A week had passed since Kenta, Reifū, and Kūga had come to Konoha. The village was full of activity, with merchants negotiating with customers, kids playing in the streets, and shinobi hurrying to missions.
Though war was still a definite likelihood, Konoha was nevertheless vibrant, and the two newcomers were gradually integrating.
For Reifū, the first few days after her confession and the kiss with Kūga had been a whirlwind of awkward emotions. She was tough, always able to handle herself in combat and life, but this was different.
Every time she saw Kūga, a flutter of nervousness ran through her, and she couldn't help but act... awkward. She stumbled over her words when he was nearby, her face flushing whenever he gave her that knowing smile. Every brush of their hands or the way his eyes lingered on her just a second too long sent her heart into a frenzy.
At first, she tried to hide it, maintaining her usual composed demeanor. But she was transparent, and Kūga noticed right away. He never teased her for it, though. In fact, he had an almost supernatural patience.
Whenever she would shy away from him or become flustered, Kūga would simply smile gently, as if he found her awkwardness endearing. His eyes never held judgment, only an easy acceptance of what was unfolding between them.
One afternoon, as they strolled along one of the quieter streets of Konoha, Reifū decided she couldn't take the awkward silence anymore. "Kūga," she muttered, her voice quieter than usual.
Kūga turned to her, his piercing blue eyes locking onto hers. "Yeah?"
"I… I'm sorry," she began, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve. "I've been acting... weird, I guess. I just don't know how to—"
"It's fine," he interrupted, his tone as calm and unhurried as ever, "you don't need to apologize for anything. I know this is new for you. It's new for me, too. We can take our time."
Reifū blinked, taken aback by how effortlessly he dismantled her anxiety with just a few words. The sincerity in his gaze melted her worries, and she nodded slowly.
"Okay," she whispered, a small smile forming on her lips.
Kūga returned her smile, reaching out to gently squeeze her hand. "Let's just focus on us... no rush."
That simple gesture, the warmth of his hand and his unspoken understanding, calmed her. As the days went on, Reifū gradually became more comfortable around Kūga.
The awkward moments became fewer, replaced by quiet moments of companionship—shared meals, walks around the village, and stolen glances that communicated more than words ever could.
.
However, their time in Konoha wasn't all about love and fleeting moments of sweetness. Kūga was still their mentor, and war was approaching.
He knew that Reifū and Kenta needed to be prepared for the inevitable battles ahead.
Within the week, Kūga had established a rigorous training regimen. Every morning, Reifū and Kenta found themselves in the training grounds, facing off against Kūga.
The purpose of the training was simple: to familiarize them with what it would be like to face a vastly superior opponent.
Kūga purposefully restrained his powers, limiting himself to a fraction of his true abilities, but even then, the pressure was immense.
Today's session was no different.
The air was thick with tension as Reifū and Kenta stood opposite Kūga, their bodies tense and their minds racing with strategies.
The training ground was surrounded by towering trees, and the earth beneath them was worn from the intense sessions they had undergone throughout the week.
"Come at me with everything you've got," Kūga called out, his voice steady but challenging. His presence alone was overwhelming, even though they knew he wasn't trying.
Reifū narrowed her eyes.
A faint blue glow enveloped her, the energy crackling in the air like static. She had grown significantly stronger in her Aether manipulation, and she intended to show that today.
Kenta, standing slightly to the side, clenched his fists. His fighting style was different from Reifū's—more direct, physical, and brutal.
He had developed a method of infusing Aether into his martial arts, enhancing his strength and speed to inhuman levels.
Together, they made a formidable duo, but against Kūga… they still had much to learn.
The air hummed with energy as Reifū made the first move. "Aether: Storm Fang!" she shouted, thrusting her hands forward.
A torrent of wind infused with sharp, needle-like Aether projectiles shot toward Kūga, each blast capable of tearing through solid rock.
Kūga stood his ground, his expression calm. He raised his hand lazily, and with a simple motion, an earthen wall erupted from the ground, shielding him from the assault.
The wind collided with the earth, kicking up dust and debris, but when the smoke cleared, Kūga was unharmed.
"Nice try," he called out, his voice teasing. "But you'll have to do better than that."
Kenta took the opportunity to rush in from Kūga's blind spot, his body a blur as he closed the distance. His fists crackled with Aether, his muscles tensing as he delivered a series of rapid punches aimed directly at Kūga's midsection.
Kūga smirked. "Faster, but still predictable."
