Hayate Gekko
Kiryu walked to the back of the academy, his heart beating just a tad faster than it normally would. This would mark the true beginning of his journey. At his destination he saw a man sitting on a tree branch, with decently long brown hair which was mostly unkempt and covered with a black bandana and almost droopy eyes. The man was armed with a sword on his back and wore the standard Jonin uniform. Kiryu recognised him as his Sensei, Hayate Gekko.
It seemed Hayate Gekko had also taken notice of him and gestured for him to sit on the bench in front of him. As Kiryu sat down on the bench, Hayate began speaking, "Well pleasure to meet you, but since we don't really know each other I guess we should start with introductions. I'll go first", he paused for a second before continuing, My name is Hayate Gekko, I'm good at Kenjutsu and decent at stealth and tracking. I like to spend time with my girlfriend, and I don't particularly hate or dislike anything in the world. I hope to one day just settle down and live a peaceful life".
Kiryu almost deadpanned at how simple and plain the man was, even his tone was plain and seemed to lack enthusiasm, but stopped when he was about to start his introduction. He realised that, he was just like him, he had no eccentric hobbies, any unique dislikes or even an extravagant dream, for the most part he was also simple and plain. "My name is Kiryu Takuha. I don't really know what you consider good by your standards, so I can't really tell you what I'm good at. I don't really have any hobbies apart from training if that counts, same for any dislikes. I've never really thought about a dream but if I had to say something, I wanna be the strongest shinobi in the world". 'A satisfactory answer I feel like', Kiryu thought to himself.
Hayate's expression remained the same as he nodded in acknowledgement before speaking once again, "Well Kiryu, as the introduction is done with, as per usual with newly assigned genin, I'm gonna have to hold an extra test of sorts to see if your worthy, for the lack of better words, to spend time and effort on teaching".
"Yes sensei", Kiryu nodded in understanding. Kiryu already knew about this test and was also prepared. He knew that the consequences of failing this test meant either going back to the academy or entering the genin corps. The academy was definitely a no-go and while the genin corps may not be the worst thing for Kiryu, it greatly reduced his chances of entering the Chunin exams as he would have a reduced chance of receiving a letter of recommendation from a higher ranking individual.
"Alright, it looks like you already know about this test so I won't dabble on the details. Normally the test would be to land a hit on me, of course that'd be a bit unfair in this case as you're by yourself. Instead just try your best while sparring with me. Meet me at training ground 31 tomorrow", Hayate explained while getting off the branch and turning around to leave. "Ah right don't worry too much, I'll only use one hand", he quickly added before disappearing from Kiryu's eyes.
Kiryu's eye slightly twitched in irritation. From the way Hayate spoke to him and the tone he used, Kiryu could tell that the man didn't expect anything good from him and planned to fail him. And he could understand why, especially from an outside view, Kiryu currently was nothing special, and he was sure that Hayate wanted to pass down his teachings to a worthy successor. He knew that. However his pride, as meagre of an emotion as it was, was trampled upon. 'He'll change his mind completely tomorrow', Kiryu swore to himself.
Deciding to calm himself down before heading home and preparing for tomorrow, Kiryu went on a run around the village, making sure not to over exert himself so that he was in top condition for tomorrow.
-------------------
As usual, it was a beautiful morning in Konoha. The sun shone brilliantly upon the village, reflecting the peace that was found in the residents of it. Among these happy souls however was Kiryu, his face stiff and serious as he navigated himself around to training ground 31.
His stiff expression didn't last long though, because as he reached his destination, he could not help but marvel in awe at the training ground. A large green field, wooden dummies, and some woods that led to other training grounds. It was the standard training ground for official Shinobi, and powerful clans would have ones like these within their compounds too. Yet this beautiful sight in front of him was such an upgrade from the academy training ground that he was used to that he could almost shed a tear from happiness as he explored it.
"You're here". Kiryu was pulled away from his thoughts as he heard a voice behind him. Turning around he saw his sensei leaning against one of the wooden dummies.
'Damn. Why are the Jonin always so damn cool. It's like everything they do just exudes an aura of extravagance just because they hold the Jonin title', Kiryu couldn't help but think to himself. He had met this man just twice so far, and both meetings have been brief at that, however both times Hayate seemed to make even normal everyday actions seem impressive. Kiryu shook his head to rid himself of useless thoughts though, as this wasn't the time to be distracted.
"Alright kid. While your fighting just give me everything you've got. As promised I'll only be using my right hand", Hayate reminded Kiryu as he stood up properly and placed an alarm clock on top of a large rock that could be used to sit on. "You have until 12, once this clock rings the test'll be over". He then unsheathed a small wooden sword used specifically for practice with his right hand. "You can start now by the way".
