The morning of the early graduation competition arrived with an unseasonably cool breeze that carried the scent of rain from distant clouds. Hikaru woke before dawn, his internal clock having adapted to the anxiety that had characterized the past week of preparation.
Sleep had been elusive despite his exhaustion from intensive training sessions designed to optimize his performance while maintaining careful limits on capability revelation. The week had been spent in delicate balance between preparing for serious competition and avoiding dramatic improvement.
"You're up early," Ayako observed as she entered the kitchen to find him already preparing breakfast, wiping her hands on her apron. "Did you sleep at all?"
"Some," Hikaru replied, his movements efficient despite the nervous energy, stirring rice with mechanical precision. "I wanted time to think before the competition begins."
The decision to participate had been made three days earlier, after a conversation with Ryōta that had revealed his friend's unwavering determination to compete despite the obvious risks. The choice had ultimately come down to simple calculation: his protective instincts outweighed his preference for continued concealment.
"Are you prepared for what today might reveal?" Ayako asked, accepting the cup of tea he offered while studying his expression for signs of anxiety.
"As prepared as circumstances allow," Hikaru replied honestly. "In the competition, I'll have to show more of what I can do than I've been showing in class."
"But you'll be careful not to reveal more than necessary," Ayako said, her tone carrying both understanding and gentle warning, reaching across to adjust his collar. "Remember that sometimes the most strategic choice is knowing when to lose."
The wisdom in her words resonated with his own strategic thinking, though practical application would prove challenging when faced with real combat situations.
"I'll be as careful as the situation allows," Hikaru promised, drumming his fingers nervously on the table. "But if Ryōta-kun is in genuine danger, I may need to prioritize his safety over concealment."
"I understand," Ayako replied, her expression carrying familiar mixture of pride and worry. "Our parents would have made the same choice."
The walk to the academy provided time for final mental preparation as Hikaru reviewed strategies he had developed for different potential matchups. The competition format had been designed to test genuine combat readiness rather than academic knowledge.
The training grounds had been transformed for the competition, with formal seating areas for observers and a central combat area marked by boundary lines. The setup was more elaborate than typical academy exercises, suggesting that results would carry significance beyond routine evaluation.
The study group had gathered at dawn near the academy gates, their presence providing emotional support that Hikaru hadn't realized he needed until seeing their familiar faces.
"I still think you're both crazy for participating," Yuki said with affection that softened her analytical disapproval, crossing her arms as she looked between them. "But I understand why you feel you need to prove yourselves."
Kenta shifted uncomfortably beside them, stuffing his hands deep in his pockets. "I wish I was brave enough to compete alongside you."
"Courage isn't about taking unnecessary risks," Hikaru assured him with conviction, placing a reassuring hand on Kenta's shoulder. "Knowing your limitations and preparing thoroughly is just as important as recognizing opportunities."
"Promise me you'll be careful in there," Yuki said with worry, biting her lower lip anxiously. "Proving capability isn't worth getting seriously injured."
"We'll watch out for each other," Ryōta confirmed with determination, clenching his fists with resolve. "Having a friend competing alongside makes everything less intimidating."
"Whatever happens today, our study group continues," Kenta declared with conviction that surprised everyone including himself, straightening his posture. "Success or failure, we support each other."
"Welcome, students," announced Ishikawa Shou, the proctor who had been assigned to oversee the competition proceedings, stepping forward with official bearing. "Today's evaluations will determine eligibility for early graduation and immediate genin assignment. You may use anything in the fight, excluding explosive seals."
The rules were more permissive than normal academy sparring, allowing genuine combat techniques that could result in serious injury. Several students exchanged worried glances, shifting nervously on their feet.
"Before we begin, I want to acknowledge our distinguished observers," Ishikawa announced, gesturing toward the seating area where several notable figures had assembled.
The sight of the Third Hokage seated among the observing instructors transformed the competition from academy exercise into something far more significant. Sarutobi Hiruzen wore his usual Hokage robes and hat, his beloved pipe creating small clouds of smoke as he observed with keen interest.
