About a year prior, shortly after Okamoto Dousuke first found himself transported through time, he quickly realized his chakra reserves were less than ideal. This led him to abandon his initial idea of developing powerful ninjutsu and instead focus on honing his physical abilities. After all, he recalled, Might Guy, in his ultimate form, nearly ended the Fourth Great Ninja War with a single kick.
True to his decision, Dousuke ventured into the Konoha Forest under the cloak of night. He didn't dare stray too far in, however, sticking to the training grounds located near the outskirts bordering the treacherous Death Forest. His living arrangements, a modest house, didn't afford him much space to practice physical skills freely, unlike his chakra refinement exercises.
Arriving at the dimly lit training area near the Death Forest, he noticed a figure relentlessly kicking a sandbag tied to a sturdy tree.
"One thousand one hundred and twenty-seven..."
"One thousand one hundred and twenty-eight..."
"One thousand one hundred and twenty-nine..."
"One thousand one hundred and thirty..."
Step... step...
"Uh... excuse me?"
Okamoto Dousuke, having approached cautiously from the shadows behind a tree, raised a hand in greeting.
The figure, in the middle of a powerful side-kick, whirled around with lightning speed.
"Konoha Tornado!"
Thump!
Okamoto Dousuke, who had only just stepped out, was sent flying backward with even greater force.
A heavy "bang" resonated as Okamoto Dousuke collided forcefully with a tree trunk.
"Ugh!"
Bathed in the soft moonlight, Dousuke spat out a mouthful of blood, the crimson liquid staining the light blue short-sleeved shirt on his chest. A large, distinct footprint was now prominently displayed across his top.
Instantly, Might Guy was at his side, a look of panic washing over his face as he recognized his classmate, Okamoto Dousuke, slumped against the tree. "Dousuke! Why was that you? Are you alright? Can you stand?"
"Does it look like I'm alright to you?" Dousuke managed to choke out before a cough wracked his body, and another mouthful of blood stained his already crimson-soaked shirt.
"What are you just staring at? Get me to Konoha Hospital," Dousuke snapped, his eyes fixed on Might Guy's bewildered expression. The realization that he had injured his classmate had clearly stunned the energetic boy.
"Oh! Right, right..." Might Guy stammered, hastily attempting to lift Okamoto Dousuke onto his back.
"Ouch! Don't carry me like that, you brute! I think you've broken my ribs," Dousuke groaned, directing Might Guy. "Carry me... over here..."
"Okay, okay, I got it. I'll be careful, Dousuke-kun," Might Guy assured him. Gently, he scooped Dousuke up, one arm supporting his waist and the other under his knees, in a classic princess carry.
Thankfully, Might Guy's rigorous training around Konoha Village meant he didn't falter even while carrying someone.
"Fortunately, you brought him in quickly. Only two ribs are fractured. And thankfully, the broken bones haven't damaged any internal organs, but surgery will still be necessary. We'll need to contact your guardians first to settle the medical expenses," the medical ninja in crisp white robes said, withdrawing the green chakra that had been assessing Okamoto Dousuke's chest.
"Wait! Please treat Dousuke first! I was the one who kicked him; I'll take full responsibility. I'll go find my father right away!" Might Guy exclaimed anxiously.
"There's no need for that. I'm the only family I have. Both my parents perished in the Second Shinobi World War. I'm a war orphan. According to the Third Hokage's policy, orphans receive free medical care. My father's ninja registration number is [omitted], please verify," Okamoto Dousuke informed the medical ninja.
"Understood, please wait a moment. I'll report your information for verification," the medical ninja replied, making a note before hurrying off with the registration book.
"Dousuke, I'm so sorry! If you... if you don't make it, I'll atone with my own life!" Might Guy knelt beside Dousuke Okamoto's bed, tears welling in his eyes.
"Hey... could you maybe try hoping for my recovery instead? I'm not planning on dying just yet," Dousuke said weakly, his eyes still closed. Looking at Might Guy kneeling beside him, he wanted to reassure his friend but found himself unable to move.
"Where is the injured person?" a strong, authoritative female voice inquired.
"Over here, Lady Tsunade," the medical ninja who had previously left with the registration book replied, re-entering the room and stepping aside.
The door creaked open further, and a woman with a striking figure, light yellow hair tied in twin ponytails, and wearing a distinctive blue top, entered the ward.
