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Daichi and 7 shadow clones stood on the stone bridge. All of them were still and the only noise that could be heard was the sound of the raging waterfall.

The next second all of them thrust their palm as one and expelled their chakra. The water falling in front of them was quickly stopped and it stayed that way.

[Skill Water - Waterfall Control technique's level has risen by one.]

[Congratulations. You have successfully trained a skill to its highest level.]

500 Exp.

75 Exp.

Daichi opened the skill list and checked the results.

[Water - Waterfall Control technique - (Active/Passive)(LV. MAX):An advanced water chakra affinity training skill obtained through continuously focusing the chakra to control the flow of water. An advanced technique to help the user increase the control and strength of their water nature chakra.]

[Note: Increasing the level of this skill will increase the level of the skill 'Water Affinity.']

[Effects:]

200% Increase in Water Chakra control.

300% Increase in power of Water Chakra nature.

[CP cost : 18/sec.]

'Hmm… It's the same ratio as my fire affinity… Still, not bad. Three natures down, 2 to go.'

January 29.

"Happy Birthday Reo…" Aiko held Reo in her arms as the small child blew on the two candles on her birthday cake. The Matron and the children were having a small celebration and Daichi was hanging in the back of the crowd. He had a smile on his face as he watched the small child try to blow out the candles.

It was Reo's second birthday and Daichi made sure to not miss it since he'll be away from the village for the next few years. Daichi made sure to bring candies for everyone and a gift for the child. By the time the celebrations were over, the sun was already setting. Jozu took the child from Aiko and took little Reo to her room while Daichi and Aiko headed to her office.

"She seems happy." Daichi spoke.

"Yes. Despite being an orphan she's happy here. But then again she's only 2 years old." Aiko spoke as she sat down behind her desk.

"Why don't you spend more time with her?" Aiko asked Daichi.

Daichi shook his head. "It's not the right time…"

Aiko didn't pressure the boy. She knew this was new territory for him as well. "When the time comes she'll be happy to learn who you are…"

Daichi nodded and both of them entered a comfortable silence. Aiko had a smile as she looked at the boy in front of her. She knew Daichi had a good heart. She was happy that Reo had someone like him looking out for her.

There was another matter Daichi needed to discuss with the Matron. "I'll be leaving the village with gramps at the end of March."

Aiko was surprised when she heard that. "Why? What about your studies at the academy?"

"Gramps wants me to learn about his business operations in the capital and I'll have an instructor assess me at the end of each year. I'll be back by graduation time." Daichi replied.

"I see… You're going to miss her aren't you." Aiko asked, knowing the answer.

Daichi merely nodded. He then took out a scroll and handed it to the matron. "This is from Gramps. It's for Reo's expenses and for the orphanage."

Aiko nodded, took the scroll and placed it inside her desk.

Both of them talked about various things and after some time Daichi left the place. He reached his home and saw Kensei on the porch waiting for him.

"How is Reo?"

"Happy considering her circumstances."

Kensei nodded.

"I gave Miss Aiko some of the money Ren trusted me with and I've added some of mine to the pile as well. Told her it was all from you." Daichi told him as he sat down on the porch. "Now no one would be able to use lack of money as leverage against her."

The old man shook his head in agreement. "It would be an extreme situation but…"

"Always be prepared. I know." Daichi finished Kensei's sentence.

Both of them watched the sun disappear and then went inside the house.

March.

The final exams at the academy concluded. Daichi and the future Rookies minus Sasuke were hanging out in their usual place.

"Oh man, I didn't do too well on the tests this time. My mom's not gonna be happy." Kiba spoke while Akamaru, who was on top of his head, whined.

"Yeah. The tests Iruka sensei prepared were somewhat more difficult than I expected." Shikamaru gave his thoughts as he laid down looking at the clouds.

Ino, who was next to Daichi, was smiling. "No matter how tough it was, I'm sure you got everything right didn't you Daichi!"

Daichi had an awkward smile as he agreed with her. Except for Sasuke and Lee he hadn't told anyone else in the academy about his long trip. He decided that leaving without saying anything would leave a bad taste in his mouth so he made his decision. 'I told Sasuke yesterday. It's time I told them too.'

