A week had passed since the harrowing events involving Shijen and the rogue ninjas. The village of Konoha was slowly returning to normal, but whispers of Hyuk's newfound power and his Kekkei Genkai circulated throughout the village. Meanwhile, the council meeting had left lingering tensions, especially concerning the potential for Hyuk to be recruited into Danzo's Root organization. Hiruzen had decided that, for now, Hyuk would continue his training under Kakashi's guidance.
On a bright afternoon, Hyuk found himself in a training area just outside the village, accompanied by Kakashi. The sun filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Hyuk stood in a focused stance, ready to unleash his ice techniques, while Kakashi observed him with a watchful eye.
"Remember, Hyuk," Kakashi said, his tone calm and steady. "The key to mastering your Kekkei Genkai is control. You need to understand its limits as well as its potential."
"I understand," Hyuk replied, a sense of determination burning within him. He had spent the last week experimenting with his ice abilities, but he still felt like there was so much more to learn.
"Let's start with the basic techniques again," Kakashi suggested. "I want you to demonstrate your ice manipulation."
Hyuk nodded, channeling his chakra as he raised his hands. A chill filled the air as frost began to spread across the ground, the icy tendrils snaking outward from his fingertips. He concentrated, forming a series of sharp ice shards that hovered in the air around him.
"Good! Now, try to control the shape and trajectory of the shards," Kakashi instructed, stepping back to give him room.
With a swift motion, Hyuk directed the shards toward a nearby tree, embedding them deep into the bark. He felt a surge of satisfaction, the power of his Kekkei Genkai thrilling him.
"Nice work," Kakashi praised. "But remember, ice can be both defensive and offensive. Let's see how well you can defend yourself."
Without warning, Kakashi threw a kunai at Hyuk. Reacting quickly, Hyuk created an ice shield, blocking the kunai just in time. The ice shattered upon impact, but the defense had worked.
"Excellent reflexes!" Kakashi said, impressed. "But we can refine your shield. It should absorb the impact rather than break apart. Let's try again."
As they continued training, Sasuke arrived, watching the two from a distance. He felt a twinge of envy as he observed Hyuk effortlessly wielding his Kekkei Genkai. Ever since the incident with Shijen, Hyuk had gained not only power but respect from the villagers. Rumors about him had spread, and Sasuke found himself increasingly frustrated by Hyuk's rapid growth.
"Why does he get all the attention?" Sasuke muttered under his breath, clenching his fists. He had always prided himself on being strong, but now, he felt overshadowed by Hyuk's newfound abilities.
"Hey, Sasuke!" Naruto called out, running up to him. "Come watch! Hyuk's training with Kakashi, and he's got this awesome ice jutsu!"
"Yeah, I can see that," Sasuke replied, his tone clipped. "He doesn't need more attention."
Naruto raised an eyebrow, sensing the tension in Sasuke's voice. "What's your deal? You should be happy for him! He's our friend!"
Sasuke rolled his eyes, unwilling to express his frustration. "Friends? I don't care about that. I just want to get stronger. And now he's just—" he paused, the weight of his feelings catching in his throat.
"Hey, don't get jealous," Naruto said, clapping Sasuke on the back. "You'll get stronger, too! Just keep training!"
"Yeah, whatever," Sasuke replied, still unable to shake the feeling of inadequacy. He turned back to watch Hyuk and Kakashi, the ice user displaying skill that Sasuke envied.
Back in the training area, Hyuk continued to push himself, gradually building confidence in his ice techniques. "I'm ready for the next step, Kakashi!" he declared, determination shining in his eyes.
"Alright, but remember, this next exercise will push you harder than before," Kakashi warned. "We'll work on combining your ice techniques with other elements. It's time to challenge your limits."
As Hyuk focused, Sasuke's feelings of jealousy deepened. He clenched his fists, frustration bubbling within him. He wanted to be the strongest, to prove himself, and watching Hyuk's progress only fueled his desire to surpass him.
"Just you wait, Hyuk," Sasuke thought bitterly. "I'll find a way to catch up. I won't let you outshine me."
The air crackled with tension as Hyuk's training continued, unaware of the storm brewing within Sasuke.