It seems this event is more important than I thought, Hikaru realized, swallowing nervously as he noted the presence of several Jōnin instructors and clan representatives.
"The first match will be between Uchiha Satoshi and Fuma Akane," Ishikawa announced, consulting the bracket.
Hikaru watched the opening match with analytical intensity, leaning forward in his observation position. Satoshi's mastery of basic Uchiha techniques was evident in every movement, his precise fire jutsu and superior reflexes systematically dismantling Akane's weapon-based attacks.
The match concluded quickly, with Satoshi's superior technique proving decisive. The clinical efficiency was both impressive and sobering.
"Second match: Inuzuka Seiji versus Hyuga Nobue," Ishikawa called.
Hikaru perked up with interest at this announcement. Seiji, the same boy who had bullied him and others in class, would now face the Hyuga prodigy who had just demonstrated overwhelming skill.
The match was even more one-sided than the previous one. Seiji's aggressive clan techniques, which had seemed so intimidating at the academy, were completely neutralized by Nobue's precise chakra point strikes. Every time Seiji attempted to use his four-legged technique or claw attacks, Nobue would counter with gentle fist strikes that disrupted his chakra flow.
Within minutes, Seiji collapsed to the ground, his chakra system so disrupted that he could barely move. The Hyuga's superiority was absolute and devastating.
"Winner: Hyuga Nobue," Ishikawa announced as medical-nin rushed to check on the thoroughly defeated Inuzuka student.
"Third match: Nara Daichi versus Akimichi Yoshio," Ishikawa announced.
The strategic match between shadow manipulation and size enhancement provided the most tactically interesting contest so far, with both participants demonstrating thoughtful combat approaches.
"Fourth match: Uchiha Takeshi versus Kajiwara Ryōta," Ishikawa called.
The announcement sent immediate anxiety through Hikaru as he recognized the significant disadvantage his friend would face. He gripped the edge of his seat, knuckles whitening with tension.
Hopefully, he will be alright, Hikaru thought, watching Ryōta take his position with determined expression despite the obvious mismatch.
"You can start now!" Ishikawa announced after both participants had taken their positions.
Both immediately executed the seal of confrontation, preparing for combat. Takeshi glared at his opponent, taunting: "A first-year student challenging a fifth-year student. Is this courage or just plain stupidity? It's not too late to give up!"
Takeshi smirked as he saw his opponent decide to attack him first. He took his Uchiha taijutsu stance and quickly blocked a fist coming straight at his face with ease by sidestepping to the left, attempting to grab his wrist and counter with a swift kick.
Ryōta gritted his teeth, used his left hand to guard the attack, and jerked his right hand away from his opponent in an attempt to restrict his movement. He successfully blocked the kick but was still pushed back several steps by the force.
However, his opponent refused to allow him to adjust his position. Takeshi quickly approached him, kicking at his chest. Ryōta dodged the incoming attack and returned with his fist, which was easily evaded. Then, Ryōta aimed a low kick at Takeshi's legs, but he jumped away in acrobatic style, flipping backward and landing a few meters away.
"Nice try, but you're going to have to do better than that," Takeshi taunted with a smile on his face. His confidence had gone through the roof, as if this weren't a competition but a mere exercise for him.
Ryōta, having finally gained his footing but still angry at his opponent's remark, took a breath to calm himself, but Takeshi didn't allow him much time. He took the initiative to charge toward Ryōta, his hand poised with a heavy fist, aiming to knock him down.
After a few moments of exchanging punches, blocks, and dodges, Ryōta decided to jump away from the incoming attack. He threw shurikens toward Takeshi to keep him at bay, then formed a hand seal as he moved to his new position.
A puff of smoke appeared, revealing his two identical clones next to him. Both moved in distinct directions, attempting to circle the opponent while holding a kunai in their hands and waiting for the right time to attack.
Ryōta's main body ran straight back toward Takeshi, performing an up-close attack with a kick aimed at his left side.
"Just a normal clone; this shouldn't take long," Takeshi said with a curling smile, avoiding the approaching blow and retaliating with a kunai in his hand slashing downward. However, before he could align the kunai against his opponent's throat, the clones flung two kunai toward him from both sides.