"Hey guys. I need to tell you something."

The group focused on Daichi.

Daichi took a breath and let it out. "I'll be leaving the village for a few years."

Everyone was shocked when they heard that.

"What!? When?" Ino asked him.

"Tomorrow at dawn!"

"What!?" Ino and Naruto shouted.

"Why didn't you say anything? I thought we were friends." " Yeah what gives man?" Naruto and Kiba got in Daichi's face and shouted at him.

Daichi calmly placed his hands on Kiba and Naruto's shoulders and made them sit. "We are friends. And I didn't tell you because I didn't want you guys to make a big deal out of this."

At that moment Akamaru jumped into Daichi's lap and started licking his hand.

"When will you be back?" Ino asked. Daichi could hear the sadness in her voice even though she tried to mask it with curiosity.

"I'll be back by graduation." Daichi replied as he rubbed Akamaru's belly.

"Where exactly are you going?" Choji asked as he put down his chips.

"The capital. Gramps has some business there. He figured I should learn about its ins and outs."

Shikamaru narrowed his eyes as he looked at Daichi. 'A sudden trip…? Not suspicious at all…! Still, I'm gonna miss the guy. Not that I'll ever admit it to anyone.'

"There's no way you're learning of this trip just now. I can't believe you didn't tell us sooner." Naruto crossed his arms, pouted and looked away from Daichi.

Daichi chuckled awkwardly. 'He's a lot smarter than people give him credit for.'

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you guys sooner… Look. As an apology I'll take you all to Yakiniku BBQ. How about that? My treat." Daichi offered as he smiled at everyone.

Some of them were looking forward while others were still miffed.

Looking at their faces Daichi spoke again. "Look. We can sit here and you guys can be angry at me or we can have a great dinner and enjoy ourselves… Come on, what do you say?"

Unable to say no, all of them got and headed to the restaurant. Daichi got them a private fancy booth and gave the waiters several orders.

"This booth needs to be reserved a few days in advance. You planned this didn't you. You knew we would say yes…" Shikamaru who sat near him said in a low voice.

"I'm gonna miss you too Shikamaru." Daichi replied with a small laugh.

Daichi managed to make sure the group was in a good mood. The 9 students spend the time reminiscing about their adventures together. The food arrived before long and everyone was having fun.

They also talked about the academy and how Daichi's departure will affect the class.

"Now with you gone that jerk Sasuke will be at the top…" Naruto said as he stuffed a slice of beef into his mouth.

"Hey. Sasuke isn't a jerk… And don't speak with your mouth full." Sakura lightly admonished him.

"Sorry Saku…" Naruto started coughing and he frantically pounded his chest. After a couple seconds he was able to safely swallow the food.

"Umm… H- Here Naruto… " Hinata held a glass and gave it to the blond. Naruto gulped down the glass of water as quickly as he could. "Ohh… Thanks Hinata."

Everyone laughed at Naruto's antics and it was a fun night for them. There was even a small fight between Choji and Kiba for the last piece of the beef. In the end Choji was victorious.

Daichi looked at everyone and then spoke. "I am gonna miss you guys…"

The future Rookie's looked at Daichi and smiled. Ino, who was sitting nearby, hugged Daichi. "We're gonna miss you too."

The small party winded down and after a short while everyone exited the restaurant. Daichi bid his farewell and soon left.

Hinata had a guard from the branch family keeping an eye on her since she left the academy. So she would safely return home. Shikamaru and Choji left with Ino and Shino, Kiba and Naruto escorted Sakura to her home.

—-

There was one more person Daichi had to see.

'I've been so busy training that I haven't seen Lee in over two weeks. Right now I'm sure he'll be at the usual training spot.' Daichi had bought take out for him and Lee. He figured the guy would be training like crazy and would be hungry.

When Daichi reached the place he saw something unusual. Lee was punching into the thick wooden stumps much harder than usual but that was not what Daichi focused on. Tears were falling down Lee's face as he continued with his punches.

