Water Blades

Outside, a pug ninja was sniffing the ground as the sun set. He smelled something interesting in the air and turned his head, searching for answers with his small eyes. 

"I found something," he said, sounding curious, "but there's something blocking me from investigating."

Just then, a figure appeared from the shadows. 

It was Kakashi, a mysterious ninja with silver hair that defied gravity. He appeared on a branch of a tall tree and looked in the direction the pug ninja indicated with his one visible eye, called the Sharingan.

"Pakkun, are you sure we've found something important?" 

Kakashi asked, sounding a little disturbed. 

Earlier, he sensed a mysterious presence in the air, a strong chakra that reminded him of a powerful tailed beast. With the pug ninja, Pakkun this only confirmed his speculation.

The observant pug ninja, nodded and wagged his tail a little bit unnoticed. 

"Yes," he said confidently, "I smell a peculiar smell here, something familiar to you but also— unfamiliar."

Kakashi became even more interested, thinking back to his past experiences. 

What is that thing that's familiar to him?

Suddenly, another figure appeared out of nowhere. 

Pakkun was startled and took a few steps back, keeping a watchful eye on the newcomer. 

Kakashi, the master of stealth, stayed hidden and observed silently.

The stranger wore the uniform of a Genin, the lowest rank of ninja. He had a blue jacket with short sleeves and a high collar, along with loose dark blue pants that narrowed at the calves. 

On his forehead was a metal protector with the symbol of Konoha, the Hidden Leaf Village. He also wore open-toed shinobi sandals with sturdy straps.

Recognition flashed in Kakashi's eye as he looked at Genin's face. 

"Seku?" 

He surprisingly whispered, remembering things from his past. Pakkun, always curious, looked at Kakashi with his big pug eyes, wanting an explanation. .

"Do you know him?" 

The pug asked, clearly curious. Kakashi's voice carried a mix of nostalgia and sadness as he replied, "Yes. My father told me to remember two people: the master of taijutsu, Might Guy, and Seku, the eternal Genin."

His words hung in the air, sounding like it was filled with untold stories and unfulfilled dreams. Like it was the start of an encounter that would reveal secrets, challenge beliefs, and maybe even change destinies for the pug, Pakkun.

Pakkun's curiosity grew, and he started making connections in his pug mind.

He knew about the legendary taijutsu master, Might Guy, whose strength was famous among ninjas. He also knew about Hatake Sakumo, Kakashi's father, who was a skilled and smart ninja specializing in Kenjutsu. And above all, Pakkun knew about Sakumo's sharp instincts, which meant meeting someone like Seku was important. 

"Did Sakumo mention this guy Seku?"

Pakkun asked, eager to know.

Kakashi, a man of few words, nodded in response. 

Pakkun's curiosity burned brighter, and he couldn't help but ask, "If your father knew so much, why is Seku still a Genin?" 

Kakashi shook his head slightly, his eyes showing uncertainty and deep thought. 

"I don't know," he admitted with a touch of resignation. "But my father once told me not to be surprised if Seku became a great ninja, like Guy."

As they talked, memories flooded Kakashi's mind, like pieces of a forgotten story. He remembered a touching moment when he and his father walked through the village. 

They came across a young boy standing in front of the impressive Hokage Monument, his eyes filled with an intense gaze. 

Curious, Hatake Sakumo, known for his inquisitiveness, turned to Kakashi and asked about the boy's name. Kakashi was surprised but familiar with the child named Seku, who was a forever Genin.

This memory held a mix of sadness and sweetness for Kakashi, like a fading photograph etched in his mind. He even shared with his father what he knew about Seku—that he had a vast collection of jutsus but never mastered them or shown them. 

That's why he became a laughing stock and became the second eternal Genin as a nickname.

However, Hatake Sakumo's response deeply impacted Kakashi. 

His father warned him not to underestimate Seku, saying that the boy eye's possessed knowledge or understanding beyond his years— even superior to him— his father, Hatake Sakumo.

