A/N: Finally, yes, finally! Taiyo is going to meet our main cast in this chapter. Perhaps even his future teammates.

The journey was calm. It had been three weeks since they had said their goodbyes to family and friends. It was fairly easy to see where the border between the Land of Iron and the Land of Fire began. The forests told everything. The first thing he noticed when they crossed the border into the Land of Fire was the forests. The Land of Iron was by no means barren; it had a variety of climates - forests, plains, deserts, tundra, and mountains, but the Land of Fire was green. Very, very green. The forests were just so… dense. Denser than anything he had ever seen before. Then again, considering who the First Hokage was, maybe he shouldn't be so surprised.

"Enjoying the scenery, Tai?" Mora's teasing voice cut through his observations,

"Honestly, yes. No wonder they have the leaf as their symbol," he said as he continued looking at the trees.

Mora hummed in agreement, "It's often considered suicide to fight a Konoha shinobi in their own terrain. They know the forests like the back of their hands."

Taiyo nodded, his brow furrowed as they continued their trail. His keen ears picked up the distinct sounds of forest life – chirping birds, rustling leaves, and the occasional scurry of small animals. It was a stark contrast to his homeland's quieter, more open landscapes.

"Keep your senses sharp," Mora advised, her playful demeanor momentarily replaced by the seasoned samurai within. "We may encounter Konoha shinobi soon."

Taiyo felt a small sense of discomfort. Shinobi. He had heard stories, of course. Their use of chakra was different compared to the samurais' breathing techniques. He had heard of the legendary ninja, of course. From the First Hokage to the Third Kazekage, to the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist, to the Third and Fourth Raikage. But he had never really heard about what kind of people they were. His lessons on history and etiquette gave him a superficial view.

As if on cue, Taiyo's ears twitched. Three- no, four people rapidly approaching them. He looked up, and Mora had already tensed. From the trees came a cry.

"Dynamic Entry!"

Taiyo flinched from the sheer volume as a green blur burst through the canopy, hurtling towards them at breakneck speed. Taiyo's hand instinctively moved to the hilt of his katana, but Mora's firm grip on his shoulder stayed his action.

"Wait," she murmured, her eyes fixed on the incoming figure.

The green blur resolved into a man, clad in a tight green jumpsuit, with a bowl cut and thick eyebrows. He landed before them in an exaggerated pose, flashing a blindingly white smile.

"Greetings, esteemed visitors from the Land of Iron!" the man exclaimed, his voice booming through the forest. "I am Might Guy, Konoha's Sublime Green Beast!"

Taiyo blinked, momentarily stunned by the shinobi's flamboyant entrance and introduction. Despite his ingrained manners, he couldn't help but stare. The rich shade of green threw him off. The closest he had seen to that were the colors used by the Mitsukami clan, and even then, they used pale shades of greens mixed with whites. He glanced at Mora, who seemed more amused than alarmed.

"A pleasure, Might Guy," Mora replied smoothly. "I am Mora Akagai, and this is my cousin, Taiyo Akagai. We come on a diplomatic mission from the Land of Iron."

"Of course! And please, both of you, just call me Guy!"

Taiyo's ears twitched as he glanced at the forest behind Guy. There were still three hidden.

"Aha!" Guy laughed out, "Your perception is very youthful, young lord Akagai!"

"Thank you, Migh-, Guy," Taiyo bowed his head; I wonder what that means, though.

Guy waved his hand, and three more figures dropped from the trees, landing beside him. A girl with her hair in two buns, a boy with long dark hair and pale eyes, and another boy who looked like a miniature version of Guy.

"These are my precious students!" Guy announced proudly. "Tenten, Neji, and Lee!"

Taiyo bowed politely to the three genin, his maroon ponytail swaying with the motion. "It's a pleasure to meet you all," he said, his voice calm and measured despite his inner curiosity.

The girl, Tenten, stepped forward with a friendly smile. "Welcome to the Land of Fire," she said, her brown eyes sparkling with interest as she glanced at Taiyo's two katana.

The long-haired boy, Neji, regarded Taiyo with a cool, appraising look. His pale eyes seemed to see right through him. "The Akagai clan," he mused. "One of the Six Border Clans of the Land of Iron, if I'm not mistaken."

Taiyo's eyebrows rose slightly, impressed by the young shinobi's knowledge. "That's correct. I'm surprised you know of us."

Before Neji could respond, the third genin, Lee, burst forward, his eyes blazing with enthusiasm. "Yosh! It is most youthful to meet warriors from another land! Tell me, Taiyo, do you train in taijutsu as well as kenjutsu?"

