Junior was still working on his swordsmanship with his father, moving and dodging to the best of his abilities, yet consistently getting his ass kicked by the veteran warrior and legendary assassin. Junior held his swords up as he moved quickly, but no matter what, his father could read his moves and stay one step ahead, as if predicting his movements ahead of time.
Gritting his teeth, Junior glanced at the wall before him, contemplating his next move. He had to get better, to reach his father's level someday. He had to improve. Reflecting on his previous failed attempts, he realized he needed to be more strategic. Attacking without thought had only resulted in him getting his ass kicked and eating dirt.
Taking a deep breath, Junior pondered his approach. How could he get in close on his father? He had to be unpredictable. With determination, he pressed his feet off the ground and jetted forward, swords in hand, moving with a burst of speed. Zigzagging and bouncing back and forth, he attempted to throw off his father's ability to predict his angles.
This time, Junior didn't attack directly. Instead, he moved past his father, slamming his foot and turning to strike, only to be knocked to the ground by a powerful kick to the back.
Pissed and annoyed, Junior activated his special ability without thinking, the world around him slowing down as he entered his accelerated state. He attacked quickly, hoping to gain the upper hand, but his father blocked his strike effortlessly, knocking him out of the speedy world with ease.
"Frustrated, I figure," Sengero Saroi remarked, looking at his son. "You're doing well, but you still have a lot of growing up to do. Don't rush, Junior. Let it all come with time. Keep working, and you'll surpass me eventually. If you push yourself, someday you'll be far better than I am now."
"I have to get stronger now, Dad. I have to be able to help more than I am today. I want to be great," Sengero Saroi Junior, or Junior, roared out, his voice filled with determination, before letting his hand drop to his sides.
"Junior, greatness is not achieved overnight," Sengero began, his voice steady and authoritative. "It's forged through countless trials and tribulations, through sweat, blood, and perseverance. Your determination is admirable, but remember, true strength comes from patience and discipline. Keep honing your skills, keep pushing your limits, and in time, you will realize your full potential. Believe in yourself, Junior, and never waver in your pursuit of greatness."
Junior straightened up, his resolve bolstered by his father's words. He glanced over and noticed Ino Yamanaka and his sensei, Anko, approaching them. He nodded respectfully to them, acknowledging their presence.
Ino approached Junior with a warm smile, while Anko's expression was more mischievous, a hint of excitement in her eyes. "Hey, Junior," Ino began, "we have a little plan and we need your help. It's Kaza's birthday today, and we thought we could make it special for him. Would you be interested in joining us?"
Anko chimed in, her tone playful. "Yeah, we're thinking of throwing him a surprise party. But we need someone like you, with your skills, to make it truly unforgettable."
Junior blinked at the unexpected request, his mind quickly processing the idea. He remembered Kaza's quiet dedication and the way he supported his friends despite his own struggles. He nodded slowly, a determined look in his eyes. "Count me in. Let's make this a birthday he'll never forget."
As they discussed their plans, Sengero observed quietly, his mind drifting back to memories of Ryota Togusa, Kaza's father, whom he had faced in battle during the Third Shinobi War. The mention of Kaza's birthday brought a bittersweet tinge to his thoughts, a reminder of the passage of time and the bonds forged amidst the chaos of war.
"If there is anything you need from me to help out make sure to help me. If this boy is like his father, he will be a remarkable youngster," Sengero said, showing almost no emotion in his tone.
"Yeah, he is, he is the hero his father was," Junior said calmly as he looked over at his father, "At least from what we heard in our last mission I can tell he will be once he also overcomes his own struggles and works his way there like I will. He is a hell of a good sparring partner, and teammate."
"Okay, we need to go find Shizuka, I am sure she is spending the day with her father," Anko reasoned as she looked at the others. "Sengero, have your lovely wife cook up some food please, that is how you can support. Junior, you're with me to go find Shizuka. Ino, you're on Kaza duty for the rest of the day, having the first love around will make him very happy," she said to the group. "We meet back at the prearranged location this evening."
Sengero nodded in agreement, his expression serious and determined. "Consider it done," he affirmed, already turning to head back home to relay the message to his wife.
Junior nodded, ready to assist Anko in finding Shizuka. "Understood, Sensei," he replied, falling into step beside her.
Ino smiled, feeling a sense of responsibility and excitement at the task ahead. "Got it, Anko-sensei," she replied eagerly, already thinking of ways to make Kaza's birthday special.
With their tasks assigned, the group dispersed, each focused on their mission to make Kaza's birthday a day to remember.
Anko and Junior found Shizuka and her father, Noshiro, relaxing as they were eating apples while sitting together.
Anko approached with Junior in tow, a determined look on her face. "Shizuka, Noshiro-san," she greeted them with a nod. "We've got a special mission for you two."
Shizuka looked up curiously, a small piece of apple still in her hand. "What's going on, Anko-sensei?" she asked, intrigued by the serious tone.
Noshiro raised an eyebrow, sensing the urgency in Anko's demeanor. "What do you need from us?" he inquired, setting his apple down and giving them his full attention.
"We're planning something for Kaza's birthday," Anko explained, her tone softening slightly as she mentioned the occasion. "We want to make it special for him, given the significance of today."
Shizuka's eyes widened with realization. "Oh, I see. We'd be happy to help," she replied eagerly, glancing at her father for confirmation.
