Chakra Wizard
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Indeed, this is the next chapter. And it’s also the LAST chapter…of Part One! xd Glad I finally got to this point, and thanks to everyone who’s been reading this fanfiction. Appreciate it, guys*_* Anyways, enjoy
Here’s my previous chapters, for those who missed any:
Chapter 081: The Next Chapter
The night that followed the tournament did not pass by quickly for the three rivals, nor was much of it taken up by sleep. They just continued to lay in their respective beds, gazing at their ceilings for most of the night until very early the next morning, when they each received a phone call from Konohamaru. Expecting to find a good reasoning for their shocking rejection awaiting them, they slowly got dressed and met up with one another in front of the Academy, walking synchronized up the steps and through the hallways to the Hokage’s office while paying little heed to anyone they happened to pass by. Airon volunteered to make the dismal knock on his door and the three walked in shortly after hearing Konohamaru’s approval from the other side, finding when they entered that he was already in the process of a discussion with Irezumi, yet another prominent contestant in the tournament who failed to receive a promotion. None of them said a word to one another as Konohamaru dismissed him and Irezumi left the office just as he had came, both Nakama and Manako tilting their heads inward towards Airon when the door had closed behind him.
Nakama: (What do you suppose he was here for?)
Airon: (I have a hunch. …I’ll clue you both in when we’re done here.)
Manako: (I think I know what it is already.)
Airon: (Even better.)
They took their positions in front of the desk as these thoughts were exchanged in their minds, at which point Konohamaru looked up at them and leaned back in his seat.
Konohamaru: Glad to see all three of you could make it here this morning. I’m assuming you were on the roof all night anyways, Airon.
He cracked a small smile at this subtle attempt at a joke in an effort to incite the same from them, wiping it from his face when he realized they wouldn’t be lifting their heads or showing their teeth any time soon..
Konohamaru: I suppose all of you are quite disappointed, maybe even angry that you didn’t receive a flak jacket yesterday.
Airon: (His fist curled up slightly in response to this rhetorical remark, but his gaze remained fixed upon the floor.) The choice to promote us fell upon you, Lord Hokage. …What right do we have to object to your decision?
Konohamaru: (He leaned forward as he said this, resting his elbows on top of the desk and interlocking his fingers.) That is true. It was my decision to make.
Again, the three genin made no attempt to look up at him as he spoke, leaving them completely oblivious when his frown morphed into a large grin.
Konohamaru: Which is why I’m a little surprised you three actually thought you weren’t getting a promotion.
All three heads immediately shot upwards, their eyes wide with shock as their mouths curved ever so slowly into smiles. Not expecting half the level of surprise seen in their expressions, Konohamaru couldn’t help but chuckle softly at their reactions.
Konohamaru: I would’ve thought you’d already read my mind and discovered the truth, Airon.
Airon: (He fought the urge to exchange looks with Nakama or Manako as the corner of his mouth began twitching slightly.) I try not to be too intrusive with that technique, sir.
Konohamaru: Hmhm, I’m sure you don’t. No, the real reason I chose not to promote you three in particular to chūnin at the end of the Exams was…because I believe you’ve already excelled past the expectations normally associated with that rank.
He stood up and walked around the desk as he spoke, stopping in front of it and leaning against it as he eyed the joyful genin standing before him.
Konohamaru: During your matches, you collectively showed strategic ability that went well beyond your years, as well as caution even during a lack of imminent danger. You’re capable of making quick decisions and maintaining a clear view of the situation at hand, no matter how dire it is or how much pain you endure in the process. …Hmhm, and need I even mention how powerful you’ve shown yourselves to be even at your young age.
Hints of pride and embarrassment could be seen in their expressions as he continued.
Konohamaru: Shinobi of your caliber needn’t even bother with the meager rank of chūnin. No, I think you’re more than ready…to join the village’s most elite ninja at the level of jōnin.
As their faces lit up even further, he reached behind him and grabbed a stack of neatly folded flak jackets, passing them out one by one before leaning back and awaiting their responses. Several seconds of silence passed to allow the moment to sink in before any of them finally spoke up.
Nakama and Manako: Thank you, Lord Hokage.
Airon: …Thank you, sir. I promise we’ll live up to your expectations.
Konohamaru: (He smiled in amusement and tussled his hair before walking back behind the desk, where he assumed a more serious expression.) Hmhmhmhm, you’ve already done that, Airon. …Now I’m asking you to go beyond them. I want you to show the rest of the shinobi system just how much you’re really capable of. Prove to them that they only thought they’d seen it all when you stepped into that arena yesterday. …Consider it your first unofficial mission as jōnin…and yes, it is an S-rank one.
As Airon fixed his hair to undo the damage that was done to it, he exchanged grins with Manako and Nakama before all three of them looked at the Hokage and nodded in acceptance to his terms.
Nakama: So, the others who weren’t called yesterday…
Konohamaru: (He smiled briefly before answering.) Of the finalists from this village, only you three received this leap in promotions. Hitomi and Chan will sadly be remaining at their current ranks as genin until the next eligible exam period.
Airon: (Noting the one missing name, he cocked an eyebrow and exchanged smirks with Manako.) (Guess that settles it. Make sure you find him after you leave.)
Manako: (I’ll be sure to.)
Konohamaru: As for our foreign friends, I can’t say for sure since they weren’t under my authority. After seeing their matches, though, I have little doubt that Sabure and Z also received promotions from their respective Kage.
Nakama: (She recalled their matches against Manako and Airon, respectively, with a gentle smile.) That’s good to hear.
Manako: (He followed her example as he recalled his face-off with Sabure.) Yes it is.
Konohamaru: (He nodded in agreement to their remarks, allowing a few more seconds to pass before sitting back down in his seat.) Well, enjoy the rest of the day, cause starting tomorrow, your responsibilities as ninja skyrocket…and I expect great things from you three when you start taking them on.
Airon, Manako, and Nakama: Yes, sir!
He glanced down at the paperwork on his desk as they turned to leave, looking up again moments later to find one of them was still standing there, much to his confusion.
Konohamaru: You have something else you want to discuss, Airon?
Airon: (He briefly glanced off to the side with his hands in the his pockets, turning to face him again once he’d contemplated his phrasing.) …I’d like to know what course of action you planned on taking regarding Taigen.
Konohamaru: (The matter having escaped his thoughts since yesterday, he smiled up at Airon in reassurance.) Don’t you worry about Taigen, Airon. No one is gonna touch a hair on that ninken’s-
Airon: That’s not what I meant, sir.
The Hokage’s smile vanished as it became clear Airon had no intention of returning it, and the two locked eyes for the longest time as the latter awaited a response, finally choosing to clarify when his patience grew too thin.
Airon: Minto and I have been pushing Taigen for almost five years to achieve the level he’s at now. You saw the exams, Hokage. He’s not just some other mutt waiting to get turned into a summoning or paired up with someone from the Inuzuka clan. …I wanna know if you really intend to waste all that talent just cause it’s not inside a human.
Again, Konohamaru was hesitant to answer, though the nature of the question made it difficult not to see why. As Hokage, the fact that a ninken managed to bypass the shinobi system for over three years, even qualifying for the Chūnin Exams and advancing to their third stage, was a serious problem that fell entirely upon his shoulders. As his grandson’s close friend, his heart could not bear to shame Taigen any more than he already had been, but nor could he risk raising doubts about the village’s security or the legitimacy of its leaders by dismissing the event altogether. With this thought weighing heavy on his mind, he heaved a sigh before Airon his answer.
Moments after their discussion reached its end, Airon was on the steps leading down to the front of the Academy building, at the base of which waited by Manako and Nakama, the former of whom stepped forward to inquire about the outcome of his inquiry.
Manako: How’d it work out?
Airon: (He smiled and stopped on the step just below Manako.) We’ll just have to see. (Where’s our newest ANBU member?)
Manako: (A small grin illuminated his face as he recalled Irezumi’s reaction to his intrusion minutes ago.) (I caught up to him just a short ways from the building. He didn’t seem too surprised that we caught on, but it certainly scared the heck out of him for a moment there.)
Airon: (Hehehehe, I bet. …I guess it’s in our best interest to keep it between us, though.)
Manako: (Will do.)
As the triad began walking away, they were approached from afar by Inase, seemingly returning from a bout of information gathering as per Airon’s request, made more evident by the grin on the latter’s face. Naturally, her first impulse upon reaching them was to comment on their new flak jackets, which she did so with a smirk and a shake of her head following an indifferent glance down at the one she now wore.
Inase: Why am I not surprised?
Airon: Hmhm, well, I sure was, believe it or not. …What’s happening with our foreign guests?
Inase: They’ll be spending the rest of today in the village before returning home at dawn. Why, did you wanna see them off with the Hokage?
Airon: (He answered with a grin, one which grew wider as he glanced over at Manako.) Why not? Grandpa’ll be there, too. …Besides, I’d say we made a few new friends during this little outing, wouldn’t you?
Manako: (He lowered his eyebrows in confusion.) Why are you staring at me?
Airon: (He merely turned away in amusement.) (No reason.)
All their individual business endeavors completed for the day, all four of them took off in the direction of their respective homes, Manako trailing just seconds behind them, still in a mild daze.
Manako: No, seriously! What friend did I make during the exams!?
Their residence being the closest at less than a mile away from the administrative building, Airon and Inase returned home first, eagerly awaited by their brother and parents. Finding them sitting in the living room, they were approached by their father as soon as they walked through the doorway.
Boruto: Well?
Having purposefully hid his flak jacket for this moment, Airon grinned as he reached into his overcoat and pulled it out, prompting his parents’ eyes to light up while Kei slumped over in his seat in false disappointment.
