With a strange sensation, I crawl out of Jiraiya's gigantic toad, together with Shizune and Jiraiya. (Really gross) It feels like I've landed in some kind of bizarre dream. But no, I'm really here, right in the middle of Konohagakure! My eyes widen with wonder as I feel surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the shinobi village. Heavenly dango, this is the famous Konoha! I've heard so much about it from Jiraiya, but now I'm actually standing here. Excited and tense, I can't believe I'm finally here.

The Hokage monument immediately catches my eye. It's impressive and exudes a sense of history. I feel deep respect for the Hokage who have ruled here and made this village great. I look up at Tsunade's head, whom I'll be meeting soon. I gulp, uncertain of how she'll react to me and my powers. (No, Kyra, it'll be alright, trust Jiraiya.)

As I let my eyes wander, suddenly someone flips over my head. I look up and see ninjas performing acrobatic stunts. Wow, this is amazing! They seem to be gliding through the air. I can't believe my eyes; I've only seen this at the circus that visited my village once. This is the magic of the shinobi life Jiraiya told me about, and it's even more spectacular than I imagined.

Shizune and Jiraiya are engaged in a conversation as they walk ahead of me. I can't hear everything, but it seems like they want to carefully prepare for my arrival at the Hokage's office. I feel nervous but also excited about what will happen. What will the Hokage think of me? Will I find a place here? I hope it will all go well.

The next moment, we stand before an enchanting tea shop, where hostesses perform a graceful tea ceremony. The serene atmosphere immediately draws me in. Beautiful, such tradition and elegance. I pause to watch it better and try to imagine what it would be like to move so gracefully.

"Kyra," Jiraiya calls, and I quickly run to catch up with the duo. He doesn't even need to look to know that I lingered at the tea shop. I smile, but inside, I'm still tense. This is all so new to me. Will I really be allowed to stay here? It's so magical.

The smell of delicious dango greets me as we pass a dango stand. My stomach growls at the thought of that tasty dish. They must have amazing dango here. Maybe I can try some later and enjoy the local specialties.

During our walk, we encounter various people, including a young ninja named Konohamaru Sarutobi, who asks all kinds of questions about some Haren-justu (whatever that may be), and a man with a mask where only one eye is visible. That eye looks at me with a bored expression over the edge of an... ICHA ICHA book! He's reading that in public? My eyes widen, and I feel my face getting warmer. I just keep walking... yeah, definitely a magical village, I think sarcastically.

Still feeling a bit uncertain in this new environment, it seems like everyone here has their own world, and I'm just an outsider hoping to find a place.

Finally, we stand before the office of the Fifth Hokage, and Jiraiya asks me to wait in the waiting room. My heart is now pounding faster than ever. I feel overwhelmed by the presence of all those shinobi guarding the office. What will happen when I speak with Tsunade-sama? I hope she'll let me stay and not be afraid of my powers. Jiraiya and Shizune don't seem afraid, so maybe there are others here who will be understanding. I try to calm myself and control my nerves. This is the moment when my heart is pounding like never before. I feel overwhelmed by the presence of all these shinobi guarding the office. What will happen when I speak with Tsunade-sama? I hope she'll let me stay and won't be afraid of my powers. Jiraiya and Shizune don't seem scared, so maybe there are others here who will understand. I try to calm myself and keep my nerves in check. This is the moment my destiny will be decided.

As I wait in the anticipation-filled silence, my mind races with thoughts of what lies ahead. Meeting the Hokage, Tsunade, face to face feels like a mix of excitement and apprehension. Will she see me as a friend or a potential threat?

The minutes feel like hours until finally, the door to the Hokage's office opens...

Kyra is led into Tsunade's dark office with hesitant steps. The closed windows cast an oppressive darkness over the room, while the menacing Anbu Shinobi's stand around Tsunade like shadows. Tsunade herself sits behind her desk, her face partially obscured by her hands folded in front of her eyes. The tension is almost palpable as Kyra is accompanied by Jiraiya and Shizune, both waiting anxiously for the situation to unfold.

"So, you're Kyra Himito," Tsunade's voice sounds stern and penetrating. Her determination and slightly concerned undertone make Kyra feel even more uneasy. With trembling knees, she nervously confirms, "Yes, that's correct, Hokage-sama," trying her best to control her nerves.

