Shanan's confidence soared after her and Sasuke's heartfelt confession. As she prepared to master her new jutsu, she invited Sasuke to join her, seeking his input and craving quality time together. Lately, his jealousy had simmered beneath the surface, and she wanted to reassure him.

Sasuke's eyes sparkled with delight at her invitation. "I'd love to," he said, his voice warm.

Hand in hand, they arrived at the training field and saw Kakashi leaning against a tree, book in hand, as usual. Normally, he'd lower his mask as soon as she came into his peripheral vision, but Shanan noticed his mask remained firmly in place, today.

She sighed, shaking her head. She hadn't really spent much time with Kakashi around anyone else, so she was a bit surprised that he still didn't lower it for anyone else.

"What's wrong?" Sasuke asked.

Shanan casually covered, remembering that Kakashi had asked her not to mention the mask thing to the boys, "Oh, nothing... just thinking about Kakashi's smutty romance novels. It's kinda funny how he reads them so openly."

"Oh, yeah… He does get lost in them. Sometimes we have to repeat exercises because he's too engrossed," he said, chuckling.

She laughed, shaking her head again. "Why am I not surprised?"

Kakashi finally looked up as the pair approached, his eyes glinting. "Oh, Sasuke, what brings you here today?"

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, annoyed by his question. "Shanan invited me."

She nudged Sasuke playfully. "Yeah, I asked him to come along. Is that okay?"

"Actually," Kakashi said, looking up thoughtfully. "It's a great idea. Having an extra Sharingan may prove useful."

Shanan smiled, feeling relieved, while Sasuke remained subtly standoffish.

Kakashi continued, "Alright, I've put a lot of thought into what we need to do. Safety is our first priority, Shanan, so let's not be too reckless." He watched her, awaiting confirmation.

"Oh! I completely agree, Kakashi. I'll be careful. I promise." She fully understood his apprehension, but she was confident she could do this without any issues.

He nodded, satisfied with her reassurance. "Great. Let's review the plan. First, we'll focus on cloud creation. After that, water formation skills. Can you transform into different forms? For instance, from a puddle into rain?"

Her eyes sparkled. "Ooh, I've never tried being rain before."

"I thought that might be the case." He smiled thoughtfully. "Well, once you master rain, becoming a fine mist and then a cloud should follow easily."

Shanan's excitement grew. "Oh my gosh… We're really gonna do this! Okay, then what?"

He chuckled at her enthusiasm and continued. "Well, after formation, we'll work on directional control in rain form. You don't want gravity limiting your cloud potential... or… you'd only be considered fog."

Shanan snorted, chuckling.

Sasuke looked at her, puzzled. "What was funny?"

"His stupid joke was pretty funny." Shanan grinned at Kakashi, understanding his humor a bit better than most.

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, still confused. "That was a joke?"

"Yeah… It was. Don't let the mask fool you. He's an idiot," she teased, smiling. Though Sasuke was clearly concerned about her gentle tone.

Kakashi cleared his throat, slightly embarrassed. "Anyway, after mastering those steps, we'll combine them for your storm cloud."

Shanan exclaimed, "Yes!" eyes sparkling. "Once I master the cloud, I'll charge it with Chidori and unleash chaos!" Her exaggerated evil laugh echoed.

Sasuke chuckled, his mood lifting.

But when Kakashi smiled warmly and affectionately patted Shanan's head, Sasuke's smile faltered, a hint of jealousy flickering in his eyes. "Calm down, we haven't even started yet. Let's get going," he said walking out into the field.

Shanan grabbed Sasuke's hand and pulled him with her to follow Kakashi.

"Now," Kakashi said, spinning around to look at her. "At our first training session, you filled your hand with water. Do you remember that?"

"Mmhmm!" she said, nodding enthusiastically.

"Good. I'm assuming you did that by pulling water from the air, is that correct?"

She thought for a moment and then nodded. "Yes! Though, I can pull it from my body… I think. But I definitely pulled that water out of the air."

"Wait," Sasuke interjected, "How can you not be sure?"

Her brow furrowed a bit as she looked at him. "I mean, I think that's right…"

Kakashi intervened soothingly, "Actually, Sasuke, instinctive actions don't always require clear explanations. Shanan's consistently accurate in identifying her process." He offered a soft, reassuring smile. "You haven't been wrong so far."

