It was early morning in Konoha, and the village was just beginning to stir. The golden rays of the rising sun peeked over the horizon, casting long shadows across the rooftops and warming the dew-kissed grass below. Most of the village was still nestled in sleep. In a clearing just beyond the training grounds, two figures clashed in a blur of motion. Fists met in a sharp crack, followed by a thunderous clash of legs. Dust flew from the ground beneath their feet.
"It seems that the C-rank mission made you weaker, Gin-san!" a familiar voice rang out, filled with that almost-too-bright energy. The speaker was none other than Rock Lee, his bowl haircut and thick eyebrows just as iconic as his enthusiasm.
Gin smirked, pushing back against Lee's leg with his own before flipping away to gain some distance. "Nah, it's just you who got stronger, Lee," he said with a yawn. "Lately, I've been feeling kind of… lazy."
Lee gasped, eyes wide with genuine shock. "Unacceptable! You cannot allow the flames of youth to dwindle so easily! Fortunately, you have me as your eternal rival to make sure that fire stays lit!"
"Yeah, yeah, you and your 'flames of youth' again," Gin muttered, rolling his eyes as he ducked under a sweeping kick. "I'm honestly starting to believe you joined a cult that your sensei made."
Lee didn't flinch at the jab, responding instead with a focused punch that Gin barely dodged. "It is not a cult—it is a way of life!"
The two continued their high-speed taijutsu exchange, their movements so fast that any ordinary observer would only catch blurs. Neither held back, and yet, neither could gain the upper hand. 'Damn it...' Gin thought, narrowing his eyes. 'Lee's still wearing his weights, and I can't even push him beyond this point. This is the gap between a jack of all trades and a master of one.'
With a sharp inhale, Gin backflipped to create distance again. His fingers twitched toward the handles at his hips. "Alright, enough playing around," he said. "I'm drawing my swords. You'd better be ready—I'd rather not carry you to the infirmary."
Lee's smile faltered for a second, but it was quickly replaced with determination. "Very well," he said, dropping his weights with a heavy thud that left small craters in the earth. He cracked his knuckles. 'That sword technique of his... it's a real thorn to deal with. But that's what makes him my rival—he burns bright in his way.' In a blur, Lee was gone.
Whoosh!
Gin barely caught sight of him before Lee's fist was already in front of his face. But he was ready."Second Form: Serpent's Embrace!" Gin's swords moved like a snake, his body twisting into a fluid motion that wrapped around Lee's strike. His blade coiled around the force of the punch, redirecting it and ensnaring Lee in a twisting counter. The technique resembled a snake constricting its prey—tight, elegant, and utterly precise.
Lee struggled, trying to break free, but the more he moved, the tighter the hold became. Gin's blade traced down in a swift motion—stopping just a hair's breadth from Lee's head. Gin grinned, panting lightly. "I'll take that as my win."
Lee blinked, then smiled in return. "That brings the score to 289 battles, 144 victories for you, and 145 for me," he said, puffing his chest with pride. "I am still in the lead!"
"Not for long," Gin said, sheathing his blade. "Ever since I created the Second Form, you haven't beaten me once."
Lee crossed his arms, brows furrowed in frustration. "That is because you keep spamming that one move!"
Gin laughed, slapping his knee. "Then figure out how to counter it. You know the risks—it's a high-risk move. If I mess up the flow, I'll end up paralyzed."
"Yes, but it's specifically designed to counter taijutsu! How am I supposed to fight a move made to beat me?!" Lee exclaimed, puffing his cheeks in a childish pout.
Gin shrugged. "That's the point, isn't it? You're a taijutsu master. I made a move that forces you to think differently. Adapt or lose."
Before Lee could respond, a loud CLAP, CLAP echoed through the clearing. Both young shinobi turned their heads in unison. Standing at the edge of the field was Might Guy, arms crossed, eyes sparkling with emotion. His broad grin shone nearly as bright as the sun behind him. "Ahhh! Watching the flames of youth blaze so fiercely in both of you fills my heart with joy!"
A single tear trailed down his cheek. "Gin! Lee! You two embody the very spirit of youth! The intensity! The rivalry! The passion! It is... BEAUTIFUL!"
Lee's eyes welled up instantly. "Guy-sensei!"
"LEE!"
The two launched into a passionate embrace, glowing with an aura of shared fiery determination. Gin, who was cursed to see this scene of genjutus "FUCK!!! My eyes." He said, cluting his eyes shut, but the cursed image was still playing. "It burns," He said before bodyflicker out of there.
{Time skip}
We see Gin now, fully dressed in his causal white kimono with oversized arms that make a dramatic fluttering motion as he moves through the grass into clearing #7. There we see kakashi, Tsukihime and Sai. Tsukihime and Sai were looking annoyed while kakashi was deep into his book. "Sorry, guys, I had to take the long way around," Gin said, that trademark smirk tugging at his lips. "A black cat crossed my path, and you know how I am with fate."
Tsukihime's brow twitched. "You're ridiculous."
"Superstition is not a valid tactical reason for lateness," Sai added in his usual flat tone.
"Maybe not. But I like to think I'm just cautious," Gin replied with a silent smile.
Kakashi finally looked up, one eye curved in his usual smile. "Now that everyone's here, we can begin." He closed his book and slid it into his pouch. "No mission today. Just an announcement. I wanted to let you know the Chunin Exams are coming up." He produced a stack of forms from his vest and handed them out with casual ease.
Gin took his with a flick of his wrist. "Oho~ So we're doing the 'become a real ninja' arc now, huh?"
"We've all read about it. No need for the lecture," Tsukihime said, scanning the form. Her voice was calm, but her fingers lingered slightly longer over Gin's name on the form than necessary.
Sai nodded. "The exams serve as both a political and skill-based proving ground. Hostile villages often use it to thin the herd.' Statistically, most genin fail the first phase."
"Good thing we're not 'most genin,'" Gin replied with a confident grin.
"Well," Kakashi said with a clap, "if you're all choosing to participate, you've got one week to train. Use your time wisely. Remember, this exam isn't just about strength—it's about teamwork, composure, and adaptability."
"I'll be fine," Sai said, already turning toward the forest. "I'll prepare mentally and physically."
"Obviously," Tsukihime muttered.
Gin just stretched, sleeves flaring again. "Guess I should finally stop being lazy, huh?" He started walking toward the trees, hands behind his head.
As he passed her, Tsukihime glanced at him from the corner of her eye. "Gin."
He stopped, glancing back at her. "Yeah?"
"Don't forget your sword. You'll need it."
There was a softness to her tone, like a quiet promise buried in the breeze. Gin gave her a lazy smile. "Wouldn't leave without it."
She watched him go, the light catching in his hair like silver fire. And when she was sure no one was watching, she let a breath slip out and whispered to herself: "Baka."