Kei: Man, that’s messed up. You can’t just get everything you want all the time, Airon.
Airon: (He looked past Boruto’s shoulder as he threw his arm around him.) Well, until that streak ends, little brother, I’ll just take what I get.
Boruto: Hmhm, alright alright. …Congratulations, Airon.
Inoue: (Walking over to congratulate him, as well, she wrapped her arms around his chest and planted a kiss on his cheek.) We’re so proud of you, babe.
Airon: (He shut his eyes in mild annoyance as he took the kiss, rubbing his cheek as he smiled and returned the hug.) Thanks, Mom.
Just a few hours later, the family was sitting around their table eating dinner, some with more etiquette with others, when Kei broke the silence with a question that had long been lingering on his mind.
Kei: So, exactly what happens now? I mean, we get the flak jackets and all, but what’s a chūnin supposed to do?
Boruto: (Noting the amused expressions his other two children exchanged with one another, he glanced up at the ceiling as he thought of a response.) Well…the missions get harder, for one, and you have a larger variety of them that you’re allowed to be assigned.
He waited until Kei shrugged his shoulders and nodded before continuing.
Boruto: On top of that, you’re also expected to be a role model and a leader for younger shinobi, which means always keeping up to par with their expectations of what a more experienced ninja should be like. You might end up in the Academy as an instructor if you want, or you could be asked to lead small teams on missions. That means you’ll have to learn the strengths and weaknesses of your team members and make sure their skills are fully utilized, you gotta make important decisions that could potentially have fatal consequences and report back to the Hokage on the status of your missions and any important happenings, and then there’s…
Every word that flew from his mouth took a bit of color from Kei’s face along with it, adding to the size of Airon’s smile in the process.
Airon: Okay, little brother? You look a little pale.
Kei: (This remark snapping him out of his daze, he stumbled to regain his composure as he responded to the flow of information.) Ah, can it. Uh, yeah. Yeah, cool. Awesome. Ha, like I couldn’t pull all that off in my sleep! Yeah, better watch out, Leaf Village! Cause all the other chūnin are gonna look like saps when I’m done!
Inase: (Jeez, speaking of saps…)
Airon: (He struggled not to laugh as he glanced over at Kei with a more reassured look.) (He’ll catch on once he starts getting into it. …He’s good that way.)
Inase: (She mimicked the gesture, though not without playfully shaking her head in a doubtful manner.) (Yeah, that’s true.)
Airon: (He smile grew wider as another thought entered his mind.) (I do know one person I don’t need to worry about in that regard…)
He didn’t bother looking back at Inase as he returned to eating his food, already well aware that the compliment had caused her face to turn pink. After a few seconds of twirling the piece of fish caught between his chopsticks, though, his smile contorted into a melancholic frown that his mother noticed almost immediately.
Inoue: You alright, hon?
Airon: (Jumping slightly at her sudden intrusion, he looked back down at his plate for a moment before putting the piece of fish in his mouth and looking over at his father.) …Yeah. (I was just thinking that Nakama’s probably eating alone right now.)
Boruto: (He smiled in amusement as he sipped his tea.) (I dunno about that, Airon. I can think of at least two people who probably invited her over tonight. So don’t worry about her so much.)
Airon: (Mulling over this as he chewed his food, he answered his reply with a smile after swallowing it.) (Yeah, you’re probably right. Thanks.)
Inase: (You were worrying about what now, Airon?)
Airon: (He shot her an annoyed glance as he broke off more of his fish and picked it up with his chopsticks.) (Shut it, Inase.)
Inoue: Hey now, all talking at the dinner table needs to be with your mouths. I don’t like when you keep things to yourselves when we’re supposed to be eating and chatting as a family.
The three of them traded amused looks before looking down towards the other end of the table at her, in part because Kei’s expression was a clear indication that he envied Airon and Inase for that ability.
Inase and Airon: Sorry, Mom.
Boruto: Sorry, dear.
As the members of the Namikaze clan consumed their dinner, just a brief distance away, the Sarutobi household sat down to begin doing the same. In their company was a welcome guest invited over for that evening, eying the food in front of her with intense admiration before looking up at her host with a gentle smile.
Nakama: Thank you for the meal, Sensei.
Suzaku: (He returned her smile and gently patted her shoulder.) Hmhm, don’t thank me, Nakama. Thank Minto and Ayumi. They’re the ones who prepared it for when you came over.
Raiden: (He feigned a look of disgust as he took his first bite of his own meal.) Mm, no wonder it doesn’t taste up to par.
Suzaku: Raiden…
Raiden: (He lowered his head and stared down at his food to avoid his gaze.) …Just a joke, Dad.
Nakama: (Noting the change in Raiden’s usual behavior, she smiled in amusement before turning over to Minto.) Hmhm, I’ll be honest, I was only seconds away from making it myself.
Minto: (He rolled his eyes and shook his head as he swallowed the food in his mouth.) You’re spending too much time with Airon.
Nakama: You think so?
Minto: After that little remark, I know so.
Ayumi: Hmhmhm, alright, just eat your food now. Help yourself to seconds if you’d like them, Nakama. And we can always pack some leftovers if you want to take them home with you.
Nakama: (She smiled over towards her end of the table, traces of guilt present in her eyes.) Thank you, Miss Ayumi. As always, you’re too kind.
Suzaku: Hmhm, well, you’re a jōnin now, Nakama. You need that extra energy.
Raiden: (He picked a small hair off his tongue and inspected it as their conversation carried on.) Hey, did Taigen help, too, or something? Why do I have a strand of gray hair in mine?
All eyes immediately turned towards the ninken in question, whose chair was hidden behind a small cloud of smoke. Having been eating alongside them in his human form until now, Taigen quickly set his plate on the floor and resumed doing so in his normal state as Raiden made the discovery. Being the one seated beside him, Minto leaned down over him and lowered his voice as he inquired how this came to pass.
Minto: Did you try cooking while I was setting the table?
Taigen: (He tilted his head up slightly as he continued eating.) No, I put that in there AFTER all the plates were made.
Being the only one in earshot of this, Minto sat back up with his lips curled inward, trying to fight the urge to laugh out loud as Nakama giggly softly in the opposite seat, having apparently caught on.
Ayumi: If you wanna learn how to cook, Taigen, I can gladly show you some day.
Taigen: (Cringing slightly, he looked up over the tabletop at her as he replied.) I appreciate the offer, ma’am. …Nakama.
Nakama: Hm?
Taigen: …Did Airon say anything…about the Hokage?
Nakama’s mouth was already primed to close around the clump of rice caught between her chopsticks, but she immediately stopped upon hearing this and looked up at Taigen, whose eyes were filled with anxiety and doubt. She exchanged worried expressions with both Minto and Suzaku and took the time to consume her next bite of food before responding.
Nakama: He wasn’t specific…but I’m sure it’ll all work out.
Taigen: (He noted her smile as she spoke, but the vague answer only deepened his despair as his eyes peered down at the table on which rested his snout.) Oh…okay.
He pulled back to sink below the table again, but stopped upon feeling Suzaku’s warm hand rested against the top of his head, looking up in surprise at his equally gentle smile.
Suzaku: Hey, whatever does happen, Taigen…just know I’ll consider you one of my students.
Taigen stared at him in admiration a moment longer before looking around the table. Finding that everyone present shared the same look of reassurance, apart from the obvious exception, he turned back to Suzaku with a smile of his own stretched across his long face, from which nearly all traces of doubt had vanished.
Taigen: Thanks…sensei.
With this lingering matter of concern temporarily resolved, the Sarutobi household silently continued eating while, near the outskirts of the village, the Uchiha clan, too, sat down to enjoy a family meal and celebrate the recent promotion of one or more of its members. As per usual, it fell upon Sarada’s husband to prepare the food, but with his exceptional culinary skill, no one else sought to complain and instead eagerly awaited its arrival. When it had all been set out ready to eat, he walked over to the far end of the table and sat down beside his wife, picking up his glass and raising it in the air as everyone else followed suit.
Tamanoko: A toast to Akame and Manako! For their well-deserved promotions!
Sarada, Sakura, Itachi, and Katsuto: Cheers!
Once they all drank to the occasion, they set down their glasses and began digging into the dishes laid out in front of them, at which point Sarada made it her obligation to point out the more noteworthy of the two absences at the table.
Sarada: On that note, where is Manako? I assumed he was joining us.
Itachi: (He continued filling his plate with meat and rice as he answered, faint traces of remorse in his eyes.) He’s with Himawari right now.
Sarada: (She paused ever so briefly when he said this, reflecting on her nephew’s tragic childhood as she resumed scooping vegetables onto her plate.) Oh…I see.
No sooner after everyone had finished acquiring their first helping were they joined by their family patriarch, who came jogging out of the hall and quickly sat down next to his wife, who had already fixed his plate to avoid him having to do the same with his one available arm.
Sasuke: My apologies. I had to finish gathering my supplies for tomorrow morning.
Tamanoko: Hmhm, not at all, Sasuke. Please, dig in while it’s still fresh.
Sarada: (Her face gradually contorted into a frown as she chewed and swallowed what food was in her mouth.) So, you’re leaving again?
Every set of eyes at the table immediately locked onto either her or Sasuke, the tension building in the air prompting most of them to lower their heads in grief as the latter heaved a sigh and polished off the remainder of his tea.
Sasuke: I thought I made that clear when I arrived six weeks ago.
Sarada: I was hoping you might change your mind before that time was up.