Shanan beamed, her confidence evident.

Sasuke looked away, silently reprimanding himself.

"Now, cloud formation," Kakashi said. "A similar process, but different application. Disperse water into tiny droplets, suspending them in air."

"Ooh! Like Kiryū's descriptions of kasumi clouds?" Shanan asked, eyes sparkling.

Kakashi's face lit up. "Exactly! You've read 'Tenrai no Sho'?"

Shanan nodded enthusiastically. "Of course! His theories on atmospheric conditions fascinate me."

Sasuke's brow furrowed, lost in the conversation.

"Kiryū's work is... foundational," Kakashi said. "His concepts on vapor density and temperature fluctuations will be really helpful today."

Shanan eagerly added. "And his 'Kaze no Kaito' theory! How wind currents influence precipitation!"

Kakashi chuckled. "I see you've delved deep into his research."

Sasuke's confusion deepened, but he listened intently looking back and forth between the two.

She laughed nervously. "I get bored sometimes and pick a topic. Then as I'm reading, I make a list of where I wanna branch off to next. So, weather and weather based techniques took up at least half a week."

"I remember your weather obsession..." Sasuke said, regretting not listening more closely.

Kakashi nodded thoughtfully, noting the similarity between Shanan's curiosity and his own. "So you're already familiar with the process. Manipulate water vapor, creating visible clouds. Focus on releasing water molecules, letting them condense."

Sasuke's gaze remained fixed on Kakashi.

"Consider humidity, temperature, and air currents," Kakashi instructed.

Shanan nodded eagerly. "Yeah, I think I can do that!"

Kakashi smiled. "Alright, give it a try."

Shanan closed her eyes, her brow furrowing in concentration. Her chakra flowed, sensing the humidity in the air. Water began to collect around her, pooling at her feet.

"A bit too much, too fast," Kakashi cautioned gently, his voice soothing. "Release it slowly, disperse evenly. Remember, Kiryū's kasumi clouds are formed by delicate droplets."

Her face scrunched in frustration. "Right." She adjusted her chakra, but droplets merged, forming streams. "Dammit!" she exclaimed, irritation flashing across her face.

Kakashi's voice remained calm. "It's alright, we've only just begun. You need to separate the water molecules, which takes precision, so don't be too hard on yourself, Shanan," Kakashi guided patiently. "Tiny droplets, suspended in air."

Sasuke observed intently, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "Did you say cloud formation is temperature-dependent?" he asked.

Kakashi nodded thoughtfully. "Temperature fluctuations affect condensation. Kiryū's research highlights this."

Shanan's determination intensified. "Oh, duh, cooler temperatures..." Her brow furrowed as she focused, recalling that specific chapter from 'Tenrai no Sho'.

"Exactly," Kakashi confirmed. "Lower temperatures help condense water vapor."

Shanan focused anew, adjusting her chakra. The water vapor condensed now, but still clumped together and spilled forth like a waterfall. "Ugh! Why?!" Her frustration boiled over.

"Need a break?" Kakashi asked her gently.

Shanan shook her head vigorously. "No. I'm ok, it's just annoying because I know how it should be done based on theory..."

"Ah," Kakashi said, understanding. "Well, you understand the theory, and now you're practicing," Kakashi instructed softly. "Imagine dispersing the droplets evenly."

Shanan took a deep breath, re-centering. Her chakra flowed slower, more controlled.

Water vapor dispersed, a delicate cloud forming.

Shanan's eyes snapped open, surprise and exhilaration sparkling. "Oh! I did it?"

"You did it..." Kakashi nodded proudly, his smile evident beneath his mask. "Excellent control, Shanan! That was the easy part," he added with a hint of a chuckle. "Now that we've mastered cloud formation, let's move to the next step: transforming yourself into small droplets."

Sasuke's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow! That's impressive."

Kakashi smiled, pleased. "You'll find the next step more challenging, but I have faith in you."

Her eyes widened, trepidation creeping in. "That sounds... difficult."

"Indeed," Kakashi confirmed. "This process requires precise chakra control and patience. But you've got this. Are you ready?"

