IV

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Arc IV Chapter 2

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“Let’s go, Lee! It is time for your turn now!” Guy shouted down from the stands,” Give everything you have! You won’t lose!”

“Yes, Guy-sensei!” Lee gave a thumb up and smiled.

Kakashi was less convinced. He knew more than Guy. The match-up wasn’t the fairest one, the murderous princess of Konoha's ANBU against ... Lee.

Kakashi whispered,” Are you sure, Guy?”

Guy turned his head,” What do you mean, Kakashi?”

Kakashi repeated, “Are you sure Lee will win, Guy?”

“Sure? I am not just sure, Kakashi, I know it. Lee is strong, stronger than you can imagine, Kakashi, and I believe in him.”

Kakashi fell silent,”But do you think that will suffice? Sometimes, believing is not enough.” Certainly not against Asami.

Guy furrowed his eyebrow. ”Explain, Kakashi?”

Kakashi remained silent, making him wait. ”Do you see the girl down there?”

Guy nodded. “Yes.”

“Do you know her name, Guy?”

Guy shook his head. He didn't. ”No, not really.”

”It doesn't surprise me, Guy. Few know the name Asami, but some select few do.”

“And you are one of them, Kakashi, aren’t you?”

...

...

“Possibly.” Kakashi smiled, teasing his old rival.

“Possibly?” Guy reacted confused.

“I shouldn’t share this information, but her name carries weight, a lot of weight, Guy.” Kakashi acted enigmatic as usual.

Guy narrowed his eyes. “What are you trying to imply, Kakashi?”

Kakashi ignored him and changed topic. ”Guy, have you ever heard of Konoha’s Black Princess?”

Guy was confused. “Yes, I have, or rather who hasn’t? Why does it matter? What does she have to do with this?”

Kakashi smiled. “Do you know how she looks like, Guy?”

“Not really. It is well know that she has a preference of wearing black, but otherwise not much is known about her …” Guy blinked as he observed Lee and the girl he was facing.

His eyes went wide. Everything made sense now, everything fell into place.

“Kakashi, it can't be? She isn't, right?” Guy began to pale. He was worried. Why was she here? What was she doing here?

Kakashi faked ignorance ” I don’t know what you are talking about, Guy. The similarities are just coincidence, aren't they?”

“So, it is true?”

Kakashi nodded, confirming his fears. ”All I can say is that Asami is strong, incredibly strong. But don’t worry, Lee, should be fine. It's unlikely that she is here to kill.”

Guy sighed in relief. ”I see. Thank you, Kakashi.”

”No problem …”

“Kakashi-sensei, what do you mean by her being strong, incredibly strong?”

A voice interrupted Kakashi and it didn't take him long to identify the culprit.

”Oh, Naruto, did nobody ever tell you that it's impolite to eavesdrop on other people’s conversations?“

“So, how much did you hear. Naruto?” This was delicate information, very delicate information that had to be handled with care.

Naruto crossed his arms and nodded. ”Not that much. Only that she is incredibly strong.”

Kakashi was relieved. Everything was fine. No damage was done. What Kakashi didn’t expect was Naruto acting like ... Naruto.

“But is it true, Kakashi-sensei? Is she really that strong!? I can't believe it”, Naruto yelled, gaining the attention of everyone nearby. Sakura, Sasuke, everyone looked at him, which was of course fantastic. Thank you, Naruto.

“Yes, she is.” Kakashi learned the hard way that you couldn’t trust Naruto with anything that required even remotely some degree of discretion.

“And how do you know that, Kakashi-sensei? As far as I can remember, Asami was always fairly weak back at the academy.“ Sakura mused, joining the discussion.

Naruto agreed,” Yes, Kakashi-sensei, Sakura is right. She was weak. She couldn't even beat me.”

Kakashi scratched his head. He had to be creative now, very creative. ”How do I know? Let’s say, I met her once in the past.”

“In the past? And how, Kakashi-sensei?” Sakura was curious.

“Yes, how? How do you know Asami, Kakashi? I am also interested.” Kurenai narrowed her eyes.

Kakashi gave Kurenai an annoyed look. This had become a surprisingly complicated affair, hadn’t it?

“It was a mission. I met her on a mission, Kurenai”

Kurenai raised her eyebrow. ”A mission?”

“Yes, a mission. But why are you so interested, Kurenai?” Kakashi diverted, and with success. He was spared from further questions.

“Well, that is only natural considering that I was her instructor when she was a child.”

“Her instructor?”

“Yes, her instructor. I trained her for two years and I know her quite well. So, I was curious, Kakashi.”

“So, it's indeed her?” Asuma lit another cigarette, inhaling a vitalizing stream of tobacco.

“Kurenai, is she the Asami you have told me about?”

“She is.“ Kurenai confirmed.

Asuma expelled a cloud of smoke and laughed.

”I see, and I thought it was just a coincidence. I have the feeling this is going to be an … interesting match. Guy’s most precious student against the legendary little princess. I wonder who will win?”

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“Are you both ready?” Hayate asked. Asami and Lee both nodded. Thus, the match started.

Asami analysed her opponent. Lee's chakra level was average, not to say mediocre. Furthermore, he seemed like a taijustu user. In summary, he was easy prey.

Asami smirked, pitying her enemy. Poor boy.

Lee readied himself and took a combat stance. He was eager to fight, but he didn’t realise that in reality he had already lost.

Enthusiastic as usual, Lee declared, ” We are opponents now. So, let us both give our best!”

Asami giggled, heartily amused. ”My best? I sincerely doubt that you want me to give my best, Lee. Nevertheless, it's an honour to face you in battle. Even when you don't stand a chance.“

Lee focusing his eyes, challenging her. ”And why?”

“You will see, you will see, Lee.“ Asami smiled, but her smile was cold, icy, without a trace of friendliness.

“But don't take it personal. It's really not your fault that you will lose.“

Lee countered. “How can you be so sure that you will win, Asami-chan?“

Asami shook her head, disappointed. “Lee, you are gravely mistaken. It's not a matter of whether I win, but how long it will take.“

”So do me a favour, Lee, and just give up. Save yourself all the trouble, spare yourself the fate awaiting you. Forfeit for your own good, Lee.”

Asami stared Lee down, but her intimidation failed. The boy remained strong, his resolve firm. Lee didn't waver. He chose to stand his ground.

“Sorry, Asami-chan, I can’t. I can't give up.“ Lee rejected her offer.

Asami tilted her head. ”You can’t? Why? Tell me, Lee, why do you not choose the more sensible option and give up.”

“As said, I can’t, Asami-chan. I have to prove something to myself and the world.” Lee’s spirit burned bright. He wouldn’t budge.

”To prove yourself? I see. I hope you are aware of the consequences your decision brings, Lee. From here on, there is only victory or defeat. “ Asami smirked.

Asami produced two kunai from her pouches and commenced her attack. She was swift, relentless, fast. Asami pressed her assault with a natural speed that was uncanny for a Genin. Lee's eyes went wide, and he wasn't the only one.

Guy gritted his teeth. “Do you see this, Kakashi?“

Kakashi nodded.

Guy clenched his fist, “The girl is ... fast.“

Kakashi observed the match in silence. “Did you expect otherwise, Guy? As I said, Asami is strong.“ Stronger than you can imagine.

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