The village buzzed with excitement as the Chūnin Exams approached. Crowds of villagers and shinobi gathered at the main arena, eager to witness the next generation of ninja showcase their skills. For many young shinobi, this was a monumental step in their journey, a chance to prove their worth.
Kikidori, however, wasn't part of the crowd of hopefuls. He was already a Chūnin, having passed the exams a year earlier. He leaned against a wooden post near the arena, watching as Boruto, Sarada, and the others prepared for their matches.
"This is going to be boring," Kikidori muttered, crossing his arms. "I should be out training instead of watching these rookies."
Sarada overheard and smirked as she tightened her gloves. "Don't pretend you're not jealous, Kikidori. You just wish you were in the spotlight again."
"Jealous?" Kikidori scoffed. "Hardly. I'd wipe the floor with all of you."
"Sure you would," Sarada retorted, rolling her eyes as she walked toward the arena.
Kikidori shook his head, his attention drifting to the Hokage's office in the distance. Naruto was busy overseeing the event, ensuring everything ran smoothly. Kikidori admired his father's composure and strength, but deep down, he felt the familiar weight of expectation.
"Someday, I'll show everyone I can be just as great as him," Kikidori murmured.
---
As the exams began, Kikidori found himself wandering away from the arena, restless and uninterested in the matches. His feet carried him toward the outskirts of the village, where the forest stretched endlessly.
That's when he noticed something unusual. A masked shinobi darted through the trees, clutching a scroll tightly to their chest. Kikidori's sharp eyes caught the insignia on the scroll—it was a sacred relic, one that should have been locked away in the Hokage's vault.
"What the—?!" Kikidori's instincts kicked in. He took off after the shinobi, his heart pounding.
The chase led him deeper into the forest, far away from the safety of the village. Kikidori pushed himself to keep up, leaping from tree to tree.
"Hey! Stop right there!" he shouted, but the shinobi didn't even glance back.
Kikidori's determination burned brighter. This was his chance to prove himself, to show everyone he was more than just the Hokage's son.
---
Days passed as Kikidori tracked the rogue shinobi. His pursuit led him through treacherous terrain—dense forests, rocky cliffs, and hidden valleys. Each step was a test of his endurance and skill. He survived on his training and sheer willpower, determined not to give up.
On the seventh day, Kikidori finally found the shinobi's hideout. It was a secluded cave surrounded by towering cliffs, well-hidden from prying eyes. Kikidori crouched in the shadows, observing the area.
He soon realized the rogue shinobi wasn't alone. A group of five other ninjas guarded the entrance, their faces obscured by masks. Each one radiated a dangerous aura, their movements precise and disciplined.
Kikidori clenched his fists. He knew he was outnumbered, but he couldn't let them get away with the scroll.
"This is my chance," he whispered to himself. "I can do this."
Taking a deep breath, Kikidori stepped into the clearing.
"Hey!" he called out, drawing their attention. "I'm here for the scroll. Hand it over, and no one gets hurt."
The group turned to face him, their leader stepping forward. The rogue shinobi smirked beneath their mask.
"You've got guts, kid," the leader said. "But you're out of your league."
Kikidori smirked back, his hand reaching for his kunai. "We'll see about that."
The battle began. Kikidori fought with everything he had, his moves swift and precise. He dodged shuriken, countered jutsu, and struck back with his own techniques. For a moment, it seemed like he might have the upper hand.
But the group was relentless. They worked together, overwhelming him with sheer numbers and strength. One by one, their blows landed, wearing Kikidori down.
Despite the pain, Kikidori refused to back down. "I won't let you win!" he shouted, pushing himself to his limits.
But in the end, it wasn't enough. The group overpowered him, their final attack sending him crashing to the ground. Bloodied and broken, Kikidori lay motionless as the leader stepped over him.
"Such a waste," the leader muttered. "He had potential."
Believing Kikidori to be dead, the group left him there, disappearing into the shadows with the scroll.
---
A day later, Naruto arrived, his heart heavy with worry. He had followed Kikidori's trail, his worst fears realized when he found his son lying in the clearing.
"Kikidori!" Naruto shouted, rushing to his side.
Kikidori's eyes fluttered open, barely able to focus. "Dad… I…"
"Don't talk," Naruto said, his voice shaking. "You're going to be okay. I've got you."
As Naruto carried Kikidori back to the village, his mind raced. Whoever had done this would pay. But more than that, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. Despite everything, Kikidori had shown true courage and determination.
Back in the village, Kikidori's recovery began. The fight wasn't over, and he knew it. But this was just the beginning. He would rise again, stronger than ever.
The End of Chapter 5