Shanan steeled herself. "Let's do it."

Hours passed, Shanan focusing intensely, her energy devoted to mastering the jutsu. Sweat dripped from her brow, her face scrunched in concentration.

"Still a bit too much," Kakashi said softly, eyeing the splashes that formed and dissolved around her. "Let's aim for delicate droplets, not waves."

Shanan sighed, frustration simmering beneath her calm surface. "I'm trying, Kakashi..." Her voice held a hint of playful exasperation. "Don't be mean to me..."

Kakashi chuckled softly. "Mean? Me? Come on, you can handle a little tough love," he teased.

She rolled her eyes good-naturedly, taking a deep breath to recharge. "You're right. I'll focus!" Determination reignited in her eyes.

Six hours into their training, her smallest achievement remained a palm-sized splash, a testament to her dedication.

"Excellent progress," Kakashi said softly. "Maintain your focus. You're close."

She rubbed her tired eyes, frustration creeping in. "Yeah, but I still can't get smaller... No matter how hard I try."

Kakashi's voice remained gentle, reassuring. "Progress over perfection, Shanan. You're on the right path."

His words eased Shanan's tension, refocusing her determination.

The sun's warm rays cast a gentle glow over the training field as Shanan collapsed onto the grass, exhausted. Her chest heaved with each labored breath.

Kakashi squatted beside her, concern etched on his face. "How about we call it a day? The sun's setting, and honestly, you need to rest."

Shanan lay there, catching her breath. "No... I really think I'm about to get it."

Kakashi's expression softened further as he sat down beside her. "And you'll be just as close tomorrow after you get some rest. Come on, sit up." He offered his hand, helping Shanan up.

Her face fell. "I really wanted to get it figured out today," she admitted, disappointment lacing her voice.

His soothing tone calmed her frustration. "It's just like when you're reading about a new subject. You wanna know everything, so you devour as many books as you can. And like you said, you make lists of related topics to branch into next."

She stared at the ground as she listened intently.

"But eventually, your eyes won't stay open," Kakashi continued. "Even though you still have plenty of chapters left to read. And you know that if you don't go to bed, you'll have to read it again anyway."

She nodded slowly, having been in that exact situation many times.

"So that's where you are now," he said gently. "You're not a failure because you didn't finish the book today. You'll place your bookmark and pick it back up in the morning with fresh eyes and a clear head." A warm smile spread across his face. "And I'll be here to help read to you when you need me to."

Her face lit up with understanding. "Yeah… you're right, Kakashi," she admitted. "I don't even think I can walk anymore, to be honest."

Kakashi chuckled softly. "Sasuke can carry you home. I'm sure he won't mind." He stood, holding out his hand to help her up. Looking at Sasuke, he asked, "Will you, Sasuke?"

Sasuke stepped forward, his eyes narrowing slightly. For an instant, his gaze lingered on Kakashi's hand, still grasping Shanan's. Then, his face relaxed, and his voice softened to a gentle tone. "You did a lot today, I've got you, Shanan."

Kakashi gently guided Shanan toward Sasuke.

Sasuke crouched before her, and Shanan wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, inhaling his scent – earthy and calming.

Sasuke's eyes fluttered closed for a moment as her arms enveloped him, his heart skipping a beat as a tingling warmth spread through him. But upon meeting Kakashi's gaze, coldness crept in, shielding his emotions.

"Thanks, Kakashi," Shanan said, smiling.

Kakashi smiled warmly. "Get plenty of rest, Shanan."

Sasuke's voice was detached. "See you tomorrow, Sensei."

"See ya, Sasuke. Get some rest as well," Kakashi replied.

As he walked, Shanan rested her head against his shoulder, feeling safe and comforted.

However, his thoughts swirled: warmth and closeness with Shanan clashed with uncertainty and rivalry with Kakashi.

Shanan was asleep by the time they arrived home, her exhaustion from training evident. Sasuke gently lifted her off his back and tucked her into bed, ensuring she was comfortable.

As he settled her in, a mix of emotions stirred. Torn between gratitude and jealousy, Sasuke replayed the day's events. Kakashi's gentle smile lingered in his mind. Why did he treat Shanan so differently? Sakura, though younger, didn't command the same level of mentorship. And his demeanor toward Shanan was distinctly softer.

