In the training field, the teacher stood before a group of eager students.

  —Today, I will teach you about Taijutsu —the teacher announced, his voice resonating with authority.

  The students gathered in a semicircle, their eyes shining with anticipation. The teacher, an experienced ninja with scars that told stories of past battles, smiled at the excitement on their faces.

  —Taijutsu is the art of hand-to-hand combat —he expined, moving gracefully as he demonstrated a series of fluid and precise movements— It’s not just about strength; it’s about speed, technique, and strategy.

  One of the students raised her hand.

  —What if we aren’t as strong as others?

  The teacher nodded, understanding.

  —That’s the interesting thing about Taijutsu. Everyone has their own style. The key is to find your strengths and use them to your advantage. Today, we will practice some basic techniques, but first, I want you to warm up properly.

  The students began stretching, filling the atmosphere with energy and determination.

  —Now, let’s form pairs —the teacher continued—. I want you to practice the first set of movements. Remember, posture is fundamental.

  As the students grouped up, an enthusiastic young boy shouted to his partner:

  —Let’s show them who’s the best! —he excimed, grinning from ear to ear.

  His partner, with a serious expression, replied:

  —Just focus on not losing.

  Akihiro watched this with a distant gaze, recalling a destined duo that had yet to be born. He turned to his training partner and asked:

  —Shall we start?

  His partner simply nodded with a bnk look.

  —You lead.

  Akihiro nodded and concentrated on the basic movements: punch, kick, dodge, and movement. They were simple techniques, accessible even for beginners.

  His partner quickly learned, absorbing the movements effortlessly. During the training, there was no force in the strikes, allowing each one to stop and correct mistakes when necessary.

  —You’re improving —his partner commented.

  Akihiro nodded.

  —You still have your annoying talent —he replied.

  —Is that a compliment? —his partner asked, raising an eyebrow.

  Akihiro was momentarily taken aback, but remembering his partner's personality, he decided not to say anything and focused on the training. His partner did the same.

  Training continued normally. Akihiro mastered the basic posture to a certain extent, although his partner, who picked it up quickly, was far ahead.

  —Don’t worry too much. We were put together to complement each other. Or, rather, for me to help you correct your mistakes —his partner commented, in a neutral tone.

  Akihiro sighed upon hearing this and colpsed onto the ground, exhausted.

  —Let’s take a break.

  —Okay —his partner replied, sitting beside him.

  Akihiro gazed at the sky for a while before turning his gaze to his partner. His name was Aiko Kaburagi, a true genius. Despite being younger than him, he could already skip grades and was said to be on the verge of being promoted to Genin. His future was so bright that many considered him a potential candidate to become the next Kage of Kusagakure.

  What stood out was not just his talent but also his appearance. Aiko had bright green hair, straight and long down to his waist, adorned with a couple of braids and darker streaks. His eyes were a deep emerald green. He wore a short, sleeveless kimono in shades of green and brown, complemented by shorts, and his arms and legs were wrapped in bandages.

  Everyone called him the "handsome boy of the Academy," and he had countless admirers. He was hailed as the little prince of Kusa. However, his charm would not have stood out without his exceptional talent.

  Aiko excelled in Ninjutsu, mastering basic techniques in no time. If it weren’t for his retively low chakra reserves, he would have already been promoted to Genin. Fortunately, his Taijutsu was also notable, to the point where he could compete with formal Genins. However, his height and strength made it difficult for him to keep up for more than a few minutes.

  Aiko noticed his partner’s gaze.

  —Is something wrong? —he asked.

  —Nothing —Akihiro replied, diverting his gaze—. Let’s continue —he commented, getting up.

  —Don’t you want to rest a bit more? —he asked.

  —Not necessary, I can hold on a little longer, and anyway, css is almost over —Akihiro responded.

  Aiko didn’t say anything else, got up, and suddenly threw a punch directly at Akihiro without warning. Akihiro barely dodged it and responded with a kick, which Aiko evaded with a simple movement.

  Both began exchanging blows, their movements becoming faster and more fluid. Aiko unched a series of strikes, but Akihiro, with quick reflexes, blocked them one by one. The intensity of the fight increased uncontrolbly, filling the air with the sound of their exchanges.

  Suddenly, Aiko spun and used the momentum to deliver a spinning strike. Akihiro barely had time to react and, although he managed to evade it, he lost his bance. Seizing the opportunity, Aiko lunged at him in an attempt to end the fight, but Akihiro recovered in time and countered with a quick strike to Aiko’s abdomen.

  Aiko stepped back, surprised. He clearly hadn’t expected such a rapid move.

  —Good move.

  Both looked at each other, sweat beading on their foreheads, their eyes shining with challenge.

  —Let’s keep going —Akihiro said, taking a defensive stance.

  —Yes, but this time, I won’t hold back —Aiko excimed, with no more limitations.

  Hearing this, Akihiro couldn’t help but feel excited and raised his guard even higher.

  Both moved toward each other.

  —Css is over, everyone stop! —A shout halted the entire field.

  Akihiro and Aiko immediately stopped, their bodies frozen. Both were surprised by it; the sensation was so intense that their bodies instantly became paralyzed.

  Fortunately, the feeling didn’t st long, and everyone fell to the ground. The teacher smiled arrogantly at the sight.

  —As I said before, css is over. No more sparring; now go eat or whatever —he commented, leaving the training field, leaving them alone.

  Akihiro looked at him for a moment before turning to his partner.

  —Want to go eat? —he asked.

  —Yeah, sure —his partner simply replied, and both headed to find a pce to eat.