Not expecting such a sudden start Kiryu dashed backwards while throwing a pair of shuriken at Hayate with the intent of creating distance between them. Unsurprisingly, Hayate deflected them without much effort, just moving his wooden sword ever so slightly. "Ah, I forgot to mention this, if you wanna survive you should attack me with the intent to kill", Hayate said shortly however it seemed Kiryu didn't take it to heart.
At least I created that dis-', Kiryu's thoughts were interrupted as Hayate disappeared from his sight, only to reappear directly in front of him. His eyes widened as he barely stuck his arms out in time to meet the upwards swing of his sensei's wooden sword. Although Kiryu could tell Hayate wasn't fully trying, the impact of his sword launched him back a few meters as his arms turned red from pain.
Kiryu didn't even have the time to gather his breath though, as he looked up to see Hayate swinging his sword down at him. He could feel the wind created by the sword slicing through the air as he just narrowly dodged to the left. Seeing an opening, Kiryu darted his fist forward with all his might, aiming for Hayate's liver. It was all for naught though as his fist never connected to its target as Hayate reacted in what felt like an inhumanely quick time to Kiryu, turning his body sideways.
Kiryu could guess what was coming next so his right hand reached for a kunai. He held the kunai in a reverse grip and outstretched his hand to meet an oncoming swing from Hayate. Although Kiryu just managed to deflect it, he felt his hand going numb as he almost let go of the Kunai before tightly gripping it so it didn't fall. Hayate simply reacted faster than Kiryu did though as he swung once more without rest. Kiryu desperately flared his chakra in an attempt to use the substitution jutsu, however it stayed an attempt as the wooden sword met Kiryu's body, landing a direct hit and causing the boy the wince in pain as he was launched backwards for what seemed like the millionth time today.
"Hey, as I said, if you want any hopes of surviving, attack with the intent to kill", Hayate repeated as he looked down at Kiryu's kneeling form, the boy clutched his torso with one hand in hopes of stopping the pain.
Kiryu panted heavily, while looking up at his sensei. Being basically thrown and ragdolled around all morning had been annoying him enough, however Hayate's words provocated him even further. "Man, fuck this", he cursed under his breath.
He put his kunai back as he reached into his pouch with both hands, taking as much shuriken as he could throw while still being accurate. With 4 shuriken in each hand, he threw them all simultaneously as they whirled and curved through the air, taking different courses but all aiming for Hayate. Kiryu didn't stop there though, arming himself with a kunai in each hand he kicked off the ground as hard as he could and followed after the shuriken he threw.
Just as before, Hayate deflected all the shuriken without struggle, however this time Kiryu took the lead himself. He attacked with a ferocity that he himself didn't know was capable of. He unleashed a barrage of attacks: stabbing, slashing, kicking at his opponent, although all of his attacks were either deflected or avoided, Kiryu persisted, not letting up with the assault and gradually pushing Hayate back.
'Well, this is definitely a passing grade. Heck, I'd even say I'm impressed that he's managing to do this while only learning the academy basics', Hayate assessed his student as he continued to avoid and deflect his attacks. 'Time to end it though', Hayate thought to himself as he parried an attempted stab from Kiryu, disrupting the flow of his relentless attack and leaving him wide open with no guard. Hayate swung downwards diagonally.
Looking at the incoming sword swinging down at him, Kiryu too thought that this fight was over for him. Just in the final second though, he felt a sudden breeze in the dry heat flow through him, the coolness of it jump starting his brain, as a very thin, almost invisible white thread appeared before him and disappeared just as suddenly.
Hayate's eyes widened as Kiryu spun around the slash of his sword, dodging it almost impossibly and stabbed towards his chest with his kunai. Hayate's left hand, which he promised not to use, came forward and held Kiryu's hand tightly in place just before he was about to land his hit.
A sudden screech from the alarm clock that Hayate set up earlier broke all the tension built up from battle and Hayate let go of Kiryu's wrist as the boy dropped on his bum, gasping deeply and heavily for air.
'That last attack... That could have damaged a chuunin if they weren't fighting him seriously! How did a kid like him not get noticed for his talent sooner?', Hayate thought to himself as he felt a bead of sweat roll down the side of his face. A small smile then graced his face, it seemed that Konohagakure just had a knack for birthing prodigies.
'Fuck! Not only did I fail, I didn't even manage to hit him once which I swore to do', Kiryu was disappointed at his inability, if only he had took things serious earlier, then he'd be stronger now, however that was just an excuse, 'You truly do reap what you sow. I didn't bother trying in the earlier years and here I am now', Kiryu sighed, preparing to hear the words "You fail", come out of Hayate's mouth.
"You pass. Well done"
Kiryu's eyes shot up in surprise and excitement. He wasn't sure exactly how but this was a moment of happiness so he would leave the questions for later. "Yes!" He raised his arms to the sky and shouted in a feeling of success and victory.