Sasuke's brow furrowed, perplexity deepening. Kakashi treated Sakura with kindness, but Shanan received unparalleled warmth - respecting her opinions, listening attentively and genuinely caring – mirroring Sasuke's own feelings.

He thought Kakashi was an exceptional teacher, yet harshly critical and always pushing their limits. Protective, like his own father, Fugaku. But this was different. Sasuke hesitated, his mind racing: Could Kakashi truly... love... Shanan?

Naruto's voice broke the silence, shattering Sasuke's introspection. Sasuke nodded, and together they prepared a simple, comforting meal. As they ate, Naruto rambled on about his day, but Sasuke's thoughts drifted back to Kakashi and Shanan's interactions, his mind replaying every detail.

Naruto noticed Sasuke's quiet contemplation. "Are you tired or something? You've been really quiet all night."

Sasuke brushed it off. "Yeah, it was a long day."

After dinner, they settled beside Shanan's bed, bedrolls laid out.

Naruto yawned, his eyes heavy with sleep. "Night, Sasuke."

"Night," Sasuke replied softly.

The room fell silent, with only the faint sound of Shanan's gentle breathing. Sasuke's frustrating thoughts lingered, his gaze fixed on Shanan's peaceful face, his mind still reeling.

Morning sunlight warmed the training field as Shanan and Sasuke arrived. Kakashi leaned against a tree, relaxed, as he read.

Shanan sprinted toward him, grinning playfully. "Dammit, Kakashi! I thought we'd beat you this time! How early do you leave?"

Kakashi chuckled. "Well, if I tell you that, then you will beat me."

Sasuke stepped forward, voice measured. "What happened to the 'the path of life' excuse you give us every time you're late?"

Kakashi smiled beneath his mask, unfazed. "My navigation skills have improved greatly since our last training session, Sasuke." His tone hinted at amusement, acknowledging his notorious tardiness.

Sasuke's gaze lingered, suspicion flickering.

"I can tell you're rested," Kakashi said, strolling beside Shanan. "You seem anxious to start."

"Yes! And yes!" she exclaimed.

Sasuke trailed behind, his eyes narrowing as he watched the pair chat comfortably, their easy camaraderie unsettling him.

"The path of life, Kakashi?" Shanan teased, her voice light and playful. "What nonsense is that?"

Kakashi shrugged, a smile spreading beneath his mask. "I rarely get a good night's rest. It's easier to ignore the alarm sometimes."

Shanan playfully rolled her eyes. "Meanwhile, Naruto and Sasuke are at each other's throats. Poor Sakura suffers through your laziness."

Kakashi rubbed the back of his neck, a hint of vulnerability flickering across his face. "I guess you've figured me out, Shanan."

Shanan's eyes sparkled mischievously. She skipped ahead, walking backwards as she faced him, her smile radiant. "Oh, I figured you out a long time ago, Kakashi!"

With a burst of laughter, she jogged toward the center of the field, awaiting Kakashi and Sasuke.

Kakashi's eyes lingered on her retreating form, his expression softening.

Sasuke continued trailing behind, narrowing his eyes at Kakashi.

As they reached the training area, Kakashi began explaining the day's exercises, but Sasuke's attention drifted, fixated on the effortless rapport between them. Shanan's laughter and Kakashi's warm smiles fueled Sasuke's growing unease.

A pang of helplessness settled in Sasuke's chest, his heart heavy, weighed down by insecurity. He felt like an outsider, struggling to keep up with their effortless connection. Anxiety crept in, his stomach twisting with a familiar, unsettling feeling.

The sunlight danced across Shanan's smiling face as Sasuke's attention re-focused. "Actually, I dreamed about training all night, and I think I know what I was doing wrong."

Kakashi's interest piqued, his tone playful. "Oh? Well, do tell."

"Yeah…" she pointed to the ground. "I think I just need to lay in puddle form for a few days and let nature run its course." Her voice danced with amusement.

Kakashi tilted his head, amused. "Well... that might work... but let's save that as a last resort, hmm?"