Taiyo couldn't stop the smile tugging at the edges of his lips. Lee was very much like Kyoma, at least in enthusiasm, "I am adept in grappling, though I would be lying if I said it was at the same skill level as my swordsmanship."

Lee's eyes lit up with excitement. "Ah, a fellow practitioner of close combat! We must spar sometime and share our youthful techniques!"

Taiyo nodded politely, though inwardly, he wondered if he could match the energy of this green-clad ninja. He smiled to himself: If he could handle Kyoma, he could handle Lee. His gaze drifted to Tenten, who was still eyeing his katana with undisguised curiosity.

"Your katana," she commented on them, "Are you a dual wielder."

Taiyo shook his head, "I'm afraid not. While I can use them both at once, I much prefer using one katana with both hands."

Tenten nodded, "I get that. But why do you carry two?"

He gave her a small smile, "Preference."

Tenten's eyes lit up with intrigue at Taiyo's cryptic response. She opened her mouth to ask more, but Guy's booming voice cut through the air.

"Well then, my youthful friends! Allow us to escort you to Konoha!" Guy struck another dramatic pose, his teeth gleaming in the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. "We shall make the journey a test of our vigor and stamina!"

Mora chuckled softly, her crimson hair swaying as she shook her head. "While we appreciate the offer, Might Guy, I believe a more... conventional pace would be suitable for our diplomatic mission."

"Of course, of course!" Guy laughed heartily. "We shall adapt our pace to match our esteemed guests. Now, onwards to Konoha!"

As they set off, Taiyo found himself walking beside Neji, the observant Hyuga. The young samurai's curiosity got the better of him. "If you don't mind me asking, how did you come to know about the Six Border Clans?"

Neji's pale eyes flickered towards Taiyo, assessing him once more.

"The Akagai is the only clan of the Six Border Clans that borders the Land of Fire. While most genin don't really know about the Land of Iron, chunin and above at least know about the Akagai clan."

Taiyo nodded; that made sense. It would be silly to think otherwise.

"Tell me, Taiyo," Neji said, bringing his eyes to Taiyo's, "what brings the heir of the Akagai clan to Konoha? Our reports were only to escort you, nothing of your actual mission."

Mora intervened, placing her hand on Taiyo's shoulder, "Taiyo will be joining Konoha's genin corps as a sort of cultural exchange between Shogun Yamada and Lord Hiruzen."

Neji raised a brow, "Interesting, a samurai joining Konoha's ranks is certainly… unprecedented."

"It's a new initiative," Mora explained smoothly. "We believe it will foster better understanding between our nations."

Tenten fell into step beside them, her eyes still gleaming with curiosity. "Hey, Taiyo, I've been wondering… the Land of Iron produces some of the finest swords in the world. Would you mind if I looked at one of your katana, please?"

Taiyo hesitated, wanting to say yes, but not knowing if he should. His eyes caught Mora's as she nodded. He unstrapped Dance and held it out for Tenten. She grinned thankfully and gingerly took it, looking over the scabbard.

Tenten's eyes widened as she carefully examined Dance. Her fingers traced the intricate designs on the scabbard, marveling at the craftsmanship. "This is immaculate," she breathed, her voice filled with awe. She gripped it around its pommel, "The balance, the weight, its amazing."

She drew Dance from its scabbard and admired it's edge, "The folding technique, the hamon line... it's unlike anything I've ever seen."

His brow raised, "You know quite a bit about forging."

She grinned back at him, carefully handing Dance over. "My parents are weaponsmiths, so I kind of learned everything growing up."

"Speaking of which," Tenten continued, "I thought samurai wore armor? Did you guys not bring any or…?"

Taiyo thought about the question for a moment. He supposed it made sense that most people considered samurai as heavily armored. "Most samurai still do, especially amongst the lower retainers, but as the rank and skill of a samurai grows, the need for armor slowly disappears."

"Because they become more reliant on their blades?" she asked.

He shook his head, "Because they become more reliant on themselves.

Mora chimed in smoothly, "As the skill of a samurai increases, so does the average skill of the opponent that they face. At a certain level, armor becomes nothing but paper for those types of enemies and only hinders your ability. Amongst the higher ranks of the Land of Iron, armor becomes mostly ceremonial rather than pragmatic."

Tenten frowned, "I get not wearing full armor, but wouldn't you still want something? Like forearm or shin guards?"

Taiyo considered her question. "Some do, but it depends on the fighting style. The Akagai's Eternal Sun Stance relies heavily on speed, adaptability, and precision, so we forego armor altogether. It's not uncommon to see samurai of the Twelve Clans doing the same."

