Ⅰ
With determination, I gripped my Katana, aiming for a precise strike to subdue Mizuki sensei without resorting to lethal measures. My goal wto incapacitate him for interrogation by my grandfather after the battle. To achieve this, I needed agility and focus, exploiting openings in his defense while maintaining my own.
However, this was my first real fight, and each moment brought growing fatigue, weighing down my arms. A sudden strike to the abdomen reminded me of my weariness, sending shockwaves through my exhausted limbs. Breath caught in my throat as I involuntarily released my Katana and stumbled backward, vulnerable to a blow to the back of my head, sending me sprawling amidst pain and confusion.
Groaning in agony, I struggled to rise, but another blow, this time to my face, sent me tumbling, and I collided painfully with a nearby tree. Bruised and battered, frustration boiled within me as Mizuki sensei's fluid and relentless movements exploited my weaknesses. It seemed he could anticipate my every move, effortlessly dodging my strikes while delivering punishing blows.
Exhausted and sore, I pushed myself to stand, but every limb rebelled with fatigue. Despite my efforts, I couldn't land a hit on the elusive shinobi, cursing my inadequacy under my breath.
Then, with inevitability, he knelt on me, beginning to strangle my throat with crushing pressure, making each breath agonizingly difficult. I struggled to hold onto consciousness, gasping in pain.
"How's it feel," he jeered, "to have your breath slowly snatched away, kid? You'll be as still as a log in just a moment!"
"GRRR!"
I strained against the oppressive force pinning me down, but his amusement only grew as he effortlessly thwarted my feeble attempts. With a sadistic grin etched across his face, he luxuriated in the moment, relishing the opportunity to inflict further torment.
"You know," he spat, "I've always despised your clan. The Sarutobi, the Uchiha, and the Hyuga… all of you, born into power, given everything without lifting a finger. While the rest of us? We're left to crawl in the dirt, scraping for any chance to climb higher. It sickens me! Ten years as a Chunin, and every time I reached for more, I was quickly denied. Your grandfather had the nerve to warn me about my ambition—told me to change my attitude, or else I'd be stuck teaching those idiot kids at the academy for the rest of my life. How dare he treat me like that?! He doesn't have the power to control me! I will show him what I am capable ofーby finishing you off first, just like the others!"
As he tightened his grip, intent on finishing me off, my vision began to blur. My consciousness was slipping away like sand through my fingers. Each moment felt like an eternity as I struggled against his iron grip, my attempts to pry his hands away proving futile against the Chunin's overwhelming strength. Panic surged through me, but I knew I had to act fast. With that, I made a split-second decision. I released my left hand from his grasp and quickly activated my hidden blade. The metal gleamed dully in the dim light as I activated it, the familiar click signaling its readiness. In a desperate bid for survival, I drove the blade into his left flank with all the force I could muster. The impact I gave sent a shockwave of pain through his entire body, making his grip falter and allowing me to break free.
He stumbled back as he began to hold on to his wounds. "What… what is this?' he stammered, his voice barely a whisper amidst the chaos. "Is this… blood?"
With adrenaline coursing through my veins, I seized the fleeting opportunity. Rising swiftly to my feet, I charged toward him with a determined purpose. It was then that a sense of déjà vu washed over me as if I had performed this deadly move before. In a fluid motion, I launched myself into the air, the familiar weight of the hidden blade in my hand lending a sense of reassurance. I descended upon him with a primal roar, executing the signature move with surgical precision. A certain move that I never thought I could perform—The Aerial Assassination.
With one swift strike, the blade found its mark in Mizuki's sensei's left chest, delivering a penetrating blow. Caught off guard, Mizuki's sensei's eyes widened in disbelief, a mixture of shock and pain etched across his face as he fell on his back beneath my weight. I could feel the blade sinking deep between his chest bone. A wave of nausea washed over me, a visceral reminder of my action to make Mizuki sensei yield.
Despite the queasiness gnawing at my gut, I gritted my teeth and maintained focus. I could see Mizuki sensei struggle as he tried to pull my left arm. But I pressed on until he yielded. The hidden blade continued its inexorable descent, sinking deeper and deeper until it seemed as though victory was within reach.
