Katahara: (With a proud smile) You've improved considerably in such a short time. I'm glad to see you grow as shinobi.
Sao Temuri: (Grateful) Thank you, Katahara-sama. We're eager to keep improving under your guidance.
Matsu: (Nodding) Definitely. We have the potential to become the best in Kirigakure.
Yagura, who had remained silent, stepped forward, his expression calm but with clear admiration for the progress of the young shinobi.
Yagura: (In a deep voice) What you demonstrated today is not just power, but also control and wisdom. I'm eager to see how far you'll go, and I know you'll protect our village well.
Momonosuke, who had maintained a calm attitude until now, looked up at his master, Katahara. Something was bothering him, and he decided to speak up.
Momonosuke: (Seriously) Master, I have a question. Why are we the only group not part of a specialized team?
The atmosphere grew tense for a moment as everyone awaited the answer. Katahara looked at Momonosuke thoughtfully before responding.
Katahara: (Smiling as he unrolls a scroll with the symbol of Konoha) That's a valid question, Momonosuke. There's a very specific reason why you're still working as a team of three chunin.
Momonosuke: (Curious) A specific reason?
Katahara: This scroll holds the answer... (Raising the scroll) The Chunin Exams in Konoha.
Matsu: (Surprised, eyes shining with excitement) The Chunin Exams in Konoha?! That's an incredible opportunity! We can't pass it up!
Sao Temuri: (Smiling confidently) You're right, Matsu. It's the perfect test to show how far we've come and prove what we can really do.
Momonosuke: (Serious, processing the information) So... you're telling us we'll be the only team from Kirigakure in the Chunin Exams? And that we might be the last to participate?
Yagura: (Nodding, with an enigmatic smile) That's right, Momonosuke. You'll be the only team from Kirigakure in these exams, and it's likely we'll be the last to send participants. But don't see this as a disadvantage. On the contrary, it's a unique opportunity to stand out and leave an unforgettable impression, not just on the other participants but also on the other villages.
Sao Temuri: (With determination) We won't stop at anything! We'll show everyone the strength of Kirigakure and the fortitude of our team.
Matsu: (Punching his fist into his palm) Exactly! We're going to prove that Kirigakure is still a powerful and respected village, and no one will forget us after these exams!
Yagura: (Smiling proudly) That's what I like to hear. You have the potential, the skills, and the spirit to excel. I trust you, as a team and as shinobi of Kirigakure. Train hard, hone your techniques, but above all, work as a true team. Each of your strengths is important, but together... together, you can overcome any challenge.
Katahara: (Crossing his arms, observing them seriously) This won't be easy. The Chunin Exams are much more than a simple skills test. You'll have to face the unexpected, rivals who might underestimate you... or who may be stronger than you imagine. I don't train you like any other team because I don't want you to be limited to following the path of other shinobi. You are meant to forge your own destiny.
Momonosuke: (With a determined glint in his eyes) I understand, Master. We won't fail, neither you nor Kirigakure.
Sao Temuri: (With a defiant look) I'm ready for whatever comes. No one will underestimate us after seeing what we can do.
Matsu: (Smiling confidently) Those exams won't know what hit them. We'll be remembered, not just as Kirigakure's representatives, but as the team that gave it everything.
Katahara: (Relaxing his posture slightly) Very well. You can take your time to prepare as you see fit, but don't slack off too much. Every moment of training counts.
Yagura: (With a warm smile) You have all of Kirigakure's support. We know you're ready to face this challenge. Remember, trust in your abilities and, above all, in your teammates. Together, there's no barrier you can't overcome.
Momonosuke: (Looking at his teammates with determination) We're ready.
Sao Temuri: (Nodding) Kirigakure will see its name shine once more.
Matsu: (With a confident smile) Let's go all out!
As the three shinobi dispersed to begin their preparation, excitement and tension grew in the air.
As Yagura and Katahara stood observing the young shinobi disperse to prepare, an air of calm and seriousness enveloped them.
Yagura: (Looking into the distance) Your student, Momonosuke... He is truly special, Katahara-sama. The word "genius" doesn't seem to do him justice.
Katahara: (Serious, with his arms crossed) Yagura, Momonosuke is more than a genius. He is unique.
Yagura: (Curiously) I've heard rumors about his swordsmanship... They say he is a talented swordsman, but he isn't allowed to wield one outside of training. Is that true?
Katahara: (Sighing, as if recalling something important) Yes, that's true. Momonosuke has an innate talent for swordsmanship. He has proven to be exceptional, even at such a young age. But he is not yet ready to wield a sword in real situations. I will allow him to use it outside of training when I believe he is prepared.
Yagura: (Intrigued) Don't you think, Katahara-sama, that using the sword in simulated missions could help him grow faster?
Katahara: (With a slight smile, yet firm) Don't worry about Momonosuke. I know what is best for him. His development is part of a larger plan... All in due time. Now, contact the Mizukage and tell him that we will depart for Konoha in two days.
Yagura: (Nodding) Understood, Katahara-sama. I will inform the Mizukage of our departure. I am sure he will be excited to hear that our team will participate in the Chunin Exams.
Katahara: Excellent. Make sure everything is ready for the trip. We can't leave any loose ends.
With nothing more to say, Katahara made his way toward his mansion, leaving Yagura behind to handle the preparations. As he walked through the halls of his residence, his thoughts intertwined with plans and strategies. But it wasn't just Kirigakure that had received the invitation to the Chunin Exams. Iwagakure had also been called to participate.