Sasuke: (He smiled softly as Tamanoko walked around and offered to refill his glass, returning to a more dreary expression as he resumed the conversation.) It’s not a choice I can make, Sarada. I still have things I have to to do out there.
Sarada: You’ve had a lot of things you HAD to do over the years, Papa. That doesn’t mean-
Sakura: Sarada.
Sarada’s face froze up as she slowly turned to face her mother, finding to her dismay that she was staring at her with eyes that contained both longing and sadness. Realizing that she had no right to make such complaints in her presence, Sarada lowered her head out of guilt and feebly returned to her meal.
Sarada: I’m sorry.
Sasuke: (He smiled gently at his wife in thanks, taking one more sip of his tea once she returned the gesture.) I am, too. …Try to understand, though.
Sarada feebly nodded after a moment of hesitation, at which point Itachi, having cleaned his plate, stood up to leave the room, thanking Tamanoko for the food as he passed while Sasuke turned with a smile to his granddaughter for the first time since he sat down at the table.
Sasuke: And very well done, Akame. I’m proud of you.
Akame: (She returned his smile as she took another bite of meat, her expression making it clear she wasn’t nearly as pleased with her performance in the tournament.) Thank you, Grandpa. …I still can’t believe I didn’t clear the first round, though.
Katsuto: Pssh, yeah, I’ll say. And you got stopped in your tracks by one of those lazy Nara bums, to-
He took a sip of tea as he spoke, only to spill it all over his plate as Akame reached beside her and smacked the back of his head. Sasuke merely shook his head in amusement at the ensuing argument, staring off towards the doorway his son just disappeared through all the while.
In the vast cemetery on the opposite corner of the village, Manako sat cross-legged in front of his mother’s lavish grave, twiddling a large flower between his fingers that he had previously plucked from the vase sitting on the right corner of her headstone, since the one on the right came from the other half of her extended family. Many a time before, he found himself sitting there whenever he found the nerve to visit, normally choosing either to stare blankly at her marble-imprinted name or lower his head towards the ground and shut his eyes tightly to hold back his tears as he softly uttered his apologies to her. Today, however, there wasn’t an inkling in sadness in his eyes, and his normally blank expression was replaced by a lively smile as he chimed away into thin air.
Manako: I was worried there for a while, Mom…but I really did it. Thirteen years old and I’m already a jōnin.
He stared at the headstone a second longer before closing his eyes, reopening them moments later with his Mangekyō Sharingan now active, again with no traces of remorse or anxiety to be found where they usually would.
Manako: These eyes you left me really helped, Mom. …Heh, I never really thought about it that way until now, but maybe Airon was right.
????: He normally is, isn’t he?
Recognizing the voice all too well, Manako turned and looked up at his approaching father with a grin. Pleased to see him smiling like this for the first time since he was a small boy, Itachi held back a tear as he returned the gesture.
Itachi: Are you not hungry or are you two just really deep in conversation?
Manako: (He shook his head and turned back to the grave.) Grandpa treated me to Ichiraku’s earlier today, so I’m not too hungry right now.
Itachi: (He looked straight ahead in confusion as he stopped directly behind him.) Father at Ichiraku’s?
Manako: …Other grandpa, Dad.
Itachi pondered this for a moment before smiling in amusement, taking a step off to the side and sitting down next to his son.
Itachi: The Seventh Hokage is the “other” grandfather. Hmhmhm, I bet he would love to hear that. …Was she happy to hear the news?
Manako: (He looked up at him as he spoke, smiling down at the flower in his hand as he thought of a reply.) Yeah…I’m sure she was.
After a few more seconds of silence, Manako gently placed the flower down at the foot of the grave as a strange noise erupted around them, one that both of them quickly traced back to his stomach.
Manako: On second thought, I probably should eat dinner.
Itachi: Hmhm, well, you’d best hurry. Tamanoko’s food is only good when it’s still warm.
He patted Manako on the back as he ran past him before he slowly got up himself. While he was on one knee, he took the time to place the flower back in its vase properly before resting his same hand on the top of the headstone, allowing his tears to flow freely at last as he looked up at the name engraved on it, positioned along the left side to make room for his own when his time came, as well.
Itachi: He’s an amazing young man, Himawari. …You’d be so proud of him.
His hand involuntarily began stroking the headstone as he spoke, and he reached forward to plant a gentle kiss on its crest before standing up and walking away, smiling amidst his certainty that his wife’s spirit was smiling in gratitude for this news.
The rest of the evening and the night that followed passed quickly into the next day, at the first light of which the four visiting Kage and their bodyguards stood at the village gate, along with a few other guests who chose to stay the night, each of them bidding farewell to a select group of their hosts before beginning their respective journeys home. Among them, Airon and Gaara exchanged greetings for the first time since the preliminaries, the latter slipping a small scroll into the former’s hand as they broke away.
Airon: Thank you…Lord Kazekage.
Gaara: (He responded with a nod and a smile.) Thank your grandfather for mentioning it to me that night before. …I don’t believe I’ve told you directly, but you showed truly amazing potential in the final exam. …Perhaps one day, I’ll also refer to you as Kage.
Airon: (This thought having never crossed his mind until now, his smile slowly evolved into a grin.) Yeah…perhaps.
Sensing the approach of an old friend, Gaara bid farewell to Airon before stepping forward to greet his grandfather.
Gaara: It never ceases to be a pleasure, Naruto.
Naruto: Hehe, same here. You take care on your trip, alright? You’re getting old, don’t forget that.
Gaara: (He smiled in amusement.) Don’t worry about me. I have someone else watching me, after all.
Naruto: (He looked at the small gourd tied to his waist as he replied.) Yes you do…even after all these years.
Gaara: (Following his eyes, he looked up in realization upon noticing the gourd, shaking his head in further amusement as he looked a short distance away.) Well, yes, my mother Karura. I was referring to someone more…alive, though.
Naruto: (A bit surprised by his answer, he traced his line of sight over to his grandchildren.) Oh! Hehahaha, yes, that’s true! …They’re both very powerful ninja. I’m sure you’re covered with them coming along.
They completed their goodbyes as Kankurō crept up beside them. Prepared to bid farewell to him, as well, Naruto instead settled with a mutual nod before walking away as their elder sister came by, throwing her arms around them as they did the same.
Temari: It was great seeing you guys again.
Kankurō: Mm, you too, sis.
Shikamaru: (Walking up beside them, he placed his hand on Temari’s back to get her to stand back up before holding his hand out in front of Gaara, keeping the other stuffed in his pocket.) Be careful heading back.
Gaara: (He nodded in assurance as he took his hand in his own.) I will…I have someone else watching over-
Shikamaru: Yeah yeah, I gotcha. Already heard it once.
Temari was quick to slap the back of his head to reprimand him for his rudeness, pushing his arm back as he attempted to do the same out of aggravation. As this scuffle escalated further, towards the other side of the gate, other pairings exchanged farewells with one another, among them Z and Kagetsu – with a fist bump, naturally.
Z: If all goes good, the next exams’ll be on our home turf. Maybe we’ll catch ya then, homie.
Kagetsu: Lookin’ forward to it.
He looked back over at Izumi and Vito as they lowered their fists, leaning into Z’s ear upon seeing the latter’s incessant scratching at the thick coil of tape wrapped around his mouth and neck as he was fast asleep.
Kagetsu: Thanks for the duct tape, by the way. Can’t believe I never thought of that.
Z: Hehehe, you’re straight, dog. Don’t be leavin’ that fox cooped up in its hole forever, though. Fool gotta say somethin’ stupid every now n’ then or wuz the point of bein’ a fool, ya dig?
Kagetsu: Uhhh…yeah. (What the hell does that mean!?)
Kagetsu was forced to answer this question on his own terms as Z was approached soon after by Airon, the two exchanging grins and fist bumps as they came in close proximity of one another.
Z: Expect a new me next time we cross swords, my man. Don’t think Imma let’cha get off clean with that shit, ya feel?
Airon: Hmhm, I feel. I feel. …Just don’t expect I don’t polish up MY skills every once in a while, either. Even the champ has to train for a title match, right?
Z: (He looked up and over his shoulder as he replied.) I hear that.
The new jōnin were suddenly approached from behind by their respective mentors, briefly congregating with them before they stepped forward to greet one another with a fist bump, both as old friends and fellow jinchūriki.
Naruto: Was great seein’ you again, B. …And Gyūki.
B: Aw, ain’t nothin’, fool. Just don’t be a stranger round the Cloud Village, got it?
As Naruto nodded in assurance to his request, B slowly removed his glasses to reveal a pair of pupiless light-pink eyes, indicative of his Tailed Beast’s temporary control over his mind.
Gyūki: Now tell my brother to wake his ass up and gimme a hug goodbye.
Naruto: (He smiled in amusement before closing his eyes, opening them again moments later with an annoyed expression on his face.) Oh, he’s awake. He’s not all that happy about it, though. (You can at least say bye to them, Kurama.)
Another twenty seconds of making a disgruntled look as he argued within his own mind led to Naruto closing his eyes once more, opening them to reveal the red irises and slit pupils of the Nine-Tailed Fox. Under Gyūki’s control, B held his arms out in welcoming fashion with obviously mock affection on his face, which the Kurama-influenced Naruto cringed at before hesitantly holding his own arms out, as well.
Kurama: This is pissing me off so much.
Gyūki: Oh, relax. I thought another forty or so years with Naruto might open you up a bit more.
Kurama: I am not just some cuddly little fox!! I am an ancient creature of immeasurable power!! I do not just give out hugs to others, especially you or our seven other good-for-nothing brothers!!
