At dawn, the sun began to rise on the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. Matsuri woke early, determined to make progress in his training. He quickly dressed and stepped out of his house, feeling the cool morning air on his face as he made his way to the clearing in the forest.
Upon arriving at the clearing, Matsuri took a deep breath, soaking in the tranquility of the place. He began his training with a series of exercises in the One-Punch style: squats, push-ups, sit-ups, and military-style crawls. Each movement was performed with precision and determination, his body trembling with effort, but his mind focused on the goal.
After completing the exercises, Matsuri stood up and picked up his bow. He adjusted the string and prepared for the next phase of his training. Carefully observing his surroundings, he spotted a small rabbit moving through the leaves. With silent movements, Matsuri pursued the animal, trying to get close enough to shoot an arrow.
He recalled the teachings of kyudo, focusing on his breath and posture. With a smooth motion, he drew the bowstring and released the arrow. The rabbit jumped to the side, but the arrow passed close, showing Matsuri's improvement in precision.
Satisfied with his progress, Matsuri returned to the clearing and set up the last part of his training. He hung small party balloons on low branches and positioned himself at a reasonable distance. Closing his eyes for a moment, he concentrated on the breathing technique he had been developing.
Taking a deep breath, Matsuri felt the air fill his lungs, increasing his blood flow and raising his internal temperature. With each exhale, he visualized the ferocity of wild animals, channeling this energy into his movements.
Opening his eyes, Matsuri shot an arrow toward the first balloon. The arrow hit the target, bursting the balloon with a satisfying pop. He repeated the process, adjusting his breathing and focus with each shot, until all the balloons were popped.
Exhausted but content, Matsuri sat down in the clearing, watching the remnants of the balloons scattered on the ground. He knew he still had a long way to go, but each small improvement brought him closer to his goal.
Before the sunset, Matsuri met Hana and Kiba on the outskirts of the forest. The trio gathered to play, talk, and train together. The conversation between Matsuri and Hana flowed lightly, yet with a serious undertone. Matsuri seemed genuinely eager to learn, and Hana's willingness to teach showed a special bond between them. As the group continued playing and exploring the forest, practical combat teachings and ninja techniques blended with the fun.
Hana looked at Matsuri with a genuine smile.
— Matsuri, you seem truly committed to learning. It's not every day we see someone like you willing to venture this far.
Matsuri nodded firmly.
— I really want to get stronger. I don't just want to be a ninja, but one who can rely on diverse and unique skills. The bow is my first choice, but I want to learn more than that.
Kiba, Hana's younger brother, joined the group, visibly more excited. He extended his hands, asking to train with Matsuri.
— Let's start with something simple. First, we need to learn how to move silently through the forest. That's how ninjas age gracefully. Silence and vigilance.
Matsuri and Kiba focused and practiced stealth techniques. They crawled on the ground, hid behind trees, and tried to reach the other side of the forest unseen. With each attempt, Matsuri felt his body responding better to the challenges.
By the end of the afternoon, the three were breathless and dirty, but satisfied with their progress. Hana encouraged Matsuri, saying:
— You've improved a lot today! There's still much to learn, but with dedication, you'll be able to adapt and grow as a true ninja.
Matsuri thanked her, feeling less frustrated and more determined. He knew the journey would be long, but with friends like Hana and Kiba, he began to understand the true spirit of ninja training — learning together, overcoming challenges, and discovering his own strengths.
— Thank you, Hana. Thank you, Kiba. Today was a good day. — Matsuri spoke with gratitude, feeling renewed by the experience.
— You're welcome, Matsuri! — Hana responded with a radiant smile, while Kiba played with a stick, pretending it was a sword.
The evening gently fell over the forest, a peace that Matsuri had never felt before. He knew that, despite the difficulties, his path as a ninja was beginning to take shape.
Before leaving, Matsuri pulled Hana aside and asked:
— Hey, Hana, Kiba, can you do me a favor? Your mother is the great leader of your clan, right?
Both Kiba and Hana proudly answered:
— Yes, indeed our mother is the alpha; she rules the clan.
Hana continued:
— Don't worry, if we can, we'll help you, but what does our mother have to do with it? Hmm, Matsuri, you're way too young to be interested in older women. My mother says she doesn't like boys who smell like milk. Who the hell would bathe or wash with milk, I don't get it.
Matsuri laughed, but soon wore a more serious expression.
— Stop that, Hana. Even if you don't understand what you're saying, it might come off wrong. And no, I'm not interested in your mother, but maybe she could help me.
He took a deep breath and continued:
— I was thinking it would be interesting to have a partner. Since I can't have one right now, at least I can dream or imagine what he would be like, or at least how I'd like him to be. Right?
— So, I, who adore nature, animals, and their distinct abilities, was thinking of a display of strength that nature shows us and thought of one even ninjas fear: Lightning.
Hana interrupted:
— Matsuri, stop dragging this out and just say it already! You're making me confused, and we Inuzuka aren't known for using our heads like the Nara, get to the point! It's almost dinner time, our nikens are crying, you know!
Matsuri smiled.
— Calm down, calm down! I'm getting there… ahm, ahm, cough, cough… So, I thought dogs are cool, but you know what's cooler? No offense, of course, WOLVES! Wolves are wild, strong, fast, and fierce. I believe a wolf could fight by my side even without the Inuzuka techniques.
Hana shouted exasperatedly.
— Matsuri! I'm going to hit you! What the hell does a wolf have to do with lightning? Just say it!
Matsuri - " Sumimaseee, sumimaseee, I'm almost done. What I wanted was for your mother or your family to help me find or at least get a clue, no, at least know if there's a wolf with lightning, thunder, or storm characteristics."
"My family isn't rich, but I can try to do some work, sell small game, and post a mission to capture a pup, or even an adult, the village has Jonins going on missions all the time, it shouldn't be impossible, but right now I don't even know if such a creature exists, but if at least one wild beast exists, I can try to capture it and form a summoning contract."
Hana - " If it's just that, I'll ask my mother. I'm sure if the clan captured such an animal, they would rarely donate or sell it, but if it's just information, maybe the clan would even be interested in you capturing it, since wolves and dogs are close relatives, we could get a pup in the future."