She smiled, her eyes gleaming. "Yeah, you're right. It was a long and boring dream anyway."

They shared a gentle laugh, their comfort with each other evident.

Sasuke sighed, looking away, his gaze clouded by a mix of frustration and longing. The warmth between Kakashi and Shanan only seemed to widen the chasm within him.

Shanan bounded over, her smile radiant. "Maybe it'll help me if you stand closer today."

"Yeah?" His expression softened, a hint of gratitude flickering. "Alright," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Her hand wrapped around his, pulling him closer, the warmth from her hand seeping into his skin, offering reassurance.

For the next few hours, Shanan focused on transforming into small water droplets.

Sasuke stepped up his encouragement, often interrupting Kakashi. "You're doing great, Shanan!" he called out.

Kakashi began to offer guidance, but Sasuke spoke over him. "Try relaxing your chakra!"

Shanan's water droplets glistened, reflecting Sasuke's excitement.

Kakashi's brow furrowed slightly, frustration flickering. He let out a resigned sigh as he stepped away, letting Sasuke take the lead. Sitting in the grass, he murmured, "Hopefully, the kid's competitive nature doesn't hinder her progress." A hint of intrigue crossed his face. "Though, I wonder if there might be something to that dream of hers…"

Sasuke continued urging Shanan on, his fervor unwavering. "Keep going! You've got this!" He enveloped Shanan in a warm hug.

Her progress did slow a bit, but Sasuke's support kept her going.

Kakashi lay back, arms behind his head, observing with an impassive gaze. Though he appreciated Sasuke's intentions, he couldn't shake the feeling that unchecked praise would stifle Shanan's growth.

Sasuke's assertiveness grew, his hugs and encouragement flowing freely.

Shanan smiled, her trust in Sasuke apparent.

After about an hour Kakashi stood beside Sasuke, eyes on Shanan. "How's she doing?"

Sasuke glanced at Kakashi, his tone flat. "She's making progress."

Kakashi's voice remained light. "About that. I have an idea, but in your excitement, you haven't let me get a word in edgewise. Mind if I speak to her alone for a minute?"

Sasuke's gaze narrowed, jaw tightening. "Fine." He stepped back, watching with an air of quiet possessiveness from a short distance, his eyes never leaving Shanan.

Shanan joined them, her chest heaving slightly. "Kakashi, did you see? Still looks like bubbles or whatever, but... I'm getting the hang of those at least."

Kakashi smiled warmly. "First of all, Shanan, you're doing great."

Her face lit up.

"Second," Kakashi continued, "I think your dream may have actually hinted at something."

Her eyebrows shot up. "Really? I'm doing that badly, huh? Time for the last resort?"

Kakashi chuckled. "Not quite." His expression turned serious. "Sense the air and water around you. You easily pull water from air, but where does it come from? What process is already occurring when you pull it?"

"Oh..." she said thoughtfully.

"It's likely already in the process of evaporating, on its way up," Kakashi explained. "Maybe you can mimic that natural process."

Her eyes sparkled with understanding. "Oh my god! That's brilliant!" She glanced at Sasuke, excitement radiating. "Did you hear that?"

Sasuke rejoined them, his expression softening. "Yeah... I guess it's not a bad idea."

She beamed. "Okay, everyone shut up now. I have to concentrate."

With renewed focus, she closed her eyes, sensing the air's moisture.

Her eyes sparkled as she focused. Moments passed, and suddenly, she dissolved into tiny water droplets.

The droplets descended gently onto the ground.

She re-solidified, beaming. "I did it, right? Did I do it?"

Kakashi's smile beamed approval, his eyes shining with satisfaction at her rapid progress. "Yes, you nailed it."

Sasuke enveloped her in a warm, tight hug, heartfelt pride radiating from his embrace. "Brilliant again! Guess we should've listened to your dream sooner."

Shanan leaned back, her face glowing triumphantly. "No way! That was all Kakashi. I refuse to take credit from my silly dream." She crossed her arms, meeting Kakashi's gaze. "Don't give me that look. We both know you would've gotten there eventually."

Her eyes shone with admiration as she turned to Sasuke. "He's an actual genius."

Sasuke's eyes darkened momentarily, his jaw tightening once more.