Noshiro nodded in agreement. "Of course, we're in. What do you need us to do?" he asked, ready to contribute however he could to make Kaza's day memorable.
"We're gathering supplies and planning a surprise celebration," Anko explained. "We could use your help in setting up decorations and preparing some snacks. And Shizuka, your vine release abilities could add a nice touch to the ambiance."
Shizuka nodded eagerly. "Absolutely, I'll do my best to make it special," she replied with determination.
Noshiro smiled proudly at his daughter's enthusiasm. "Count us in," he said, standing up and brushing off his hands. "Let's get to work." With that, the group set off to gather supplies and prepare for Kaza's birthday celebration.
"So it is my rival's birthday huh," Aosuke commented having overheard this walking up as he looked at the group. Aosuke, Kaza's self proclaimed rival, looked at the group, "the Kusagakure ninja just arrived for the exam in a few days, do you mind if me and my team help out some. There are going to most likely be a number of Kusa villagers and others from my region who will most likely go to the Togusa shrine today. To honor Ryota, and his sacrifice."
Anko nodded, impressed by Aosuke's unexpected offer. "That would be great," she replied with a smile. "The more hands we have, the better the celebration will be. Thank you for your willingness to help out, Aosuke."
Junior glanced at Aosuke, a mix of curiosity and wariness in his eyes. He had seen and knew about Aosuke's rivalry with Kaza and wasn't sure what to make of it, but for now, he remained silent, waiting to see how things would unfold.
Meanwhile at the shrine itself, Kaza was far busier than he thought as he went through all of his vases which surprised him. He had to go back to the older ones from previous years when he had many left over to give out to people as they came and prayed. There were enough to make this a successful event. It was a shock to him as he greeted people and helped and gave the best advice that he could. He moved around quickly. He had no idea why, he had no idea that the people who years before his father had saved in his final battle knew that they knew the hero's son, and the hero's shrine were still around.
Kaza breathed hard as he looked at the ground as he looked at the ground catching his breath, this was a good workout, he was working hard to be everywhere at the same time. He looked up and smiled as he saw Ino, "Good day, Ino-chan, good to see you again."
Ino smiled warmly at Kaza, feeling a sense of pride in seeing him work so diligently to honor his family's legacy. "Good day, Kaza-kun," she replied with genuine affection. "You're doing an amazing job here. It's truly touching to see how much effort you've put into making this day special for everyone." She approached him, offering a small bouquet of flowers. "These are for you, Kaza-kun. Happy birthday."
Kaza turned a number of shades of red, as he was being given something from Ino. He glanced at the flowers, his voice lost to him for a moment as he smiled very happily, as he couldn't believe the girl he had crushed on heavily, one could argue fell in love with at first sight was giving him a birthday gift, the first one he had gotten since his grandmother's death. Tears of joy came down his face without him even thinking about it. "Thank you, Ino-chan," he said softly. "I will find the perfect place for these."
"I could use some help, do you mind finding one of the old robes in my house, and putting the flowers down somewhere, I am very grateful for you, Ino-hime," he said as he looked her in the eyes.
Ino nodded with a warm smile, touched by Kaza's emotional response. "Of course, Kaza-kun. I'll find a good spot for the flowers and take care of everything." She gently took the bouquet from him and placed it carefully aside before heading towards his house to retrieve one of the old robes. As she walked, she couldn't help but feel a sense of happiness at being able to make Kaza's birthday a little brighter.
Kaza returned to work as he helped a few more people as he greeted and helped people pray, he did however within a few moments saw Ino come out in a shrine maiden's outfit, he smiled blushing a bit as he knew that at one point it had belonged to his late mother who had been the shrine maiden for the shrine. He worked refocusing on his work as he helped various people.
"Togusa!," Aosuke said loudly as he walked up, "I hear it is a big day, tomorrow I want to fight you, but today, what do you need me to do to help out?"
Kaza glanced up, surprised to see Aosuke offering his help. He nodded appreciatively, a hint of determination in his eyes. "Thank you, Aosuke-san. Your support means a lot." He quickly thought about how Aosuke could assist. "If you could help guide people to the shrine and assist them with their prayers, that would be greatly appreciated. We're expecting more visitors today, and your help would ensure everything goes smoothly."
"Fine but remember we will fight tomorrow," Aosuke said looking at Kaza as he was not going to back down from any challenge.
"Sure, sure tomorrow fight training ground 7," Kaza said as he nodded his head before Aosuke ended up doing just what he said he would do.
Ino shook her head as she had no meet Aosuke, but he seemed rather unique as she smiled walking over, "It seems that your shrine is going to make a lot through the offerings today, I think you might even be able to use the money to really fix up this place and your house."
"Yeah, I will, I will have a lot to think about thinking to do, there are way more people here than ever before," Kaza said still a bit overwhelmed by how many people showed up to the shrine.
Ino nodded in agreement, her eyes scanning the surroundings. "It's amazing to see so many people coming together to honor the shrine and your family's legacy. I'm sure your mother and grandmother would be proud." She placed a reassuring hand on Kaza's shoulder. "You're doing a great job, Kaza. You've brought so much life to this place today."
The two of them spend the whole afternoon working as people would head back to their homes for the evening, they would return that night as Kaza told them that they were going to have a hell of a show.