The return to Kumogakure after their first mission left Ei, Yugito, Samui, and Mabui with a sense of accomplishment, but also a lingering feeling of determination. The mission had gone smoothly, but each of them knew there was room for improvement. After all, they weren't striving for "just enough" — they wanted to become the strongest shinobi in Kumogakure.
Once they reached the village gates, they parted ways with their supervising Jōnin and immediately headed for their usual training hall. It was quiet at this hour, the dim light of early evening casting long shadows across the room. Each of them was deep in thought, reflecting on their performance.
Ei, ever the leader, broke the silence. "We completed the mission, but we're not done. What do each of you think we need to improve?"
Mabui was the first to speak, her eyes sharp with focus. "I need to start working on chakra sensing. During the mission, I realized that having the ability to pinpoint our target's location would have been invaluable. I've always been more of a strategist, and knowing exactly where our enemy is will help me create better plans in the future."
She paused, thinking about her long-term goals. "For now, my affinity lies with wind and lightning chakra, but eventually, I want to develop space-time ninjutsu. The ability to teleport people or objects could turn the tide of any battle. But for now, it's still just an idea."
Ei nodded. "That's a good plan, Mabui. Start practicing your sensing abilities. We'll need every advantage we can get."
Yugito leaned against the wall, her arms crossed as her mismatched eyes—one yellow and blue with slitted pupils, the other black—flickered with thought. "I realized I need to work on my taijutsu," she said. "Matatabi's flames are powerful, but I need to be able to fight in close quarters more effectively. If I can enhance my taijutsu with Matatabi's blue flames, I'll be able to cover my body in fire, just like how Raikage covers himself with lightning chakra."
She clenched her fists. "I can push my speed by using the flames from Matatabi's fire to shoot from my feet, increasing my agility. I want to master close combat, and with those flames enhancing my body, I'll be faster and more dangerous."
Ei smiled at Yugito's reflection. "That's a good approach. Improving your reflexes and taijutsu will make you more versatile in battle. And Matatabi's flames are a powerful asset that you can't ignore."
Yugito nodded, her mind already turning toward how she would incorporate the flames into her strikes, using them to move faster and hit harder in battle.
Samui, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke up. "My swordsmanship is already better than most of our classmates, but I'm not fast enough yet. The rogue managed to form a jutsu before I could stop him. I need to learn elemental infusion. If I can infuse my sword with lightning chakra, I'll be faster and stronger."
She placed her hand on the hilt of her sword. "Lightning infusion will enhance my blade's speed and power. I can cut down any enemy before they even realize what's happening."
Ei turned her violet eyes to Samui. "That's exactly what you need to do. We'll train together—I'm planning to master the Lightning Chakra Mode as soon as possible. Once I've got it down, I'll be able to infuse my sword with lightning as well. We can train side by side."
Samui's lips curved into a faint smile. "Sounds good."
Ei took a deep breath as she looked at her team. "For me, it's about mastering Lightning Chakra Mode as quickly as I can. I've already started training with Father, but I need to push myself harder. Once I master it, I'll be able to enhance my sword strikes, cover my entire body in lightning, and increase my speed to the point where no one can match me."
She clenched her fists, determination burning in her eyes. "I'll push myself to master it faster than anyone in Kumogakure's history."
The group stood in a comfortable silence for a moment, each of them reflecting on their goals. They had grown stronger together, but this was just the beginning. Ei could see the potential in each of her teammates—Mabui's sharp mind, Yugito's raw power, and Samui's skill with the blade. Together, they were already becoming a force to be reckoned with.
The next day at the academy, word of their successful mission spread like wildfire. Students gathered in small groups, whispering excitedly about Ei, Yugito, Samui, and Mabui's performance. For young academy students, the idea of going on a mission and defeating a rogue ninja was almost unthinkable.
"They really did it," one student whispered as Ei and her team walked through the halls.
"Ei killed him with one strike. No hesitation," another added in awe.
"And Yugito tracked him using her sense of smell—she can even smell chakra traces," someone else chimed in.
"Samui's already the best with a sword, and Mabui is like a walking strategy book. They're unstoppable."
The attention didn't faze Ei or her teammates. They walked through the academy like they always had, heads held high but focused on their next steps. The praise from their classmates was nice, but it wasn't their goal. They weren't here to bask in the glory of one mission—they were aiming to be the strongest in Kumogakure.
In their training session that afternoon, Ei stood in front of her team. "We've reflected on what we need to improve," she said, her voice calm but strong. "Now it's time to put that into action. We don't stop here. We're going to push ourselves harder and make sure that next time, we're even more prepared."
Mabui nodded. "I'll start working on chakra sensing immediately. It'll take time, but once I have it down, we'll always know where our enemies are."
Yugito cracked her knuckles, a fiery glint in her eyes. "I'm going to focus on enhancing my taijutsu with Matatabi's flames. I'll be unbeatable up close."
Samui, as always, was more reserved but just as determined. "I'll learn how to infuse my blade with lightning chakra. I'll be faster and deadlier."
Ei looked at each of them, her heart swelling with pride. They were growing stronger every day, and soon, they would be ready to take on the toughest challenges Kumogakure had to offer.
"I'll work with Father to master Lightning Chakra Mode," Ei said, her tone resolute. "Once I have it down, we'll train together. I'll be able to cover my sword with lightning, just like you, Samui. Together, we'll create a technique that no one will be able to stop."
With their goals set, the team moved forward, ready to take on whatever came next. The future was bright, and they were determined to become the strongest team Kumogakure had ever seen.
End of Chapter 14.