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"Ye Dou, someone's been watching you for a while. Aren't you going to say something?"
"Ignore him," Ye Dou replied, calmly continuing his sword swings without even glancing back.
Thanks to his honed sensory skills—enhanced by a form of Observation Haki he developed through intense training—he had already noticed Umino Iruka the moment he stepped within range.
Though curious about Iruka's sudden presence, Ye Dou didn't act recklessly. He knew Iruka was a serious, well-meaning teacher, unlikely to harbor any ill intent.
Besides, Iruka was a non-combatant Chūnin who had spent years teaching at the Academy, rarely leaving the village for missions. From Ye Dou's perspective, he posed no threat—more akin to a civilian with a headband than a true warrior.
"Alright, alright..."
Suddenly, the mongoose beside Ye Dou twitched its tail. It had sensed movement.
Ye Dou glanced over just in time to see "Iruka"—now disguised as a Hidden Cloud (Kumogakure) shinobi—leap from behind a tree, hurling kunai while screaming theatrically.
"Die, Konoha brat!"
His contorted expression, loud declarations, and over-the-top entrance screamed "villain," worthy of an Academy drama class.
"He's actually trying to kill me?" Ye Dou raised an eyebrow. The kunai flew toward him—but he didn't budge.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
"He didn't dodge?" Iruka was stunned. He had given a loud enough warning. Why didn't Ye Dou react? Maybe these kids really weren't ready for the Chūnin Exams.
Just as he was about to signal his clone for a "rescue," Ye Dou's figure suddenly dispersed into smoke.
"A Shadow Clone?! When did he—"
Before Iruka could finish the thought, he felt a sudden presence behind him.
"Too fast—"
BAM!
Iruka was sent flying, slammed hard into the ground by Ye Dou's powerful punch. His vision blurred, and it felt like his organs had shifted.
"Kumogakure spy?" Ye Dou narrowed his eyes, analyzing the situation. The strange attack, the disguise... everything pointed to espionage.
Without hesitation, he raised his blade.
Iruka panicked and quickly released his Transformation Jutsu.
"Wait! Ye Dou! It's me—Iruka-sensei!"
The glinting blade halted mere inches from his face.
"He's not a spy!" Might Guy's voice rang out as he leapt between them.
He was sweating.
He hadn't expected Iruka to go this far—to actually simulate an enemy assassination attempt on one of his own students. It was reckless.
"What's going on here?" Ye Dou sheathed his blade, the tension in his body easing slightly.
Had Guy not stepped in, that strike would've ended Iruka's life. Ye Dou didn't play games—not in a real fight.
Iruka collapsed to the ground, drenched in sweat. After a moment of gasping, he pushed himself up with trembling arms and tried to explain.
"It was... a special Chūnin assessment."
"Iruka was concerned about your readiness for the Chūnin Exams," Guy clarified. "He disagreed with the decision and arranged this as a test—against my advice."
"Don't ever do something so reckless again," Ye Dou said flatly.
"Believe me, I don't plan to..." Iruka smiled wryly, dusting himself off before slowly departing.
"Don't blame Iruka. He's only this strict because he cares." Guy added, watching Iruka's retreating figure.
"I know." Ye Dou nodded, then turned to Guy.
"So why are you here again?"
Guy's demeanor shifted. His expression grew serious, more so than Ye Dou had ever seen.
"I've been thinking... whether or not I should pass this technique on to you."
Ye Dou's eyes narrowed.
"In the end, I chose to trust you—Ye Dou, my most promising student!"
Guy stepped forward, his tone intense.
"This is no ordinary move. My father, Might Duy, once used it to severely wound several of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist."
Ye Dou's eyes widened.
The Eight Gates Released Formation— Hachimon Tonkō.
He knew exactly what technique Guy meant.
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Elsewhere...
After assessing his former students, Iruka arrived at Kakashi's house.
He didn't bother hiding his presence—Kakashi had already sensed him long before he knocked.
"How did the assessment go?" Kakashi asked calmly, not even turning around.
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