The homeroom teacher of Guts' class—a hardened Jōnin—had once been a fierce ninja during the Second Ninja War.
But that was two years ago. A grievous injury had ended his battlefield career and forced him into early retirement.
Yet even in his current role, his strength couldn't be doubted.
After all, Sarutobi Hiruzen wouldn't assign just anyone to train a class filled with elite young talents. You needed more than just seniority—you needed presence.
Even so, he couldn't help but admit it.
Guts, a civilian-born child with no bloodline prestige, was a genuine, undeniable genius.
It wasn't just his monstrous physical prowess—his chakra was on par with kids from the Uchiha or even the Senju clan.
And this wasn't some peacetime academy era. The war still lingered like smoke in the air.
Just two months into the school year.
Students were already being taught chakra control techniques like tree climbing and water walking—things that, in more peaceful years, were only introduced to Genin.
In wartime, even children could be drafted to the front lines.
Anything that increased their chance of survival had to be taught early. No one knew when—or if—tomorrow would come.
After weeks of close observation, the homeroom teacher had drawn his conclusion:
Guts had the chakra reserves of a major clan heir and the adaptability to match. He was the kind of seedling that should be nurtured for ninjutsu mastery.
Not everyone could be like Tsunade—a once-in-a-generation monster in all aspects. But a specialist? Guts had the potential.
That's why the teacher had quietly handed him a C-rank ninjutsu scroll, trying to guide his development.
But what did the little brat do?
He sold it to Uchiha Obito.
The teacher had nearly burst a vein.
Now, back in class, the teacher stood before the students and made an announcement.
"Alright, everyone. It's been two full months since the semester began. It's time to see how far you've come. Let's head to the training grounds."
The class buzzed with anticipation as they followed him out. Once everyone stood in neat rows, Obito raised his hand, curiosity sparking in his voice.
"Sensei! What kind of test is it?"
"A practical one," the teacher said, his tone firm.
"You may live in relative peace, but don't forget—we're stationed at the edge of the Fire Country. War doesn't send invitations. You could be called to the battlefield at any moment."
He paused to let that sink in.
"So I want to see what each of you has learned. How you've grown in two months."
Obito immediately turned to glare at Kakashi, eyes narrowed.
He might not be the sharpest kunai in the pouch, but even he had noticed how Rin's eyes lingered on Kakashi a little too long.
He wasn't going to miss this chance to prove himself.
The teacher glanced at his clipboard and called out the first match.
"First round: Hatake Kakashi versus Guts."
Two voices exclaimed in confusion at the same time—Obito and Guts, both surprised for different reasons.
Guts raised a brow, genuinely thrown off.
Wasn't this script supposed to be about Kakashi and Obito having their fated showdown, full of rivalry and tension?
Why was he suddenly involved?
Kakashi stepped into the ring with his usual deadpan expression, the one that screamed, The world owes me eight million ryo and I'm here to collect.
Guts had never really talked to Kakashi since school started. That face—cold, arrogant—just didn't invite conversation.
"Guts, get moving," the teacher called out.
With a casual shrug, Guts stepped forward. As he passed Obito, the boy leaned in and hissed,
"Crush him. You hear me?"
Guts smirked. "Buy me all-you-can-eat lunch, and I'll think about it."
Obito's face went pale.
Everyone in class knew one thing: Guts' appetite was a force of nature.
Buying him lunch wasn't generosity—it was financial suicide.
As Guts and Kakashi took their places, a chorus of squeals erupted from the sidelines.
"Kakashi-kun, good luck!"
Guts blinked, stunned.
He understood fangirling over someone like Itachi or Sasuke—those types had the face and the mystery.
He's wearing a mask. No one even knows what he looks like.
Is that the trick? Guts wondered. Mystery equals beauty now?
He stretched his arms lazily, cracked his neck, and grinned.
"Well," he muttered, just loud enough for Kakashi to hear,
"let's see what all the hype's about."
In truth, Guts hadn't noticed it at all—
But from the eyes of every girl in class, it was obvious.
To them, Guts and Yuhi Kurenai were already a pair.
The same reason Sakura and Ino would one day fall out over Sasuke? That energy had already started forming here.
The difference? This class had not one, but two "main characters"—Guts and Kakashi.
Naturally, all the other girls channeled their attention toward the cool, silent, masked mystery: Hatake Kakashi.
Guts... well, Guts was the wild card. Strong, sharp, and a bit rough around the edges—more of the dangerous older women type.
Underage girls weren't into that. Not yet.
But give it ten years?
They'd look back and envy Kurenai's position.
For now, though, they only had eyes for the stoic prodigy who looked like he walked out of a drama—Kakashi.
Of course, Guts remained oblivious to all of this.
Right now, he was stretching lazily, unconcerned, when Kurenai suddenly yelled, her voice high and anxious:
"If you lose… I won't let you go!"
She didn't name him. She didn't have to.
Everyone knew who she meant.
Kakashi, standing across the field with that usual bored expression.
Guts scratched his head and sighed.
"I swear, this guy's face has gotta be a national secret," he muttered as he raised his hands and made the seal to start the match.
Then, glancing up at Kakashi, he added with a frown,
"You got a rash or something under that mask? Harelip? Buck teeth? Why wear it all the time?"
Kakashi's expression didn't change, but his eye twitched.
Obito, meanwhile, was grinning ear to ear.
"Ha! I bet he's hiding something hideous under there! Like a whole second face!"
"Shut up," Kakashi snapped—but he wasn't talking to Guts.
His glare was aimed straight at Obito.
That sudden burst of anger surprised everyone—including Guts.
He blinked, glancing between the two boys.
"...Are you two secretly married or something?"
Even the wind went quiet.
Kakashi looked like he'd swallowed a lemon.
Guts whistled. "Just saying. The tension's strong with you two."
In that moment, for a split second, he truly wondered: Are these two another pair of Indra and Ashura reincarnations?
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