The afternoon sun burned high, casting long shadows across the Academy sparring yard.
Students stood in a wide circle around the dueling ring — marked by faded white lines in the dirt. The air was thick with anticipation, tension, and a few whispered bets.
Iruka-sensei stood at the center, voice firm:
"These sparring matches are meant to test your movement, control, and decision-making. No jutsu, no weapons. Hand-to-hand only."
The class buzzed.
First match was already set.
"Naruto Uzumaki. Sasuke Uchiha. Step forward."
A quiet hum ran through the crowd.
Sasuke walked in with confidence, eyes half-lidded like he already knew the outcome.
Naruto? Loud as always.
"Get ready, Uchiha! You're not the only one who's strong!"
As he cracked his knuckles and stepped forward, Ren placed a hand briefly on Naruto's shoulder.
"Like we practiced," he said. "Keep moving. Don't lead with your right — he favors counters."
Naruto blinked. "Right… got it."
Then he grinned, his nerves easing for just a moment.
Their fists bumped.
"Let's gooo!" Naruto shouted, bounding into the ring.
Naruto vs. Sasuke
Iruka gave the nod.
"Begin!"
Naruto charged in — fast, reckless, loud.
Sasuke ducked, spun, and swept his legs with textbook precision.
Naruto hit the ground but rolled back up with a wild swing. For a moment, he surprised Sasuke — one good punch grazed his cheek.
But then the Uchiha adjusted.
Three sharp hits later — Naruto was on his back again, groaning.
Iruka stepped in. "Match over! Winner: Sasuke."
Sasuke turned, brushing dust off his shoulder.
Naruto sat up, rubbing his head. "Ow…"
Ren walked over and helped him to his feet.
"You landed a punch," he said. "He won, but he felt that one."
Naruto grinned through the pain. "Yeah. Just wait till next time."
Sasuke glanced at them both — eyes sharp, calculating.
Then locked eyes with Ren.
For a moment, nothing moved.
Ren met his gaze, expression unreadable.
"What?" he said quietly. "You want a fight too?"
A beat of tension.
Iruka stepped between them immediately.
"That's enough. Save it for your turn."
Sasuke walked off without a word.
But the look lingered.
Ren vs. Kiba
Iruka turned. "Ren Uzumaki. Kiba Inuzuka. You're up."
Kiba jumped into the ring, energetic and grinning wide.
"Alright! Time to see if the quiet guy can actually throw a punch."
Ren stepped forward calmly, hands loose at his sides.
Naruto shouted from behind him, still holding an ice pack to his forehead.
"Let's gooo, Ren! Make him eat dirt!"
Ren didn't look back. Just gave a small nod.
"Try not to move too much," he muttered as he entered the ring.
Kiba scoffed. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"You'll find out."
Iruka raised his hand.
"Begin!"