A big shout out to for following our story! Here is the next chapter written by the hardworking Zoicite23! Team Ashika has formed so how will their first day go?

~~~Amai's POV~~~

As I lay dreaming my hazy mind focussed on the bizarre, otherworldly rock in the Raikage's possession. Lady Ranko's voice echoed as she recounted the story of the first shinobi and the appearance of chakra. Gleaming, I stared at the yellow Storm Stone.

Two thuds jolted me awake and I sat upright. Downstairs I could hear activity and I knew it had been Mum who woke me up by banging the ceiling with her broom.

"I'm awake!" I called out before swinging my legs out of bed.

A bright smile made its way onto my face. Hopping up I left my small room and made my way into the bathroom, feeling giddy. Yesterday I became an official member of Team Ashika.

There was a Sensei out there who acknowledged my power, I couldn't believe it! I didn't even care that his training methods had been a little unorthodox. All that mattered was that I was a part of a team.

I'd prove myself to my parents, Grandma Kouga, Uncle Reikou and the rest of the village in my own way. And today was the first step in doing so, we were going to be trained to make ourselves stronger.

I washed myself quickly and as I hobbled back down the hall with a towel around me I could hear the clatter of plates below. Yesterday I hadn't gotten to know Akuma or Daichi very well, but I planned to make real progress with them today.

Once in my room I pulled my dull green mini-skirt over fish net stockings. Fitted the open green top over my fish net undershirt, closing it with the black sash. Slipping my blue sandals on I ran my fingers through drying, shoulder-length, honey-brown hair.

I was still excited as I hopped down the curving wooden stairs.

"Good morning, Amai." Gin greeted merrily. Mum was in the kitchen busying herself with the dishes and Dad sat in the lounge room flicking through papers.

At the round breakfast table my older sister Suppai and her friend Gin had almost finished their food. I hesitated on the last step, it was unusual to see Suppai at home and with the black paint washed off her face. I almost forgot how intimidating she was.

"Morning, Gin." I pulled up a smile and went to take my seat at the table.

"Your breakfast is there but it isn't hot anymore," Mum called to me, tangles of black hair wild from her buzzing with activity.

She was the only one in our family who didn't have the Makijiku honey-brown hair and chocolate-brown eyes.

"Thanks!" I sat down happily, dragging the plate towards me.

Mum's specialty, bread coated in egg and milk then fried. I reached for the jug of syrup. The long white-haired kunoichi leaned in with a smile.

"I heard you got accepted into a Genin team, congratulations."

"Thanks." I beamed. Suppai eyed the table as she brought a mug of tea to her mouth. "Actually I'm meeting up with them today for training." I continued.

"That's great, Amai." Dad called from the other room.

Gin smiled sweetly as I began shovelling down the drenched toast.

"When are you supposed to be meeting with your team?" Mum asked me distractedly.

"Seven o'clock."

"Better get a move on then." Dad turned around to peek through the doorway. "It's already quarter to."

"Shoot!" I crammed down as much as I could and leaped up.

Dunking the plate into the soapy water I made for the door.

"Thanks, Mum!"

A series of farewells followed.

"Good luck."

"Have fun."

"Do your best."

I smiled at them but before I could leave Suppai's voice stopped me.

"Who's your Sensei?"

I looked back, startled. Her brown eyes peeked at me from under her shorter hair.

"Ashika... Ashika Sokumaru." She nodded and looked away. I paused for a moment longer before retreating out of the house.

Closing the front door behind me I made for the porch steps and skidded to a halt. Grandma Kouga stood with both hands on her walking stick, she was wearing her typical grumpy expression.

"Ah, Amai. Good. You will be doing training at the Makijiku temple with your Uncle Reikou today."

"Um... I'm already doing training today with Ashika-Sensei. Did you know I got into a team?" I spoke lightly, trying to make her happy.

"Of course I know, silly girl." My attempted smile dropped. "There's only so much the Jonin can teach you. You need someone from your own clan to help you master the secret techniques. So as soon as you finish practice I expect to see you at the temple, no excuses."

"You want me to do extra training?" I whined.

"The Sealing Scroll Jutsu must be mastered. You would have learnt it by now if you only applied yourself."

"Yes, Grandma." I sighed in defeat.

"Now off with you, I'm sure you have practice to attend to." I skulked past her and she climbed up to the house.

As I trudged along the dirt path I looked up at the sharp mountains that pierced the cover of clouds. As I left the small collection of houses the path became more narrow. It winded along the landscape, bordering mountains and the flat plateaus.

Taking a whiff of the morning air the higher altitude helped me forget about my meddling grandmother.

The training fields were large flatlands at the edge of the village that were reserved for ninja training. As I spied a chain-link fence with a large plaque reading '1' I knew I was headed the right way. Up around the bend I spotted a figure walking ahead.

At first I figured it was Daichi, but the black hair was too long and I realized it was a girl. After recognizing Shien I hesitated before running after her.

"Shien! Hey Shien!"

She stopped and turned, I could see her purple eyes fixing on me with surprise. She waited for me as I ran up to her, slightly out of breath.

