The next morning, Tomura woke to the sound of footsteps echoing through the corridors. A loud knock on the door signalled it was time to rise. He and the other children quickly got ready, their masks firmly in place, and followed the Hand ninja who led them to the cafeteria. The air was thick with anticipation as dozens of young recruits gathered for breakfast, whispering nervously among themselves.
Tomura and Kurogiri found a table near the corner and sat down with trays of simple but hearty food. "I wonder what they'll make us do today," Kurogiri muttered, his voice low.
Tomura shrugged, glancing around the room. "Whatever it is, we'll handle it. We've got no choice."
After breakfast, the recruits were instructed to form groups of five. Tomura and Kurogiri scanned the room, searching for potential teammates. A boy with silver hair and a sharp gaze approached them, his twin brother trailing closely behind. "Mind if we join you?" the boy asked, his tone confident.
"Sure," Tomura replied, sizing them up. "What are your names?"
"I'm Toshiro, and this is my brother, Tatsuya," the boy said, gesturing to the quieter twin. Tatsuya nodded in acknowledgment, his piercing blue eyes meeting Tomura's briefly.
As they exchanged introductions, a girl with long black hair and an air of quiet intensity approached their group. "Are you still looking for a fifth?" she asked.
"Yeah," Kurogiri said, motioning for her to join them. "What's your name?"
"Hitomi," she said simply, taking a seat beside Tatsuya. With their group complete, they waited for the next set of instructions.
A Hand ninja entered the cafeteria and ordered the groups to line up. The recruits were led to a large courtyard where cages and crates were arranged in neat rows. Inside each was a baby animal, their curious eyes peering out at the gathered children.
"These are your partners," the ninja announced. "You will care for them, train them, and include them in your missions and combat. Their survival is your responsibility, as is your own."
Tomura approached a crate containing a Ferruginous Hawk. The bird was small, its feathers a mix of rust and white, and it tilted its head curiously as he opened the door. "Looks like we're stuck together," Tomura murmured, gently lifting the bird onto his arm. "I'll call you... Raijin."
Kurogiri chose a German Shepherd puppy, its dark fur sleek and its tail wagging eagerly. "You'll be Fenrir," he said, scratching behind the pup's ears.
The twins each picked a Maine Coon kitten. Toshiro's was grey with piercing green eyes, while Tatsuya's was black with a white-tipped tail. "Yuki," Toshiro named his, while Tatsuya settled on "Kage."
Hitomi's choice was a Steller's Sea Eagle, its striking black and white feathers shimmering in the sunlight. "I'll call you Tenka," she said softly, stroking the bird's beak.
Once everyone had chosen and named their animals, the recruits were led to a training ground. The ninja explained that these animals were more than just pets—they were companions, extensions of the recruits themselves. Their bond would be critical in battle.
Tomura spent the day learning how to care for Raijin, feeding the hawk small pieces of meat and familiarising it with his voice. The bird was cautious at first but soon began to trust him, hopping onto his arm without hesitation.
Kurogiri, meanwhile, played with Fenrir, tossing a small ball for the pup to fetch. The German Shepherd was energetic and eager to please, quickly learning basic commands.
The twins worked together with their kittens, teaching Yuki and Kage how to climb and pounce. The Maine Coons were playful but surprisingly quick to adapt to the training.
Hitomi focused on building trust with Tenka, holding the eagle on her arm and practising commands to make it fly and return. The bird was powerful even as a fledgling, its sharp eyes scanning its surroundings with intensity.
As the day progressed, the groups were instructed to introduce themselves and share where they were from. Tomura hesitated but decided to speak honestly. "I don't remember much about my past," he admitted. "But I'm here to become stronger. That's all that matters."
Kurogiri followed, his tone more confident. "I trained with the League of Assassins before coming here. They sent me as a gesture of goodwill to the Hand."
Toshiro and Tatsuya shared that they were from a small village in the mountains, their voices tinged with pride. "We've trained together our whole lives," Toshiro said. "We're here to prove ourselves."
Hitomi spoke last, her voice steady. "I'm from the city. I don't have a family anymore, but I'll fight to make sure I never lose anyone else."
Hearing their stories, Tomura felt a strange sense of camaraderie forming. These weren't just strangers—they were his teammates, his allies in this harsh new world.
The training sessions continued into the evening, with each group practising basic drills alongside their animals. Tomura worked tirelessly with Raijin, teaching the hawk to fly between perches and return to his arm. He marvelled at the bird's grace and intelligence, feeling a deep connection growing between them.
Kurogiri's bond with Fenrir grew stronger as the pup began responding to hand signals and commands. The twins' kittens became more agile and playful, while Hitomi and Tenka displayed an impressive synchronicity during their exercises.
By the time the recruits returned to their quarters, they were exhausted but determined. Tomura placed Raijin on a perch he'd set up beside his bed, watching as the hawk preened its feathers. "We'll get through this," he whispered. "Together."
The lights in the dormitory dimmed, and the recruits settled in for the night. Despite the challenges ahead, Tomura felt a flicker of hope. For the first time in a long while, he wasn't alone. He had a team, a purpose, and a partner in Raijin.
As he drifted off to sleep, his thoughts lingered on the days to come. The Hand had high expectations, and failure wasn't an option. But with his newfound companions by his side, Tomura was ready to face whatever trials awaited them.