---
Hanekawa stepped forward, his small hand already glowing with pale green chakra.
"I'll help you heal."
Kakashi shook his head, waving him off. "Not necessary. You'll need your chakra for Guy. Save it."
"I've got plenty." Hanekawa extended his palm anyway, and healing chakra flowed out, washing over Kakashi's bruised abdon.
Seriously, the Yin Seal is basically a cheat code. Unlimited chakra pool? Don't mind if I do.
Kakashi's eye twitched slightly. He'd assud Hanekawa was running on fus after all those water jutsu, but apparently the kid had been holding back. Again.
"How are you feeling?" Asuma asked, walking over to check on Kakashi.
"Fine," Kakashi replied flatly.
"That's good. I an, you've lost so many tis already—" Asuma paused, realizing how that sounded. "What I ant was—"
"Don't," Kakashi said.
Kurenai bounced on her heels, her ruby eyes bright with excitent. "The water jutsu you taught worked perfectly! Once I master it completely, I'll be just as strong!"
She's still salty about losing to Kakashi, Hanekawa thought, amused.
He reached over and ruffled her hair. "You're already getting there."
"Really?" She bead at him, then shot a competitive glare at Kakashi. "Just wait. Next ti—"
"Hanekawa-senpai should rest," Shisui interjected smoothly, cutting off what was clearly going to be a lengthy declaration of rivalry. "He has another match soon."
Rin nodded in agreent. "You must be tired."
Obito opened his mouth, probably to make so comnt about his own upcoming power surge, but Shisui's pointed look shut him down. The Uchiha prodigy had a talent for preventing disasters.
"Is it my turn yet?" Guy appeared suddenly, practically vibrating with enthusiasm. "I can't wait for our youthful battle!"
"Thirty minutes," the announcer said calmly.
"Perfect! Youth only grows stronger with anticipation!" Guy struck a thumbs-up pose that sohow made everyone in the vicinity feel tired just looking at it.
---
In the stands:
The crowd buzzed with speculation. The match between Hanekawa and Kakashi had been spectacular—ninjutsu, strategy, raw power. These weren't academy students playing ninja. These were prodigies.
Hiruzen nodded approvingly from the Hokage's box. "Impressive young n."
Jiraiya leaned against the railing. "I've traveled the world and seen many geniuses. None quite like these two." He paused, a distant look crossing his face. Except perhaps... no. That was different.
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"The real advantage they have is ti," Hiruzen continued, a slight smile on his weathered face. "They're already Chunin-level in strength. Give them a few years of experience, and they'll be Jonin. They're the future of Konoha."
"You could retire soon," Jiraiya suggested with a smirk.
Hiruzen glared at him. "And who would be Hokage? You?"
"Absolutely not." Jiraiya took a step back. "I'm leaving tomorrow, actually."
"You're not going anywhere," Hiruzen said flatly. "You're the chief examiner."
"About that—"
"No."
---
Nearby, Kushina nudged Minato with her elbow. "What do you think? Hanekawa's pretty amazing, right?"
Minato watched the young prodigy help Kakashi to his feet. "Kakashi fought well. He was simply outmatched."
Though it's strange. Two of my students have now lost to that Rasengan. First Obito, now Kakashi. Am I the common denominator here?
He quickly dismissed the thought. No—Hanekawa was simply exceptional. The Rasengan was just one tool in an already formidable arsenal.
Tsunade sat with her arms crossed, her expression unreadable. "That brat learns everything too quickly."
"He's talented," Minato offered diplomatically.
"Talented?" Tsunade snorted. "He's ridiculous. And he still hasn't used a single technique I taught him. Not one. How is anyone supposed to know he's my student?"
Before anyone could respond, Tsunade vanished in a blur of motion.
---
At the edge of the arena:
Hanekawa was sitting with the others when Tsunade appeared. He stood imdiately, as did everyone else.
"Co with ," she said, already walking away.
He followed her to a quiet spot away from the crowds. She placed a hand on his forehead, her expression serious.
"How's your chakra?"
"No problems," he said, catching the faint scent of sake and flowers. This woman really does sll like a brewery.
"Good match." She ruffled his hair—sothing she did constantly, and sothing he'd given up complaining about. "Guy's going to be tough. Those Eight Gates are no joke. You sure you can handle it?"
"Absolutely." He t her eyes. "I won't let you down, Teacher."
Tsunade studied him for a mont, then rolled her eyes. "You're impossible to read, you know that? But fine. If you don't impress , you're in for a world of hurt when we get ho."
That sounded way more dostic than intended, Hanekawa thought, suppressing a smile.
"I guarantee you'll be satisfied," he said seriously.
Tsunade left without another word, and Hanekawa returned to the others just as the announcer's voice bood across the arena.
"Final match! Hanekawa versus Might Guy!"
---
The Arena:
Guy practically exploded with excitent. "The battle of passionate youth begins now!"
Hanekawa raised his hands, forming the seal of opposition.
Guy moved first, his right leg sweeping up in a perfect arc. "Konoha Tornado!"
Hanekawa matched him instantly, their legs colliding in a burst of displaced air. Guy slid back two steps.
Okay, so pure strength isn't enough. He's got technique and speed.
"Konoha Vajra Power Cyclone!" Guy's body flared with green chakra, his movents becoming a blur.
Hanekawa stood his ground, raising his arm to et the incoming kick with his elbow. The collision sent shockwaves across the arena, and both fighters were forced back.
"Again!" Guy was grinning, genuinely delighted. Physical ninjas were rare—finding one his own age who could actually keep up was a dream co true.
Hanekawa made a decision. He'd used ninjutsu against Kakashi. Against Guy, pure taijutsu would be more interesting. More fair.
They clashed again, a flurry of strikes and counters. Fists beca blurs, feet traced arcs through the air. The crowd watched in stunned silence as two children fought with the precision and power of experienced warriors.
Guy laughed—actually laughed—with pure joy.
This kid is insane, Hanekawa thought, blocking a particularly vicious combination. But I kind of respect it.
The match had only just begun, and already it was clear this would be sothing special.
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