Yet, just as I was about to believe the battle was over, Mizuki sensei summoned a last surge of strength to push me away. His hands slick with blood and sweat as he wrested the blade from its deadly path. He then quickly kicked me back in a swift and unexpected motion, forcing me to stumble and regain my balance.
As I lay there, dazed and disoriented, Mizuki sensei slowly rose to his feet, his body battered and bloodied, yet he was unbroken. His face bore a fierce expression as he fixed his determined gaze upon me.
"Ha… Ha… Ha…" He panted heavily, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. The impact of my attack had clearly taken its toll, yet he remained defiant, refusing to succumb to defeat.
"You…" He started to speak, "How did you…get that blade…?" His finger trembled as he gestured toward my left wrist, his eyes narrowing in question.
I met his question with silence, mirroring his own suspicion. The origin of the blade was as much a mystery to me as it was to him. I kept my lips sealed, a hint of defiance in my silence.
A smirk danced on Mizuki sensei's lips as he retrieved his Shuriken from his back, his movements deliberate. "It doesn't matter…" his voice tinged with defiance. "I will get my answer once I finish you off…! I will find it soon… how did the old man obtain the blade… the very one wielded by our enemies… who lurked in the shadow…"
His words ignited a spark that intrigued me, particularly the mention of the blade wrapped around my left wrist. What connection did it have to the mysterious "enemies who lurked in the shadow"? Did they hold some significance to the blade's origin, a piece of knowledge I do not know? If so, how did the blade end up in my possession? Before I could unravel these thoughts, Mizuki sensei's deft fingers began to twirl the Shuriken, its metallic edges cutting through the air with a menacing whistle.
As the deadly projectile seemed poised to strike, I braced myself for the impending clash. Time slowed to a crawl, every heartbeat echoing in my ears. However, just as it seemed inevitable, a sudden thud reverberated from behind. I turned around to witness a blur of vibrant yellow streaks past, a powerful force that sent Mizuki sensei hurtling away, his attack thwarted by an unexpected intervention.
Ⅱ
As Mizuki sensei crashed to the ground, the yellow blur that had just thwarted his attack landed confidently before me. My eyes went wide when I saw who just saved me from the inevitable attack.
"Naruto?!" It was my dearest friend, the very person I thought had already departed the scene when my confrontation with Mizuki sensei began.
"Get your hands off Darren, you jerk. Or else I'll make you regret it!" Naruto's voice brimmed with determination as he addressed the blue-haired Chunin.
This incited anger in the blue-haired Chunin, evident as he spat out blood and rose to his feet. "Well, well… such big words you have. Do you truly think you can take me down? I could finish you off with a single move!"
But Naruto's resolve remained unshaken, his gaze steady as he squared off against Mizuki sensei. He formed a cross with his index and middle fingers on both hands with a swift gesture. "Then give me your best shot. I'll give it back to you a thousandfold!"
"GO AHEAD! SHOW ME WHAT YOU CAN DO, NINE-TAILED FOX!"
The challenge was met with a smirk from Naruto, leaving me wondering about his confidence and what secret technique he had up his sleeve to overcome the seasoned opponent.
My worry for Naruto's safety grew, fearing the outcome of his confrontation with the Chunin. There is no way that Naruto could defeat Mizuki sensei. But then, as Naruto loudly called out the name of his jutsu, "Shadow Clone Jutsu (影分身の術)!" my concern shifted to curiosity about how he would turn the tide of battle.
A cloud of smoke enveloped the area, unlike anything I had ever seen before. It spanned 10 meters wide and 5 meters tall, resembling a dome. The sheer size hinted at the uniqueness of this Ninjutsu. As the smoke cleared, an army of
Naruto clones emerged, covering the entire area, even the branches above.
I was stunned by the sheer number of clones summoned with a single-hand sign. I estimated there were about 100 of them—perfect replicas standing before me, ready for battle. How could he summon so many clones of himself? Executing such an advanced ninjutsu requires an immense amount of chakra and skill. The term "shadow clone" implied they were solid and capable of combat, making it even more impressive.
Witnessing Naruto's mastery of such a high-level jutsu brought a smile to my face, filling me with admiration for his growth.
Wow, Naruto… you really are something else," I murmured, unable to contain my amazement.
"Huh…?! W-what the?! How could he?!" Mizuki-sensei exclaimed in horror as he found himself surrounded by the massive population of Naruto clones. He looked around frantically, unsure whether to attack from the right or the left.