Kakashi rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Well, either way... let's move on to the next step."

Shanan's determination reignited as she gazed at Kakashi and Sasuke. "Next step, right? Changing direction in water droplet form."

Kakashi nodded. "You're ready."

"I think I can pull this off," Shanan said confidently. "I can move around fine in my normal water form."

With a deep breath, she dissolved into tiny droplets again. However, instead of soaring upward, the droplets faltered and descended to the ground.

Re-solidifying, she scrunched her face in contemplation. "Hmm... I didn't expect that."

Kakashi offered guidance, his voice reassuring. "It'll likely be tougher since your chakra is more spread out and there are more individual moving parts in this form."

Shanan nodded thoughtfully. "Okay, yeah... I don't really have a basis for comparison here."

Kakashi's reassuring smile appeared. "That's often the case when creating new jutsus. But I believe in you, and I'm here to help."

Sasuke chimed in, his voice slightly hesitant. "Me too. Maybe you can try focusing on moving one drop first, then add more once you get that down?"

His lack of confidence was palpable, but Kakashi's endorsement quickly followed. "That's an excellent suggestion, Sasuke. Do you think you can do that, Shanan?"

Her face lit up. "Absolutely!" She smiled warmly at Sasuke, whose eyes sparkled with delight. He smiled back, relief and happiness flickering across his features, his gaze tenderly holding Shanan's.

With renewed resolve, she refocused, attempting to manipulate a single droplet.

Her focus intensified. Droplets formed, and she manipulated them with ease.

One drop rose, then another, until all floated effortlessly.

Triumphant, she rained down around Sasuke, re-solidifying.

She threw her arms around him, her gratitude radiating. "That was really helpful!"

Sasuke's expression softened further, his voice filled with emotion. "I'm glad, Shanan." His arms enveloped her warmly.

Kakashi observed, his voice tinged with approval. "I'd even say that suggestion cut down your training time significantly."

Sasuke's unease lingered, but he accepted the compliment graciously. "Alright, what's next?"

Kakashi outlined the next step, his expression serious. "Now, combine the first two steps: turn yourself into water droplets and create clouds simultaneously. Sense the air, mimic the natural process, pull water, control temperature –"

Shanan interrupted, sarcasm dripping from her voice, "Oh, okay, no problem..." Her face scrunched up, contradicting her words.

Kakashi chuckled softly. "Would you prefer to revisit training tomorrow?"

Her determination flared, her eyes sparkling. "No! I'm gonna figure this out today."

"Suit yourself..." He sighed, resigned.

With a resolute nod, Shanan refocused, ready to tackle the challenging combination.

The next several days blurred together, Shanan's dedication unwavering, hiding her crushing exhaustion behind determined eyes that blazed with defiant resolve. Her poised stance belied the turmoil within, fatigue's heavy weight threatening to consume her. Yet, she pressed on, fueled by unyielding resolve.

Water droplets swirled around her, merging seamlessly with the air as she mastered temperature and humidity control. But each breath was a controlled struggle, her body screaming in protest.

Kakashi observed attentively, his brow furrowed in concern, sensing the depth of her fatigue. His protective instincts stirred, urging him to intervene.

Sasuke lingered, offering gentle reassurance through his soft, encouraging smile, unaware of Shanan's frailty.

Her progress was remarkable, but the final step tantalizingly eluded her, frustration flickering like a flame.

Just as she mastered ninety percent of the technique, Naruto, Neji and Lee arrived.

"Hey, Shanan! Heard you're making awesome progress!" Naruto called.

Neji's curious gaze scanned the area.

Lee nodded enthusiastically. "We came to watch!"

Kakashi's concern intensified as he watched Shanan's determination ignite, fueled by the newcomers' presence. His eyes narrowed, anticipating her relentless push. He pulled her aside, voice low and urgent. "Shanan, take a break for a few days."

Sasuke intervened, protective, his eyes locking onto Kakashi. "Are you kidding? She's so close! You think she should stop now?" Defiance flashed in his gaze. "I thought you believed in her abilities."

Shanan's eyelids drooped, fatigue overwhelming her. Her mind wandered.

