Of Rivalry and Determination:
Back at Tazuna's house, Shikamaru's traps were set, their defenses fortified to the best of his abilities. He couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in his handiwork, knowing that he was contributing to the team's safety.
The genin reunited, exchanging stories of their encounters. Shikamaru sighed, running a hand through his hair as he heard what Amaya had done. He wouldn't have expected Amaya to be so vocal, but it seemed like the conditions of the village resonated with her on a deeper level. He saw the benefits that her actions would have on the village though, and so he didn't complain.
When Kakashi finally woke up the next morning, he gathered around and informed them that Zabuza was probably not dead and that he would most likely come back in a week. The genin told him about what they did when he was resting and he complimented their decision to gather intel but was surprised when he heard what Amaya had done. There, her parents' personalities are finally showing… He thought a bit fondly.
They asked Kakashi if they should track down Gato and deal with him, but he quickly dismissed the idea. He explained that sticking close to Tazuna and looking after him and his family was more important. After the commotion Amaya caused in the village, they couldn't afford to split their attention. Their better strategy was to focus on safeguarding Tazuna and, to a lesser extent, the villagers.
Amaya felt a bit embarrassed as Kakashi explained this. While he didn't blame her for her actions, he didn't want to encourage impulsive behavior. He emphasized that acting solely on emotions and drawing attention could be harmful and even disastrous in certain situations.
Kakashi didn't waste any more time and took them for some training. The atmosphere was full of excitement as each member wondered what kind of training they would partake in that day.
"Alright, everyone," Kakashi said, holding up three pieces of paper. "Today, we're going to discover your individual nature releases and learn a new jutsu based on that affinity."
Amaya, Sasuke, and Shikamaru exchanged curious glances. They had heard about nature releases but had never been able to determine their own. Kakashi handed each of them a special paper infused with chakra that would reveal their nature affinity when they touched it.
Amaya was the first to touch the paper. As soon as her fingers made contact, the paper split in two. Kakashi smiled, "Wind release. Excellent. It's rare in Konoha so that makes you special. It is pretty powerful. With your wind affinity, you can enhance your taijutsu and create slicing or pushing winds."
Amaya's eyes sparkled with excitement as Kakashi explained the potential of her newfound ability. She was eager to start practicing and combining it with her style.
Next, it was Sasuke's turn. He touched the paper, and it immediately reacted, getting crinkled. Kakashi nodded, "Lightning release. Lucky for you, it is the same as mine, so I can help you master it more in the future beyond just teaching you jutsus. With lightning, you can increase your speed and perform powerful offensive attacks."
Sasuke nodded, determined to master this new element and become even stronger. Kakashi then turned to Shikamaru, who touched the paper, revealing an earth affinity.
Shikamaru scratched his head, "Earth release, huh? That seems troublesome."
Kakashi chuckled, "Don't worry, Shikamaru. Earth release can be quite versatile. You can create solid defenses and even use it to bind or restrict your opponents."
With their nature releases determined, Kakashi proceeded to teach them each a C-ranked jutsu based on their affinity.
"Amaya, I'll teach you Wind Style: air razor. It's a technique that can cut through defenses and create slicing winds at a close distance. Combined with your taijutsu, it can make you a formidable opponent."
Amaya nodded eagerly, ready to learn the new jutsu and add it to her arsenal.
"Sasuke, for you, I have Lightning Style: Electric Paralysis. It allows you to paralyze an opponent upon contact. It can be a useful technique to immobilize enemies and create openings for other attacks."
Sasuke's eyes gleamed with interest, recognizing the tactical advantage this jutsu could provide in battle.
Kakashi turned to Shikamaru, "For you, I'll teach Earth Style: mud wall. It's a jutsu that creates solid walls or barriers. It can be used for defense or to restrict an opponent's movement. Although it is essentially a B-ranked technique, I would teach you a tuned down version of it and you can work your way up from there.'"
Shikamaru smirked, finding the jutsu's potential for tactical advantage appealing.
With their new techniques decided, Kakashi proceeded to show them the hand signs for their respective techniques, when it was Sasuke's turn, Sasuke decided to question him before continuing with the training. Sasuke's curiosity had been piqued, and he couldn't hold back his questions any longer.
"Kakashi-sensei," Sasuke began, "I've been wondering about your Sharingan. Why do you have it?"
