The training field was quiet except for the sharp clack of steel against steel. Kakashi Hatake tilted his head slightly, the edge of your kunai resting against the guard of his own. Your faces were closer than either of you probably intended—close enough that he could see the irritation flashing in your eyes.

“You’re slow today,” he said lazily from behind his mask. His visible eye curved into that infuriating smile. “Did you skip breakfast?“

You pushed harder, forcing his blade back a few centimeters. “You’re talking too much.”

“Am I?” His voice dropped, amused. “Usually people complain that I don’t talk enough.”

With a sharp movement you twisted away and lunged again, but Kakashi stepped aside like it was the most natural thing in the world. Your strike cut through empty air. A moment later his hand caught your wrist—not rough, but firm enough that you felt the heat of his grip through the fabric.

He leaned slightly closer.

“You telegraphed that attack,” he murmured. “Right shoulder first.”

Your glare could have burned through stone. “Let go.”

“For someone trying to defeat me,” Kakashi said thoughtfully, still holding your wrist, “you seem very concerned with giving me orders.”

You jerked free and spun, aiming a kick that he blocked with his forearm. The impact echoed through the clearing.

This time his eye sharpened.

“Better,” he said.

“You’re insufferable.”

“Yet here you are.” He shifted his stance, relaxed but ready. A teasing note slipped back into his voice. Your next attack came faster, anger lighting it with energy. Kakashi’s reflexes met it instantly—he caught your arm again, but this time the momentum pulled you forward until you were nearly chest to chest.

For a second neither of you moved.His visible eye studied your expression with quiet interest. Then he chuckled softly.

“You know,” Kakashi said, voice low and warm with amusement, “most people would have given up by now.”

Your brows drew together. “I’m not most people.”

“No,” he agreed, releasing your arm and stepping back just enough to put distance between you again. “You definitely aren’t.”

He lifted his hand lazily in a familiar challenge.

“Come on,” Kakashi added, that teasing spark returning. “Show me that fire again.”