Intermission 『1』 Jirou's resolve.

AN: I might start writing these intermissions every now and then to fill out apparent gaps and flesh out my characters. These might come often, or not... Depends on how I see it.

Happy reading!

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Sunagakure.

Three months before the Akatsuki invaded.

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A scrawny child, with crimson hair and good features, was lying motionless on a hospital bed. He stared up at the ceiling; The room was silent.

A few hours prior to this, he had lost to the Kazekage's son in a spar. He, the generational genius of the Dami clan, had lost to someone else. The ridicule and outrage this had brought upon him were enough to make him burn on the inside. His brows lowered, and he gnashed his teeth.

"Next time... I must crush him no matter what. I'll do anything to reach my aim!"

Disturbing his thoughts, the hospital door opened. An older boy, with a similar appearance to him, entered the room with brisk strides. Although they looked identical, this kid had a Suna headband on his head; He was one of last semester's graduates and Jirou's brother.

"Jirou-kun! I heard they put you in the hospital! Is everything all right?"

Seeing his older brother, Jirou clicked his tongue and looked away in shame. Ichirou looked surprised and quietly stared at his younger brother.

"I lost. I lost in a fight against someone my age... And it wasn't even close."

Ichirou's face displayed incredulity, but he composed himself. The opponent his brother had faced was probably a monster if even he had lost, the genius of the Dami clan. Jirou had shown exceptional skill with chakra control ever since he was four and had already started learning puppetry.

Although one thing kept him from growing faster... And that was his nature. He believed he was the greatest because of his family's endless veneration, and thus regularly neglected training... Choosing to slack off instead.

Ichirou glanced at his brother with a tender expression. Although this had hurt Jirou, it might also be a blessing in disguise. Maybe, just maybe, this could light a spark in him that'll drive him to get stronger. And that would be wonderful for him and the clan.

"Aniki. Can you take me to father's office? I think I want to... Train."

Ichirou's face lit up as he heard his younger brother's words. He was right! This is a great development for the clan and a cause for celebration.

"No problem, you can count on your big brother. But before that, let's go eat some takoyaki to cheer you up!"