"As much as a man conquers fear,
so much is he a man."
Thomas Carlyle
"Hand over your old man... and we'll cut him not too badly!" From such statements, the client nearly lost his glasses, while we drew our weapons and prepared. "What? You don't want to? Then we'll start with you, Kakashi, get ready..." The last word sounded like a death sentence, and the enemy vanished from sight.
The fog thickened, and within a minute, even sensei was invisible. Standing in a large open clearing, we felt like cornered prey. As if a predator was circling nearby, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. The atmosphere grew so terrifying that the humid air was suffocating. As if in the next second, your throat would be silently slit and dragged away... This oppressive silence pressed down, making us turn at every rustle.
Even I had goosebumps, though I don't feel emotions. As if my body sensed the approaching danger, but my brain didn't. But that's only beneficial—otherwise, my heart would be pounding as wildly as my friends'. One thing was clear: we were being suppressed by ki. A second later, a strong wind blew along with chakra. It turned out Kakashi had released his energy to improve visibility.
"Sasuke, calm down. I'll fight to the death for you and won't let my comrades die," with one phrase, he calmed us all. And his voice was full of absolute confidence. My gaze fell on the subject of his words, and it was immediately clear Sasuke was at his limit. He was trembling and gripping his kunai tightly. Naruto and the architect weren't much better. But thanks to our mentor, we felt a bit calmer... though not for long...
Because in an instant, we sensed the killer behind us. How did he get there so fast? Body Flicker Technique? Damn, no time to think now! My clones took the client, and we leaped away from him. And when we hit the ground, the scene unfolded: Kakashi had stabbed Zabuza's stomach with a kunai, but water flowed from the wound instead of blood. A clone.
"Sensei! Behind you!" Naruto shouted. And behind the teacher appeared the rogue ninja, who cleaved him in half with a swing. But instead of guts, there was water. Another water clone? But when did Kakashi copy his technique? Universe, where are my slow-motion replays?! I can barely track their movements! They're so precise and fast—true shinobi worthy of respect.
"Don't move," we heard the teacher's steely voice. He was behind the swordsman, kunai at his throat. So that's how it was—the words were said by a clone, while Kakashi hid in the fog the whole time, waiting. Clever, I have to admit. Shinobi calculate everything ahead, and the one a step ahead always wins.
Naruto was already rejoicing at the quick victory, but before we could blink, Kakashi was nearly shredded. The architect saw nothing, but Uchiha and Uzumaki were breathless. Hatake dodged the sword but took a solid kick into the water. And as he flew, Zabuza chased after him. So from the start, Momochi anticipated it was a clone and made two of his own. Too bad Kakashi isn't that perceptive. Though both are well-conditioned physically, with plenty of chakra. But I think Zabuza is stronger—at least in this location.
"Sensei!" the jinchuriki exclaimed. What happened next, I don't know, but when the fog cleared a bit, Kakashi was already in a water prison. Damn it, was he hiding in the water? How stupid! Now we'll probably have to fight his clone, since he can't move. It'll be tough. I have a plan, but I need to wait for the right moment. Hoping it goes according to canon.
"Water Clone Technique!" From this, Naruto and the client's hair stood on end. "You think putting on a headband makes you a ninja?! Only when you've been between life and death so many times it doesn't matter anymore—only then will you be considered a ninja! When you're a threat even to me..." The clone said the last part almost in a whisper, then drew his sword. Well... honestly, I agree with him. We're just shinobi larvae. And putting on headbands means nothing. He formed a seal and vanished. Seconds later, a battered Naruto flew toward us. And he got hit hard.
"A bit weak..." he said, as if provoking, stepping on the headband.
"Grab the architect and run—you can't beat him! He won't catch you that way!" Kakashi shouted at us. How does he still have air? Anyway, not important. Running from the battlefield isn't my style. I hate cowards and traitors! And I promised myself I'd protect my friends at any cost. Let this be my path to the stars. Yes, I can't die, but I'm not abandoning comrades. If I always stay on the sidelines, I'll never gain experience. And if I run, then only in the next life.