With effortless grace, he sidestepped Kenta's attacks, dodging each punch with minimal movement.
Kenta's eyes widened in frustration, but he didn't stop. He twisted his body, launching a powerful kick aimed at Kūga's ribs, only for Kūga to catch his leg mid-air with one hand.
"Too slow," Kūga said, before tossing Kenta back effortlessly. Kenta tumbled across the dirt but quickly rolled to his feet, breathing heavily.
Reifū wasn't done yet. Taking advantage of the moment, she leaped into the air, her hands glowing with a bright blue light.
"Aether: Skyfall!" she shouted, bringing her hands down in a sweeping motion. From the sky above, a massive, glowing spear of Aether came crashing down toward Kūga with terrifying speed.
Kūga's eyes flashed with recognition. This was new. A smile tugged at his lips as he looked up at the incoming attack. "Not bad, but why do people shout their jutsus..." he muttered.
He stepped back, raising his hands toward the spear. With a flick of his wrist, a column of water burst from the ground beneath him, spiraling upward to meet the descending spear.
The two forces collided in mid-air with a deafening crack, the impact sending shockwaves through the training grounds.
Reifū landed gracefully, her eyes fixed on the clash of Aether and water. She poured more energy into her attack, trying to overwhelm Kūga's defense, but he remained unshaken.
"That's enough," Kūga said suddenly, his voice calm but authoritative. With a sharp gesture, he dispersed both the water and the Aether spear, the remnants of their power fading into the air.
Reifū panted heavily, her chest rising and falling as she tried to catch her breath. Kenta, on the other hand, looked frustrated, wiping sweat from his brow as he glared at Kūga.
"This is impossible," Kenta growled, clenching his fists. "No matter what we do, you're always two steps ahead."
Kūga walked toward them, his expression softening. "That's the point," he said gently. "You won't always be fighting opponents you can beat. Sometimes, you'll be outmatched. The goal here is to train your instincts. How to react when things don't go as planned, how to think on your feet, and how to find your opponent's weaknesses even when they seem invincible."
Reifū nodded, though she still looked exhausted. "I get it," she said between breaths. "But... how much are you holding back?"
Kūga chuckled, shaking his head. "Hmm... like three percent? But, I was just defending though?"
The weight of his words hung in the air, and both Reifū and Kenta fell silent. Even at a fraction of his power, Kūga was leagues above them. But that didn't discourage them—it only fueled their determination to get stronger.
Kūga clapped his hands together, breaking the tension. "Alright, that's enough for today. Go rest up. We'll go again tomorrow."
As they walked back toward the village, Kūga couldn't help but admire the progress Reifū and Kenta had made.
They were growing stronger each day, and while they still had a VERY long way to go, he was confident that they would be ready for the challenges that lay ahead.
.
A few hours after their intense training session, the sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden hue over Konoha.
The village was alive with activity; merchants shouted their wares, children laughed as they chased one another, and shinobi hurried past on their missions. Kūga moved through the bustling streets with purpose, his mind set on a significant task ahead.
As he approached the towering structure of the Hokage Tower, the familiar weight of responsibility settled upon his shoulders.
He climbed the steps swiftly, the wooden doors opening effortlessly for him. Inside, the air was cool and smelled faintly of ink and parchment, a testament to the endless paperwork that filled a Hokage's days.
Hashirama Senju was seated at his desk, a pile of documents surrounding him. He looked up as Kūga entered, his face breaking into a warm smile. "Kūga! I didn't expect to see you so soon. How did the training go?"
"Better than expected," Kūga replied, his voice light with enthusiasm. "Reifū and Kenta are making progress. They're both eager to learn, and I think they'll surprise us when the time comes."
"Good to hear," Hashirama said, leaning back in his chair. "But I sense you didn't come here just to report on their training."
"Right. I'm heading to the Land of Iron," Kūga stated, his tone becoming serious. "I want to see what I can do to sway them to our side."
Hashirama's expression shifted, his brows furrowing in thought. "If the Land of Iron is willing to ally with us, it could change the entire tide of the battle. Their neutrality has always made them a stronghold, and their resources could bolster our efforts significantly."
Kūga nodded, appreciating Hashirama's insight. "Exactly. But that's why I'm here. I need to move fast."
"Be careful out there," Hashirama advised, his voice laced with concern. "You know how sensitive political matters can be."
Kūga flashed a grin, the corners of his lips curling mischievously. "Yeah, I'll be careful... not to destroy the Land of Iron in the process."