He even suggested that Seku could become Kakashi's rival, much like Guy.

Although they didn't actively seek out Seku, Kakashi cherished the memory, preserving it in his mind. 

The encounter had a lasting effect, making Kakashi until now, pay attention to the mysterious Genin. And now, in the present moment, as Seku's gaze shifted and turned toward Kakashi, an eerie tension filled the air.

With quick hand movements, Seku performed a jutsu, skillfully weaving the intricate seals. Then, with determination in his voice, he spoke the words, "Suiton - Suteji Ni Mizu no Setsudan (Water Release: Stage two Water Cleave)."

In an instant, Kakashi's instincts kicked in, sensing a clear threat. 

He swiftly activated his Sharingan, the red glow appearing in his visible eye. But even with the enhanced perception of his doujutsu, Kakashi found himself momentarily overwhelmed by Seku's lightning-fast attack. 

Three Water Blades materialized in front of him, their deadly edges just a few meters away, showcasing the said Genin's impressive skills.

As Kakashi evaded the initial water blades with his Sharingan, his heart raced in his chest.

Swuck! Swuck! Swuck!

The sound of branches being sliced behind him heightened his urgency, causing sweat to drip down his forehead. 

However, before he could fully recover, he spotted another three water blades hurtling towards him, closing in rapidly.

Time seemed to slow down as Kakashi's mind raced, searching for a way to avoid the imminent attack. But to his dismay, he couldn't react in time. 

The water blades crashed into him, effortlessly cutting through his clothes. 

Swuck! Swuck! Swuck! 

The blades left deep wounds, marking the impact of Seku's powerful jutsu.

Or so it seemed–

To everyone's surprise, Seku's body trembled as if he were taken aback when Kakashi's body suddenly vanished in a cloud of smoke. 

Poof!

It turned out that he had used a technique called substitution, leaving behind a cut-up log in his place. 

This display of cunning showed that Kakashi, was indeed— the son of the legendary Hatake Sakumo, was a resourceful ninja.

With remarkable stealth, Kakashi reappeared below them, hidden among the tall grass. 

He fixed his serious gaze on Seku, a mix of determination and caution in his eyes. 

The tension in the air grew thicker as Kakashi braced himself for what was about to happen— and also prepared himself.

Amidst the charged atmosphere, a powerful voice rang out once again, announcing the unleashing of another devastating water-based attack.

"Suiton - Suteji Shi Mizu no Setsudan (Water Release: Stage four Water Cleave)."

Swoof! Swoof! 

The anticipation mounted as Kakashi prepared himself to face this formidable assault, his senses sharpened, his mind focused and his eyes with sharingan was beyond ready.

As Kakashi stared unwaveringly at the approaching water blade, his mind raced with calculations and strategies. 

He quickly performed a hand sign and pressed his palm against the ground.

"Doton: Doryuhei (Earth Release: Earth Wall)"

In response, a sturdy wall of compacted earth rose between Kakashi and the incoming water blade.

Graaaagggg!!

However, Kakashi's expectations were shattered when the water blade defied logic, seemingly passing through his defensive earth jutsu as if it could teleport or phase through solid matter. 

Swoof!

This unexpected turn of events caught Kakashi off guard, forcing him to adapt swiftly. 

Relying on his Sharingan and drawing upon his vast experience, he leaped into the air to evade the attack, narrowly avoiding the vertical strike of the water blade.

Yet, his relief was short-lived.

In a disconcerting twist, the water blade suddenly changed its course, homing in still on Kakashi— who was mid-air with unerring accuracy. 

The realization hit Kakashi like a lightning bolt, leaving him stunned and unable to move as he understood that there was no escape from the impending attack. 

His mind raced, desperately searching for a last-minute solution, but it seemed that all hope was lost.

But to Kakashi's astonishment, the expected strike never came. 

Instead, Seku's uncertain voice echoed through the air, calling out to him. 

"Kakashi?"