"Hey, Amai. Funny running into you twice this week."

"Yeah," we kept walking together and I felt glad inside that we had this excuse to hang out. "I was just headed to the third training field to meet my new team."

"Congratulations," she smiled. "I was heading over to the second. Kogen-Sensei trains with us most days."

"Cool," I blinked. "So you're already in a team."

"Yeah, we're doing good. Everything's good."

I looked down with a sad smile.

"I remember back in the academy we used to talk about how the two of us would be in a team together one day, and how awesome that would be. Do you remember?"

When I looked up I was surprised to see her gaze narrowed and forward.

"I do." She spoke neutrally.

"Shien..." I stared at her. "We never hang out together anymore. You were my closest friend. I don't want to lose you like I did Suppai, and I can't help feeling like we're drifting."

My sudden heartful confession didn't make her react. Shien remained looking forward and I knew she had sensed it as well.

"You saw what they were like... when we ran into each other last time. My parents and your grandmother... our clans don't get along."

My eyes widened as realization set in. So that's why she...

"But why do you care what our families think? Why should that be a reason to not be friends?" Her eyes finally met mine as we continued walking.

"It was different when we were in the academy. You think your Grandma's bad, but it's not like she can tell you who you can and can't hang out with."

"What are you saying?"

Shien looked up and I followed her gaze. Two boys stood by the entrance of the second training field. One of them I didn't recognize, but he had pale blue hair and dark blue eyes meaning he was descended from the Tanchi clan. They were skilled sensory types.

The other was taller and attractive. I remembered Takeshi from the Academy. He was blonde with yellow eyes, coming from the Inazuma clan the same as Lady Raikage. The guy was pretty strong and arrogant about that fact, he used to talk about how he'd one day join Storm Operations.

While I had faded into the background in the school days he was always the centre of attention. I stopped walking as Shien joined her team mates. They both observed me but said nothing.

I whispered pathetically, "Shien..."

As she looked back I registered her legitimate sadness, but she just shook her head morosely and continued to the two boys. I looked away and moved on to training field three.

Reaching up I wiped the moisture from my eyes and banished the hurt from my mind. Today I was going to focus on becoming stronger, and getting to know my new comrades. Remembering that I was running late I started sprinting to the area.

I cursed myself. Coming late to the first training session would be the worst thing ever! Ashika-Sensei will think I'm not motivated! I sped off to the next entrance.

I ran through the opening in the chain-link fence and stopped to rest my hands on my knees, panting for breath. Akuma and Daichi were already there, but they seemed quiet and there was a bit of distance between them.

"Hello, Amai." Daichi began with a friendly smile. I would have thought he was flirting but Daichi just seems to be that nice to everyone.

"H-hey..." I breathed. "I'm not late am I?"

"Nope. Sensei isn't even here yet."

I sighed in relief. Catching Akuma rolling his eyes before turning away I scowled.

Daichi began with good humour. "Don't get yourself too exhausted before we even begin training."

He seemed glad I was there, I couldn't imagine much conversation was happening before I arrived. I stood up straight.

"It's good that we've got some time before Ashika-Sensei arrives. It means we can get to know each other a bit more."

Akuma didn't turn around. Daichi's smile widened further.

"What do you want to know?"

"Just basic stuff. Like..." I thought for a moment. "Let me go first."

I couldn't tell if Akuma was paying attention or not, but I continued anyway. "My name's Amai, as you know, and I'm from the Makijiku clan. I've completed eight C-rank missions, three of them were by myself. The others were all D-rank. I like sweet food, collecting stamps and occasionally painting. I dislike the cold, cleaning and sour food. Oh, and I don't eat meat."

When my eyes stopped wandering I saw Daichi nodding thoughtfully.

"Okay, well my name's Daichi Nakahara. I'm an only child. I like my girlfriend, Hikaru. And I like volunteering at the local orphanage. I can't say that I strongly dislike anything in particular."

I smiled. Good, this is going well. We both looked at Akuma who still wasn't facing us. An awkward silence followed as he remained silent. The boy with the long white hair didn't seem interested in getting to know us at all.

I opened my mouth to speak to Daichi again but was cut off as something caught my eye.

"Good morning, my students." Ashika crouched above us on the chain-link fence, his balance was perfect.

Akuma was the only one who didn't seem impressed by his sudden appearance.

"You're late." He said moodily, arms crossed as he looked over his shoulder.

"Only by one or two minutes. I had a few errands to run."

Pushing off the fence he flipped over us and landed inside the field, which was a vast expanse of grass stretching along the plateau. "We should begin training. I hope you remember the areas I told you each to improve in."

"You're going to make us do basic training?" Akuma demanded. "We covered this in the Academy."

"There is still room for improvement," He responded calmly, running a hand through his red-orange hair. "Our first mission together as a team will be how you get experience. Until then we're going to have to build up our strength."

"Okay!" Daichi punched his hand excitedly.

"Yeah!" I agreed with a nod.

Akuma sighed unhappily.