The comment earned him a sweatdrop from Hashirama, who shook his head in disbelief. "You really are something else, Kūga."
With a shared laugh, they made their way to the rooftop of the Hokage Tower. The view was breathtaking; Konoha sprawled below them, a blend of traditional architecture and vibrant life. The wind whipped through their hair, and the sounds of the village faded into a distant hum.
"Before you go, here," Hashirama reaches a scroll towards Kūga, "You give this to the general of Tetsu no Kuni."
Kūga turned to Hashirama, seeing the sealed scroll with Konoha symbol printed on it, receives it. "Alright, I'm off."
With a fist bump that echoed their camaraderie, Kūga closed his eyes for a brief moment, summoning the familiar rush of Aether. He began to float, his body rising gracefully into the air. As he looked back at Hashirama, he called out, "Bye!"
Then, with a powerful surge of energy, he ascended to an altitude that made the village look like a mere toy town beneath him.
In an instant, he shot northward, faster than a hawk in flight. The speed he attained was so immense that it produced a deafening sonic boom, the shockwave rippling through the air behind him.
Hashirama watched in awe, a smile breaking across his face as he shook his head.
"Show off," he murmured, a hint of pride in his voice as he returned to his to his office for his paperwork, hoping that Kūga would succeed in this mission.
.
As Kūga soared through the air, the landscape shifted dramatically beneath him. Within minutes, he witnesses a region that is a huge contrast to the warmth of land of fire. A desolate expanse dominated by towering, snow-capped mountains.
The biting wind whipped around him, but he pressed forward, protected by aether.
Before him loomed three massive peaks that resembled wolves snarling, their rocky forms carved by centuries of relentless weather. "This must be the place," Kūga murmured.
Slowing his speed, he surveyed the area and noticed a group of samurai stationed beneath the imposing mountain entrance.
They were clad in armor, their stances rigid, as if ready for any threat.
Cancelling his flight, he dropped from the sky, landing with an authoritative thud that sent a shockwave rippling across the ground. The snow surrounding him was cleared away in a flurry, revealing the stark, rocky earth beneath.
The samurai immediately snapped into alertness, their hands instinctively reaching for their katanas as they registered the sudden disturbance.
One of them, his voice barely cutting through the howling wind, shouted, "State your business, stranger!"
Kūga raised a hand, the motion deliberate as he reveals a sealed scroll engraved with the Konoha emblem. "I'm Kūga Seiryu, sent by the Hokage of Konohagakure no Sato. I need to deliver this scroll to your general." His voice was imbued with Aether, carrying effortlessly over the icy gusts, crisp and clear.
The samurai narrowed his eyes, skepticism etched across his features. "I don't see any headband on you."
Kūga scratched the back of his head nonchalantly, a light grin on his face. "You're right, I do not. However," he continued, turning his back to reveal the Konoha symbol embroidered on the back of his fur-trimmed coat, a bold statement of allegiance. "I have this."
The samurai studied the insignia, the symbol of the Hidden Leaf standing out from the black-colored coat.
His expression shifted from suspicion to acknowledgment as he gestured for Kūga to approach. "Alright, come closer!"
Kūga then walks toward them, his smile wide and inviting. As he drew near, the samurai examined him closely, noting the distinctiveness of his attire. A hint of curiosity sparked in his eyes.
Kūga chuckled lightly, the sound warm against the frigid air. "I've got a unique style, I know." His confidence radiated, easing any lingering tension as the samurai nodded, a reluctant respect beginning to form.
With a nod of approval, the samurai motioned him forward. "Follow me; Ill take you to the general. You, stay in guard." The other samurai nodded and proceed to place his attention towards the front.
"Oh, and welcome to the Land of Iron." The Samurai said, earning him a nod from White-haired.
As they moved through the snowy terrain, Kūga couldn't help but feel the weight of the task ahead. The Land of Iron had always maintained its neutrality, standing as a buffer between the great shinobi nations.
His mission was not just to deliver a scroll but to forge potential alliances that could alter the course of the ongoing conflict.
The group made their way to a large wooden structure built into the mountainside, its sturdy frame an embodiment of the samurai's heritage. Inside, the warmth enveloped him, a stark contrast to the biting cold outside.
The air was filled with the scent of wood and spices, grounding him for the discussions that lay ahead.
Kūga smiled, whatever happens in the negotiations, he needs to get something out of it. Every move he made would have repercussions, but knew what he was doing.
.
