Chapter 10 — Capture the Flag
The grass outside the Academy was still damp from yesterday's rain, and the air smelled fresh, almost sweet.
A line of students stood in front of their instructor, who held two brightly colored flags.
"Today's exercise is simple," the sensei said. "Two teams. Each protects their own flag while trying to capture the opponent's. You can use anything you've learned — taijutsu, shuriken practice, teamwork. But—" his gaze lingered on a few hot-headed students, "—no serious injuries."
Akira listened quietly, hands folded behind his back.
Kakashi will be competitive, but Obito… he's going to make this messy.
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The teams were chosen quickly:
Team A — Akira, Kakashi, Rin, and a quiet civilian boy.
Team B — Obito, two other Uchiha boys, and a Hyūga girl.
Rin smiled at Kakashi as they lined up. "With you on our side, this'll be easy."
Kakashi only gave a curt nod. "If you all follow the plan, yes."
Akira caught the way Obito's expression darkened across the field.
Ah, here it comes.
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The match began with a sharp whistle.
"Go!"
Akira moved smoothly, covering their flag with the civilian boy while Kakashi and Rin pushed forward.
It was barely a minute before Obito came charging straight at Kakashi.
"Kakashi! Fight me!" Obito's voice cut through the noise.
Kakashi didn't even break stride. "We're in the middle of an exercise. Stop wasting time."
"Oh, I'll waste as much as I want!" Obito growled, throwing a clumsy shuriken. Kakashi dodged it easily.
Rin called out, "Careful, Kakashi!" — and that tiny bit of admiration was enough to send Obito charging in full force.
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Akira exhaled slowly, letting a thin golden light flicker behind his dark irises.
The Byakugan flared for just a heartbeat, mapping the movement of every student on the field.
Three coming from the left… two hiding near the tree line. Got it.
Without saying a word, Akira shifted position, intercepting one of Obito's teammates before they could even get close to the flag.
Kakashi noticed the way Akira seemed to "just know" where to be — but didn't comment.
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Obito swung a punch at Kakashi. Kakashi caught his wrist, twisted, and shoved him back.
"Still slow," Kakashi said flatly.
Obito's face burned red. "Say that again!"
Rin's voice carried from behind them: "Kakashi, the flag!"
Kakashi released Obito and dashed forward. Obito followed, stubborn to the end.
And Akira… smiled faintly, already setting the next play in motion.
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