Gyūki: Excuse me!!? Who the hell do YOU think you are calling the rest of us good-for-nothing…
They hadn’t even fully embraced before their meager attempt at sibling affection transcended into a full-blown argument, both Tailed Beasts trying to top the other’s vocal intensity as their jinchūriki watched in embarrassment from their respective subconscious. Their voices eventually carried over the entire proximity of the village entrance, prompting everyone else present to glance in their direction for varying periods of time, including the two most recently promoted kunoichi.
Sabure: Why are they yelling at each other like that? And what are they talking about?
Nakama: (She looked over at them in embarrassment a moment longer before turning back to her with a smile.) It’s a little hard to explain. …Congratulations on your promotion, by the way.
Sabure: (She returned the smile, lowering her head and gazing off to the side moments later as her face slowly turned pink.) Same to you. I’m guessing Airon and…Manako got theirs, too?
Nakama: (Smiling in amusement, she glanced over her shoulder as she answered.) Hmhm, why not ask him yourself?
Sabure’s head immediately shot up and her eyes widened upon hearing this, Nakama not even bothering to bid her farewell before walking away, grinning connivingly up at Manako as she passed him. He merely shook his head and smirked as he stopped in front of Sabure.
Manako: I don’t know why she and Airon keep looking at me like that.
Sabure: (She chuckled softly at this, struggling to make eye contact with him as she pointed out his new flak jacket.) It looks like we both received promotions to jōnin.
Manako: (He smiled and looked at her own as he replied.) Hmhm, that it does. …Congratulations.
Sabure: Thanks.
Her face slowly grew red and her eyes fraught with worry as a new thought plagued her mind.
Sabure: So I guess that means the chances of us meeting up again are pretty slim. Unless the Sand and Leaf end up collaborating for a mission, that is…and even then…
Manako: (He stared down at her for a moment in contemplation, eventually smiling as he answered.) …Well, there is also an easier solution.
Sabure’s head shot up once again, proceeding to stare wide-eyed at him as she awaited this solution of his. He merely looked at her in amusement as he shared it with her.
Manako: We simply become the next Kage, then we’ll be forced to see each other again every time the Kage are summoned to another meeting.
Sabure: …Oh…right.
Having obviously been expecting another answer, she quickly put the thought out of her mind and managed a smile and a handshake before walking back over to her brother, her arms trembling as she rubbed her hand incessantly. Watching this with amusement and a subtle hint of satisfaction, Manako turned to look beside him as a familiar voice echoed in his mind.
Airon: (Hehehe, so you are clueless at times.)
Manako: (He smirked and shook his head in annoyance as he looked back in Sabure’s direction, chuckling to himself when he found her jerking her head away to avoid being seen staring back at him.) (I understood, Airon. I wasn’t just gonna put her in a tight spot she wasn’t ready to be in, though. …Besides, who are you to lecture me on how to approach a girl?)
Airon: (He cocked an eyebrow.) (And what the heck does that mean?)
Nakama: Airon-
Her sudden appearance directly behind him prompted his body to tense up for the briefest moment, but it was enough to make both her and Manako laugh out loud. He eventually joined them, unable to prevent himself from doing so, as those around them began saying their final goodbyes. When all informal farewells were said and done, those from the Leaf all gathered on the side of the gate sitting within the village’s borders, while their visitors gathered on the other side, the Kage meeting at the center so Konohamaru could give them a formal sendoff.
Konohamaru: It was truly a pleasure overseeing this event with all of you. I greatly look forward to the next Chūnin Exams.
Darui: Hm, as do we all. Hopefully, the quality of this latest one doesn’t dull those that come after it.
Konohamaru: Hmhm…have faith in the new generations, Lord Raikage. I’m sure they won’t let us down.
Kurotsuchi: (She smiled and nodded in agreement to this.) May we all meet again soon.
Chōjūrō: (He nodded before adjusting his glasses.) Very soon.
With their bodyguards and fellow villagers right behind them, the Kage began walking off towards the rising sun as the crowd still standing at the gate waved to them. At multiple points, they turned around to return these gestures, and it was at these points Naruto took the opportunity to survey his former colleagues’ smiling faces while they were still discernible. As he did, his heart sank for reasons he couldn’t yet determine, an ominous feeling coming over him as if something horrible waited beyond the horizon.
Hinata: What is it?
Naruto: (He flinched in response to her sudden intrusion, regaining his composure moments later and looking back to find them appearing as only specks in the distance.) …Nothing.
Once they had completely disappeared from view, those still at the gate began departing one by one until only Naruto, Airon, and the entirety of the Uchiha clan remained, at which point the latter’s patriarch stepped forward and turned back to face the small group standing before him.
Sasuke: I suppose it’s time for me to move on, as well. …I still have a mission to complete out there.
No one said a word in response to this, it not being a surprise to any of them by this point. The first to step forward was Sakura, in her usual hushed tone used when confronting her husband. She kept her head lowered as she spoke, one hand pressed against her chest as the other steadied her elbow.
Sakura: You can stay, you know. …Don’t you have a more important mission here at home?
Sasuke: (He glanced over at Sarada and Itachi and their children before turning back to Sakura with a smile.) And why’s that? …I think you’ve done a wonderful job of it on your own so far.
Her steadfast expression made it clear that she was no longer referring to the raising of their children or grandchildren, as might have been the case at least a decade earlier. Somewhat embarrassed he didn’t pick up on this sooner, Sasuke chuckled softly to himself as he walked up to her, slipping his curled finger beneath her chin and pushing it up before pressing two fingers against her forehead.
Sasuke: I’ll see you again soon…alright?
It was a gesture he’d replicated more than a few times during their thirty-six year marriage, but one Sakura continually blushed at whenever it came to pass. This time was no exception, either, and she returned his smile as he walked over to give his goodbyes to their children, starting first with Sarada.
Sarada: Say hi to Karin for me…if you meet up with her at some point.
Sasuke: (He looked at her blankly after she said this, eventually smiling and resting his hand on her shoulder.) I’ll do that. In return, you take care of your brother while I’m gone…and your mother.
Sarada: (She looked over at Sakura when he said this, returning her smile after a moment and nodding in response to the request.) I will.
Sasuke leaned forward and kissed her softly on top of her head, expressing his thanks for her promise before turning to Itachi and Manako, the former merely smiling and nodding his head when he attempted to speak.
Itachi: I know, Dad. …We’ll be fine.
Sasuke: (A sense of relief overcame him upon hearing this, and he smiled down at Manako as he replied.) …Good.
Giving his blessings to Manako and his other two grandchildren, he waved to them all as he passed through the gate before turning around and disappearing into the tree line. Once he was out of sight, Naruto smiled and rested his hand on Airon’s shoulder, prompting him to look up.
Naruto: You get your jutsu from Gaara?
Airon: (He held up the scroll in his hand.) Right here.
Naruto: Good. You be sure to use that now, alright? You can’t be affording to stay up all night anymore.
Airon smiled before looking off towards the horizon, recalling Naruto’s words the morning of the first stage of the Chūnin Exams as he replied.
Airon: That’s the trade-off to being a genius, isn’t it?
They exchanged amused expressions as everyone went their separate ways. For most of them, this meant returning home to begin their days, but for Airon, this meant paying a quick visit to the Sarutobi residence, expecting to find an answer to his earlier question there waiting for him. To his surprise and joy, he turned out to be correct, finding Taigen standing there with Konohamaru, Minto, and Suzaku as he approached the estate. Seeing the flak jacket worn over his long back and the forehead protector tied around his neck, Airon looked up at Konohamaru, grinning as the Hokage winked in his direction, ensuring him that everything would turn out exactly as he’d hoped it would be.
Airon and his peers quickly returned to their normal lives in the days that followed, albeit with new responsibilities in store for those who received promotions. In a secluded training ground hidden beyond the tree line on the outskirts of the village, Team Lee trained aggressively to further their respective strengths, a surprising amount of effort being put in by Hitomi, who was determined not to give a repeat performance in the next Chūnin Exams. On the outside patio of the Nara household, Shikadai took it upon himself to teach his son how to play shogi and buried his head in his hands after losing his third consecutive match, silently praying for his father’s return so he could give him a proper beatdown. At the heart of the village, Kei decided to spend his first wages as a chūnin on an outing at Ichiraku’s, inviting Chōzen and Kemono along when Kūrogane declined in favor of a mission alongside Raiden and Katame. At Yamanaka Flowers only a brief distance away, Inojin took the time to teach Inoka the basics of running the shop after her recent hiring, at one point stopping to berate her for spacing off. In actuality, she was staring dreamily at Manako, who had just walked past the shop as he spoke on his new cellphone, hanging up moments later and looking off past the Hokage Monument with a particularly pleasant smile etched across his face. In a small workshop on the other side of the river, the members of Team Sai worked diligently on their respective artistic talents. For Kenji, this meant chiseling the face of his latest sculpture as he readjusted his face mask. For Ide, this meant gently shaping the features of her newest wax figurine with a small spatula and checking every few seconds to ensure no residue fell on her robes, while for Irezumi, this meant sitting in front of a mirror carefully applying ink to a mostly untouched area just above his waistline. A short ways from the building, Minto and Taigen walked through the village together while they had the free time to do so, briefly stopping their conservation to wave as they spotted Nakama off in the distance, who smiled before running over to join them. At the Third Training Ground, Itachi observed his niece and nephew as they sparred, both of them disappointed by their current levels and keen on living up to their clan name after the results of the exams. In the Hokage office, Inase gave a recent report to Konohamaru in her everso professional manner while on the roof of the building, Airon oversaw this all with his usual smile, wondering if and how anything could possibly go wrong with the lives they were leading right now.
