The first rays of morning sunlight filtered through the trees around the home Yami and Rei had built together atop Dynara Mountain. A sense of peace surrounded the mountain, the silence only broken by the occasional breeze rustling through the leaves. Yami stood at the sparring grounds outside their home, his bare torso gleaming under the sunlight. His hair was tied back, allowing a clear view of the scar that ran across his cheek and stopped just under his eye. His muscles were taut, and he radiated an aura of confidence and readiness.

Beside him, Naruto stood, equally shirtless, his usual orange attire replaced by loose pants to allow for full movement. His hair, wild and unrestrained as always, caught the morning light as he adjusted his stance. Both were ready for the sparring match that was about to unfold.

Rei, standing off to the side, watched her husband with a calm expression, her silver hair tied back into a loose ponytail. She wasn't one to show much emotion, but there was an undeniable warmth in her gaze whenever she looked at Yami. Her hand rested lightly on her stomach, a quiet reminder of the life growing inside her—a life that added a new layer of importance to every decision, every action they took.

The morning air was crisp, and the ground beneath them was soft yet firm—ideal for training.

Rei glanced over to Sakura, who stood near her with a soft frown on her face. The medical ninja had already decided not to spar with Rei, for fear of accidentally hurting her or the child Rei was carrying. Although Rei had insisted it would be fine, Sakura wasn't convinced, and Rei respected her decision.

Sakura, standing slightly apart from Rei, wore a worried expression. She had always been protective of her friends, and knowing the stakes—Rei's pregnancy—made her reluctant to engage in any form of physical sparring. She knew the bond between Yami and Rei was strong, and that they both trained together regularly, but Sakura wasn't yet ready to spar with someone in Rei's condition.

Rei understood, and gave Sakura a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about it," she said gently, her tone still holding an edge of playfulness. "We'll save our match for another day. But let's see how Naruto handles Yami."

Naruto grinned, his usual exuberance shining through. "You bet I'll handle him! I've learned a lot since we last sparred!" He clenched his fists in anticipation, excitement radiating from him. He hadn't forgotten the last time he saw Yami's power firsthand—when he saw the sheer scale of what Yami could do during the battle with Vistago. It had left a lasting impression on him, but it had also fueled his desire to improve.

Yami simply gave a small smile, his eyes focused, ready to begin. He wasn't one to underestimate anyone—especially not Naruto—but today wasn't about beating the other person. Today was about pushing limits, about testing their skills and sharpening them.

"Remember," Yami said, his voice calm yet firm, "this isn't about winning. It's about learning. Let's see how far you've come."

Naruto nodded eagerly, his stance shifting slightly as he braced himself.

Rei, however, stepped forward, a wooden training pole in her hands. "Alright, both of you. No chakra enhancement, no jutsu," she instructed, her voice sharp but kind. "This will be pure taijutsu. Let's see how well you can control yourselves." She tossed one of the poles to Naruto and one to Yami. The poles were simple, lightweight, but sturdy—perfect for training.

Yami caught the pole with ease, his grip firm. He wasn't here to show off or demonstrate his god-like strength; he was here to help Naruto grow, to hone his abilities. Though he had far surpassed most in terms of raw power and skill, he knew that true strength came from balance, from understanding one's limitations.

"Ready?" Yami asked, holding the pole in front of him, his stance poised.

Naruto nodded and readied himself, the pole gripped tightly in his hands. "I'm always ready!"

Rei watched them both intently, but she could tell that Naruto was eager to prove himself. His energy was palpable—like a spark waiting to ignite. But she had no doubt Yami would keep him grounded. Even if Naruto's fire burned bright, Yami's experience would temper it.

As Yami and Naruto faced off, Rei walked over to Sakura, who had moved to sit on a nearby rock, her arms crossed over her chest.

"You're worried about the spar?" Rei asked, raising an eyebrow as she joined her.

Sakura looked up at Rei with a small sigh. "A little. I'm just worried about you and the baby. I know you're strong, but still… it's a lot to handle."

Rei smiled reassuringly. "I'm fine. I'm still strong, even with the baby. But if you're not ready to spar with me, that's okay. I understand." She paused for a moment before her eyes narrowed slightly, and she tilted her head. "But... there is something I've been wondering."

Sakura raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "What is it?"

Rei's voice lowered slightly, her expression thoughtful. "Orochimaru. Why would he travel across the ocean, all the way to Enraoi? He's hidden for so long, but... if he wanted to stay hidden, why not settle somewhere else? Moukoku City or Toroumi Village, perhaps. Those would be far better locations than the base of Dynara Mountain."

Sakura's expression shifted, a flicker of concern crossing her features. "I've been thinking about that too. He's never been the type to make such a risky move, but maybe he has his reasons. Maybe he's trying to make a big play—using this island's isolation to hide his activities." She paused, her mind working. "But you're right. There are other places he could have gone. So why this place? It's like he's trying to draw attention. Almost as if he's baiting us, waiting for someone to find him."

Rei nodded thoughtfully, her silver hair flowing gently in the breeze. "I think we need to be careful. Whatever his intentions are, they're not clear. And if he's in hiding, then we don't know what kind of forces he has under his control." Her eyes turned back to Naruto and Yami, who were now locked in a flurry of strikes and quick movements. The sound of their combat echoed in the stillness of the morning.

She watched intently as Yami moved with the precision and grace of a seasoned fighter, his body fluid as he blocked and parried Naruto's attacks. His movements were calm, controlled—there was no wasted effort. Naruto, on the other hand, was the exact opposite. His attacks were wild, filled with energy and enthusiasm, but he wasn't as refined as Yami. Yet, the strength of his will was undeniable.

Rei's eyes softened as she turned back to Sakura. "He's grown so much since we met him. But I still wonder… what is Orochimaru truly after?"

Sakura stared at Rei, as if seeing her in a new light. The concern in Rei's voice was evident, but there was also a deep understanding of the stakes involved. They were no longer just concerned about personal strength or power. They were concerned about the safety of everything around them. Their world, their homes—everything was at risk.

The two of them fell into a comfortable silence, watching the sparring match unfold.

On the sparring grounds, Naruto and Yami continued to exchange blows, the sound of their wooden poles cracking against each other reverberating across the area. Their bodies moved faster than most could follow, a blur of motion as they tested each other's limits.

Naruto was the first to break the silence with a grin. "You're holding back," he said between breaths, sweat dripping down his face. "I can feel it! Come on, Yami! Let's see what you really got!"

Yami simply smiled, his calm demeanor never faltering. "I'm not holding back," he said quietly. "You're just too eager. Control your emotions, and you'll do better."

Naruto snorted. "Yeah, yeah. But I'm gonna catch you eventually!" He darted forward, his pole aimed directly at Yami's chest.

But Yami was already one step ahead. He sidestepped gracefully, his pole connecting with Naruto's shoulder in a swift strike that sent him stumbling backward.

"Focus," Yami said, his voice gentle yet firm. "Taijutsu isn't just about speed. It's about precision. Your emotions are clouding your movements. If you don't control them, you'll never be able to harness your true potential."

Naruto grumbled but nodded, a fire in his eyes. "Alright, I get it. Let's do this again!"

Rei and Sakura exchanged a quiet glance, both of them understanding the importance of this moment. They weren't just watching a sparring match. They were witnessing the growth of two people, two warriors, who were pushing themselves to new limits.

And with every strike, every movement, they were preparing for something greater. Something that would soon require everything they had to give.

But for now, they simply watched.