With his word done once again, he turned off the lights and locked the door behind him to his room. It had been a rather normal day. He was a teacher; he was used to dealing with high energy students. He knew that they kept him on his does and that he had to be on his game each day, or things would go south fast. He walked out of the school and noticed a certain purple haired kunoichi waiting for him. Seeing Anko, Iruka gave her a small smile and a wave as well.
"Good afternoon, Anko-san," Iruka said, affection coloring his tone.
"And good afternoon to you Iruka-san," Anko said with a bit of a playful and mischievous grin on her lips. "Are you up for some adventure today, Iruka-san?"
Iruka chuckled softly, nodding in response. "Of course, Anko-san. What do you have in mind?"
Anko's grin widened as she looped her arm through his. "I was thinking we could grab some dango from that place you like and then maybe go explore that new ninja supply shop that opened up last week. I heard they have some interesting new weapons in stock."
"You and your dango, Anko-san," Iruka commented, with a smile on his lips. He knew that Anko was unique, and her unique energy was something he found rather endearing and alluring as well. She was not normal in any way, and that made him feel happy to have her around. He loved how she lived her life with color and adventure. She had brought those elements to his rather mundane life and brough her colors too. He loved her for it too.
"How are your students doing? I hear the exam is in a week, and that they've all been working hard to prepare for it. I'm surprised they aren't training with you right now," Iruka said, knowing how much Anko loved to work with the teens of her team. He knew this was helping her grow and become the person she wanted to be. He reached down to take her hand into his own.
"They're doing well, actually. Kaza is training with Shikaku Nara on tactics, Junior is honing his swordsmanship with his father, and Shizuka is delving into her vine release abilities with her father's guidance," Anko replied, a proud smile gracing her lips. "They're a dedicated bunch, just like their sensei," she added, squeezing Iruka's hand affectionately.
"I see, you are a hell of a sensei for them Anko, I am really proud of you," he said holding her hand firm in his hands, "How about a date you and I today, something special, my treat," he offered looking at her, "Something other than dango for a change," he teased.
"I'd love that, Iruka. Surprise me," she replied playfully, her tone showing how happy she was to spend the day with him.. "And don't worry, we can save the dango for another day," she added with the same playful mischievous tone to her voice.
In the Nara residence, Shikaku was playing a game of Go against one Kaza Togusa, he knew of the boy's father and was one of the few who knew his sacrifices in the uprising. He had been there with Minato when the information came in. He looked at the board next, it was a close game, the boy seemed as straight on the outside, but he had the same trickster mind that his old man had. He moved another piece on the board as he looked at the teal haired youngster. "So, let us go over it again, what are the bases for good tactics?" he asked firmly as he looked at the younger ninja.
Shikaku glanced at the board, his mind calculating the next move, but his attention remained on Kaza. He recognized the potential in the young ninja and wanted to help him develop his tactical skills.
Kaza studied the board for a moment before answering, his expression thoughtful. "To win a fight you must both see the trees and the forest at all times. You must understand how your opponent thinks, and what tendencies they have as well. You must use that data or that knowledge to figure out what they might do and have your counter prepared in advanced. While adapting to always changing conditions that will affect both yourself and your foe," he answered. He was echoing the lessons he had learned from Shikaku. "It's also about patience, knowing when to strike and when to wait for the right opportunity."
Shikaku nodded in approval. "Exactly. And what about the importance of reconnaissance and intelligence gathering?" he prompted, curious to see if Kaza grasped the significance of gathering information before making strategic decisions.
Kaza considered the question for a moment, his brow furrowing slightly as he thought. "The use of scouts, and recon are important, they are key pieces, and they mused be used with care. If you waste your recon assests or use them to get unimportant data, then you lose. You must make sure they are able to get the most important facts and are prepared to look for them. As well as to think on their own and use their well-trained judgement as well. That will lead to a good start to any battle."
Shikaku nodded, pleased with Kaza's understanding. "Well said," he remarked. "Keep honing those skills, Kaza. They'll serve you well in the field." With a faint smile, he made his next move on the Go board, eager to see how Kaza would respond.
Kaza moved to what he deemed the best position, his mind reviewing the past moves Shikaku had made in their numerous previous games and his adjustments to them. He made a move that caused Shikaku to raise an eyebrow, as he hadn't anticipated it. Nevertheless, the game continued and ultimately resulted in a near draw. Kaza's unpredictable nature made him a challenging opponent to face and anticipate, showcasing his capabilities as a dangerous and strategic thinker.
"Shikamaru, come in here and play a few games with Kaza, I think he might be able to give you a challenge," Shikaku said knowing that his own son needed a challenge, someone who could push him a bit to get him moving more. He looked and waited for his son's reply.
"Alright, old man," Shikamaru replied lazily as he entered the room, but there was a glint of interest in his eyes. He took a seat opposite Kaza, examining the game board thoughtfully. "Let's see what you've got," he added with a small smirk, ready to take on the challenge.
"It is an honor, Shikamaru," he said to his fellow genin, the two of them the same age, thirteen at that moment. He knew that Shikamaru underestimated him a great deal, and he would use that against him. In the first match things ended quickly as Kaza came out victorious as he had played into the underestimation of Shikamaru, and used very unconventional tactics to win the match.
"Wow, I didn't expect that," Shikamaru remarked with genuine surprise as he examined the board after their first match. He couldn't help but feel impressed by Kaza's unorthodox approach and strategic thinking. "Let's go again," he said, a hint of determination in his voice, eager to see if he could adapt to Kaza's unpredictable style.
