As they left the office, Ryoji walked ahead, his thoughts heavy.
More time… That's all I asked for. But how much do we have before they're thrown into war anyway?
The image of Yahiko's overwhelming power flashed in his mind.
If they face someone like that again… Will I be able to protect them?
He clenched his fists.
I have to be better. Stronger. For their sake.
Aya kept her gaze forward, but her thoughts were chaotic.
I thought I was strong. I thought I had discipline. But it wasn't enough.
She glanced at Tsukirai, who walked ahead as if unaffected.
How? How does he stay so calm? We're the same age, and yet… he wasn't taken down instantly like I was.
She gritted her teeth.
I need to close the gap. No—I need to surpass him.
Kaito walked in silence.
Useless.
The word echoed in his mind.
I wasn't just weak. I was a liability.
He clenched his fists.
Tsukirai… he said he'd help me. I have to take that chance. I will take that chance.
For the first time since their failure, he felt something other than self-doubt.
If I can learn, if I can grow… I won't be left behind.
Tsukirai kept his expression neutral, but his mind was already moving.
My Moonlit Perception is at 80% mastery. It's not enough. I need to move to the next level.
He exhaled.
I used to think mastering one technique was enough. But that's not true. Kakashi didn't just rely on the Sharingan. Naruto didn't just rely on Rasengan. They adapted. They grew.
His eyes narrowed.
I need more. More techniques. More versatility. More power.
His fingers twitched slightly.
I have to be ready. Because war is coming.
---
The Hokage's office was filled with a heavy silence. Hiruzen glanced at them, his eyes sharp.
"Very well," he said, breaking the stillness. "Your next mission will be war-related."
The three genin stiffened in surprise.
Ryoji spoke up immediately, his voice cautious. "Hokage-sama, I just told you—"
"I heard you," Hiruzen interjected. "I'm not sending them to the frontlines."
Ryoji's posture remained rigid. The genin didn't speak, though their thoughts were anything but silent.
"There have been increasing tensions near the Land of Grass," Hiruzen continued. "Konoha and Iwa are watching each other closely. I'm assigning your team to reconnaissance. Your mission is to observe enemy movements, intercept messages, and report back. Do not engage in battle unless absolutely necessary."
Ryoji remained visibly displeased, but he bowed his head. "Understood."
Hiruzen turned to the three genin. His voice was final, yet somber. "You have three days to prepare. Dismissed."
---
The next morning, Tsukirai was up before dawn, training alone. His mind was clear, focused on the task at hand.
My Moonlit Perception is almost at 80% mastery. I need to push it further if I want to move on to the next technique.
He had once believed that mastering a single skill was enough. But now, he realized the truth—true strength came from versatility.
Naruto wasn't strong just because of Rasengan. He had Shadow Clones, Wind Release, Sage Mode. Even Kakashi didn't just rely on his Sharingan. He mastered a thousand jutsus. I need to do the same.
With that, he made a decision.
I'll start focusing on ninjutsu—specifically Wind Release. I need to expand my arsenal.
Later that day, Kaito arrived at Tsukirai's home. The Hatake household was quiet, its familiar calm offering a contrast to the tension that weighed on Kaito's shoulders. Tsukirai greeted him without ceremony and led him inside.
"Let's see your chakra nature first," Tsukirai said, motioning to the small piece of chakra paper in his hand.
Kaito hesitated for a moment, then pushed his chakra into the paper. It crumbled immediately, leaving only small fragments behind.
"Earth Release," Tsukirai observed, his tone matter-of-fact.
Kaito blinked, then grinned. "That's good, right?"
"It means you'll have a natural affinity for earth-based jutsu," Tsukirai replied. "I have some scrolls that should help."
He moved to a nearby shelf and pulled out a few scrolls, handing them over to Kaito. Kaito's eyes widened as he took them.
"You're just… giving me these?" Kaito asked, surprised.
Tsukirai nodded. "You need to get stronger. If you don't, we'll all suffer for it."
Kaito swallowed, then smiled sheepishly. "Still… thanks. Really."
He hesitated, then added with excitement, "Man, I can't believe I actually get to learn real ninjutsu now! This is amazing! I bet I'll master this in no time and become the strongest Earth Release user in Konoha!"
Tsukirai gave him a blank stare.
"You haven't even opened the scroll yet," he pointed out, raising an eyebrow.
Kaito waved a hand dismissively. "Hey, let me have my moment!"
Tsukirai sighed, but the corner of his mouth twitched.
Across the room, Aya had been quietly listening. Her thoughts, however, were elsewhere.
Tsukirai just… gave him those scrolls without asking for anything in return. Doesn't he realize how valuable they are?
Her view of him shifted subtly.
He's different from other shinobi. Maybe… stronger in ways beyond just battle.
She kept her thoughts to herself, though, choosing to remain silent as the conversation continued.
Kaito, now fully engrossed in the scrolls, grinned. "Alright, time to become the strongest! Just watch, I'll be carrying you guys soon!"
Tsukirai raised an eyebrow. "Try not to die first."
Kaito laughed. And for the first time since the mission, the air around them felt lighter.
---
With Kaito starting his training, Tsukirai took a moment to observe him. His words earlier hadn't been an attempt to mock, but rather to motivate him. Kaito was starting to understand that the road ahead wouldn't be easy. Aya, too, was clearly struggling with her own sense of inadequacy. They all had their own burdens, but Tsukirai knew that it was those burdens that would push them forward—if they chose to let them.
This is their path to walk, Tsukirai thought, his gaze drifting to the window. I'll walk with them. But I won't let myself be left behind.