As Kūga continued following the samurai, deeper into the towering, wolf-like mountains, he couldn't help but marvel at the vibrant life within the otherwise harsh, frozen landscape. Despite the biting cold and the isolation of the region, it was clear that the people here thrived.
The icy air barely seemed to affect the citizens who went about their business, bundled in warm, sturdy clothes, their get busy with their lives.
"It's quite lively here," Kūga mused, his voice filled with genuine curiosity. He watched as vendors sold goods, warriors trained in the courtyards and more.
Kaito glanced at him sideways, his expression calm and measured. "Unlike shinobi and kunoichi," he began, "we samurai preserve peace, harmony, and integrity. Our strength lies not in conflict, but in our unity and discipline. It is that which allows us to thrive, even in such a harsh environment."
Kūga raised an eyebrow and nodded slightly in acknowledgment but thought, 'When did I ask?'.
Though the samurai's words carried a certain weight, one rooted in a deep sense of pride and purpose.
As they walked, Kūga looked at the disciplined warriors, the civilians who carried themselves with dignity. There was indeed a difference in how the Land of Iron operated compared to the hidden villages.
Soon, they arrived at an impressive structure that stood in contrast to the rest of the mountain settlement.
The large, Japanese-style house was ornate yet sturdy, its wooden framework decorated with intricate carvings of wolves. It radiated a sense of authority and strength. Several samurai stood guard at its entrance, their swords resting on their hips, their eyes trained on every movement.
As they approached, one of the guards stepped forward. He was a tall man with a stern expression, his brown hair tied into a ponytail with a red knot. He had scars that ran across his face. A small goatee adorned his chin, and he wore a black yukata underneath a white haori. His sword, tied securely to his hip, gleamed in the faint light.
"Kaito," the man's voice rumbled, "you're not supposed to leave your post."
Kaito bowed his head slightly in respect. "Apologies, Sasaki. A Konoha shinobi wishes to meet the general. He carries an important letter." He glanced at Kūga briefly, seeming unsure of how exactly to categorize him.
"At least, he says he's a shinobi..." Kaito trailed off as he eyed Kūga's unusual attire.
Kūga, who had been observing the exchange with a calm patience, reached into his coat and withdrew the scroll.
Sasaki's sharp eyes immediately locked onto the scroll, the Konoha imprint catching his attention. However, his gaze soon shifted back to Kūga's attire, a flicker of doubt in his eyes.
"You don't seem like a shinobi," Sasaki remarked, his voice laced with skepticism. "You dress…"
Kūga smirked, finishing the thought with a casual ease. "Weird? I get it. I understand if you have a horrible eye for fashion. I can't blame you." His playful tone cut through the formal air, his lips curving upward in amusement.
Sasaki let out a resigned sigh, his expression one of slight annoyance, though there was a trace of amusement hidden beneath it.
"I was going to say 'unique,' but that works too," he replied. He took a step forward, his posture relaxing slightly. "What's your name, shinobi of Konoha?"
"Kūga Seiryu," he replied, extending his hand for a handshake, his gaze steady and friendly. "Although I'm not a shinobi, just a regular camper."
After a brief moment of hesitation, Sasaki accepted the handshake with a firm grip. "Kojiro Sasaki. It's nice to meet you, Kūga-san."
Kūga raised an eyebrow and shook his head slightly. "Kūga's my name, my surname's Seiryu."
Sasaki looked mildly confused for a second, his brow furrowing. "You put your name first?"
"I like it that way," Kūga responded with a casual shrug, still maintaining his easygoing demeanor.
Sasaki studied him for a moment longer, the gears in his mind visibly turning. But he simply nodded, his pragmatic nature not one to dwell on such details. "To each man his own," he muttered.
Turning around, Sasaki began walking toward the large house, the heavy doors adorned with samurai symbols and intricate carvings of the land's history. "Wait here," Sasaki called over his shoulder. "I'll notify the general and return with his response."
Kūga nodded, watching Sasaki disappear into the building. As he stood waiting, the weight of the mission settled in his mind.
This meeting with the general could be pivotal, not just for him, but for Konoha and the larger shinobi world.
His thoughts momentarily wandered to the samurai code of honor and peace—how different their way of life was from the constant battles that shinobi endured.
Kaito, his task complete, dismissed himself, returning to his post.
Kūga remained patient, his mind focused on the negotiations ahead.
Though lighthearted in conversation, he knew that every word he chose in the meeting to come would be crucial to securing the alliance Hashirama had entrusted him with.