I already stepped forward to attack him to hell and back, but Sasuke beat me to it—he couldn't hold back and charged first. But he was struck and sent flying back. This stirred a storm of unfamiliar emotions in me, plus some strange sensations. I wanted to lunge and dismember him. But at the same time, it cooled my ardor. Was I really about to forget my plan and rush headlong into battle? If I interfere now, I'll do more harm than good. They need to do something too. So, damn it, Ariza, pull yourself together! Don't give in to emotions.
Naruto was shaking and wanted to run. But he swore he wouldn't run, wouldn't yield to Sasuke, and wouldn't give up. Naruto, prove it's not empty words! Defend your headband. I believe in you. After thinking, the guy charged, but was brutally sent back. He broke all his bones! Even a red trickle of blood dripped from his mouth. Staggering, he stood, headband in hand. Good job, Dobe—I knew you could.
"Hey, you browless freak, a ninja who'll become Hokage never gives up!" Naruto said proudly, putting on the headband and wiping blood. "And his name is Naruto Uzumaki, dattebayo!" In the next second, he said what we didn't expect: "Listen, I have a plan."
"We're listening."
"We'll bash his head!" Kakashi started shouting again, but we weren't listening. And how hasn't he suffocated yet? "Forward!" They barely moved when black laughter from Momochi stopped them.
"You're hilariously clueless! Think you're cool ninjas? In your years, I twisted off more than one head like yours..." Momochi began his story. Naruto and Sasuke listened in surprise. This was the moment I was waiting for. They need to understand being a shinobi isn't child's play. No jokes, no pink elephants. Every battle shapes personality and worldview. Mine was formed long ago. I know who I am, why I exist, and what I need. For them, this first battle is crucial. The killer told us about the Bloody Mist and his inhuman exam. He ended with a shocking phrase: "...That was cute... I liked it..." He rolled his eyes as if recalling something beautiful. He took over a hundred children's lives and thinks it's fun!
He lunged at Sasuke, but at the last moment, I shoved Zabuza away and stood between them, weapon in hand. If he touches him again, I don't know what I'll do! I hadn't felt such strong emotions in ages.
"Enough, playtime's over. Naruto, Sasuke, execute your plan. I'll take him," I said in a calm voice with a note of cold confidence. No need to show emotions, so forward with a poker face.
"Are you insane?!" teammates yelled at the top of their lungs, but I kept my eyes on the clone. Right, just a clone. But controlled directly by the original, so twenty-thirty percent stronger than usual. I need to stay away from water—it's his main element.
"You're meddling in vain, girl... I'll rip your head off quick!" We'll see who rips what from whom. I'm fully ready, weights already in my pack. Let's play a bit... and test my capabilities.
Channeling chakra and directing it to my feet, I charged. We started with taijutsu and kendo. We moved fast, but he was faster. The swordsman hit my solar plexus hard, sending me flying, but I made many clones in time. I signaled Naruto to help with clones, and we all attacked him together. Zabuza couldn't withstand the assault, and we claimed our first joint victory.
"Impressive... Three genin dispersed my clone. You're better than I thought..." The praise sounded like an insult, and wiping blood from my chin, I prepared to reengage. But suddenly, a huge shuriken whizzed past me. Whoa, so close it even startled me. I looked back and saw smirking Uchiha and frightened Naruto. Seems he thought I was done for. And the brunette decided to punish my initiative (or was it accidental?). Damn...
Zabuza grabbed the first and noticed the second flying at him. He jumped, and it passed under. He was about to quip, but suddenly the weapons turned into Naruto, who threw a kunai. Good job, guys—not worse than canon. Probably created the wind shuriken phantom while I attacked.
The Demon interrupted the technique to dodge, but the kunai still scratched his face. It enraged him. He spun the huge shuriken to launch at our friend, but sensei's hand stopped him at the last moment.
Naruto, tasting victory, smugly explained his plan, but I interrupted with shunshin, appearing beside him.
"Yes-yes, good job, now don't interfere with their fight," standing on water, I grabbed him by the scruff like a kitten and returned the same way.
"Awesome, Ariza! You're cool!" Naruto admired, looking at me. I stayed silent, watching the jonin leap apart and form seals. Hatake copied every move, and two huge dragons emerged from the water! Six stories tall! Way cooler than in the anime! They clashed, creating a massive wave that nearly knocked us over. When it settled, they continued. The Copy Ninja infuriated his opponent by mimicking everything, leaving him helpless. If I fought him, I'd snap too.
