The streets of Konoha glowed orange under the setting sun. Shinobi bustled along rooftops, vendors called out their wares, and children ran past in laughter. But Renjiro paid little attention to the village's evening rhythm. His steps carried him toward a quiet training ground tucked near the Academy, his hands itching to test the knowledge newly etched into his mind.
Chakra Reinforcement Basics.
He dropped his bag near a tree stump and flexed his fingers. "Alright… let's see if this really works."
Renjiro drew in a deep breath, channeling chakra into his right arm. It pulsed unevenly at first, spilling into his muscles like water into a cracked jar. His skin tingled, the veins beneath his wrist glowing faintly blue.
"Too much," he muttered, clenching his jaw. He steadied the flow, guiding chakra strand by strand, focusing on control instead of force. Slowly, the tremors in his hand eased. His knuckles felt heavier, stronger.
He struck the tree trunk with a sharp jab.
Thud!
The bark cracked, a dent forming where his small fist had landed. Renjiro pulled back, staring at his hand in awe. No blood, no pain—only the deep ache of muscles being pushed further than ever before.
"…So this is reinforcement."
Before he could try again, a lazy voice drifted across the clearing.
"Not bad for a first try."
Renjiro froze, turning toward the source. Leaning against a nearby tree, arms crossed, was Kakashi Hatake. His single visible eye studied Renjiro with a sharpness that pierced deeper than any kunai.
"How long were you—?"
"Long enough." Kakashi pushed off the tree, walking closer with casual steps. "You've been holding back in class, haven't you?"
Renjiro's lips curved slightly. "And if I was?"
Kakashi shrugged. "Then you're wasting everyone's time. A ninja doesn't hide strength." His tone was calm, but beneath it lingered a challenge.
Renjiro narrowed his eyes. He knew Kakashi's reputation, even at this age—prodigy, genius, untouchable. But something in him burned to push back.
"I wasn't hiding," Renjiro said slowly. "I was preparing."
Kakashi tilted his head. "…Then show me."
Before Renjiro could respond, a clumsy voice rang out behind them.
"Oi! What's going on here?"
Obito crashed into the training ground, goggles sliding down his nose. His eyes darted between the two of them, then lit up in realization. "Wait—you guys were about to spar, weren't you? Don't start without me!"
Renjiro exhaled, pinching the bridge of his nose. Great. Just what I needed.
Kakashi's smirk was hidden beneath his mask, but his eye gleamed. "Three's fine. Let's see who lasts longest."
Renjiro cracked his knuckles, chakra humming in his veins. His first real clash wasn't with nameless classmates—it was with Kakashi and Obito.
The shadows of destiny had begun to stir.