Over the following weeks, Kai's days began to fall into a steady rhythm of training, missions, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing he was steadily progressing. Jiraiya's training pushed him to new limits, demanding a high standard in both physical endurance and chakra control. Despite the Sannin's sometimes laid-back demeanor, his lessons were intense. Kai absorbed everything, honing his techniques and refining his combat instincts with each passing day.
During his free time, Kai joined his team on various D-rank missions around the village. They were mostly menial tasks, like helping villagers with odd jobs, capturing runaway pets, or working in the fields. These missions, though tedious, offered Kai a way to observe his fellow genin and gain a deeper understanding of village life. He quickly learned how different he was from the others in the Academy, who often complained about these missions. To Kai, every moment was a learning opportunity, a chance to practice focus, teamwork, and endurance.
("D-rank missions aren't thrilling, but they're a part of the life I've chosen. Every moment in the field, no matter how small, teaches me something about patience and control. These qualities will matter when the real threats come.")
Each evening, after the missions were done, he returned to the training field by the river, often until late at night. He continued developing his new techniques, using shadow clones to explore the limits of his Amaterasu flames, as well as progressing with the Rasengan. Through this, he learned to pace his chakra, maintaining a balance that allowed him to grow stronger without exhausting himself entirely.
On days when he had training sessions with Jiraiya, Kai worked on improving his speed and strength while keeping his Ōtsutsuki abilities dormant. Jiraiya, perceptive as ever, kept him grounded, focusing on fundamentals like chakra control exercises and taijutsu. To his relief, Jiraiya hadn't pried into his unique background, giving him the space he needed to focus on his objectives without feeling exposed.
---
A few weeks passed, and Kai soon noticed changes in his classmates. Many were improving, especially Naruto, who seemed even more motivated after his encounter with the forbidden scroll. The Leaf Village Academy was buzzing with a renewed energy, as it was almost time for the next stage of missions.
Then, one day during team assignments, Kai noticed an unusual air of excitement among the genin. Team 7 had been given a C-rank mission—their first one outside of the village. He knew instantly that this was the Wave Mission, where the team would face real danger for the first time.
---
In the days that followed, Kai observed the others preparing, with Naruto enthusiastically proclaiming that he was finally ready to "show the world" his true strength. Sasuke remained reserved, as usual, but even he seemed eager for the challenge. Watching Team 7's anticipation and nerves, Kai felt a surge of excitement himself, knowing the significance of this mission. But he kept his emotions in check, continuing with his own routine, training quietly in the background.
As Team 7 set off, Kai was determined to monitor events from a distance, even though he wasn't directly involved. His instincts told him that this mission would be more than they expected, and he wanted to be ready if anything unforeseen occurred.
("The Wave Mission... it's a pivotal point for them. This is where Naruto will begin to understand the weight of being a shinobi, and Sasuke's rivalry with him will intensify. But for now, I'll remain in the background and focus on my own growth. In time, our paths will cross.")
Kai continued with his own missions and training, channeling his focus into becoming stronger. The threats that lay beyond the village—the likes of Madara, the Akatsuki, and the Ōtsutsuki—were still far off, but he felt them looming, as certain as the sunrise each day.
The true battles were yet to come, and he intended to be ready for all of them.