"Psychic Shadows of the Hidden Leaf

"So, this is a confidential matter!"

On the training ground, Kaitan was speaking with Metkai.

Metkai nodded solemnly. "Yes, Master Third Hokage asked me not to tell anyone about this."

"Alright, alright. I was just curious how your dad managed to take down seven Jōnin-level opponents as a Genin."

Kaitan observed that, although Kai was still visibly affected by his father's death, he was slowly recovering. Choosing not to press further, Kaitan decided to let it go.

Inwardly, however, he was intrigued. The Eight Gates Formation—the pinnacle of taijutsu—was a technique few ever truly understood. Unfortunately, as a Chūnin, he didn't yet have clearance to access such secrets.

"Yo, Kaitan! Let's have a youthful showdown!" Metkai suddenly exclaimed, his enthusiasm burning as brightly as ever.

"Huh? Isn't Kakashi supposed to be your rival?" Kaitan raised a brow, unsure if he wanted to face Kai's boundless energy.

"Kakashi isn't back from his mission yet, and you're already a Chūnin. That means you're strong! I want to challenge you!" Kai said with determination.

Kaitan sighed. "Ah… well, since you've invited me so passionately, I suppose I can't say no. Let's spar."

Without another word, the two moved quickly to an open area. They formed the Seal of Confrontation and focused.

Ebisu and Shiranui Genma, who had been observing from the sidelines, exchanged helpless glances but stayed to watch the unfolding match.

The battle began swiftly, with Kai charging in, his strikes displaying the disciplined, powerful moves of Konoha-ryū Gōken. Despite being only 13 years old, his taijutsu was already exceptional, showcasing the extensive training he had undergone with his father.

Kaitan, meanwhile, stayed on the defensive, analyzing Kai's movements. He wasn't just relying on his taijutsu but also incorporating skills learned from observing enemies during his missions. His style blended Konoha techniques with influences from Iwagakure and Kumogakure, thanks to the memories he had absorbed in the field.

Ebisu squinted at the exchange. "This is surprising. Kaitan's taijutsu is holding up against Kai's? I thought his strengths lay in perception and ninjutsu."

Genma nodded. "It's odd. His movements aren't purely Konoha-ryū. There are traces of other villages' styles mixed in."

Ebisu frowned. "I see it now. That's Iwagakure's directness combined with Kumogakure's agility. Did he adapt these techniques from reading enemy memories?"

Kaitan, hearing their conversation, smirked. "You're sharp, as always, but you've only scratched the surface."

He suddenly shifted his tactics, dodging Kai's punch and forming a one-handed seal.

Kai's eyes widened as the world around him changed.

"Phantom Clone," Kaitan muttered under his breath.

In Kai's vision, multiple copies of Kaitan appeared, surrounding him with an onslaught of attacks. Shuriken flew toward him from all directions, kunai glinted in the light, and explosions echoed in his ears.

Bang!

In reality, Kai stumbled, dazed, and Kaitan used the opportunity to throw him to the ground.

The match was over.

"Phew! That's enough," Kaitan said with a grin, offering Kai a hand.

Kai looked up, slightly stunned, before breaking into a wide smile. "You're amazing, Kaitan! No wonder you're already a Chūnin!"

He gave Kaitan a thumbs-up and declared, "To make up for my loss, I'll punish myself with 1,500 kicks!"

Ebisu and Genma approached the pair, still processing what they'd just seen.

"What happened? Kai, why did you freeze up like that?" Genma asked.

Ebisu added, "Yeah, one moment you were fighting fiercely, and the next, it was over."

Kai scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "I was careless. Kaitan used some sort of clone technique, and I got overwhelmed."

"Clone technique?" the two asked in confusion. They hadn't seen any actual clones.

Kaitan chuckled. "It wasn't a traditional clone. It was a genjutsu clone—a visual illusion. Kai's brain perceived the clones as real, and the sensory overload created an opening for me to strike."

The two nodded, understanding the explanation.

"It's an interesting technique," Kaitan continued. "It's based on the Hazy Clone technique from Amegakure, but I modified it to consume less chakra. The downside is that it's easier to break if the target recognizes it as a genjutsu."

Genma, always analytical, remarked, "That's a clever adaptation. It's practical and efficient."

Ebisu adjusted his glasses. "Noted. We'll have to prepare for this kind of genjutsu in the future."

Kaitan grinned inwardly. His teammates were sharp, always seeking to improve. He respected that.

As they discussed tactics and strategies, Kaitan observed Kai more closely. Despite his brash, energetic personality, there was an undercurrent of thoughtfulness to his actions. He wasn't reckless but deliberate in his movements and decisions—a trait that would undoubtedly make him a formidable ninja in the future.

When the conversation turned to survival on the battlefield, Kaitan shared insights from his own experience. He talked about the importance of intelligence gathering, chakra management, and knowing when to retreat.

Genma and Ebisu listened intently, surprised at how much practical knowledge Kaitan had accumulated in such a short time.

"Kaitan, you're like a younger Kakashi," Genma said finally.

Ebisu nodded. "Yeah. You've already got the mindset of a seasoned ninja."

Kaitan waved them off. "I just learned from observation. Everyone has their own strengths. You'll find yours, too."

Kai, who had been silent for a while, suddenly spoke up. "Kaitan, you're amazing. But don't think I'm giving up! I'll catch up to you in no time!"

Kaitan chuckled. "I wouldn't have it any other way, Kai."

As the sun began to set, the group parted ways, each of them more determined than ever to improve.

For Kaitan, it wasn't just about strength or skill—it was about understanding people and helping them grow. In that sense, he saw a little of himself in each of his teammates.

And as he walked home, he couldn't help but smile. The future was bright, and the possibilities were endless.

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