Regardless, even if he launched an assault on the army of clones, he would soon be overwhelmed. All he could do was step back, his body trembling in fear.
"What's the matter? Are you not going to fight us?" Naruto taunted. His army of clones looked eager for the fight as they stretched their bodies and cracked their knuckles.
Mizuki-sensei was at a loss for words. His will to fight drained as he stumbled backward, his face contorted in disbelief and dread. This was the moment when I saw his face filled with doom.
"Well then, here we go!" Naruto declared, leading the charge alongside his clones as they surged toward Mizuki-sensei like a stampede of oxen. But before they could unleash their onslaught, Mizuki-sensei's cry of agony pierced through the woods, echoing with the weight of his impending defeat.
"AHHHHHHHHHH!"
Ⅲ
The battle had come to an end. Mizuki-sensei lay defeated, his body battered and bruised, a testament to the ferocity of Naruto's relentless attacks. Mizuki-sensei lay defeated, his body bruised and battered. Though still breathing, he remained unconscious, unable to rise from the ground.
"I guess I went a little overboard, huh?" Naruto grinned, standing over his defeated opponent. Despite his victory against the Blue-haired Chunin, there was a tinge of remorse, a recognition of the severity of his actions.
Watching the fight unfold, I couldn't help but agree with his assessment. "Yep. You sure did." I replied softly, acknowledging the intensity of his attack. Yet, considering Mizuki-sensei's attempt on both Naruto's and my lives, perhaps a measure of retribution was warranted.
"Are you alright, Darren?" Naruto asked, coming to my side to help me up.
"Yeah, I'm okay," I reassured him, feeling the lingering soreness from Mizuki's attack. "I thought you'd gone to find Iruka-sensei…? " I trailed off, rubbing my neck where Mizuki had tried to strangle me.
"I couldn't leave you behind and…" Naruto began to explain earnestly. "When you told me I could choose my own path… I wanted to prove it to him. So I came back… to join the fight."
"I see," I replied, offering a soft smile. "Well, I thought I was a goner there. Thanks, Naruto. For saving my life."
Naruto smiled in return, a warm expression indicating his relief at having saved me from the near brink of death.
"Naruto! Darren!"
A sudden call grabbed our attention, prompting us to turn our heads toward its source. Emerging from the woods, we spotted Iruka-sensei cradling his arm gingerly as he made his way toward us.
Iruka-sensei!" we exclaimed together.
"Are you two alright?" he asked, his concern evident as he surveyed us.
"Yeah, we're fine," I replied, reassuring that both of us were okay.
Iruka-sensei visibly breathed a sigh of relief, glad to see that we both were in our unharmed states. However, his relief was short-lived as his gaze landed on Mizuki-sensei. His eyes widened in surprise and concern at the sight of his beaten colleague.
"What did I miss...?"
"Well, it's quite a story…" I began, recounting the events that had transpired.
"What?! Naruto used the Shadow Clone Jutsu to take down Mizuki?!" Iruka-sensei's astonishment was evident.
"Yep," I nodded, "Naruto saved my life before Mizuki sensei tried to finish me off. Without his Shadow Clone, I would not have survived."
"Wow..." Iruka sensei looked at Naruto and was in awe after listening to it. His expression drew admiration and pride after he learned that Naruto could do such highly advanced Jutsu.
"So… what are we going to do with Mizuki sensei?" Naruto inquired, his eyes shifting towards the battered Chunin lying nearby.
"We'll need to bring him to the Hokage Tower for questioning," Iruka-sensei responded firmly, his tone carrying a sense of responsibility. And we also need to bring back the scroll with us."
Upon hearing that, Naruto looked down. His shoulders slumped, knowing he would need to face his crimes for stealing the forbidden scroll. Sensing his unease, I looked back at Iruka sensei and asked, "Would Naruto… be punished for stealing the scroll…?"
Iruka-sensei paused for a moment, contemplating his response. "I'm not sure," he admitted. "But given Naruto's bravery in saving you from Mizuki, I will need your help to prove his innocence, as you were the only one who saw the battle. I will do what I can to clear his name, but there are no guarantees of how the outcome will turn out."