"Ah! Ah! Lady Tsunade!" Might Guy exclaimed, his voice booming as he recognized the legendary figure.
Tsunade's sharp gaze fell upon Okamoto Dousuke, who lay on the bed with his eyes closed. "You're the child who was kicked like this?" she asked, her tone direct.
"Yes, yes, it was my fault," Might Guy stammered, placing his hands behind his back and bowing his head apologetically.
Tsunade pointed towards the medical ninja who had led her in. "You, go fetch the other medical ninja who's on duty. Since he's offering pro bono treatment, I'll explain the situation to him."
"But Lady Tsunade..." the ninja began hesitantly.
"Just go when I tell you to. What's the problem? Can't you utilize his offer to treat him for free?" Tsunade retorted, her impatience evident.
Okamoto Dousuke, still lying on the bed, had beads of sweat forming on his forehead, though it was unclear whether it was due to the pain or the unfolding situation.
Within moments, the small room was quite crowded.
"Alright, let's take a look," Tsunade announced, moving to the bedside. "Since there are no external lacerations, the first step is to focus on the broken ribs. We'll use chakra to carefully guide the fractured segments back into their proper alignment." As she spoke, a faint green glow emanated from her hands. "The second step involves utilizing the Mystical Palm Technique to accelerate the bone regeneration process."
Her instructions were clear and precise. "Pay close attention. You must master the Mystical Palm Technique with proficiency. Inaccurate chakra application will not effectively stimulate bone regrowth and could instead lead to further complications like bone displacement."
After a focused examination and treatment, she declared, "Okay, we'll get him started on follow-up rehabilitation therapy. He'll just need a few more days of observation here in the hospital."
As expected, Dousuke thought to himself, a sense of awe washing over him. She's truly one of the legendary Sannin, renowned for her medical prowess during the Second Shinobi World War and acknowledged even by Hanzo, the Salamander.
"Thank you, Lady Tsunade," Okamoto Dousuke said weakly from the bed, addressing the departing figure.
Tsunade simply waved a dismissive hand, turned on her heel, and walked out of the ward, her presence leaving a lasting impression.
---------------------Flashback--Ends----------------------------
"Alright, you need to be more careful during training from now on. While I was able to heal your external injuries, the lingering damage from such intense training can't be completely undone," Dousuke Okamoto cautioned Might Guy after their spar.
"I understand! Don't worry about me, Dousuke. My body is at its peak, and my youthful passion is just waiting for me to unleash it!" Might Guy declared, striking his signature pose with his left hand on his hip and his right thumb pointed towards the sky, his bright teeth gleaming in the moonlight.
"Let's call it a day for now. The school ranking battle is in a week, and I might be unavailable for a few days before that. You should probably avoid any training that easily leads to injuries," Dousuke Okamoto said, giving his own head a small pat with his left hand. He looked at Might Guy, still radiating enthusiastic youth, with an unreadable expression.
"I know! I'm going to defeat Kakashi in this ranking battle. Just thinking about it sets my blood on fire!" A literal spark of determination seemed to flicker in Might Guy's eyes.
"Alright, I'm heading out," Dousuke Okamoto said, turning and leaving without a backward glance.
"Dousuke, wait! Do you want to try on a youthful training outfit? They're incredibly effective!" Might Guy called out loudly to Dousuke Okamoto's retreating figure.
Dousuke Okamoto stumbled slightly, waving a hand dismissively without turning around. He then leaped onto a nearby tree trunk and made his way home at a faster pace.
In the Okamoto Residence.
Lying on his bed, Dousuke Okamoto mused to himself, contemplating the future. "The school's practical ranking is about to begin, and Kakashi is five years old. According to the timeline, Kakashi should graduate after this ranking competition and be promoted to Chunin the following year, becoming the youngest Genin and Chunin in Konoha's history. He even became a Jonin by the age of twelve."
A grim determination settled over him. "This is the ninja world, where a person's life can be as fleeting as a shadow! My chakra reserves aren't vast enough for prolonged battles. I need to reach the Chunin level to have some real ability to protect myself. In the upcoming qualifying matches, I have to showcase my skills, enough to catch the attention of the higher-ups, maybe even become a disciple of a renowned master."
Clenching his fists beneath the covers, Dousuke's thoughts grew resolute. "Kakashi's graduation marks the beginning of the Third Great Ninja War. I don't have much time left. I absolutely must survive and even carve my own name into the history of the Ninja World."