As Tekashi's laughter echoed through the air, it became clear that his sudden and wild outburst had upset an older boy. This boy, visibly annoyed by what he saw as Tekashi's insensitivity, grabbed Tekashi's shirt and didn't waste time scolding him for his behavior. Tensions that had been building up suddenly turned into a noisy commotion, like a storm finally let loose. Other kids joined in, shouting and gesturing in frustration, their voices mixing in chaos.
Quickly, the officers at the base stepped in, their strong presence a stark reminder of the new rules they had entered. With stern voices and a straightforward attitude, they separated the children and restored some order. It showed that they were now in a world where their voices didn't matter much in the vast military base. This incident reminded them that their lives were no longer in their control; they were at the mercy of a much larger and more powerful system.
As night fell over the military base, Tekashi sat in front of the tent, tears streaming down his face. The guilt weighed on him like a heavy stone, a responsibility that he couldn't escape. It all started when he confided in his close friend, Kai, about his special powers. He didn't realize that this would lead to their separation from their aging parents, who couldn't prevent it. Tekashi carried the heavy burden of knowing that his actions had set off a series of events that had brought them to this point.
In the darkness, someone approached and sat beside Tekashi, offering him some comfort. It was Josee, another child navigating this uncertain world. Her presence, simple yet meaningful, gave Tekashi some relief. He turned to her and asked,
"What's your name?" Her voice was soft as she replied
"I'm... I'm Josee. And you?"
Tekashi, still dealing with his inner struggles, managed a slight smile and said, "Oh... I'm Tekashi... Tekashi Hatake."
Their conversation started hesitantly but soon turned into laughter and friendship. In those brief moments, they managed to forget the harsh reality around them and found comfort in shared laughter and conversation.
As their bond grew stronger, Josee made a heartfelt request of Tekashi, filled with hope and desperation. She asked him to promise that they would all return safely to their village. The weight of her request settled on his shoulders, and he accepted the responsibility with a heavy heart, vowing to do everything in his power to keep them safe.
The next morning, the children gathered in front of the same open field, where Commander Minato, who had been absent during their initial arrival, introduced himself and acknowledged the seriousness of their situation. He also introduced another figure, a man in a standard military uniform, as their trainer. The serious look on Lieutenant Hisagi's face hinted at the tough training ahead, casting a shadow over the children's hopes.
Lieutenant Hisagi left no room for doubt as he declared that their training would be hard and demanding, with the promise hanging in the air. Whispers exchanged between the trainer and Commander Minato hinted at the challenges ahead.
After the introduction, the commander dismissed the children and told them to go back to their tents. The reality of their situation sank in once again, a reminder that their lives were now under the control of the military.
As the day went on, they saw groups of military personnel going out in pairs, with their reasons kept secret. Tekashi, along with some older children, driven by curiosity and the need to understand their new surroundings, decided to secretly spy on these military operations.
However, their secret efforts didn't go unnoticed. They were soon discovered, and their unauthorized expedition was abruptly stopped. The consequence for their actions was a one-hour confinement, a taste of the discipline and control that now governed their lives. They were firmly warned not to go beyond their designated boundaries, a clear sign that the military was watching them closely, leaving little room for defiance or rebellion. The harsh reality of their new lives was starting to sink in, and the future looked more uncertain than ever.
As the morning sun cast a warm light on the military base, Tekashi and the other children left their tents, pretending they had just woken up, hiding their worries and doubts behind a façade of normalcy. It was an act, an attempt to maintain some sense of normality despite the unusual circumstances they found themselves in. Before long, Lieutenant Hisagi arrived, walking over to where the children had gathered. He didn't waste time in interrupting their act and telling them about the day's plan.
"Get ready, kids. We've got a day of training ahead of us," he said, his tone leaving no room for discussion. With that, the children got ready and gathered in the designated field. Lieutenant Hisagi showed them the obstacle course, a challenging setup designed to test their abilities. He explained their task for the day, saying, "You'll be running this obstacle course twenty times. Once you've finished that, you're free to go," with a glint of expectation in his eyes.
As the children contemplated the daunting task ahead, one brave boy named Ichigo stepped forward.
"Hey, old man," he called out, sounding bold. Lieutenant Hisagi, not one to tolerate insolence, turned his attention to Ichigo. "Hun... Who are you, and what do you want?" he asked, his gaze sharp and unwavering.
"My name's Ichigo," the boy responded confidently, undaunted by the lieutenant's stern demeanor.
"But don't you think twenty laps are a bit much for the little ones?" he questioned, making a valid point. With a hint of amusement, Lieutenant Hisagi looked at Ichigo and said,
"Alright, so what are you suggesting?" He was willing to consider the boy's idea.
"I was thinking... maybe you could reduce it for the younger kids?" Ichigo proposed, his confidence unwavering. Lieutenant Hisagi, showing a bit of mischief, gave his counteroffer with a sly grin.
"Alright, let's do it like this yeah ..... Since you're so courageous," he said with a wide grin.