When Nyx returned to her dimly lit room, she shut the door behind her with a soft click, allowing the cold, familiar stillness to envelop her. She pulled the folded piece of paper from the inside of her Akatsuki cloak, her fingers lingering over it for a moment. Unfolding the document, her icy blue eyes scanned the contents, her expression unreadable.
The message was clear—the Sand Village was planning to initiate an alliance with the Leaf Village. The recent threat of the Akatsuki had forced their hand, pushing them to strengthen their defenses by forming this partnership. It was a calculated move, a response to the increasing pressure from her organization, and a potential obstacle to the Akatsuki's plans.
Nyx's gaze lingered on the words, a small smirk curling at the edge of her lips. An alliance? Do they really think that will be enough to stop us? she mused silently. The thought amused her, but she knew the implications of such a partnership couldn't be ignored.
If the Leaf and Sand joined forces, the Akatsuki's work would become more complicated. Their missions would likely face greater resistance, and their movements might even be tracked. This alliance could shift the balance of power, but Nyx wasn't worried—not yet. After all, she had just proven how easily she could infiltrate their defenses.
Her mind whirred with possibilities as she carefully refolded the paper, slipping it back into the folds of her cloak. This information was valuable—something the Akatsuki leaders would need to know. But there was a satisfaction in being the first to hold it, in knowing that she had the upper hand, even if just for a moment.
She exhaled, her breath forming a small puff of mist in the chilly air. "Let them have their alliance," she whispered to herself. "It won't make a difference in the end."
Nyx reclined against the wall, her thoughts shifting to the encounter with Temari, Gaara, and Kankuro. Despite the gap in power, the fire in Temari's eyes had caught her attention.
Suddenly, a soft knock echoed through the quiet room.
Without needing to ask, Nyx instinctively knew who it was. The familiar sound of the lock mechanism turning preceded the door opening, revealing the elegant figure of Konan.
"Konan," Nyx greeted, a hint of warmth creeping into her icy demeanor.
"Welcome back, Nyx," Konan replied, her voice smooth and composed, the corners of her lips curving into a gentle smile.
Nyx raised an eyebrow, her expression turning playful. "Sometimes, I wonder if I should have given you the spare key to my room. My bed sheets... well, they weren't the same when I left." There was a teasing lilt in her voice, but her eyes glimmered with genuine curiosity.
Konan maintained her stoic smile, her gaze steady. "I have no idea what you're talking about," she said, her tone light yet tinged with an underlying sincerity.
Nyx shook her head, a smirk playing on her lips. "Sometimes, I could even smell your scent lingering in the sheets." The air between them crackled with unspoken tension, a blend of camaraderie and something deeper that neither dared to fully acknowledge.
Konan's eyes twinkled with amusement, and she stepped closer, folding her arms as if to shield herself from the playful banter. "Maybe I just wanted to make sure your space was kept warm in your absence," she quipped back, her voice low and teasing.
Nyx chuckled softly, enjoying their back-and-forth. "Well, you certainly succeeded. Just try not to get too comfortable next time I leave."
"We'll see about that," Konan replied, a playful glint in her eyes. "Also, how did your mission go? You were gone longer than I expected; you usually finish your missions quickly."
Nyx leaned against the window frame, gazing out into the night sky, her expression thoughtful. "Everything went well. I uncovered the Sand Village's plans," she said, her voice steady. "They're planning to form an alliance with Konoha as a response to us. Now that I know their intentions... well, I doubt they'll change them."
With a swift motion, Nyx placed the letter on the windowsill. A small, agile bird perched nearby, quickly grasped the letter in its beak, and took off into the night, its wings beating against the cool air as it flew toward the horizon.
"I also met some interesting individuals," Nyx added, turning her attention back to Konan.
"Who?" Konan asked, her curiosity piqued as she stepped closer, her arms crossing protectively over her chest.
"Shinobi of the Sand Village. Their names were Temari, Kankuro, and Gaara," Nyx replied, a hint of intrigue in her tone. "They make an interesting trio, and they were the reason I was delayed coming back."
"I see, those three," Konan said, her brow furrowing slightly in recognition. "I know of them from the intel we gathered. Temari's reputation as a fierce fighter precedes her. Kankuro is known for his puppetry skills, and Gaara… well, he's not to be underestimated either."
Nyx chuckled softly, a shadow of amusement flickering across her face. "You could say that. They tried to confront me, to gauge my strength. Temari especially was quite persistent."
"Persistent how?" Konan leaned in, her interest deepening.