Suddenly, I sensed cold but pure chakra like snow. Here comes our ice prince. While distracted by the new face, Kakashi used some cool technique. A huge whirlpool formed, slamming the Demon of the Bloody Mist into a tree. Seems Hatake executed his technique first. Smart. As Zabuza tried to rise, kunai pierced his limbs, immobilizing him. Then senbon flew into his neck out of nowhere. I knew where from, but my friends' jaws dropped.
"Thanks, I've wanted to kill him for a long time..." we heard a beautiful voice. On the tree stood a brunette looking about fifteen. Long hair in a bun, Mist Hidden ANBU mask hiding his face. His green haori with white trim over standard Kirigakure kimono fluttered in the wind. Senbon in hand revealed who "killed" the rogue ninja. Sensei jumped down first to check the pulse. Nothing to check. The swordsman was "dead."
"You're an ANBU from the Hidden Mist Village?" Kakashi eyed him closely.
"You're well-informed," he said quietly, and I stood frozen, struck by his velvety voice.
Should I expose Haku or let canon play out?
If I reveal now, we'll probably have to fight. Victory unlikely in our favor—Hatake's too drained, and Haku's no pushover. With high speed and Yuki clan kekkei genkai, he'll grind us to dust fast. Even if we win, Gato might hire stronger ones. So best keep quiet for now.
"ANBU?!" came the cry of the most unpredictable ninja right in my ear. I nearly jumped. Naruto wanted to charge, but I stopped him and lectured on what they are. He skipped that class. Doesn't know they're hunters cleaning village traitors. Man, they'd do anything for good genes.
"Judging by the voice, a bit older than Naruto... But not a kid—an experienced killer," Hatake muttered. Uzumaki threw a near-hysteric fit about our purpose, then punched the ground. Tired of watching, I stopped his hand.
"Naruto, you can't become strong overnight. Everyone starts somewhere. And our path is just beginning."
"M-m, Naruto... we need to go," we heard sensei's tired voice. The blond calmed, and we prepared to leave, but didn't get far. Teacher fainted, so Sasuke and Naruto dragged him to the old man's house.
***
Three days later
While at Tazuna's house, I healed everyone with medical chakra. Naruto was worst: many bruises, sprains, several broken ribs. And he recovers fastest. Sasuke and I weren't seriously hurt. But sensei took a beating differently—chakra exhaustion. Can be fatal. Sharingan overstrained too. Won't walk anytime soon.
Today he called me and said we got royally screwed—or rather, left high and dry. I knew that. He also kept staring at me strangely. Whatever, let him stare—no hole unless he uses Amaterasu (which he doesn't have).
***
"Today's lesson topic—'Chakra Molding.' Or 'where ninja chakra comes from,'" Kakashi said, leaning on crutches. Knew he wouldn't stay in bed. So we stood on a green clearing in a big forest. Tall trees blocked the sun, but it was bright. Each leaf reflected our star's rays like a mirror. Cool breeze carried amaryllis scent—my favorite flowers. I'd enjoy longer if not for sensei. "Ariza will explain the theory," sighing heavily and rubbing eyes, I pulled out a special scroll with details.
"Chakra is life energy particles used by shinobi for jutsu. Physically, chakra is in every body cell; non-physically, it's the ninja's spirit. Their fusion comes from experience and training. Both needed for normal function. To create proper techniques without botching or self-harm, control chakra well. This process is molding," sigh, shoulda slept earlier instead of stargazing. "To set chakra flow in channels, use seals."
"I don't get it! Simpler? My head's falling into my pants!" Naruto grumbled, and I handed him the scroll—maybe familiar kanji.
"No, Dobe. Calm down and listen," yawning, I continued:
"For specific techniques, mix chakra in ratios. Ideally, spiritual and physical equal. Can't mess up. Otherwise..." I paused, softening it, "it'll be bad. Best case, technique's botched."
"Best? What's worst?" Uzumaki tilted head, eye twitching. He fiddled with scroll, handed back.
"Worst—tear chakra channels," silent Sasuke said. "Or get smacked on the head," he eyed me, recalling when I made him study theory. No, I didn't hit him.
