Chapter 9: Mock battle 1

Yami turned three in January, and with that milestone, he was only a year away from being eligible to enter the academy. Typically, children enroll between the ages of five and six, just like Naruto and Sasuke did in the anime. However, due to ongoing conflicts, children could now enter as early as three or four, according to his father.

Therefore, Yami had the option to enroll this April or wait until next year when he turned four. Given Yami's talent, he could potentially graduate in just a few months if he mastered the Shadow Clone Jutsu and Substitution Jutsu. Even if his ninjutsu skills needed work, he was confident in his taijutsu.

However, rushing things wasn't without risks. The worst being the Third Ninja War looming over the next two years. Early graduation meant facing the war head-on. While underage genin weren't supposed to be on the front lines, who knew what chaos might unfold when law and order crumbled?

So, Yami opted for patience. He'd spend this year sharpening his overall skills for a strong Academy entry next year. After all, a graduation headband was all he needed, and that could come later.

"Ha! Ha!"

Daily practice was Yami's routine. Beyond his grueling Saitama-inspired regimen, he swung his wooden sword a hundred times. Unlike those tedious exercises, the sword kept him focused. It was like a daily mental vitamin, absolutely essential for his sanity.

---

From inside the house, Yami's father watched him swing his sword. But today, Yamai had unexpected company.

"He's... your son, Yamai-san?" stammered Shikaku Nara. He'd never seen such a young child wield a wooden practice sword with such focus. It was almost as if Yami had brought this habit from a past life.

"Yep, strong and handsome, isn't he?" Yamai puffed out his chest with pride.

Shikaku sighed. "That's not quite what I—"

Today, Yamai had brought Shikaku to their house for a specific reason: to meet his son. At the tender age of 17, Shikaku had become Nara Clan Head due to his extraordinary intellect. His strategic mind had given Konoha a significant advantage in both wars.

Yamai's purpose was to have Shikaku evaluate Yami's potential. He believed his son could even surpass Kakashi in terms of talent. Initially skeptical – prodigies like Kakashi were rare – Shikaku found himself increasingly intrigued by the unwavering focus in Yami's eyes.

"I should call him over," Yamai began, but Shikaku held up a hand.

"Let's wait. Interrupting him now wouldn't be wise." Yamai readily agreed. Shikaku was right. Interrupting Yami in the middle of his routine resulted in a grumpy mood lasting the entire day.

Finally, Yami finished his swings. Yamai called him over and introduced Shikaku, the Nara Clan Head.

"Oh, hey there, Shikaku-san! What's up?" Yami greeted him cheerfully, using a surprisingly adult tone that caught Shikaku off guard. This three-year-old's mannerisms struck Shikaku as odd. He glanced at Yamai, who seemed completely oblivious. With a sigh, Shikaku decided to engage Yami directly.

"Let's get down to business. Yami, you will be going against me in hand-to-hand combat. You may use any jutsu you have already learned, along with your wooden sword and other tactics," Shikaku declared. According to Yamai, Yami was only familiar with the Shadow Bind Technique. Therefore, Shikaku wanted to test Yami's full potential.

Yami's eyes lit up with excitement, as if he had been waiting for this moment.

Shikaku then pulled out a kunai and assumed a combat stance. "Know that I will be holding back, but be prepared for the unexpected, as a shinobi should always expect the unexpected. This mock battle will end either if I get caught in your Shadow Bind Jutsu or if you can no longer continue. Now, if you agree, nod your head and come!"

Yami nodded and took a battle stance with his sword, surprisingly holding it with just one hand.

"Here I go!" Yami charged at Shikaku, thrusting his wooden sword, which Shikaku easily deflected with his kunai, though his face showed considerable surprise.

'What is this power?' Shikaku wondered internally. Yami was stronger than he had anticipated, comparable to some chunin-level kids. However, his sword technique was on an entirely different level, characterized by force and incredibly precise execution. Notably, Yami was wielding the sword with just one hand.

Yami then unleashed a barrage of strikes, swinging his sword at Shikaku, pushing him back, but Shikaku deflected these strikes with ease. Although Yami's swings were powerful, they were predictable and could be easily parried.

"That's enough, kid!" Shikaku interrupted, swinging his kunai to cut Yami's sword from the lower side.

"Ah man, it took me a while to get this with the perfect grip!" Yami protested, but then found a fist right before his eyes.

"Remember these rules: never let your guard down," Shikaku cautioned, his fist poised. "On the battlefield, a ninja tends to end the fight with a decisive blow. This isn't an honorable fight where your opponent will give you a chance."

"I—I will remember this…" Yami stammered, absorbing the lesson.

"Now use your fists!" Shikaku yelled as he swung his fist, which Yami barely dodged. Of course, the punch wasn't fast, or else he might have sent the kid flying out of the yard.

Shikaku then began to employ taijutsu, using kicks and palm strikes while simultaneously instructing Yami on how to respond. Normally, one does not teach during combat, but according to Yamai, Yami was an exceptionally smart kid who could learn very quickly.

Wanting to test this assertion, Shikaku found, to his surprise, that Yamai was right. Yami had a remarkable ability to adapt rapidly. Within just a few exchanges, Yami began to gain the upper hand. Even though Shikaku was using genin-level moves and strength, Yami was quickly catching up.

Before he knew it, Shikaku found himself genuinely enjoying the taijutsu exchange with Yami.

"Now take this!" In a moment of excitement, Shikaku unleashed a roundhouse kick, which connected with Yami's face, sending the young boy flying.

'Crap!' Shikaku immediately regretted getting carried away. However, he then saw Yami hurling the broken hilt of his wooden sword towards him. Shikaku, feeling a bit of fatigue in his arms, kicked the hilt away and flipped backward.

It was then he noticed Yami forming hand seals and knew the boy was attempting the Shadow Possession Technique. He thought it an impractical move since Yami had landed 7 meters away and should have known Shikaku could easily avoid getting possessed.

"Secret Art: Shadow Possession Jutsu!" Yami announced the technique, and Shikaku braced to dodge, but nothing emerged from Yami's shadow toward him. Was it a feint? No, it wasn't a feint.

Suddenly, a jolt of shock went through Shikaku. His body locked up, frozen in place. Just when and how Yami pulled that jutsu?!