What does the future hold in store for this group of talented young shinobi!!?
The End
Here’s my previous chapters, for those who missed any:
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Chapter 081: The Next Chapter
The night that followed the tournament did not pass by quickly for the three rivals, nor was much of it taken up by sleep. They just continued to lay in their respective beds, gazing at their ceilings for most of the night until very early the next morning, when they each received a phone call from Konohamaru. Expecting to find a good reasoning for their shocking rejection awaiting them, they slowly got dressed and met up with one another in front of the Academy, walking synchronized up the steps and through the hallways to the Hokage’s office while paying little heed to anyone they happened to pass by. Airon volunteered to make the dismal knock on his door and the three walked in shortly after hearing Konohamaru’s approval from the other side, finding when they entered that he was already in the process of a discussion with Irezumi, yet another prominent contestant in the tournament who failed to receive a promotion. None of them said a word to one another as Konohamaru dismissed him and Irezumi left the office just as he had came, both Nakama and Manako tilting their heads inward towards Airon when the door had closed behind him.
Nakama: (What do you suppose he was here for?)
Airon: (I have a hunch. …I’ll clue you both in when we’re done here.)
Manako: (I think I know what it is already.)
Airon: (Even better.)
They took their positions in front of the desk as these thoughts were exchanged in their minds, at which point Konohamaru looked up at them and leaned back in his seat.
Konohamaru: Glad to see all three of you could make it here this morning. I’m assuming you were on the roof all night anyways, Airon.
He cracked a small smile at this subtle attempt at a joke in an effort to incite the same from them, wiping it from his face when he realized they wouldn’t be lifting their heads or showing their teeth any time soon..
Konohamaru: I suppose all of you are quite disappointed, maybe even angry that you didn’t receive a flak jacket yesterday.
Airon: (His fist curled up slightly in response to this rhetorical remark, but his gaze remained fixed upon the floor.) The choice to promote us fell upon you, Lord Hokage. …What right do we have to object to your decision?
Konohamaru: (He leaned forward as he said this, resting his elbows on top of the desk and interlocking his fingers.) That is true. It was my decision to make.
Again, the three genin made no attempt to look up at him as he spoke, leaving them completely oblivious when his frown morphed into a large grin.
Konohamaru: Which is why I’m a little surprised you three actually thought you weren’t getting a promotion.
All three heads immediately shot upwards, their eyes wide with shock as their mouths curved ever so slowly into smiles. Not expecting half the level of surprise seen in their expressions, Konohamaru couldn’t help but chuckle softly at their reactions.
Konohamaru: I would’ve thought you’d already read my mind and discovered the truth, Airon.
Airon: (He fought the urge to exchange looks with Nakama or Manako as the corner of his mouth began twitching slightly.) I try not to be too intrusive with that technique, sir.
Konohamaru: Hmhm, I’m sure you don’t. No, the real reason I chose not to promote you three in particular to chūnin at the end of the Exams was…because I believe you’ve already excelled past the expectations normally associated with that rank.
He stood up and walked around the desk as he spoke, stopping in front of it and leaning against it as he eyed the joyful genin standing before him.
Konohamaru: During your matches, you collectively showed strategic ability that went well beyond your years, as well as caution even during a lack of imminent danger. You’re capable of making quick decisions and maintaining a clear view of the situation at hand, no matter how dire it is or how much pain you endure in the process. …Hmhm, and need I even mention how powerful you’ve shown yourselves to be even at your young age.
Hints of pride and embarrassment could be seen in their expressions as he continued.
Konohamaru: Shinobi of your caliber needn’t even bother with the meager rank of chūnin. No, I think you’re more than ready…to join the village’s most elite ninja at the level of jōnin.
As their faces lit up even further, he reached behind him and grabbed a stack of neatly folded flak jackets, passing them out one by one before leaning back and awaiting their responses. Several seconds of silence passed to allow the moment to sink in before any of them finally spoke up.
Nakama and Manako: Thank you, Lord Hokage.
Airon: …Thank you, sir. I promise we’ll live up to your expectations.
Konohamaru: (He smiled in amusement and tussled his hair before walking back behind the desk, where he assumed a more serious expression.) Hmhmhmhm, you’ve already done that, Airon. …Now I’m asking you to go beyond them. I want you to show the rest of the shinobi system just how much you’re really capable of. Prove to them that they only thought they’d seen it all when you stepped into that arena yesterday. …Consider it your first unofficial mission as jōnin…and yes, it is an S-rank one.
As Airon fixed his hair to undo the damage that was done to it, he exchanged grins with Manako and Nakama before all three of them looked at the Hokage and nodded in acceptance to his terms.
Nakama: So, the others who weren’t called yesterday…
Konohamaru: (He smiled briefly before answering.) Of the finalists from this village, only you three received this leap in promotions. Hitomi and Chan will sadly be remaining at their current ranks as genin until the next eligible exam period.
Airon: (Noting the one missing name, he cocked an eyebrow and exchanged smirks with Manako.) (Guess that settles it. Make sure you find him after you leave.)
Manako: (I’ll be sure to.)
Konohamaru: As for our foreign friends, I can’t say for sure since they weren’t under my authority. After seeing their matches, though, I have little doubt that Sabure and Z also received promotions from their respective Kage.
Nakama: (She recalled their matches against Manako and Airon, respectively, with a gentle smile.) That’s good to hear.
Manako: (He followed her example as he recalled his face-off with Sabure.) Yes it is.
Konohamaru: (He nodded in agreement to their remarks, allowing a few more seconds to pass before sitting back down in his seat.) Well, enjoy the rest of the day, cause starting tomorrow, your responsibilities as ninja skyrocket…and I expect great things from you three when you start taking them on.
Airon, Manako, and Nakama: Yes, sir!
He glanced down at the paperwork on his desk as they turned to leave, looking up again moments later to find one of them was still standing there, much to his confusion.
Konohamaru: You have something else you want to discuss, Airon?
Airon: (He briefly glanced off to the side with his hands in the his pockets, turning to face him again once he’d contemplated his phrasing.) …I’d like to know what course of action you planned on taking regarding Taigen.
Konohamaru: (The matter having escaped his thoughts since yesterday, he smiled up at Airon in reassurance.) Don’t you worry about Taigen, Airon. No one is gonna touch a hair on that ninken’s-
Airon: That’s not what I meant, sir.
The Hokage’s smile vanished as it became clear Airon had no intention of returning it, and the two locked eyes for the longest time as the latter awaited a response, finally choosing to clarify when his patience grew too thin.
Airon: Minto and I have been pushing Taigen for almost five years to achieve the level he’s at now. You saw the exams, Hokage. He’s not just some other mutt waiting to get turned into a summoning or paired up with someone from the Inuzuka clan. …I wanna know if you really intend to waste all that talent just cause it’s not inside a human.
Again, Konohamaru was hesitant to answer, though the nature of the question made it difficult not to see why. As Hokage, the fact that a ninken managed to bypass the shinobi system for over three years, even qualifying for the Chūnin Exams and advancing to their third stage, was a serious problem that fell entirely upon his shoulders. As his grandson’s close friend, his heart could not bear to shame Taigen any more than he already had been, but nor could he risk raising doubts about the village’s security or the legitimacy of its leaders by dismissing the event altogether. With this thought weighing heavy on his mind, he heaved a sigh before Airon his answer.
Moments after their discussion reached its end, Airon was on the steps leading down to the front of the Academy building, at the base of which waited by Manako and Nakama, the former of whom stepped forward to inquire about the outcome of his inquiry.
Manako: How’d it work out?
Airon: (He smiled and stopped on the step just below Manako.) We’ll just have to see. (Where’s our newest ANBU member?)
Manako: (A small grin illuminated his face as he recalled Irezumi’s reaction to his intrusion minutes ago.) (I caught up to him just a short ways from the building. He didn’t seem too surprised that we caught on, but it certainly scared the heck out of him for a moment there.)
Airon: (Hehehehe, I bet. …I guess it’s in our best interest to keep it between us, though.)
Manako: (Will do.)
As the triad began walking away, they were approached from afar by Inase, seemingly returning from a bout of information gathering as per Airon’s request, made more evident by the grin on the latter’s face. Naturally, her first impulse upon reaching them was to comment on their new flak jackets, which she did so with a smirk and a shake of her head following an indifferent glance down at the one she now wore.
Inase: Why am I not surprised?
Airon: Hmhm, well, I sure was, believe it or not. …What’s happening with our foreign guests?
Inase: They’ll be spending the rest of today in the village before returning home at dawn. Why, did you wanna see them off with the Hokage?
Airon: (He answered with a grin, one which grew wider as he glanced over at Manako.) Why not? Grandpa’ll be there, too. …Besides, I’d say we made a few new friends during this little outing, wouldn’t you?
Manako: (He lowered his eyebrows in confusion.) Why are you staring at me?
Airon: (He merely turned away in amusement.) (No reason.)
All their individual business endeavors completed for the day, all four of them took off in the direction of their respective homes, Manako trailing just seconds behind them, still in a mild daze.
Manako: No, seriously! What friend did I make during the exams!?
Their residence being the closest at less than a mile away from the administrative building, Airon and Inase returned home first, eagerly awaited by their brother and parents. Finding them sitting in the living room, they were approached by their father as soon as they walked through the doorway.
Boruto: Well?
Having purposefully hid his flak jacket for this moment, Airon grinned as he reached into his overcoat and pulled it out, prompting his parents’ eyes to light up while Kei slumped over in his seat in false disappointment.
