---
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 abdomen.
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 assumed Hanekawa was running on fumes 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 mean, you've lost so many times already—" Asuma paused, realizing how that sounded. "What I meant was—"
"Don't," Kakashi said.
Kurenai bounced on her heels, her ruby eyes bright with excitement. "The water jutsu you taught me 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 beamed at him, then shot a competitive glare at Kakashi. "Just wait. Next time—"
"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 agreement. "You must be tired."
Obito opened his mouth, probably to make some comment 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 somehow 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 men."
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.
"The real advantage they have is time," 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 immediately, as did everyone else.
"Come with me," 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 smell like a brewery.
"Good match." She ruffled his hair—something she did constantly, and something 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 met her eyes. "I won't let you down, Teacher."
Tsunade studied him for a moment, then rolled her eyes. "You're impossible to read, you know that? But fine. If you don't impress me, you're in for a world of hurt when we get home."
That sounded way more domestic 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 boomed across the arena.
"Final match! Hanekawa versus Might Guy!"
---
The Arena:
Guy practically exploded with excitement. "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 movements becoming a blur.
Hanekawa stood his ground, raising his arm to meet 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 come 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 became 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 something special.