Konoha, Year 38
The first semester of the Ninja Academy was nearing its end, and with final exams approaching, Chao Haikeen was filled with anticipation.
After nearly half a year of studying at the Academy, Chao Haikeen had made significant progress. Compared to the inexperienced boy he had been six months ago, Chao could now skillfully perform the Clone Jutsu (Bunshin no Jutsu), and his skill with shuriken and kunai was among the best in his class. Physically, he had trained hard, and his sparring sessions in Taijutsu almost always ended with him defeating his opponents.
In his first year, Chao Haikeen had only one peer who posed a real challenge: Kakashi Hatake. He hadn't faced him yet, but he knew Kakashi's reputation. No one else in the class, not even the Taijutsu specialist Might Guy (who everyone still called "crane tail" for his low grades), could match Chao in physical combat. Still, Chao knew the greatness that lay ahead for Guy in the future.
This semester's exam would be the second match between Chao and Kakashi. According to the historical timeline, Kakashi should apply for early graduation next year. That would also be the year Sakumo Hatake, Konoha's White Fang, would die.
Despite the end of the Second Shinobi World War, tensions between the major ninja villages persisted, and funerals were held almost daily at the Memorial Stone. According to Chao's research, the Second Shinobi War had no true victor. It only deepened the hostilities between the villages, setting the stage for the upcoming Third Shinobi World War, which would begin within a year or two.
After school, Chao Haikeen walked home alone. Despite having been at the Academy for half a year, he hadn't made any friends. Initially, he thought about forming bonds with some of the original characters from the story, but being mentally older than his peers, he found it difficult to connect with five-year-old children.
That night, Chao Haikeen decided to rest his mind rather than train, wanting to be at his best for tomorrow's exam.
As he walked through an alley, he suddenly heard taunts from two Chunin directed at a man and his son. "Hey, Maito Dai! Still training with your son, the eternal Genin?" one sneered. "You'll be Genin for 10,000 years! Hahaha!"
Chao Haikeen stopped, quietly observing the scene from the shadows.
Might Dai, with his usual unfaltering smile, gave the Chunin a thumbs up and said, "Thanks for your support!"
Chao couldn't help but feel admiration for Dai's resilience. Despite lacking talent in ninjutsu, Dai had trained relentlessly, eventually mastering the forbidden Eight Gates (Hachimon Tonkō). This very man would one day defeat seven of the legendary Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, sacrificing his life in the process.
It was one thing to read about Might Dai in the manga, but seeing his indomitable spirit in person was an entirely different experience. To endure such mockery in front of his own son and remain undeterred spoke volumes about the strength of his character.
While Chao was reflecting on this, the two Chunin moved on. However, Chao noticed Might Guy following them with a determined expression.
Suddenly, a rock flew through the air and struck one of the Chunin in the back. "Ow! That hurt!" he yelled, turning to see a furious Might Guy glaring at them, tears in his eyes.
"Hey! It's Maito Dai's kid!" one of the Chunin sneered. "What are you doing, brat?"
"You're not allowed to make fun of my dad!" Guy shouted, fists clenched.
The Chunin laughed and advanced slowly toward Guy.
Just as they were about to attack, two shuriken flew from the corner of the alley, forcing the Chunin to leap back. As they landed, more shuriken flew at them, and they barely managed to block with their kunai.
"Who's attacking us?!" one of them shouted angrily.
"Two Chunin bullying a child? You've really brought shame to the name of Konoha ninja!" Chao Haikeen stepped out from the shadows, his eyes cold as they fixed on the two men.
"Another kid? What, are all the brats in Konoha this arrogant now?" one of the Chunin spat.
"You're… Chao!" Guy exclaimed, recognizing his classmate.
The Chunin were furious, and they charged at Chao. He leaped back to avoid their attacks, but one of them aimed a kick that was too fast to dodge.
In an instant, the Chunin's foot passed through Chao's body. "A clone?!" the Chunin exclaimed, realizing he had hit a shadow clone.
"Brat! You're dead!" they yelled, lunging at Chao again. But just as they closed in, Chao cut a hidden wire with his kunai.
A series of shuriken, previously hidden in the alley's shadows, flew toward the Chunin. Caught off guard, they managed to deflect some of the projectiles, but several shuriken found their mark, leaving them with shallow cuts.
Perched on the wall above, Chao looked down at the two men coldly. "If I had used explosive tags, you'd both be dead. Leave now. You've lost enough face as it is. I'm sparing you only because we're from the same village."
The Chunin glared at him, their pride wounded. "Damn brat!" one muttered. They looked ready to fight again, but the thought of drawing attention from the Uchiha police force or even ANBU restrained them.
Knowing they had no choice but to retreat, they turned to leave. Chao called down to Guy, "Come on, Guy. Let's go."