Sasuke grasped her hand, smiling reassuringly. "I know you can do it, Shanan."

Kakashi's eyes narrowed, frustration flickering. "Sasuke, devotion is admirable, but don't let your determination to spite me cloud your judgment. Shanan's clearly exhausted; ascending isn't safe."

Sasuke's eyes widened, incredulous. "Is that what you think, Sensei? I just know Shanan better than anyone."

Kakashi's tone turned crisp, his impatience evident. "Safety is our top priority, Sasuke. We can't afford recklessness."

Shanan rubbed her temple, exhaustion evident, but her voice trembled with determination. "Please stop, guys. Just... let me try it once since everyone's here, okay?" Her gaze pleaded. "Then I promise, I'll go home and take a few days off, no matter what."

Sasuke's expression softened. "Only if that's what you want, Shanan."

Kakashi's expression turned grave, his eyes filled with genuine concern. "In all seriousness, Shanan, I highly suggest waiting. If something happens, my ability to help will be severely limited at that height." His voice conveyed deep worry, each word weighted with urgency. "Please, just try again in a couple of days."

Shanan's gaze shifted from Sasuke's encouraging smile to Kakashi's worried face. Determination burned within her. "I promise I'll be okay, Kakashi," she said, her voice resolute.

Kakashi's jaw tightened, unease lingering. He stepped closer, his hand grasping her shoulder firmly, his eyes intense. "I don't like this, Shanan. Please be extremely careful. Stop immediately if you're unsure about anything, no matter how small."

Shanan nodded solemnly. Sasuke squeezed her hand reassuringly, offering silent support.

Kakashi walked away, his disapproval and worry palpable, leaving Shanan with a pang of guilt.

But Sasuke's triumphant smile swiftly erased her doubts, infusing her with confidence.

"Hey, you got this," Sasuke reassured, voice warm and encouraging. "Start low, slow. Don't aim too high for now. Just go for the top of the trees this time, alright?"

Shanan gazed upward, the trees' height manageable, even in failure. "Okay," she agreed, determination firm, voice steady.

Sasuke enveloped her in a tight, protective embrace. "Don't worry about Kakashi," he whispered gently. "I know you'll be fine."

His words embodied unwavering confidence.

Shanan wrapped her arms around Sasuke, hugging him tightly. "Thank you, Sasuke."

Their embrace ignited the familiar chakra absorption sensation, sending exhilaration surging through Shanan's veins. But this time, its potency overwhelmed her, leaving her breathless and disoriented.

Sasuke released her, his intense gaze holding hers. "Are you ready?" he asked, his voice low and encouraging.

"Yeah..." Her eyes drifted upward, her mind racing to rehearse the steps. But her thoughts tangled, vision blurring.

Slowing her breaths, she acknowledged her exhaustion. Calmness gradually seeped in, focusing her gaze.

She turned to Kakashi, who stood with arms crossed, his expression a map of concern. "I'll be on standby," he said gently, "right underneath where you'll be. Try not to drift too far to either side." Apprehension lingered in his voice, his eyes locked onto hers.

"On my mark." Kakashi looked at her with a hint of skepticism. "Are you sure you won't just wait, Shanan?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

Shanan's eyes fluttered closed, her head spinning. "Please, I know I can do this," she asserted, striving for confidence.

Kakashi sighed, exasperation evident, before assuming position. "Alright. 5... 4..."

Shanan closed her eyes, focusing on Kakashi's voice. "3... 2..." She took another deep breath, trying to clear her mind.

"...1"

As Kakashi's countdown ended, Shanan transformed into tiny water droplets and soared into the air, striving to gather enough water to form a cloud. But by thirty feet, she still hadn't accumulated enough, so she continued to ascend, her droplets scattering like diamonds in the sunlight.

The air rushed past her, sending her stomach into a gentle flip. She focused on pulling water from the air to merge with her form, but her mind kept drifting, as if she were slipping in and out of consciousness. The world around her dissolved, leaving only the thrum of her heartbeat and the rush of the wind in her ears.

Yet, as she rose higher, the thrill of weightlessness gave way to a growing sense of disorientation. Her thoughts grew cloudy, her vision blurring like watercolors in the rain. She tried to shake off the feeling, taking slow, deep breaths, but her head spun faster, like a top whirling out of control.