"Let's just say she didn't take too kindly to being outmatched," Nyx replied, a smirk playing on her lips. "It was almost amusing watching her try to assert herself. She's got spirit, but it's clear she's not on my level."
Konan regarded Nyx with a mixture of admiration and concern. "Just be careful. The Sand Village is becoming more aware of our presence, and with alliances forming, things could escalate quickly."
Nyx shrugged, a confident glint in her icy blue eyes. "I can handle myself, Konan. Besides, I'm not concerned about them. They're just pawns in a larger game."
Konan nodded, though a hint of worry lingered in her expression. "Just remember that even pawns can become queens when positioned correctly."
Nyx pushed herself off the windowsill, the weight of their conversation settling around them like a thick fog. "I'll keep that in mind. For now, though, I should go visit someone."
---Konoha--
The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the training grounds. Rina stood in the center, her long hair tied back as beads of sweat glistened on her forehead. Her breathing was steady, calm. Before her, a series of wooden training dummies had been set up, each one reinforced with chakra-infused seals to withstand high-level jutsu. Yet, despite their fortifications, several of them were already shattered into splinters.
She hadn't even broken a sweat.
Three years ago, Rina had been strong. But now, she was something else entirely.
She took a deep breath, the familiar warmth of chakra coursing through her body. Focusing on her target, she formed a string of hand seals so quickly that her fingers were a blur. Her eyes narrowed as she muttered, "Wind Release: Gale Force Strike!"
In an instant, a powerful gust of wind tore from her outstretched hand, ripping through the air with a deafening roar. The wind was sharp, concentrated, and unstoppable. The first dummy exploded into fragments as the gale passed through it, the second one split in half a moment later, and the third was completely obliterated before the gust dissipated.
Rina lowered her hand, surveying the wreckage. The power in her wind jutsu had become much more refined over the years. It wasn't just about raw strength anymore—it was about precision, control, and efficiency.
"Not bad." A familiar voice called from behind her.
Rina turned to see Naruto leaning against a tree, a grin plastered on his face. His bright blue eyes were gleaming with excitement. Sasuke stood beside him, arms crossed, ever the silent observer, while Sakura gave her an approving nod.
Naruto jogged over to her, his enthusiasm infectious. "You've really improved, Rina! I can hardly keep up with how fast your hand seals are now."
Rina gave a small smile, brushing her bangs out of her face. "I've had a lot of practice. The last three years weren't for nothing."
Naruto's grin widened. "I know! But show me what else you've got! You've gotta have more than that!"
Rina nodded, her expression growing more serious as she focused again. She stepped back, her chakra flaring up once more as she began forming more hand seals, this time much slower and more deliberate.
"Fire Release: Inferno Dragon!"
A massive, serpentine dragon of pure flame erupted from Rina's hands, twisting and coiling in the air. Its roar filled the training grounds, a fiery heat radiating from its form. The fire dragon surged forward, crashing into the remaining dummies with a blinding explosion. The air sizzled as the heat wave blasted through the area, and when the smoke cleared, all that was left were charred remains.
Naruto's eyes widened in awe. "Whoa... that's some serious firepower!"
Even Sasuke, who rarely showed any emotion, seemed impressed. "Your chakra control over fire release is remarkable. That's not an easy technique to master."
Rina looked at her hands, still feeling the warmth of the flames lingering on her palms. "Thanks, but I couldn't have done it without training with you guys."
Sakura approached, her hands on her hips. "And not just in ninjutsu. You've become faster, too. Your taijutsu is sharper, your reflexes are quicker. You've really grown, Rina."
The group watched as Rina wiped the sweat from her brow, her mind racing through the countless hours she had spent refining her skills over the years. But it wasn't just her power that had grown—her resolve had hardened, too.
Three years ago, she had fought with emotion, sometimes letting her anger or fear guide her in battle. But now, after the missions, the battles, and the challenges she had faced, she fought with clarity. Her strikes were calculated, her chakra was controlled, and her mind was as sharp as her jutsu.
Naruto grinned once more. "You know, we're all stronger now. With you, me, Sakura, and even Sasuke, I think we've got a shot at anything that comes our way."
Sasuke gave a subtle nod. "Don't get too cocky, Naruto. But you're right. We've all changed."
Rina chuckled softly as she watched Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura bickering. They had always been like this, ever since their academy days. Their banter felt like a constant, a thread that had remained unchanged despite all the challenges they'd faced. Naruto's endless energy, Sasuke's quiet intensity, and Sakura's fierce determination formed a balance that kept them grounded. Their bond had only deepened over the years, making them a formidable team.