"You're far from techniques that tear channels," cheerful sensei replied. We skeptically eyed him with Sasuke. "So probably get smacked. Now start. Climb the tree," sensei said eagerly. But only Naruto reacted as expected.
"Whaaat?!"
"Direct chakra to feet and walk up the tree," without thinking, he walked up amid Naruto's gasps. "Like this."
"Got it! I'll reach the top first!" Rivalry sparked in the blond; he eyed Sasuke, then the kunai Kakashi threw seconds ago.
"Not sure," I said calmly walking the tree, then hung upside down. Being a shinobi here is cool. Physics bendable. "I can do this—what else?"
"M-mm, n-no, Ariza, you're free."
"Naruto, lemme explain," jumping down, I stood by my friend, ready to climb the moon.
"Yeah, Ariza-chan," Naruto grinned. I explained in detail; he eagerly ran to try.
"Ariza-chan, you're Uzumaki by mom like Naruto—why so little chakra?" Kakashi asked dumbly; he doesn't know I conceal.
"Because I conceal it."
"How much?" he squinted.
"Seven-tenths of total volume," my reserve's not far below Naruto's, but I control better. "Anyway, clone to guard bridge—if trouble, it'll report. I'll train at nearby rocks. Bye!"
POV Kakashi
After she left, I watched long. How'd Saito learn all this? And who taught? If Sasuke's brother taught him, Ariza had no one. Her coil's just below Naruto's reserve. But she's Uzumaki, so question drops. Still strange... need to watch her.
"R-rrr! Why won't it work?!" Naruto yelled, falling again. Not far progressed. Long work ahead. "I'll show that Sasuke! I'll surpass everyone, fact!"
"Who wanted to be Hokage? Looks like it'll be Ariza," I provoked. Needs more molding. Otherwise, no far. Maybe something comes of him... someday.
"I'll beat Ariza! Then Sasuke! Then Hokage!" Less talk, more action.
"Don't underestimate her—she's not weaker than me," thoughtful Sasuke said, watching Naruto fall repeatedly from beside. Likes watching? Better mold himself. Extra never hurts.
"You had top scores in class!" puzzled Naruto yelled; me too clueless. Clan genius offered early Academy grad multiple times, refused unknown why. Now says Ariza stronger than thought. Possible—in battle, solid taijutsu/kendo, used Body Flicker Technique—good control. Logical she molds chakra.
"'Cause I known her long," he said, climbing to me.
"So! I known her long too! Academy together!"
"What an idiot, Dobe," Uchiha smirked. If on ground, Uzumaki'd fight. Both equals.
"Kakashi-sensei, teach me something else," he said slyly, glancing at Naruto.
"C'mon, find your second nature," sigh... hoped they'd leave me training-free today. "Tactics of Romance" waits. Wonder who heroine's lover?
"What?! Me?! Kakashi-sensei, teach cool jutsu!" jinchuriki jumped below.
"Mold your chakra."
Interesting team after all.
THE END POV Kakashi
Won't idle—clone to bridge, me to train. Yesterday improved clones; tougher now. Best: even if I faint, they persist. Untested, theory maybe wrong. Can't make over one: too chakra-heavy.
By noon, training spot. Decent clearing ringed by trees, smooth rocks 15-20m high. Summit views sea great. But not for scenery. Need finish fireball forms. Hardest: fire-drill, fire-shuriken—need clone, else can't. Skip last; drains reserve. Emergencies only.
Formed seals, made clones; each formed technique. Twins train—once uncontrolled, nearly exploded in hand. Safety first. Split, formed fire-drill—some dispersed, some exploded.
My turn. Approached rock, formed stage-four fireball. Usually stop at three; last drains too much. Hard—constant flow control, high spin. Habitual eventually.
Deep breath, eyes closed, focused; opened, struck stone. Explosion; shattered rock/dust flew, soiled clothes, cut hand. Same sounds sides—hope no attention.
Smoke cleared: dent black-scorched. Even circle, 1m deep, 2m diameter. Cracks, glowing rock between. Overdid power. Edge fire died; moved spot. Now fire-drill. Amazing effect, but slow form—battle-short. Blast radius: 4m deep, 3m diameter. Good, but train more...
***
Read the story months ahead of the public release — early chapters are available on my Patreon: Granulan