Over the last year, Sukiko had learned more and more about Chakra and the concept of the Five Big Shinobi Villages. Today was finally her 4th birthday, and she was extremely excited, practically jumping around in anticipation.
"Mom, when is Nagomo finally coming over?"
Okada "He will come in a few minutes, Suki. Don't be so anxious."
Upon hearing this, Sukiko angrily stomped out of the house and took some sticks she found lying around to play ninja.
"Whuahaha, I am a great ninja!"
Unexpectedly, Nagomo and his parents arrived, and Nagomo sneaked up on Sukiko.
Nagomo "Gotcha!"
Nagomo yelled as he pounced on Sukiko from behind, sending them both tumbling to the ground in a fit of giggles. Sukiko quickly regained her composure and scrambled to her feet, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
"You scared me, Nagomo! But now you're my prisoner!"
She pointed one of her makeshift stick kunai at him, pretending to be a great ninja warrior.
Nagomo laughed and put his hands up in mock surrender.
Nagomo "Alright, alright! You win this time, Sukiko."
Okada and Nagomo's parents, Kuromuro and Sabuki, walked up to the pair, smiling at their children's antics. Okada clapped her hands to get their attention.
Okada "Alright, little ninjas, let's head inside. We have a small celebration for Sukiko!"
Sukiko's eyes widened with delight.
"A celebration? For me?"
She bounced on her toes, barely able to contain her excitement.
Okada "Yes, a celebration for you, my little ninja. Now come on, let's get inside."
The small house was decorated with colorful paper lanterns and a simple banner that read "Happy Birthday, Sukiko!" A modest cake sat on the table, surrounded by a few small presents wrapped in bright paper.
As they entered, Sabuki pulled out a small parcel from her bag.
Sabuki "Sukiko, we brought you a little something."
Sukiko took the gift eagerly, tearing off the wrapping paper to reveal a handmade bracelet. It was woven with red and yellow threads.
"Thank you, Aunt Sabuki!"
She beamed and immediately put it on.
Kuromuro stepped forward next, handing her a small box.
Kuromuro "And this is from me and Nagomo."
Inside was a set of wooden ninja tools: a kunai, shuriken, and a small tanto, all intricately carved and polished. Sukiko's eyes sparkled as she examined each piece.
"These are amazing! Thank you so much!"
Nagomo grinned.
Nagomo "Now we can play ninja for real!"
After the small celebration and cake, the children busied themselves with their new toys. Sukiko and Nagomo slipped outside to play with their new wooden ninja tools. Sukiko wielded her wooden kunai, pretending to be a brave warrior.
"Take this, Nagomo!"
Nagomo ducked and retaliated with his wooden shuriken, laughing as he did so. They were lost in their own little world, their imaginations running wild with dreams of ninja battles and heroic feats.
In the midst of their play, Sukiko noticed a group of figures at the edge of the village. They wore headbands with a swirly symbol she didn't recognize, and something about their presence made her uneasy. She rushed closer, curiosity getting the better of her.
As she got closer, one of the shinobi noticed her. His eyes held a cold, calculating look, and without warning, he threw a real kunai in her direction. It struck the ground just inches from her feet, sending dirt flying and causing her to stumble back in fear.
Shinobi "Get lost, kid!"
Terrified, Sukiko turned and sprinted back to her house, her heart pounding.
"Mom!"
Sukiko burst through the door, breathless.
"I think i saw shinobi with weird headbands! They threw kunai at me!"
Okada's expression darkened. She quickly closed the door and knelt in front of Sukiko.
Okada "Suki, listen to me carefully. You must always be cautious around strangers, especially shinobi from other villages. These are dangerous times, and we must be vigilant."
Sukiko nodded, her earlier excitement replaced by a newfound sense of wariness.
"I understand, Mom."
Okada hugged her tightly.
Okada "Good girl. Now, go to sleep."