Back when they were still students, the four of them—Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and Rina—had already begun forming those unbreakable bonds. They were inseparable, even if at times Sasuke seemed distant or Naruto's antics annoyed them. And while Naruto sought to prove himself, Rina and Sasuke shared a quieter rivalry, each honing their abilities in a way that complemented one another.
It hadn't always been easy. Sasuke, as one of the heirs to the restored honor of the Uchiha clan, bore a heavy weight on his shoulders. However, after the fall of Danzo—who had sought to manipulate and control the Uchiha clan for his own ambitions—Sasuke felt a renewed sense of purpose. Danzo's death, orchestrated by Nyx and Itachi, had not only freed the clan from the shackles of fear and persecution but had also united them under a common goal: to protect Konoha and each other.
Itachi had taken on a pivotal role in their lives, stepping into a mentorship position that Sasuke eagerly embraced. Rina had often accompanied Sasuke when he trained with Itachi, drawn to the quiet wisdom and lethal precision of the elder Uchiha. His presence in their lives had been transformative, not just for Sasuke but for her as well.
As she watched her friends bicker, Rina felt a swell of gratitude. They were all growing stronger, but it was their bond that made them unstoppable. Rina had trained tirelessly over the past three years, focusing on refining her skills and honing her chakra control. She had developed techniques that drew upon her unique heritage, giving her a strength that was often underestimated.
"Hey, Rina! Want to join us for training today?" Naruto shouted, pulling her from her thoughts.
Rina shook her head, offering a soft smile. "Unfortunately, I have to head back home. I've got a few things to finish up, so you guys go on without me."
Naruto pouted but quickly brightened again. "Alright, then! We'll catch you later!" he exclaimed, waving enthusiastically as Sasuke and Sakura joined him.
As Rina walked home, the wind gently rustled her long black hair, which now cascaded well past her waist, smooth and flowing like silk. Her face had matured, her once-soft features now sharpened with age, yet still retaining a serene beauty. Her brown eyes, deep and thoughtful, mirrored an inner strength she had honed over the years, much like the determination etched into her expression.
Her clothing was simple yet elegant, reminiscent of traditional attire. A white and red priestess-like kimono, reminiscent of her heritage, adorned her figure, the hem flowing with each step. The pristine white scarf that Nyx had given her, always neatly wrapped around her neck, stood out against her outfit, a cherished symbol of their bond.
Her once petite frame had filled out with lean muscle from years of rigorous training. Standing tall at 175 centimeters, Rina exuded a quiet confidence, her presence calm yet commanding. Despite her graceful appearance, there was an undeniable strength in the way she moved—each step deliberate, as though she could spring into action at any moment.
Her expression softened as she recalled how much had changed in three years. Rina had always carried herself with grace, but now there was an added depth to her poise, a silent but powerful aura that made others take notice when she entered a room.
Finally, Rina reached her house, the same familiar building she had once shared with Nyx. Despite the passing years, it remained unchanged, standing as a quiet reminder of the life they had once known together. She paused for a moment, staring at the door, a wave of nostalgia hitting her.
However, before she could reach for the handle, something unexpected happened. Snowflakes began to gently fall around her, blanketing the ground in a soft white layer. Rina frowned, confused. It's not even close to winter. She glanced up at the sky, the flakes slowly drifting down. There hadn't been any sign of a cold front approaching, let alone snow.
Pushing the odd weather to the back of her mind for now, she opened the door. Her steps came to an abrupt halt as soon as she entered. Her breath caught in her throat when her eyes landed on a familiar figure standing calmly in the middle of the room.
Dressed in a sleek, dark-blue battle kimono with intricate silver accents, the figure's presence was impossible to miss. Long white hair cascaded down her back like freshly fallen snow, each strand gleaming in the dim light. Those icy blue eyes, piercing and unmistakable, stared back at her, filled with a quiet but intense resolve.
"Nyx..." Rina whispered, disbelief washing over her.
The next second, without thinking, Rina sprinted forward, slamming the door wide open in her haste. She threw her arms around Nyx in a bear-crushing hug, her emotions spilling over. She clung to her tightly, not caring about the snowflakes that still danced in the air behind her or the icy chill creeping into the room.
"Nyx!" she cried, her voice filled with joy and relief.
Nyx stood still for a moment, her usual calm demeanor intact despite the fierce hug, before finally wrapping her arms around Rina in return. The faintest hint of a smile tugged at her lips as the cold air swirled around them, but the warmth of the reunion was undeniable.