Kei: Man, that’s messed up. You can’t just get everything you want all the time, Airon.
Airon: (He looked past Boruto’s shoulder as he threw his arm around him.) Well, until that streak ends, little brother, I’ll just take what I get.
Boruto: Hmhm, alright alright. …Congratulations, Airon.
Inoue: (Walking over to congratulate him, as well, she wrapped her arms around his chest and planted a kiss on his cheek.) We’re so proud of you, babe.
Airon: (He shut his eyes in mild annoyance as he took the kiss, rubbing his cheek as he smiled and returned the hug.) Thanks, Mom.
Just a few hours later, the family was sitting around their table eating dinner, some with more etiquette with others, when Kei broke the silence with a question that had long been lingering on his mind.
Kei: So, exactly what happens now? I mean, we get the flak jackets and all, but what’s a chūnin supposed to do?
Boruto: (Noting the amused expressions his other two children exchanged with one another, he glanced up at the ceiling as he thought of a response.) Well…the missions get harder, for one, and you have a larger variety of them that you’re allowed to be assigned.
He waited until Kei shrugged his shoulders and nodded before continuing.
Boruto: On top of that, you’re also expected to be a role model and a leader for younger shinobi, which means always keeping up to par with their expectations of what a more experienced ninja should be like. You might end up in the Academy as an instructor if you want, or you could be asked to lead small teams on missions. That means you’ll have to learn the strengths and weaknesses of your team members and make sure their skills are fully utilized, you gotta make important decisions that could potentially have fatal consequences and report back to the Hokage on the status of your missions and any important happenings, and then there’s…
Every word that flew from his mouth took a bit of color from Kei’s face along with it, adding to the size of Airon’s smile in the process.
Airon: Okay, little brother? You look a little pale.
Kei: (This remark snapping him out of his daze, he stumbled to regain his composure as he responded to the flow of information.) Ah, can it. Uh, yeah. Yeah, cool. Awesome. Ha, like I couldn’t pull all that off in my sleep! Yeah, better watch out, Leaf Village! Cause all the other chūnin are gonna look like saps when I’m done!
Inase: (Jeez, speaking of saps…)
Airon: (He struggled not to laugh as he glanced over at Kei with a more reassured look.) (He’ll catch on once he starts getting into it. …He’s good that way.)
Inase: (She mimicked the gesture, though not without playfully shaking her head in a doubtful manner.) (Yeah, that’s true.)
Airon: (He smile grew wider as another thought entered his mind.) (I do know one person I don’t need to worry about in that regard…)
He didn’t bother looking back at Inase as he returned to eating his food, already well aware that the compliment had caused her face to turn pink. After a few seconds of twirling the piece of fish caught between his chopsticks, though, his smile contorted into a melancholic frown that his mother noticed almost immediately.
Inoue: You alright, hon?
Airon: (Jumping slightly at her sudden intrusion, he looked back down at his plate for a moment before putting the piece of fish in his mouth and looking over at his father.) …Yeah. (I was just thinking that Nakama’s probably eating alone right now.)
Boruto: (He smiled in amusement as he sipped his tea.) (I dunno about that, Airon. I can think of at least two people who probably invited her over tonight. So don’t worry about her so much.)
Airon: (Mulling over this as he chewed his food, he answered his reply with a smile after swallowing it.) (Yeah, you’re probably right. Thanks.)
Inase: (You were worrying about what now, Airon?)
Airon: (He shot her an annoyed glance as he broke off more of his fish and picked it up with his chopsticks.) (Shut it, Inase.)
Inoue: Hey now, all talking at the dinner table needs to be with your mouths. I don’t like when you keep things to yourselves when we’re supposed to be eating and chatting as a family.
The three of them traded amused looks before looking down towards the other end of the table at her, in part because Kei’s expression was a clear indication that he envied Airon and Inase for that ability.
Inase and Airon: Sorry, Mom.
Boruto: Sorry, dear.
As the members of the Namikaze clan consumed their dinner, just a brief distance away, the Sarutobi household sat down to begin doing the same. In their company was a welcome guest invited over for that evening, eying the food in front of her with intense admiration before looking up at her host with a gentle smile.
Nakama: Thank you for the meal, Sensei.
Suzaku: (He returned her smile and gently patted her shoulder.) Hmhm, don’t thank me, Nakama. Thank Minto and Ayumi. They’re the ones who prepared it for when you came over.
Raiden: (He feigned a look of disgust as he took his first bite of his own meal.) Mm, no wonder it doesn’t taste up to par.
Suzaku: Raiden…
Raiden: (He lowered his head and stared down at his food to avoid his gaze.) …Just a joke, Dad.
Nakama: (Noting the change in Raiden’s usual behavior, she smiled in amusement before turning over to Minto.) Hmhm, I’ll be honest, I was only seconds away from making it myself.
Minto: (He rolled his eyes and shook his head as he swallowed the food in his mouth.) You’re spending too much time with Airon.
Nakama: You think so?
Minto: After that little remark, I know so.
Ayumi: Hmhmhm, alright, just eat your food now. Help yourself to seconds if you’d like them, Nakama. And we can always pack some leftovers if you want to take them home with you.
Nakama: (She smiled over towards her end of the table, traces of guilt present in her eyes.) Thank you, Miss Ayumi. As always, you’re too kind.
Suzaku: Hmhm, well, you’re a jōnin now, Nakama. You need that extra energy.
Raiden: (He picked a small hair off his tongue and inspected it as their conversation carried on.) Hey, did Taigen help, too, or something? Why do I have a strand of gray hair in mine?
All eyes immediately turned towards the ninken in question, whose chair was hidden behind a small cloud of smoke. Having been eating alongside them in his human form until now, Taigen quickly set his plate on the floor and resumed doing so in his normal state as Raiden made the discovery. Being the one seated beside him, Minto leaned down over him and lowered his voice as he inquired how this came to pass.
Minto: Did you try cooking while I was setting the table?
Taigen: (He tilted his head up slightly as he continued eating.) No, I put that in there AFTER all the plates were made.
Being the only one in earshot of this, Minto sat back up with his lips curled inward, trying to fight the urge to laugh out loud as Nakama giggly softly in the opposite seat, having apparently caught on.
Ayumi: If you wanna learn how to cook, Taigen, I can gladly show you some day.
Taigen: (Cringing slightly, he looked up over the tabletop at her as he replied.) I appreciate the offer, ma’am. …Nakama.
Nakama: Hm?
Taigen: …Did Airon say anything…about the Hokage?
Nakama’s mouth was already primed to close around the clump of rice caught between her chopsticks, but she immediately stopped upon hearing this and looked up at Taigen, whose eyes were filled with anxiety and doubt. She exchanged worried expressions with both Minto and Suzaku and took the time to consume her next bite of food before responding.
Nakama: He wasn’t specific…but I’m sure it’ll all work out.
Taigen: (He noted her smile as she spoke, but the vague answer only deepened his despair as his eyes peered down at the table on which rested his snout.) Oh…okay.
He pulled back to sink below the table again, but stopped upon feeling Suzaku’s warm hand rested against the top of his head, looking up in surprise at his equally gentle smile.
Suzaku: Hey, whatever does happen, Taigen…just know I’ll consider you one of my students.
Taigen stared at him in admiration a moment longer before looking around the table. Finding that everyone present shared the same look of reassurance, apart from the obvious exception, he turned back to Suzaku with a smile of his own stretched across his long face, from which nearly all traces of doubt had vanished.
Taigen: Thanks…sensei.
With this lingering matter of concern temporarily resolved, the Sarutobi household silently continued eating while, near the outskirts of the village, the Uchiha clan, too, sat down to enjoy a family meal and celebrate the recent promotion of one or more of its members. As per usual, it fell upon Sarada’s husband to prepare the food, but with his exceptional culinary skill, no one else sought to complain and instead eagerly awaited its arrival. When it had all been set out ready to eat, he walked over to the far end of the table and sat down beside his wife, picking up his glass and raising it in the air as everyone else followed suit.
Tamanoko: A toast to Akame and Manako! For their well-deserved promotions!
Sarada, Sakura, Itachi, and Katsuto: Cheers!
Once they all drank to the occasion, they set down their glasses and began digging into the dishes laid out in front of them, at which point Sarada made it her obligation to point out the more noteworthy of the two absences at the table.
Sarada: On that note, where is Manako? I assumed he was joining us.
Itachi: (He continued filling his plate with meat and rice as he answered, faint traces of remorse in his eyes.) He’s with Himawari right now.
Sarada: (She paused ever so briefly when he said this, reflecting on her nephew’s tragic childhood as she resumed scooping vegetables onto her plate.) Oh…I see.
No sooner after everyone had finished acquiring their first helping were they joined by their family patriarch, who came jogging out of the hall and quickly sat down next to his wife, who had already fixed his plate to avoid him having to do the same with his one available arm.
Sasuke: My apologies. I had to finish gathering my supplies for tomorrow morning.
Tamanoko: Hmhm, not at all, Sasuke. Please, dig in while it’s still fresh.
Sarada: (Her face gradually contorted into a frown as she chewed and swallowed what food was in her mouth.) So, you’re leaving again?
Every set of eyes at the table immediately locked onto either her or Sasuke, the tension building in the air prompting most of them to lower their heads in grief as the latter heaved a sigh and polished off the remainder of his tea.
Sasuke: I thought I made that clear when I arrived six weeks ago.
Sarada: I was hoping you might change your mind before that time was up.
Sasuke: (He smiled softly as Tamanoko walked around and offered to refill his glass, returning to a more dreary expression as he resumed the conversation.) It’s not a choice I can make, Sarada. I still have things I have to to do out there.