Naruto, Neji, and Lee rushed to join Sasuke and Kakashi, their faces etched with concern as they watched Shanan's uncontrolled ascent.

"Why isn't she stopping?" Sasuke asked, panic creeping into his voice.

Kakashi's expression turned grave, internal alarm bells blaring. "Something is… very wrong," he said, his eyes fixed on Shanan's rising form. "Naruto, create as many shadow clones as possible!" Kakashi directed, voice firm, urgent.

Naruto nodded and swiftly generated hundreds of shadow clones, which dispersed across the grass. "Will she be okay?" he asked, worry etched on his face.

Kakashi's jaw clenched, hiding his escalating concern.

Sasuke's response was a tense whisper, spoken to no one in particular: "She better be."

"Unfortunately, I can't read her chakra in this form," Neji informed the group, his eyes fixed on Shanan's ascending figure.

Meanwhile, Shanan struggled to gather enough water to create a cloud, her water droplet form faltering. She was beset by sudden, shooting pains in her head, just behind her eyes. Her control wavered, and she solidified, plummeting towards the ground.

She managed to regain her composure, transforming back into water droplets to slow her descent.

As Shanan's struggles continued, Kakashi's eyes widened in alarm, his heart beating rapidly as he watched helplessly. Naruto's clones were on standby, but he was unsure how helpful they'd really be.

Then, a searing, intense pain struck Shanan, making her feel like her eyes might burst.

She lost control once more, solidifying before blacking out completely.

Shanan's limp form hurtled toward the earth, her unconscious body vulnerable to gravity's merciless forces. Naruto's clones rushed beneath her, a thousand delicate fingers stretching to cushion her fall, slowing her descent.

Kakashi inserted himself beneath her, his chakra-enhanced strength absorbing as much of the impact as possible. He grunted as their bodies collided with a sickening crunch. His arms and back protested the force, but he carefully cradled her head and shoulders, wrapping his arms protectively around her fragile form. Collapsing to the ground, Kakashi distributed her weight evenly, minimizing further strain.

Despite his valiant efforts, her spine buckled, multiple vertebrae shattering like fragile glass. Her spinal cord suffered partial damage, internal bleeding threatening her vital organs.

Shanan's broken form lay motionless in Kakashi's grasp.

Neji's anxious voice cut through the tension. "Her back's broken, she's suffered severe spinal damage!"

Sasuke's eyes widened in horror, his voice trembling. "Shanan..."

Kakashi's face paled, his emotions tightly reined. "Neji, can you guide me? How do I carry her without causing further damage?" His voice cracked slightly, betraying his concern.

Neji's Byakugan activated once more, his gaze sweeping her injured form. "Support her neck and lower back, Kakashi-sensei. Keep her spine aligned."

Kakashi nodded, his hands shaking faintly as he adjusted his hold. His brow furrowed with worry.

Sasuke's eyes clouded with tears, his hand reaching out instinctively to touch her cheek.

Kakashi's eyes locked onto her fragile features. "Don't touch her, Sasuke. You've done enough." His voice was low and firm as his grip on her intensified.

Naruto's clones dissipated, his eyes brimming with tears. "We have to help her, Kakashi-sensei..." he pleaded.

With Neji's guidance, Kakashi lifted Shanan, his movements deliberate and gentle.

Sasuke's eyes lingered on Kakashi's averted face, his expression a mix of shame and desperation.

Shanan's fragile body seemed lifeless in Kakashi's arms, her stillness unnerving. His breathing slowed, steadying his nerves.

Sasuke's eyes remained fixed on Shanan, his expression tormented.

Lee sobbed uncontrollably, his body shaking. "Shanan..." Neji placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, concern etched on his face.

"Please be okay, Shanan..." Naruto whispered softly.

Kakashi's eyes betrayed deep, unrelenting worry, threatening to shatter his composure.

Shanan's fragile body, once soaring through the skies, now lay shattered and still against him.

As they rushed to the hospital, their urgent footsteps echoed through the silence, heightening Kakashi's anxiety. His jaw clenched, shoulders tense as his resolve teetered on the brink of collapse.