With introductions complete, Mikoto added, "Kakashi applied for early graduation and received permission directly from Hokage-sama."
Her words hit Kazuki and Yasu like a hammer. Early graduation? They had never heard of anyone being allowed to graduate this early. Did that mean Kakashi was the first? And in the same year he entered the academy? Both turned to him, shock evident in their eyes, wondering just how skilled he must be to earn such an honor.
Before they could ask questions, Mikoto moved things along, briefing them on their mission. Earlier, she had accepted a C-rank task.
"Your first mission," she began, "is to guard a merchant and prevent bandits from seizing his goods."
The three young shinobi looked up, eyes gleaming with anticipation. Though the mission seemed straightforward, they understood that even simple tasks often held hidden challenges.
"The merchants depart tomorrow for the Land of Oats, so we have today to prepare," she continued. Though she said "we," the preparation was primarily for Kakashi, as Kazuki and Yasu already had some field experience.
The Land of Oats was a small nation to the north, bordered by the Lands of Rice and Hot Water on one side and the Land of Fire on the other. Lacking a hidden village of its own, it frequently relied on others for protection, making it a common target for bandits.
"Since this is your first mission together, take some time to familiarize yourselves with each other's fighting styles," Mikoto suggested.
Her words prompted Kazuki and Yasu to exchange glances, each sizing up the new addition to their team.
Kazuki thought, Although he broke through Sensei's genjutsu, that doesn't mean he can match us in combat, given his age.
Yasu shared a similar sentiment. "All right, Sensei, I'll go first," he replied, then turned to Kakashi with a slight grin. "Let's have a sparring match to get a sense of each other's skills." It was clear he was curious to see if Kakashi could keep up with him—a seasoned academy student.
"Okay," Kakashi replied with a nod, his expression calm as he readied himself for the challenge.
Mikoto stepped back, with Kazuki following suit to give the two boys space. Once alone with Yasu, Kakashi took a few steps back, drew a kunai from his belt, and adopted a defensive stance. He decided not to use his sword, as he could easily defeat a genin with kenjutsu; instead, he opted to rely solely on taijutsu.
Yasu narrowed his eyes, assessing Kakashi before charging forward with a quick thrust aimed at Kakashi's shoulder.
Kakashi anticipated the attack, dodging swiftly to the side and countering with a precise jab of his kunai toward Yasu's midsection. Yasu sidestepped easily, the older boy's agility evident as he quickly returned to a ready stance.
The two exchanged a series of blows, fists and feet moving in a controlled yet dynamic rhythm. Kakashi managed to evade most of Yasu's attacks, but the older boy's strength began to show when he landed a light kick to Kakashi's ribs, causing him to stagger back.
Kakashi recovered quickly, darting in close to deliver a palm strike aimed at Yasu's chest. Yasu blocked it with an arm and countered with a sweeping punch, forcing Kakashi to duck. Utilizing his smaller frame, Kakashi maneuvered under the strike, exploiting Yasu's exposed side to land a solid hit to Yasu's midsection.
Yasu stumbled back, surprised by the force of Kakashi's punch, but he grinned. "Not bad for a kid," he said, shifting his stance, ready to get more serious.
Kakashi's breathing remained steady, his eyes focused. Despite his slight disadvantage in size and strength, he compensated with speed and precision. The exchanges continued, with Yasu pushing Kakashi harder, trying to corner him, but Kakashi's agility kept him just out of reach.
Watching from the sidelines, Kazuki and Mikoto exchanged glances, recognizing Kakashi's impressive skills. He was holding his own against an older, stronger opponent.
In a swift move, Yasu feigned a punch and aimed a sweeping kick at Kakashi's legs. Anticipating the attack, Kakashi sprang back into a defensive stance. Though he was slightly outmatched, he didn't falter; each movement was precise, and he adapted quickly.
Mikoto nodded to herself. He's already learned to read his opponent's moves in real time. Not bad at all.
As the fight progressed, Yasu increased the intensity. He lunged with his kunai, aiming for Kakashi's arm. Kakashi responded instantly, meeting Yasu's blade with his own kunai, the sharp clang of metal echoing as they clashed.
Sensing that Kakashi was holding back, Yasu charged forward with a flurry of strikes, testing Kakashi's reflexes. As the fight reached a new level, Yasu decided to up the stakes. "Let's see how you handle this!" he called out, performing a quick set of hand seals. He slammed his palm to the ground, and the earth beneath him trembled.
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Author's pov
So should he find alpha, beta , and others ?
Should he be around 9 or 10 when finding about other continents?
Those who have read both spoilers can give
me some plot ideas, situations ,etc , like how Kakashi will find , what , when , why, where , how etc.
Though I have some idea I want to see some alternates .