Sarada: You’ve had a lot of things you HAD to do over the years, Papa. That doesn’t mean-
Sakura: Sarada.
Sarada’s face froze up as she slowly turned to face her mother, finding to her dismay that she was staring at her with eyes that contained both longing and sadness. Realizing that she had no right to make such complaints in her presence, Sarada lowered her head out of guilt and feebly returned to her meal.
Sarada: I’m sorry.
Sasuke: (He smiled gently at his wife in thanks, taking one more sip of his tea once she returned the gesture.) I am, too. …Try to understand, though.
Sarada feebly nodded after a moment of hesitation, at which point Itachi, having cleaned his plate, stood up to leave the room, thanking Tamanoko for the food as he passed while Sasuke turned with a smile to his granddaughter for the first time since he sat down at the table.
Sasuke: And very well done, Akame. I’m proud of you.
Akame: (She returned his smile as she took another bite of meat, her expression making it clear she wasn’t nearly as pleased with her performance in the tournament.) Thank you, Grandpa. …I still can’t believe I didn’t clear the first round, though.
Katsuto: Pssh, yeah, I’ll say. And you got stopped in your tracks by one of those lazy Nara bums, to-
He took a sip of tea as he spoke, only to spill it all over his plate as Akame reached beside her and smacked the back of his head. Sasuke merely shook his head in amusement at the ensuing argument, staring off towards the doorway his son just disappeared through all the while.
In the vast cemetery on the opposite corner of the village, Manako sat cross-legged in front of his mother’s lavish grave, twiddling a large flower between his fingers that he had previously plucked from the vase sitting on the right corner of her headstone, since the one on the right came from the other half of her extended family. Many a time before, he found himself sitting there whenever he found the nerve to visit, normally choosing either to stare blankly at her marble-imprinted name or lower his head towards the ground and shut his eyes tightly to hold back his tears as he softly uttered his apologies to her. Today, however, there wasn’t an inkling in sadness in his eyes, and his normally blank expression was replaced by a lively smile as he chimed away into thin air.
Manako: I was worried there for a while, Mom…but I really did it. Thirteen years old and I’m already a jōnin.
He stared at the headstone a second longer before closing his eyes, reopening them moments later with his Mangekyō Sharingan now active, again with no traces of remorse or anxiety to be found where they usually would.
Manako: These eyes you left me really helped, Mom. …Heh, I never really thought about it that way until now, but maybe Airon was right.
????: He normally is, isn’t he?
Recognizing the voice all too well, Manako turned and looked up at his approaching father with a grin. Pleased to see him smiling like this for the first time since he was a small boy, Itachi held back a tear as he returned the gesture.
Itachi: Are you not hungry or are you two just really deep in conversation?
Manako: (He shook his head and turned back to the grave.) Grandpa treated me to Ichiraku’s earlier today, so I’m not too hungry right now.
Itachi: (He looked straight ahead in confusion as he stopped directly behind him.) Father at Ichiraku’s?
Manako: …Other grandpa, Dad.
Itachi pondered this for a moment before smiling in amusement, taking a step off to the side and sitting down next to his son.
Itachi: The Seventh Hokage is the “other” grandfather. Hmhmhm, I bet he would love to hear that. …Was she happy to hear the news?
Manako: (He looked up at him as he spoke, smiling down at the flower in his hand as he thought of a reply.) Yeah…I’m sure she was.
After a few more seconds of silence, Manako gently placed the flower down at the foot of the grave as a strange noise erupted around them, one that both of them quickly traced back to his stomach.
Manako: On second thought, I probably should eat dinner.
Itachi: Hmhm, well, you’d best hurry. Tamanoko’s food is only good when it’s still warm.
He patted Manako on the back as he ran past him before he slowly got up himself. While he was on one knee, he took the time to place the flower back in its vase properly before resting his same hand on the top of the headstone, allowing his tears to flow freely at last as he looked up at the name engraved on it, positioned along the left side to make room for his own when his time came, as well.
Itachi: He’s an amazing young man, Himawari. …You’d be so proud of him.
His hand involuntarily began stroking the headstone as he spoke, and he reached forward to plant a gentle kiss on its crest before standing up and walking away, smiling amidst his certainty that his wife’s spirit was smiling in gratitude for this news.
The rest of the evening and the night that followed passed quickly into the next day, at the first light of which the four visiting Kage and their bodyguards stood at the village gate, along with a few other guests who chose to stay the night, each of them bidding farewell to a select group of their hosts before beginning their respective journeys home. Among them, Airon and Gaara exchanged greetings for the first time since the preliminaries, the latter slipping a small scroll into the former’s hand as they broke away.
Airon: Thank you…Lord Kazekage.
Gaara: (He responded with a nod and a smile.) Thank your grandfather for mentioning it to me that night before. …I don’t believe I’ve told you directly, but you showed truly amazing potential in the final exam. …Perhaps one day, I’ll also refer to you as Kage.
Airon: (This thought having never crossed his mind until now, his smile slowly evolved into a grin.) Yeah…perhaps.
Sensing the approach of an old friend, Gaara bid farewell to Airon before stepping forward to greet his grandfather.
Gaara: It never ceases to be a pleasure, Naruto.
Naruto: Hehe, same here. You take care on your trip, alright? You’re getting old, don’t forget that.
Gaara: (He smiled in amusement.) Don’t worry about me. I have someone else watching me, after all.
Naruto: (He looked at the small gourd tied to his waist as he replied.) Yes you do…even after all these years.
Gaara: (Following his eyes, he looked up in realization upon noticing the gourd, shaking his head in further amusement as he looked a short distance away.) Well, yes, my mother Karura. I was referring to someone more…alive, though.
Naruto: (A bit surprised by his answer, he traced his line of sight over to his grandchildren.) Oh! Hehahaha, yes, that’s true! …They’re both very powerful ninja. I’m sure you’re covered with them coming along.
They completed their goodbyes as Kankurō crept up beside them. Prepared to bid farewell to him, as well, Naruto instead settled with a mutual nod before walking away as their elder sister came by, throwing her arms around them as they did the same.
Temari: It was great seeing you guys again.
Kankurō: Mm, you too, sis.
Shikamaru: (Walking up beside them, he placed his hand on Temari’s back to get her to stand back up before holding his hand out in front of Gaara, keeping the other stuffed in his pocket.) Be careful heading back.
Gaara: (He nodded in assurance as he took his hand in his own.) I will…I have someone else watching over-
Shikamaru: Yeah yeah, I gotcha. Already heard it once.
Temari was quick to slap the back of his head to reprimand him for his rudeness, pushing his arm back as he attempted to do the same out of aggravation. As this scuffle escalated further, towards the other side of the gate, other pairings exchanged farewells with one another, among them Z and Kagetsu – with a fist bump, naturally.
Z: If all goes good, the next exams’ll be on our home turf. Maybe we’ll catch ya then, homie.
Kagetsu: Lookin’ forward to it.
He looked back over at Izumi and Vito as they lowered their fists, leaning into Z’s ear upon seeing the latter’s incessant scratching at the thick coil of tape wrapped around his mouth and neck as he was fast asleep.
Kagetsu: Thanks for the duct tape, by the way. Can’t believe I never thought of that.
Z: Hehehe, you’re straight, dog. Don’t be leavin’ that fox cooped up in its hole forever, though. Fool gotta say somethin’ stupid every now n’ then or wuz the point of bein’ a fool, ya dig?
Kagetsu: Uhhh…yeah. (What the hell does that mean!?)
Kagetsu was forced to answer this question on his own terms as Z was approached soon after by Airon, the two exchanging grins and fist bumps as they came in close proximity of one another.
Z: Expect a new me next time we cross swords, my man. Don’t think Imma let’cha get off clean with that shit, ya feel?
Airon: Hmhm, I feel. I feel. …Just don’t expect I don’t polish up MY skills every once in a while, either. Even the champ has to train for a title match, right?
Z: (He looked up and over his shoulder as he replied.) I hear that.
The new jōnin were suddenly approached from behind by their respective mentors, briefly congregating with them before they stepped forward to greet one another with a fist bump, both as old friends and fellow jinchūriki.
Naruto: Was great seein’ you again, B. …And Gyūki.
B: Aw, ain’t nothin’, fool. Just don’t be a stranger round the Cloud Village, got it?
As Naruto nodded in assurance to his request, B slowly removed his glasses to reveal a pair of pupiless light-pink eyes, indicative of his Tailed Beast’s temporary control over his mind.
Gyūki: Now tell my brother to wake his ass up and gimme a hug goodbye.
Naruto: (He smiled in amusement before closing his eyes, opening them again moments later with an annoyed expression on his face.) Oh, he’s awake. He’s not all that happy about it, though. (You can at least say bye to them, Kurama.)
Another twenty seconds of making a disgruntled look as he argued within his own mind led to Naruto closing his eyes once more, opening them to reveal the red irises and slit pupils of the Nine-Tailed Fox. Under Gyūki’s control, B held his arms out in welcoming fashion with obviously mock affection on his face, which the Kurama-influenced Naruto cringed at before hesitantly holding his own arms out, as well.
Kurama: This is pissing me off so much.
Gyūki: Oh, relax. I thought another forty or so years with Naruto might open you up a bit more.
Kurama: I am not just some cuddly little fox!! I am an ancient creature of immeasurable power!! I do not just give out hugs to others, especially you or our seven other good-for-nothing brothers!!
