time," Ryo said, glancing at Obito blankly.
Kakashi and Dosuke went to a ninja box to collect tools for the test. They took unsharpened kunai and swords to avoid serious injuries during the school assessment.
"Dosuke, fight your hardest, or you will lose badly. I have wanted to beat you for a while," Kakashi said, facing Dosuke.
"Do not worry, Kakashi. I will give my all. See my new outfit? I am taking you seriously. I will crush you," Dosuke replied. He wore an orange jacket and black pants instead of his usual light blue jacket and white shorts.
"Form the seal of confrontation. You are classmates and future teammates, not enemies," Ryo shouted, seeing them bicker.
"The match begins!" Ryo announced as they completed the seal.
Whoosh. Whoosh. Whoosh.
Three shuriken flew at Dosuke from different angles.
Bang. White smoke burst. The shuriken struck a wooden log.
Substitution Jutsu!
The smoke cleared. Two Dosukes appeared on the field.
"Water Bullet!" "Water Bullet!"
The jutsu's name echoed from Kakashi's left and right.
* Shadow Clone? When did Dosuke learn a B-rank ninjutsu? * , Kakashi thought. Two marble-sized water balls sped toward him.
Kakashi drew the dagger from his back and slashed at the water balls.
Clang. The dagger hit the water balls, making a metallic sound.
"This kid's chakra control is strong. His clone fooled me. A C-rank jutsu, yet so powerful," Tsunade said, watching Dosuke's clone fade and the water balls pierce two distant trees.
"The chakra in those water balls doubles their power, speed, and penetration compared to a normal Water Bullet," Jiraiya said, eyeing Dosuke.
"Besides Sakumo's son, a talent like this at their age is rare," Orochimaru said, licking his lips.
"They are not using standard ninja swords. Will that affect your son, Sakumo?" Hiruzen asked Sakumo, who stood to his left.
"It will not matter much for Kakashi. This is a school match. It is enough," Sakumo said confidently.
Hiruzen said nothing and looked back at the field.
"Leaf Whirlwind!" Dosuke rushed forward and swept a kick at Kakashi's waist.
Kakashi's dagger slashed across Dosuke's chest.
* Are you trading blows with me? Even unsharpened, this will stop you for a moment! * , Kakashi thought, seeing Dosuke not dodge his kick.
Bam.
Kakashi, struck in the waist, slid sideways to lessen the impact.
* I blocked with my left hand. Good. Otherwise, this fight would get harder * , Kakashi thought. * Dosuke is a madman * , he thought.
Dosuke rubbed his chest. A water film had blocked the dagger, but the impact still hurt. * My chakra is low * , he thought, looking at Kakashi, who was kicked away.
"Water Bullet!"
A dozen water balls flew at Kakashi.
Ding. Ding. Ding.
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 film 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.
* No wonder. He has seen blood * , Dosuke thought. If Kakashi was a fierce dog before, now he was a wolf ready to strike.
"I will do my best," Dosuke said, fully opening his squinted eyes. * With my chakra control, I will not lose easily * , 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.