Kakashi's visible eye flickered with hesitation before he replied, "It's true that I have the Sharingan, but it's not originally mine. I received it after a battle alongside a close friend, Obito Uchiha. He gave it to me before he passed away."
Sasuke listened intently, trying to process the revelation. It was the first time he had heard about Kakashi's connection to the Uchiha clan.
"I see," Sasuke responded, taking in the information. "And why does it take so much chakra from you? Uchihas can use their Sharingan without that problem."
Kakashi nodded, understanding the confusion. "You're right. Uchihas are naturally born with the ability to awaken the sharingan, and their chakra pathways are naturally honed to handle it. But for me, as a non-Uchiha, it's different. My chakra network wasn't originally compatible with the Sharingan, so using it consumes a significant amount of chakra."
He continued, "However, I must say that over time, my chakra network has been adapting to the Sharingan. It's becoming more accustomed to the drain and my pathways are becoming more in tune with it, but it still takes a toll on me, especially when I use it for extended periods."
Sasuke considered this information, absorbing the complexities of Kakashi's situation. Then, another thought crossed his mind. "Uchihas can deactivate their Sharingan when they don't need it. Why can't you do the same?"
Kakashi leaned back, contemplating the question. "It's true that Uchihas have more control over their Sharingan, being able to activate and deactivate it at will. As for me, even though my chakra network is adapting, the Sharingan remains a unique part of my body. It's not something I can simply turn on and off like a light switch."
Sasuke nodded, starting to understand the nuances of Kakashi's situation. "I guess it must be challenging to deal with."
Kakashi smiled faintly, "It has its challenges, but it's also a powerful tool that has saved my life more than once. I've learned to manage its usage over the years."
Sasuke's curiosity had been satisfied, and he felt a deeper appreciation for his enigmatic sensei. As the day continued, the genin kept on practicing the new jutsu they were assigned, all eager to improve and showcase their progress.
It didn't take long before Kakashi excused himself with a wave of his hand, mentioning the need to check on their client. Shikamaru followed suit a few hours later, feeling satisfied with his progress for the day. However, Sasuke and Amaya remained at the training grounds, their determination unyielding.
They went through the sequence of hand seals once again, channeling their chakra through their hands, but still, nothing happened. Frustration began to creep into their expressions as the C-ranked jutsu continued to elude them.
Amaya let out a sigh and crossed her arms, visibly annoyed. This was supposed to be a C-ranked jutsu, and the fact that she couldn't get it right was grating on her nerves. However, seeing Sasuke struggling alongside her provided some small consolation.
"Done already?" Sasuke taunted, a smirk forming on his lips. Amaya felt an inexplicable urge to wipe that smirk off his face. She wasn't typically competitive, but at this moment, beating Sasuke became her sole focus.
"I'm just getting started, Sasuke," Amaya retorted, determination shining in her eyes. She unleashed her chakra once more, determined to get it right this time. "Watch closely because I'm about to leave you in the dust!"
Sasuke's smirk only widened at her challenge. He found Amaya to be an intriguing girl; beneath her closed-off exterior and when she allowed it, he saw glimpses of a fiery spirit, a fierce determination, and a charismatic resolve. It was as if there were two sides to her—gentle and reserved, yet overeager and strong-willed.
"You'll regret those words later, Amaya," Sasuke shot back, a renewed determination in his eyes. He went through the hand seals again, fueled by the desire to win this little competition. After all, he wasn't one to back down from a challenge.
Amaya and Sasuke continued to practice relentlessly, each repetition bringing them closer to mastering their elusive jutsus. As they pushed each other, their bond was fortifying, forged by their shared determination and competitive spirit.
Hours passed, and the evening shadows grew longer, but neither of them showed any signs of giving up. They pushed themselves harder, going through the required hand seals and channeling their chakra with increasing precision.
Finally, as the last rays of the sun vanished beyond the horizon, Amaya and Sasuke felt a surge of energy course through their bodies. They exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of surprise and triumph.
Amaya's lips curved into a satisfied smile. "I did it," she whispered, disbelief tinged with pride.
Sasuke nodded, a sense of accomplishment swelling within him. "You got it, too?"
Amaya nodded, and for a moment, they shared a silent understanding of the progress they had made together.