Gyūki: Excuse me!!? Who the hell do YOU think you are calling the rest of us good-for-nothing…
They hadn’t even fully embraced before their meager attempt at sibling affection transcended into a full-blown argument, both Tailed Beasts trying to top the other’s vocal intensity as their jinchūriki watched in embarrassment from their respective subconscious. Their voices eventually carried over the entire proximity of the village entrance, prompting everyone else present to glance in their direction for varying periods of time, including the two most recently promoted kunoichi.
Sabure: Why are they yelling at each other like that? And what are they talking about?
Nakama: (She looked over at them in embarrassment a moment longer before turning back to her with a smile.) It’s a little hard to explain. …Congratulations on your promotion, by the way.
Sabure: (She returned the smile, lowering her head and gazing off to the side moments later as her face slowly turned pink.) Same to you. I’m guessing Airon and…Manako got theirs, too?
Nakama: (Smiling in amusement, she glanced over her shoulder as she answered.) Hmhm, why not ask him yourself?
Sabure’s head immediately shot up and her eyes widened upon hearing this, Nakama not even bothering to bid her farewell before walking away, grinning connivingly up at Manako as she passed him. He merely shook his head and smirked as he stopped in front of Sabure.
Manako: I don’t know why she and Airon keep looking at me like that.
Sabure: (She chuckled softly at this, struggling to make eye contact with him as she pointed out his new flak jacket.) It looks like we both received promotions to jōnin.
Manako: (He smiled and looked at her own as he replied.) Hmhm, that it does. …Congratulations.
Sabure: Thanks.
Her face slowly grew red and her eyes fraught with worry as a new thought plagued her mind.
Sabure: So I guess that means the chances of us meeting up again are pretty slim. Unless the Sand and Leaf end up collaborating for a mission, that is…and even then…
Manako: (He stared down at her for a moment in contemplation, eventually smiling as he answered.) …Well, there is also an easier solution.
Sabure’s head shot up once again, proceeding to stare wide-eyed at him as she awaited this solution of his. He merely looked at her in amusement as he shared it with her.
Manako: We simply become the next Kage, then we’ll be forced to see each other again every time the Kage are summoned to another meeting.
Sabure: …Oh…right.
Having obviously been expecting another answer, she quickly put the thought out of her mind and managed a smile and a handshake before walking back over to her brother, her arms trembling as she rubbed her hand incessantly. Watching this with amusement and a subtle hint of satisfaction, Manako turned to look beside him as a familiar voice echoed in his mind.
Airon: (Hehehe, so you are clueless at times.)
Manako: (He smirked and shook his head in annoyance as he looked back in Sabure’s direction, chuckling to himself when he found her jerking her head away to avoid being seen staring back at him.) (I understood, Airon. I wasn’t just gonna put her in a tight spot she wasn’t ready to be in, though. …Besides, who are you to lecture me on how to approach a girl?)
Airon: (He cocked an eyebrow.) (And what the heck does that mean?)
Nakama: Airon-
Her sudden appearance directly behind him prompted his body to tense up for the briefest moment, but it was enough to make both her and Manako laugh out loud. He eventually joined them, unable to prevent himself from doing so, as those around them began saying their final goodbyes. When all informal farewells were said and done, those from the Leaf all gathered on the side of the gate sitting within the village’s borders, while their visitors gathered on the other side, the Kage meeting at the center so Konohamaru could give them a formal sendoff.
Konohamaru: It was truly a pleasure overseeing this event with all of you. I greatly look forward to the next Chūnin Exams.
Darui: Hm, as do we all. Hopefully, the quality of this latest one doesn’t dull those that come after it.
Konohamaru: Hmhm…have faith in the new generations, Lord Raikage. I’m sure they won’t let us down.
Kurotsuchi: (She smiled and nodded in agreement to this.) May we all meet again soon.
Chōjūrō: (He nodded before adjusting his glasses.) Very soon.
With their bodyguards and fellow villagers right behind them, the Kage began walking off towards the rising sun as the crowd still standing at the gate waved to them. At multiple points, they turned around to return these gestures, and it was at these points Naruto took the opportunity to survey his former colleagues’ smiling faces while they were still discernible. As he did, his heart sank for reasons he couldn’t yet determine, an ominous feeling coming over him as if something horrible waited beyond the horizon.
Hinata: What is it?
Naruto: (He flinched in response to her sudden intrusion, regaining his composure moments later and looking back to find them appearing as only specks in the distance.) …Nothing.
Once they had completely disappeared from view, those still at the gate began departing one by one until only Naruto, Airon, and the entirety of the Uchiha clan remained, at which point the latter’s patriarch stepped forward and turned back to face the small group standing before him.
Sasuke: I suppose it’s time for me to move on, as well. …I still have a mission to complete out there.
No one said a word in response to this, it not being a surprise to any of them by this point. The first to step forward was Sakura, in her usual hushed tone used when confronting her husband. She kept her head lowered as she spoke, one hand pressed against her chest as the other steadied her elbow.
Sakura: You can stay, you know. …Don’t you have a more important mission here at home?
Sasuke: (He glanced over at Sarada and Itachi and their children before turning back to Sakura with a smile.) And why’s that? …I think you’ve done a wonderful job of it on your own so far.
Her steadfast expression made it clear that she was no longer referring to the raising of their children or grandchildren, as might have been the case at least a decade earlier. Somewhat embarrassed he didn’t pick up on this sooner, Sasuke chuckled softly to himself as he walked up to her, slipping his curled finger beneath her chin and pushing it up before pressing two fingers against her forehead.
Sasuke: I’ll see you again soon…alright?
It was a gesture he’d replicated more than a few times during their thirty-six year marriage, but one Sakura continually blushed at whenever it came to pass. This time was no exception, either, and she returned his smile as he walked over to give his goodbyes to their children, starting first with Sarada.
Sarada: Say hi to Karin for me…if you meet up with her at some point.
Sasuke: (He looked at her blankly after she said this, eventually smiling and resting his hand on her shoulder.) I’ll do that. In return, you take care of your brother while I’m gone…and your mother.
Sarada: (She looked over at Sakura when he said this, returning her smile after a moment and nodding in response to the request.) I will.
Sasuke leaned forward and kissed her softly on top of her head, expressing his thanks for her promise before turning to Itachi and Manako, the former merely smiling and nodding his head when he attempted to speak.
Itachi: I know, Dad. …We’ll be fine.
Sasuke: (A sense of relief overcame him upon hearing this, and he smiled down at Manako as he replied.) …Good.
Giving his blessings to Manako and his other two grandchildren, he waved to them all as he passed through the gate before turning around and disappearing into the tree line. Once he was out of sight, Naruto smiled and rested his hand on Airon’s shoulder, prompting him to look up.
Naruto: You get your jutsu from Gaara?
Airon: (He held up the scroll in his hand.) Right here.
Naruto: Good. You be sure to use that now, alright? You can’t be affording to stay up all night anymore.
Airon smiled before looking off towards the horizon, recalling Naruto’s words the morning of the first stage of the Chūnin Exams as he replied.
Airon: That’s the trade-off to being a genius, isn’t it?
They exchanged amused expressions as everyone went their separate ways. For most of them, this meant returning home to begin their days, but for Airon, this meant paying a quick visit to the Sarutobi residence, expecting to find an answer to his earlier question there waiting for him. To his surprise and joy, he turned out to be correct, finding Taigen standing there with Konohamaru, Minto, and Suzaku as he approached the estate. Seeing the flak jacket worn over his long back and the forehead protector tied around his neck, Airon looked up at Konohamaru, grinning as the Hokage winked in his direction, ensuring him that everything would turn out exactly as he’d hoped it would be.
Airon and his peers quickly returned to their normal lives in the days that followed, albeit with new responsibilities in store for those who received promotions. In a secluded training ground hidden beyond the tree line on the outskirts of the village, Team Lee trained aggressively to further their respective strengths, a surprising amount of effort being put in by Hitomi, who was determined not to give a repeat performance in the next Chūnin Exams. On the outside patio of the Nara household, Shikadai took it upon himself to teach his son how to play shogi and buried his head in his hands after losing his third consecutive match, silently praying for his father’s return so he could give him a proper beatdown. At the heart of the village, Kei decided to spend his first wages as a chūnin on an outing at Ichiraku’s, inviting Chōzen and Kemono along when Kūrogane declined in favor of a mission alongside Raiden and Katame. At Yamanaka Flowers only a brief distance away, Inojin took the time to teach Inoka the basics of running the shop after her recent hiring, at one point stopping to berate her for spacing off. In actuality, she was staring dreamily at Manako, who had just walked past the shop as he spoke on his new cellphone, hanging up moments later and looking off past the Hokage Monument with a particularly pleasant smile etched across his face. In a small workshop on the other side of the river, the members of Team Sai worked diligently on their respective artistic talents. For Kenji, this meant chiseling the face of his latest sculpture as he readjusted his face mask. For Ide, this meant gently shaping the features of her newest wax figurine with a small spatula and checking every few seconds to ensure no residue fell on her robes, while for Irezumi, this meant sitting in front of a mirror carefully applying ink to a mostly untouched area just above his waistline. A short ways from the building, Minto and Taigen walked through the village together while they had the free time to do so, briefly stopping their conservation to wave as they spotted Nakama off in the distance, who smiled before running over to join them. At the Third Training Ground, Itachi observed his niece and nephew as they sparred, both of them disappointed by their current levels and keen on living up to their clan name after the results of the exams. In the Hokage office, Inase gave a recent report to Konohamaru in her everso professional manner while on the roof of the building, Airon oversaw this all with his usual smile, wondering if and how anything could possibly go wrong with the lives they were leading right now.
What does the future hold in store for this group of talented young shinobi!!?
The End