Kaza and Shikamaru played a few more games, Shikamaru winning four of the next five, as he quickly found Kaza's weak point, bringing up a certain teammate of Shikamaru's in conversations, it got him sidetracked rather quickly. Plus after seeing his style and way of going about things he came up with counter strats for his opponent, though things were always interesting at least.
Kaza acknowledged Shikamaru's victories with good sportsmanship, analyzing each game to learn from his mistakes. He recognized that Shikamaru's ability to exploit distractions and adapt his strategies posed a challenge that he needed to overcome. Despite the losses, Kaza remained determined to improve and become a more formidable opponent in future matches.
"Speaking of the distraction," Shikamaru said as he heard the door open. His eyes turned towards the direction of the teenage girl who just arrived. He knew about the relationship between his teammate and Kaza for a week or so, the special training that her father did with him, and how they were communicating apparently across town. At least she was over Sasuke, and was really working hard to improve now.
"Hey, Shikamaru," greeted Ino as she entered the room, offering a smile to both Shikamaru and Kaza. She took a seat nearby, noticing the game of Go on the table. "Mind if I watch? Looks like you guys are pretty into it."
Shikamaru shrugged casually. "Sure, just a friendly match. Kaza here has been giving me a run for my money."
Ino glanced at Kaza, a playful glint in her eyes. "Really now? I'll have to see that for myself." She leaned back in her seat, observing the game with interest.
Kaza took a deep breath as he cleared his mind. The next game he felt his heart racing, but there was somehow a calming presence about Ino too, she could make him nervous and calm, a strange effect. He ended up putting in some more tricks, and made it a close run match before Shikamaru managed to come out on top.
After the game ended, Kaza leaned back, a hint of disappointment evident on his face. "Close one," he remarked, looking at Shikamaru with a nod of acknowledgment. "You're good, Shikamaru."
Ino smiled encouragingly. "You did great, Kaza. You're really improving."
Shikamaru nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you're getting better with each game. Keep it up." He then glanced at Ino. "Hey, Ino, wanna grab something to eat after this? I'm starving."
Ino grinned. "Sure, sounds good. Let's go." She glanced at Kaza. "You coming, Kaza?"
"Of course, Ino-san, I wouldn't miss this for the world," Kaza said with a smile as he looked at her. He would go watch paint dry if Ino asked, just because she was the one who asked, and it was a chance to spend time with her.
Across the village Junior was preparing for the future, as he had been given a challenge. His father Sengero had setup his own obstacle course that span a number of fields, having used traps, and walls and fire pits. It was a fierce challenge that Sengero wanted to test his own son with. He had faith he could handle this challenge and that he could get through it. He would however have to be very careful as he would find earthen golems along the way to challenge him. They were weak, but they would keep Junior on his guard as if he were not he would lose to them.
As Junior navigated through the obstacle course, he focused on every step, every swing of his swords, determined to prove himself not only to his parents but also to his siblings. With each move, he pushed himself harder, striving to set an example for his younger brothers and sisters. The sweat dripped down his brow, his muscles strained with effort, but he refused to falter.
As Junior moved, he moved with purpose. He cut across the traps, his sword moving with great skill. Sengero could see that his son was not perfect and in fact far from it, but he watched on with a great deal of pride. He was getting better, and he was improving quickly. He wasn't little Ryuu, but he in his own way had his own path to go down. Sengero believed in Junior as much if not more than any other of his children.
Junior would finish the course with a solid time as he was worn out by the challenge, holding his knees as he caught his breath.
"Not, bad, but you can do better, you didn't even use the acceleration jutsu. Do it again and use it, work on controlling it, it will hurt like hell, but the more you can get used to the base of it, the more you can handle it and then in time it won't pose the threat to you it does now," Sengero commanded his tone firm, but also filled with encouragement, and confidence in his son.
Junior nodded in approval as he tapped his foot on the ground, signaling the start of the acceleration jutsu. He understood the risks involved and the importance of timing when using such a technique. With a focused mind, he activated the jutsu, knowing that he had to exit it within half a minute to avoid causing serious internal damage to his body.
Junior burst forward with speed. He could feel the pain in his body, but his focus was on the course. He cut across the fire pit clearing it with the added speed giving him a more impressive jump. He cleared the wall even with a single leap, his movements were impressive, fast and controlled as well. Sengero watched as he could see now the potential of his son even more clearly. The future was going to be fun, was the main thought that Sengero had.
In the outskirts of town, Shizuka was breathing heavily, her petite frame a testament to the effort she had exerted all morning. With determination etched on her face, she had devoted herself to mastering her own kekkai genkai – the creation and control of powerful vines that sprouted from the ground. Her father, who had come to visit from their family farm, stood by her side, offering guidance on how to wield the vines with greater finesse.
As they worked together, Shizuka's father patiently explained the intricacies of controlling the vines, sharing his knowledge and experience with his beloved daughter. He was determined to support her in honing her abilities, knowing that he was the only one who could provide the guidance she needed.
Noshiro smiled warmly as he watched his daughter work, a sense of pride swelling within him. Shizuka had grown immensely stronger since leaving the farm, and now, as she immersed herself in the life of a ninja, she looked like she truly belonged. He couldn't be happier with the decision to allow her to pursue her dreams.
The two of them worked close the rest of the day together, as they worked, they shared stories about things that had happened since Shizuka had started working as a ninja. Noshiro sharing information about the harvest and other small details of the farm that was Shizuka's original home. In turn Shizuka telling Noshiro, about what being a ninja was like for her.