"Tsk! Little tricks!" Takeshi executed a backflip to evade the two kunai aimed at him, then swiftly retrieved multiple shurikens from his pouch. He returned the attack by throwing shurikens toward Ryōta and the two clones in rapid succession. Both clones immediately dispersed as soon as they came into contact with a shuriken. Ryōta also dodged the shurikens thrown at him.
Seeing Ryōta attempting to get away, Takeshi smirked and said, "Let's see you try to get away from this."
"Sōshuriken no Jutsu!" (Manipulated Shuriken Technique)
A translucent string attached to multiple shurikens thrown earlier whizzed in a curved path as Takeshi altered the shurikens' trajectory, aiming at his opponent. Ryōta saw the incoming attacks and couldn't help but feel dazed. The fight wasn't long, but he already felt overwhelmed by his opponent's superior skills.
Hikaru watched as Ryōta saw the incoming attacks and couldn't help but look dazed. The fight wasn't long, but his friend already seemed overwhelmed by his opponent's superior skills.
He can't dodge all those attacks in time, Hikaru realized with growing alarm as he saw Ryōta squeeze his eyes shut, clearly feeling ashamed. The difference between them was too much.
Hikaru couldn't just stand by and watch. Even though he knew that other instructors in the area would intervene to save Ryōta, he couldn't remain passive when his friend was in danger.
At the last moment, he acted instinctively. His body moved before his mind could fully process the decision, appearing beside his friend just in time to pull him away from the incoming attack.
Hearing all the exclamations in the vicinity at the sudden situation, Hikaru rose to his feet, offering his hand to help his friend off the ground. Both of them were now in a different position, away from the attack.
Observing his friend's stunned expression, Hikaru quietly said with a smile, "You did well in the fight; maybe you'll win next time."
"Never give up, remember?"
At the last moment, he had acted instinctively to save his friend. Even though Hikaru knew that other sensei in the area would intervene and save the boy, he couldn't just stand by and watch.
This was his friend, after all.
"Who are you, jerk?" Takeshi shouted, his arrogance transforming into irritation. "Don't get in the way!"
Before Hikaru could respond, the Third Hokage's voice cut through the tension: "Since you chose to interrupt the fight, why don't you continue in your friend's stead? If not, you'll face consequences for interfering with the competition."
The ultimatum was both trap and opportunity, forcing Hikaru to either accept participation or face official sanctions. He looked around the training ground, noting Koji-sensei's encouraging nod and the focused attention of the observing officials.
He turned to look at Ryōta, whose sad expression carried both disappointment and hope. "Go for it," his friend said quietly, placing a trembling hand on Hikaru's shoulder. "I couldn't beat him."
The proctor looked toward Takeshi, raising an eyebrow questioningly. "Do you need to rest first?"
"Nah, I didn't even break a sweat earlier," Takeshi replied with characteristic arrogance, rolling his shoulders dismissively. "Another fight against a first-year student is nothing much."
The continued taunting made Ryōta clench his fists, his frustration evident despite exhaustion. "Can you help beat him for me? Just once?"
Hikaru studied his opponent's confident stance, noting the tactical advantages and disadvantages. Takeshi was slightly tired from his previous match but remained dangerous, while Hikaru was fresh but would be fighting under intense observation.
"I'll try," Hikaru replied quietly, taking a deep breath to center himself as he stepped into the combat area.
The moment has come to reveal more than I'd planned, he thought, rolling his shoulders to loosen tense muscles. Protecting Ryōta requires abandoning my concealment strategy temporarily.
"Remember the rules," Ishikawa announced, his tone carrying official weight. "You may use anything in the fight, except for explosive seals."
The formal announcement transformed their conflict from personal dispute into official competition, with all the observation and evaluation that such status entailed.
Hikaru took his position opposite Takeshi, his analytical mind already calculating strategies for the engagement ahead. The match would require careful balance between demonstrating competence and maintaining reasonable limitations.
"You may begin!" Ishikawa called, stepping back to provide space for what promised to be a significant engagement.
The decisive match was about to begin.