Kaiji sprinted towards Mukade, a Kunai clutched in his hand. He aimed the sharp point towards Mukade's head.
Mukade reacted instantly, blocking the incoming weapon with his own Kunai. He swiftly followed with a Taijutsu move, landing a solid kick to Kaiji's gut.
The force of the kick sent Kaiji staggering back several steps.
After quickly regaining his balance, he rushed towards Mukade again, he quickly formed a hand sign.
Just as Mukade prepared to strike him, Kaiji executed the Clone Jutsu.
Simultaneously, he attempted his not yet perfect Body Flicker Technique.
Mukade thrust his Kunai forward, but it met empty space. Kaiji's clone burst into a puff of white smoke with a soft
POOF!
Kaiji, utilizing his Body Flicker Technique, materialized behind Mukade.
The moment Mukade turned around, surprised, Kaiji delivered a sharp punch to his gut.
He followed with a series of quick Taijutsu strikes, mukade fell on ground and Kaiji had won the match.
Mukade didn't even get the time to use his Shurikens, and he has lost the Spar.
They then performed the customary post-sparring gesture, touching their two fingers together.
Kaiji walked towards where Hiroshi and Ren were standing. They were clapping. "You won quickly!"
Hiroshi exclaimed. "That was surprising!"
Ren nodded in agreement. "Well, it's good if you're improving too."
Kaiji simply nodded back and thought, 'That was simple moment of surprise, and Mukade is also not much of Combatant.'
The remaining matches of others continued.
Hiroshi also won his spar. The final matches featured the top students.
Renji faced Kohaku. Kohaku was Takeshi Sensei's daughter, possessing considerable skill in Taijutsu and Bukijutsu, along with good proficiency in Ninjutsu.
Renji, however, was clearly more talented, he won the spar. Their match was competitive and engaging, unlike some of the more one-sided bouts.
"So," Kaiji commented, watching them finish, "this is the difference between the top students from the front and the top students from the bottom."
Ren and Hiroshi chuckled lightly.
The Academy day concluded around 4 PM. Kaiji, Ren, and Hiroshi decided to go to a shop for food.
They headed towards Tsumuji Snacks. It was a popular shop in Sunagakure, known primarily for ramen but also selling other items like chips and snacks.
Sitting at the counter, the three friends waited for their ramen. Ren initiated a conversation.
"Guys," he asked, looking between them, "what do you want in the future? I want to become strong like Kazekage-sama."
Kaiji heard this and scoffed inwardly. 'This same Kazekage will die by the hand of a teenager,' he thought grimly.
Outwardly, he asked, "So you also want to be a Kazekage?"
Ren looked slightly embarrassed. "No, no," he quickly replied. "I don't think I'm worthy of being Kazekage."
Hiroshi encouraged him. "Don't be like that, Ren. You're stronger than us. If you try hard, I'm sure you could become Kazekage."
Kaiji nodded in agreement, his internal thought adding, 'There are always at least a few in every village who aspire to be the leader, the Kage.'
Ren smiled slightly. "What about you two?" he asked.
Hiroshi spoke up excitedly. "I want to create my own Clan! You know, like all those famous clans in other villages. I will create my own Hiroshi Clan!"
Kaiji and Ren couldn't help but chuckle at his earnest declaration.
"Don't laugh!" Hiroshi insisted, a huff in his voice. "I will definitely create my own clan! As you know, Sunagakure lacks any prominent clans. My Hiroshi Clan would be the first one!"
"That's a good goal," Kaiji said. "But those clans usually have either a Kekkai Genkai or a Secret Technique. What about your clan?"
Hiroshi scratched his cheek, said. "I... I will create a secret technique of my own in the future as well!"
Ren and Kaiji chuckled again. Hiroshi huffed louder and muttered determinedly, "I will definitely create my Clan... in the future."
Ren then turned to Kaiji. "What about you, Kaiji?"
Kaiji placed his hand on his chin, adopting a thoughtful pose. He muttered softly, "My dream..." Ren and Hiroshi watched him, waiting for his answer.
Kaiji's mind drifted back to his past life. 'In my past life, I missed my parents,' he thought. 'I always wanted a family.'
Hiroshi nudged him gently. "Why did you go into deep thoughts?" he asked. "Tell us."
Kaiji answered almost subconsciously. "Family"
Upon hearing the word 'Family' both Ren and Hiroshi's faces softened, a sad look entering their eyes.
Just like Kaiji, they were orphans as well. They also yearned for a family.
Kaiji snapped out of his introspection. He managed a smile.
"Don't be sad," he said. "In the future, we will marry and can have a small family of our own."
Despite Kaiji's smile, Ren and Hiroshi sensed the underlying sadness he felt, hidden beneath the outward cheerfulness.
Their order of ramen arrived. For a moment, their appetites seemed diminished after the emotional turn in the conversation.
Seeing their quietness, Kaiji spoke again. "Until we have a family of our own," he said, his voice gentle, "we have each other."
Ren and Hiroshi looked at him, smiles returning to their faces. "Yeah," Ren said, "we have each other."
Kaiji smiled back. "Then let's dig in!" he urged. "I'm quite hungry already!"
Ren and Hiroshi started eating as well. They resumed their conversation, shifting to lighter topics.
They laughed, they smiled, enjoying each other's company happily.
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