With that understanding, we carried the unconscious Mizuki-sensei as we departed the forest. Each step felt burdened with anticipation as we made our way to the Hokage Tower, unsure of what fate awaited my dear friend, Naruto.
Ⅳ
In the Hokage Tower, Naruto, Iruka-sensei, and I stood before my grandfather inside his office. The atmosphere was thick with tension, an unspoken exchange hanging heavy in the air between us. The Third Hokage, his aged face serious, fixed us with a stern gaze, his elbows resting on the desk as his hands met at his mouth in contemplation.
"Hmmm…"
For the first time, the seriousness of being in his office caused my stomach to churn with unease. I could feel my grandpa's disappointment, both in Naruto's reckless act of stealing the Forbidden Scroll and in my own decision to pursue him.
I braced myself for whatever judgment would soon leave his lips. We had already offered our explanations, trying our best to prove Naruto's innocence. Now, all that remained was to wait.
"Naruto." my grandpa's voice broke the silence, "While it's true that Mizuki orchestrated the theft, you still acted upon his plan by taking the Forbidden Scroll."
Naruto's gaze fell, his silence speaking volumes.
Turning his attention to me, my grandpa continued, "And Darren, though your intentions were noble in saving Iruka and Naruto from Mizuki's attack, your decision to act alone was reckless and irresponsible."
"I understand, Hokage sama…" I replied, recognizing the weight of his words as I addressed his title.
"...Iruka." my grandpa called out, drawing Iruka-sensei's attention.
"Yes, Hokage sama?" Iruka-sensei responded
"A word with you, in private." my grandpa requested, signaling Naruto and me to wait outside the office.
With that, Naruto and I were left in the corridor, the weight of our actions heavy on our minds as we awaited the outcome of their private conversation.
Naruto was visibly nervous, pacing back and forth, his worry evident. He kept worrying about how the outcome would turn out. Seeing him like this, I reached out to him and tried to make him feel better. "Naruto, don't be so anxious right
now. Everything will be fine."
"But, Darren," he objected, his voice tinged with fear. "It's been ten minutes already. I'm scared..."
"I know. But worrying won't help. You need to be more patient and see how it happens." I reassured him gently with a warm smile. With a reluctant nod, Naruto stopped pacing, but the tension lingered in the air as we waited for news in the corridor.
After what felt like an eternity, the office door finally creaked open, signaling our return. Stepping inside, we found Iruka-sensei standing by my grandfather's side. His expression hinted at a glimmer of hope, suggesting that perhaps the
judgment awaiting us from my grandfather might not be as severe as we had feared.
"I have made my decision." His voice was steady yet filled with the weight of responsibility. His eyes moved between Naruto and me, his gaze unwavering as he addressed us. "After discussing your actions with Iruka, None of you will be
punished."
Naruto and I looked at each other, relieved we wouldn't be punished for our actions.
"However," my grandpa continued, "If you both promise to listen, learn, and behave well… then I can see the potential in both of you becoming… great Shinobi one day."
Upon hearing this, Naruto raised his hand to ask a further question. "But I'm still a student. I haven't graduated yet," he pointed out.
My grandpa's face softened into a small smile, a silent signal for Iruka-sensei to approach Naruto. As Iruka-sensei stepped forward, my heart skipped a beat as I beheld what he held in his hands. It was a Konoha Headband, gleaming under the room's gentle light.
"W-wait?! Is this...for…" Naruto stuttered, his voice tinged with disbelief and excitement.
"Yes, Naruto. It's for you," Iruka-sensei replied warmly, his demeanor radiating pride and encouragement. He gently lifted the goggles from Naruto's forehead, making way for the Konoha headband to be securely wrapped around Naruto's
brow. Once the headband was in place, Iruka-sensei uttered words that would forever echo in Naruto's heart.
"Congrtaulations, Naruto. You have graduated."
He was momentarily stunned, his hand instinctively reaching up to touch the headband as if to confirm that it was real. And indeed, it was unmistakenly genuine.
His eyes then met mine, and tears of joy began to well up on his face. I, too, was overwhelmed by the moment.
"I did it…" Naruto whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. "I did it, Darren! I'm officially a Ninja!"
With that, he pulled me into a tight embrace, elated by his new status as a Konoha Shinobi. I hugged him back, sharing in his joy and congratulating him warmly.