The training was actually a lot more interesting than I thought it would be. Daichi was supposed to be focusing on Ninjutsu so Ashika-Sensei was testing out his chakra control. He trained with the black-haired boy personally.

It turned out that Daichi already had incredible chakra control, but not coming from a ninja clan like me or inheriting any abilities like Akuma, he had nothing to learn. So I overheard Ashika-Sensei stating that he might need to try teaching him a nature release technique.

I felt jealous, if only a bit. Most ninjas aren't taught chakra nature until they're already proficient in their clan's secret jutsu. Ashika-Sensei and Daichi looked like they were meditating, focusing their chakra on something.

At that stage I had to stop paying attention and focus on my own training.

Akuma had to learn to co-operate better, so he was on the other side of the training field learning how to synchronize attack sequences with Ashika-Sensei's clones. They weren't physical clones, only the basic Clone Genjutsu we learnt at the academy.

Still, Sensei's clones looked very convincing. Akuma seemed to get annoyed that the clones didn't have a physical presence so couldn't help him as much. Regardless he began getting into the training and I could see he was already steadily improving.

I pouted from where I dangled in the high-tree. The other two seemed to be progressing but I was secretly displeased with my own training. Around the edge of the field was a collection of tall trees.

I was to move around the trees using only my upper body strength. My arm pits were already hurting. Legs dangling uselessly below, I began swinging my body to create some momentum before flying off to another carefully aimed branch.

Rocking my body I increased the swaying before flipping myself up, standing on my hands above the thick branch. I tried using my chakra to keep from slipping, but chakra control wasn't something I was ever really good at. Sweat was already forming and running down the bridge of my nose.

Gritting my teeth I walked further along the branch with my hands. Gripping it tight I swung around before letting go and sailing to the next branch. This is exhausting. I persevered with the training, even though my upper body was aching.

This will definitely make you stronger, I tried convincing myself. After a while keeping my balance became the hardest part.

A few hours had passed, or at least it seemed that way. After flipping on top of another branch I tried straightening my elbows. They burned and twitched violently. Giving way with a squeal I bumped my head but managed to grip the branch with one arm.

I dangled above the ten foot drop, sighing with irritation.

"I imagine it would be very hard for a vegetarian to build up muscle mass." Looking down I saw Akuma leaning against a tree, staring up at me with a smirk.

I blushed with embarrassment. How long had he been there? Ashika-Sensei was still doing chakra practices with Daichi some ways away. I reached up and grabbed the branch with my other hand.

"Shouldn't you be practicing team work?" I tried swinging myself up and failed.

"I've finished my training for today. Ashika-Sensei said he was impressed with my progress."

"Ahuh." I struggled with pulling myself up, a scowl formed on my face as more sweat dribbled down.

"So are you just an animal lover or what?"

I tried to ignore his smug tone, knowing he was only trying to distract me.

"Not really. I just can't stand the taste..." I tried rocking my body back. "...or the texture..."

My hands slipped from the sweat and I fell down the drop. Instinctively I channelled chakra to both feet so the bones wouldn't shatter. It didn't stop me from falling forward onto my face and spitting out grass.

Akuma was shaking with silent laughter and I shot him a glare. Ashika-Sensei walked towards us with hands in his pockets. Daichi was beside him with a big smile on his face.

"Alright students," Ashika stopped beside Akuma. "You've done well. I think it's time for a break."

I climbed onto my knees with a groan. "How are you faring, Amai?"

"I'm exhausted..."

"Well all four of us have been working hard. I for one am feeling very tired."

"You didn't do anything!" I accused him angrily. "You and Daichi just practiced chakra techniques the whole time!"

Ashika-Sensei reached up idly to scratch his head.

"Chakra techniques can be very tiring." He didn't look tired. My Sensei is just lazy. Slowly I got onto my feet. At least I'd be able to walk alright. I held my sore arms as they burned.

"Sensei... are you sure there isn't a less strenuous way to become stronger? Maybe physical strength just isn't my style."

"All shinobi need to be proficient in physical combat." He told me. "Taijutsu is essential in a ninja's arsenal."

"I actually can't straighten my arms. They're killing me." I felt around my thin muscles.

"If they're killing you I might just have to cut them off." Ashika-Sensei said with a smile.

I stared at him before laughing nervously, not understanding his sense of humour. Daichi stepped forward eagerly.

"Training will make you stronger, Amai!" He told me. "Sensei helped me figure out my chakra nature. I got fire! That's the coolest one!"

Daichi continued grinning and Akuma huffed.

"Since it's lunch time," Ashika-Sensei began. "I think it's best we go buy something to eat in the village. That way we can get to know each other better as well."

Since I had been working so hard I realized I was quite famished.

"Sure," I smiled despite the throbbing pain.

"Alright!" Daichi cheered and starting moving back to the entrance.

I walked with the other two as we followed him and made our way back to the village. Despite the soreness in my arms I was looking forward to a good meal and getting to know my new comrades. I had enough ryou on me to get something tasty but I secretly hoped Sensei would shout us.

I didn't think that he would.

Ohhh character development! How will these young ninja develop and hone their skills, and when will they go on their 1st mission? Review and you find out quicker!