Time-Twisted Melody (Boruto - Twinkling Watermelon AU)

Chapter 1

 Boruto POV

The scent of sweat and the echo of determined breaths fill the air. I'm starting to feel the sweat making my blond hair stick to my forehead. I assume my fighting stance, feet firmly planted and hands raised, ready for the match ahead. Across from me, Kawaki's dark eyes mirror my intensity. His stance is relaxed yet poised like a predator waiting to strike.

"Begin!" Rock Lee sensei barks.

POW!

In an instant, I spring into action. Closing the distance between us with lightning speed, I launch a series of rapid kicks aimed at Kawaki's torso. Each kick is precise and powerful. Kawaki blocks and deflects the blows with calculated ease, his movements fluid and controlled.

I shift my strategy, feinting a high kick before pivoting into a low sweep aimed at Kawaki's legs. But he anticipates the move, leaping gracefully to avoid the sweep and countering with a spinning backkick.

"...!" I barely manage to dodge.

The pace of our training match intensifies, each of us pushing the other to our limits. I unleash a flurry of punches and kicks, my strikes a blend of aggression and precision. Kawaki meets me with equal ferocity, our blows creating a rhythmic symphony of impact and defense.

Sweat pours down our faces as we continue our relentless exchange. My muscles burn with exertion, but I refuse to relent. I spin into a high roundhouse kick, my leg cutting through the air with deadly speed.

"Tch." Kawaki raises his arm to block, the impact reverberating through his body. He retaliates with a powerful sidekick, but I duck and counter with a swift front kick that catches him off guard.

"...!"

Kawaki stumbles back, his expression shifting from concentration to determination. He steadies himself and launches a series of rapid kicks, each one faster and more precise than the last.

'Damn, he's fast.' I meet the onslaught with gritted teeth, my arms and legs moving in a blur to block and parry.

With a final burst of energy, I execute a jumping tornado kick, my body twisting in mid-air as my foot arcs toward Kawaki.

"Hyah!"

BAM!

Kawaki raises his arms in a desperate block, the impact sending him skidding back. We both pause, panting and battered, but a sense of mutual respect and accomplishment hangs in the air.

Clap. Clap. Clap.

"Well done, both of you!" Rock Lee sensei's voice filled with pride and enthusiasm. Exhausted, we share a nod of respect before grabbing our towels.

"Anyway, I know you're just helping your brother practice, but you might end up participating in the tournament at this rate," Rock Lee smiles brightly. "You're improving by the day, Boruto. You should join the national championship. It will be the springtime of your youth!"

'There he goes again with that way of talking.' I manage an awkward smile, scratching the back of my head.

"You know I can't do that, Sensei," I reply.

'Besides, Kendo is more my thing.'

Suddenly, a sharp and irritated voice cuts through the moment. I turn to see Kawaki standing with a scowl etched on his face. I had anticipated this reaction; I knew he'd be pissed that I had come to his training session unannounced.

"Oi, Boruto. What the hell are you doing here?"

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