Daichi could see the anguish on his friend's face. He could also see the torn skin and the bleeding knuckles

"Lee, stop! That's enough." Daichi said as he rushed in and held Lee's hand, stopping him.

"Daichi…?" Lee looked at his one and only friend. He then shook his head. "Let go. I need to train."

"You're not training. Not like this. And I'm not letting go until you tell me what's wrong." Daichi firmly held Lee's hand and spoke.

"You wouldn't understand Daichi."

"Try me."

Lee gritted his teeth and then let out his frustrations. "You're a genius Daichi. The best in your class. Everything comes so easy for you. Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, Genjutsu… You're the best at everything. So you wouldn't understand."

"What don't I understand?"

"THAT IT DOESN'T COME AS EASY FOR THE REST OF US!" Lee shouted as his tears kept falling.

Daichi was quiet as he looked at his friend. 'He's usually so upbeat, letting nothing get him down. But now… Something's happened. And I have a feeling it happened at the academy.'

"What's wrong? I'm not leaving here until you tell me what's bothering you!" Daichi's gentle voice gave Lee a small comfort.

Lee gritted his teeth, looked down and was quiet for a few moments. Then he spoke in a low voice. "I couldn't beat anyone in my class in Taijutsu…"

He looked up at Daichi. "I tried so hard. I trained everyday but I still couldn't beat anyone in my class in Taijutsu today. I only barely passed with my written scores but… I'm the dead last in my class…"

Daichi's gaze softened. "Lee… You can't beat yourself over that. You can get stronger if you-"

"It's not just that." The tears stopped but Lee was downtrodden as he recalled his experience at the academy.

"Neji said I would never graduate from the academy let alone be a ninja… And after being beaten by everyone in the Taijutsu spar… How can I believe otherwise? All my pain, effort and training… It's all for nothing." Lee choked up as he remembered the mocking faces of his classmates.

Daichi was angry hearing that. 'That Neji… Right… He's an asshole right now…' Daichi let go of Lee's hand. He looked at his friend and saw that his self confidence was broken due to what had happened. And it made Daichi furious.

"He's wrong." Daichi said to Lee.

Lee looked up and saw the angry expression on Daichi's face. "Daichi…"

"Neji is wrong. He's a fool. And you are too if you believe him."

Lee's eyes widened as he heard those words.

Daichi continued. "No one is born without talent. The only question is whether or not a person can identify their talent and bring it out. Lee! If you believe in yourself, give it everything you have, then even if everyone tells you, you can't do it, even if the whole world is against you, you have to stand your ground. Plant yourself like a tree and tell them they're wrong."

Lee's eyes widened as he heard those words.

Daichi placed his hands on Lee's shoulders and looked him in the eye with as much seriousness as he could. "You'll face adversities, challenges that will bring you to your knees. You'll feel pressure. But you can't stay on your knees forever. Be strong and stand up. Endeavor and believe in yourself. Because I do."

Tears began falling once more from Lee's eyes. But this time Daichi knew they were not tears of sadness.

[Reputation massively increases with Rock Lee.]

[Reputation increases with Might Guy.]

When Daichi saw the second notification he was surprised. But at the moment he didn't care about the hidden Jonin.

"Oh Daichi." Lee hugged Daichi and cried. "Thank you." He whispered to his friend. Daichi comforted his friend and a short while later both of them were sitting down under a tree.

"So you're leaving tomorrow?" Lee asked in a small voice. Lee was happy that he found such a good friend and sad that he wouldn't be able to see him for several years.

"Yeah…. Here. I thought we could have a meal together." Daichi took out the dishes.

Both of them ate their meal in a comfortable silence. After a while Daichi got up. "It's getting really late. And I need to pack a few things."

Lee nodded hearing him. He then looked at Daichi and spoke with a confident voice.

"I won't ever give up. I'm going to train as hard as I can. When you come back, I will be a ninja." Lee gave a wide smile.

Daichi laughed in delight when he heard that. "I look forward to sparring with the future Taijutsu master when I come back."

Daichi left, giving Lee the strength and motivation he needed.

Nobody realized it then, but these two would one day become the strongest tag team duo in the world. Taking on an enemy no one else could.

Author’s Note:

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