The next day, at the ninja academy:
"Jingle bell bell bell."
The school bell signaled the end of the final class. "That's all for today. Goodbye, classmates," Murayama Shigeru said, vanishing with a Body Flicker Technique. A wave of cheers erupted as the students, relieved, gathered their belongings and headed out in small groups.
"Huh? Is school over already?" Renzou put down the genjutsu scroll he'd been studying, rubbed his eyes, and stretched.
"School's out, let's go, Renzou," Kurenai said, having neatly packed her bag. She stood in the aisle, gently patting Renzou's arm. Uchiha Kai also looked at Renzou, a silent question in his gaze.
"Um… Kurenai, I have something to do this afternoon, so I might be a little late getting home today." Renzou hesitated, then turned to Kai. "And Kai, I won't be training for the next two days. Could you let Shisui know for me?"
"Understood. If you need anything, come to me," Kai replied, offering no further questions before heading out with his backpack, leaving the two in his wake.
"Um… can you tell me what's going on? You took leave yesterday and weren't at school. Did something happen?" Kurenai asked, a hint of concern in her voice as they walked.
"Actually, nothing too serious. I visited an elder yesterday. I made plans with Kakashi for a spar today. Would you like to come watch?"
"Huh? Really?" Kurenai's eyes widened, her red pupils fixed on Renzou.
"Of course, let's go. We can head there now."
"Uh-huh," Kurenai replied, obediently following Renzou towards Training Ground Two. It was only four-thirty, leaving a comfortable half-hour before their agreed-upon meeting time. No need to rush.
"Lady boss, six skewers of tri-colored dango, please."
"Okay, six tri-colored dango skewers, coming right up!" After paying, Renzou took the skewers from the proprietress and handed them to Kurenai. The landlady smiled warmly at them, her gaze softening as she watched Renzou offer the dango.
"Renzou, you eat too," Kurenai said after taking a skewer, then offered a few of hers to him, watching him quietly.
"Huh? Hahaha, well, don't mind if I do." Renzou chuckled, taking the offered dango. He couldn't help but smile as he watched Kurenai's cheeks puff out like a hamster while she ate.
"Goodbye, boss, we'll be back!" they called out, still munching on their dango.
"Goodbye, you two! Come again soon!" the landlady replied, her smile remaining warm as she watched them leave. Such lovely guests…
Chatting and eating, they arrived at the second training ground twenty minutes early. Strangely, only three figures were present.
"Jiraiya-sama," Renzou and Kurenai said, approaching the small group, greeting Jiraiya first before looking with mild confusion at the two beside him. "Obito? Rin? What are you doing here?"
Indeed, standing there were their classmates, Uchiha Obito and Nohara Rin.
"Hey, Renzou, Kurenai! We heard you were going to spar with Kakashi, so we came to watch!" Uchiha Obito carelessly ruffled his short black hair, glancing towards the training ground entrance as he muttered, "Why isn't Kakashi here yet?" Rin gave Obito, who had bounded off a few steps, a helpless look and shook her head before stepping forward to greet Renzou, then being quickly drawn aside by Kurenai. The two girls, usually close friends at school, were both acting as impromptu cheerleaders, albeit for different participants.
"Hey, kid, you're doing alright for yourself, bringing a girlfriend. She reminds me a bit of Tsunade back in the day," Jiraiya said, winking at Renzou as he looked at Kurenai.
"Jiraiya-sama must be joking," Renzou replied with a wry smile.
Just then, the figures of Sakumo and his son appeared at the training ground entrance.
"Uncle Sakumo, Kakashi!"
"Sakumo-senpai, you're here," Renzou and Jiraiya called out.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," Sakumo said, looking slightly apologetic.
"No worries, we just arrived ourselves," Renzou replied. After a few polite exchanges, Renzou turned his attention to Kakashi. "Then let's get started, Kakashi."
"Okay, come on," Kakashi nodded, and the two walked towards the center of the field, Sakumo following closely behind. Obito and Jiraiya tactfully retreated to the edge, settling down like spectators.
"Then I'll be the referee," Sakumo said with a smile, looking at the two opponents. He positioned himself in the center, ready to signal the start.
Renzou's hands were slightly bent, his body in a low stance, his gaze fixed on Kakashi as he awaited the White Fang's signal. Kakashi, equally prepared, drew his Short Sword, its tip pointing diagonally at the ground, his eyes then turning to his father.
Sakumo looked at the two ready participants, raised his hand, and brought it down in a swift motion. "Then, let the competition begin!"He then flashed ten meters away, giving them ample fighting space, his focus now solely on the unfolding duel.
As the word left his lips, both boys took a step back, creating distance.Going to start with a ranged attack?Renzou stood still, his eyes narrowing slightly as his hands blurred through a rapid sequence of seals. Kakashi watched, his own hand already moving. Short Sword planted to his side, his seals began to form.
"Wind Style: Wind Scythe Jutsu!" Renzou thrust both hands forward, and dozens of razor-sharp wind blades shot directly towards Kakashi.
Kakashi's eyes sharpened as the wind blades approached. Simultaneously, he slammed both hands down. "Earth Style: Earth Flow Wall!" A wall of earth erupted from the ground before him, the crude image of a dog's head embedded in its surface. With a series of roars, the ninjutsu collided. The aftermath dissipated after a few seconds, revealing the Earth wall heavily damaged. Kakashi stood behind it, his gaze on Renzou in the distance now serious. Clearly, that initial attack hadn't been easy to block.
Following the brief exchange, the small audience watched with surprised expressions. It was evident that Renzou hadn't been outmatched in the first clash.
"This kid's got something," Jiraiya muttered, a hint of surprise in his eyes as he watched the two continue their standoff.
This… I won't lose the bet, right?
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End of Chapter 24