The silence in the room is suffocating, and the ticking of the clock seems to be the only sound breaking through the awkward atmosphere. Shizune stands beside Tsunade, her hands nervously intertwined, and it's evident that the news brought by Jiraiya and Tsunade about someone with Kyra's powers wanting to stay in the village didn't sit well. They know this is a sensitive issue, and Tsunade has reservations. Still, they did everything they could to give Kyra a chance and prevent her from being immediately taken into custody.

Kyra feels the pressure of the moment, realizing that Tsunade is already aware of her situation. The situation was challenging enough before she was led in here, and Tsunade's displeasure only makes it worse.

"Jiraiya has already told me about your situation," Tsunade says, continuing to gaze intently at Kyra from behind her desk. A heavy silence lingers in the air, and the tension becomes almost tangible.

"Well then, show me what you can do," Tsunade says irritably, her patience clearly wearing thin.

Jiraiya is now designated as the subject for Kyra's powers. He objects, "But Hime," but Tsunade doesn't hold back: "Stop complaining. You just said you willingly let her use her powers on you. So, you've already been exposed."

Reluctantly, Jiraiya stands before Kyra, and the Anbu Shinobi's take a step forward, ready to intervene if necessary. Kyra feels the tension building in her body; she doesn't feel comfortable using her powers this way. She doesn't want Jiraiya to do something he doesn't truly want to do.

"Umm... I have... okay," Kyra stammers, aware that few people have reacted positively to her powers.

She clears her throat, feeling the weight on her shoulders increasing. Demonstrating her powers makes her vulnerable, and it doesn't feel pleasant in this situation. She wants to do well, but few people have responded positively to her abilities. She recalls the saying "nothing ventured, nothing gained," which gives her the courage to proceed.

"Jiraiya, clap your hands," Kyra says with a hesitant voice. Jiraiya obediently follows her command and claps once. Kyra hesitates; she had hoped for a more impressive display.

"Umm... Ky-chan, I don't think this is enough," Jiraiya nervously chuckles, sensing Tsunade's irritation growing. The Anbu Shinobi are perplexed; they were expecting more.

"Okay, umm... keep clapping," Kyra now says with a determined voice, eager to show what she can do. Jiraiya starts clapping his hands rapidly without stopping. "Try to stop him," she adds, wondering if this will be enough to show Tsunade the extent of her powers.

Jiraiya doesn't know what to make of this demonstration. He feels like a seal clapping its hands endlessly.

The Anbu Shinobi watch nervously as one of them, codenamed Falcon with long brown hair, steps forward and firmly grabs Jiraiya's wrists. He tries to forcefully stop Jiraiya's hands, but the clapping continues involuntarily. He applies more force, and for a brief moment, it seems to work, but Jiraiya must obey Kyra's command, and his hands keep clapping. Both Jiraiya and the Anbu Shinobi start breathing heavily as Jiraiya's hands keep clapping.

A second Anbu Shinobi comes to Falcon's aid. He grabs one wrist while Falcon grabs the other. They both exert full force to keep Jiraiya's hands apart. "Mmrrr," Jiraiya grunts as his body uses more muscle power to continue obeying Kyra's command.

"He really won't stop, Hokage-sama," Valk says breathlessly, struggling to contend with Kyra's powers.

"Jiraiya is trying to stop," Tsunade says, "but it's a lost battle, I'm afraid, Hime," Jiraiya adds with a slightly painful laugh. Jiraiya's hands keep clapping.

The atmosphere remains tense in the room, and Kyra feels guilty after stopping Jiraiya's clapping. "Sorry, Jiraiya," she says genuinely, witnessing the consequences of her powers.

"It's okay, Ky-chan," Jiraiya replies with a smile that somewhat masks his discomfort.

Tsunade furrows her eyebrows and massages her temples with frustration. She slams her hand on her desk and says, "Seriously, Jiraiya? This isn't something to take lightly!"

Jiraiya looks apologetically at Tsunade but continues to defend himself: "Ma, ma, Hime, I'm afraid Kyra doesn't fully understand her situation."

Kyra looks puzzled at Jiraiya and then at Tsunade. "What don't I understand?" she asks, her confusion growing as she wonders what she's still ignorant about. The pressure of the situation and the uncertainty about her own powers weigh heavily on her shoulders.

Author's Note

Let the Village of Konoha Hear Your Voice!

Now it's your turn to be a part of this incredible journey! Share your thoughts, feelings, and speculations in the comments below. What surprised you the most in this chapter? Who's your favorite character so far, and what do you hope to see in the upcoming chapters?

With much gratitude and anticipation,

Claira Moonberry