Amaya lay down on the ground with a little laugh, a sound that took Sasuke by surprise. It was the first time he had heard her laugh, and it was like a gentle breeze on a cool spring day. Her laughter was infectious, and a smile crept onto his face despite himself.
"I'm gonna rest for a bit.." Amaya declared.
Sasuke rolled his eyes but couldn't deny his own fatigue as he lay down next to her. "This is no place to rest," he grumbled, but as he glanced at Amaya, he found her already fast asleep. Despite his annoyance, he couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort in her presence.
Feeling his own eyelids grow heavy, Sasuke closed his eyes and allowed himself to drift into a short slumber. The exhaustion from their training had taken its toll, and he thought that a few minutes of rest wouldn't hurt.
Of The Will To Protect:
As Amaya and Sasuke peacefully slept, a figure approached the training field with silent steps. Haku, her movements graceful and soundless, saw the two genin lying on the ground and smiled softly to herself.
She decided to wake them up so they wouldn't overstay their rest. As she approached, she was surprised to see both of them jump up and get into an offensive stance. Haku held her hands up in a placating gesture, assuring them that she meant no harm.
"It's okay, I didn't mean to startle you," she said with a friendly smile. "I'm just here to collect some herbs for medicinal purposes."
Amaya and Sasuke relaxed their stances, realizing that Haku was not a threat. Amaya, always quick to offer help, spoke up. "If you need help collecting herbs, we can assist you," she said, gesturing towards Sasuke to do the same.
Sasuke grumbled under his breath but didn't protest as he reluctantly agreed. Together, the three of them gathered the necessary herbs, and Amaya couldn't help but notice how effortlessly Haku moved through the foliage. It was evident that she was skilled in both combat and stealth.
Curiosity got the better of her, and Amaya asked, "Are you a ninja too, Haku?"
Haku paused for a moment before answering, "In a way, yes. But I don't belong to any village. I travel and use my skills to survive."
Amaya nodded understandingly, feeling a connection because of her own past, marked by isolation and uncertainty. "We're Konoha genin," she told Haku, a hint of pride in her voice. "We're training hard to become strong."
Haku smiled softly, her eyes holding a glimmer of wisdom. "That's great! Training is crucial for development, but let me tell you something I've come to learn. Strength is not just about physical prowess," she said gently. "It's about protecting someone dear to you."
Amaya and Sasuke exchanged curious glances, wondering what Haku meant by that. "Someone precious to protect?" Amaya repeated, seeking clarification.
Haku nodded. "Yes. When you have someone you deeply care for, someone you want to keep safe no matter the cost, that's when you become truly strong."
Her words resonated with Amaya especially, and she looked briefly at Sasuke, turning away the moment she felt his eyes on her.
As the sun began to rise, casting a warm glow over the training field, the two genin decided to leave, leaving Haku to finish collecting the herbs by herself. Amaya and Sasuke were marked by this encounter, however, and Amaya especially took Haku's words to heart.
As Amaya and Sasuke returned to Tazuna's home, they couldn't wait to showcase their newfound skills to Kakashi. With enthusiasm, they demonstrated the new jutsu they had mastered, and Kakashi's eye crinkled in approval behind his mask.
"Excellent work, both of you," he said, his voice tinged with pride. "You've grasped the basics of the jutsu admirably."
Amaya's heart swelled with pride at the praise. "Thank you, Kakashi-sensei," she replied, a sense of accomplishment coursing through her veins.
Sasuke nodded, his eyes glinting with ambition. "We want to take these jutsus to the next level," he said, his determination evident. "They have potential, but they lack efficiency."
Kakashi's smile widened as he recognized the shrewdness in Sasuke's observations. "Precisely," he agreed. "Your lightning jutsu requires too many hand seals for close-range combat, and the time it takes to take effect gives your opponent an opportunity to counter. We need to work on streamlining it and making it more effective."
Turning to Amaya, he continued, "Your wind jutsu shows promise, but we can expand its range and teach you how to utilize it from a distance as well as increase its cutting power. This way, you'll gain an advantage and become more versatile in battle, when facing long range opponents"
"When you're diving into the capabilities of jutsus and really working hard to make them more efficient, it helps you gain insights into how jutsu and chakra all come together. And believe me, having that deeper level of understanding is going to be a real asset when you start taking on those more advanced techniques and especially more so if you decide to explore creating your very own jutsus down the line."