Mora cut in, "However, there are sword stances that do act as an unmovable anchor, a place where armor can shine. The one that comes immediately to mind is the Touka's Blooming Flame Stance. The whole philosophy behind it is to act as aggressively and stubbornly as an all-consuming flame, a relentless wildfire."

Before Tenten could respond, Lee bounded up beside them, practically vibrating with excitement. "Taiyo! I have been thinking about our future sparring match. What kind of training regimen do samurai follow? Do you also run 500 laps around the village every morning?"

Taiyo blinked, momentarily taken aback by Lee's enthusiasm. "Well, our training is quite different. We focus a lot on breathing techniques and—"

"Breathing techniques?" Lee interrupted, his eyes wide. "How youthful! Does this enhance your stamina? Your strength? Your speed?"

Mora chuckled from behind them. "All of the above, young Lee. Perhaps Taiyo can demonstrate for you once we reach Konoha."

As they continued their journey, Taiyo found himself bombarded with questions from all sides. Tenten wanted to know more about Land of Iron weaponry, Lee was fascinated by samurai training methods, and even Neji, despite his cool demeanor, seemed curious about the political structure of the Land of Iron.

"Twelve Clans?"

Taiyo nodded, "The Twelve clans form the entirety of the Land of Iron. Each clan head oversees and governs their own provinces in the Shogun's stead."

Neji's brow furrowed slightly. "And the Akagai clan is one of these twelve?"

"Yes," Taiyo replied, his voice tinged with pride. "Our lands are in the southeast, bordering the Land of Fire."

"Interesting," Neji mused. "And each clan has its own fighting style, I presume?"

Taiyo nodded, his maroon ponytail swaying with the motion. "That's correct. Ours is called the Eternal Sun Stance. It focuses on fluid movements and adaptability."

As they walked, the dense forest began to thin out, revealing glimpses of a massive red wall in the distance. Taiyo's eyes widened as he saw Konoha's enormous gates.

"That seems a bit… excessive."

Guy let out a booming laugh at Taiyo's comment. "Ah, but it's not just for show, young Akagai! Those walls have protected our village through three great ninja wars!"

"Do samurai not have those kinds of walls?" Tenten asked, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"Well," Taiyo murmured, "we don't have a single set of walls, nor any of that size. Instead, we rely on multi-level fortresses."

As they approached the massive gates, Taiyo couldn't help but marvel at the sheer scale of Konoha's defenses. The walls towered above them, casting long shadows across the path.

"Multi-level fortresses, you say?" Neji inquired, his pale eyes fixed on Taiyo. "That sounds intriguing. How do they compare to our walls in terms of defense?"

Taiyo considered the question carefully. "Well, our fortresses are designed to work in tandem with the natural terrain. They're smaller than your walls but strategically placed to control key positions and passageways. Most commonly, we have multi-layered hilltop fortresses, though we do have some acting as anchors along rivers."

Neji's eyes narrowed as he took the information in. "That seems similar to some of our clan compounds. They can act as natural fortresses within the village, but nothing officially like yours."

"Have there been reasons for such a style?" Tenten asked, "If I recall, the Land of Iron hasn't really entered any wars in recent history, so how would you develop defenses like those."

Mora and Taiyo grimaced slightly. He looked over to Mora. She mulled over it for a second before nodding.

"A civil war," he elaborated grimly, "one that happened during the First Great War."

The atmosphere tensed at the mention of civil war. Guy's perpetual smile faltered for a moment, and even Lee's boundless enthusiasm seemed to dim.

"I see," Neji said, his voice low. "That explains the need for such intricate defenses."

Taiyo nodded , "During that time, single-layered defenses became obsolete. Too easily broken through, too easily exploited. The Shogun and loyalist clan heads devised the idea of a multi-layered fortress design."

Tenten's eyes widened with fascination. "That's incredible. So each fortress is like a mini-village in itself?"

Taiyo nodded, "In a way, yes. They're designed to be self-sufficient for extended periods if necessary."

"Does every clan use the same design?" Neji asked, his pale eyes flickering with interest.

Taiyo shook his head, "Every clan has their own customized fortress. It's said each clan's main estate and fortress is an extension of the clan's philosophy."

Guy's booming voice cut through the serious atmosphere. "Ah, but enough of such heavy topics! We're almost at the village, and it's time to show our guests the true spirit of Konoha!"

As they approached the massive gates, Taiyo couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and trepidation. The sheer scale of Konoha's defenses was unlike anything he'd seen in the Land of Iron. He picked up the bustle of activity beyond the walls - a cacophony of voices, footsteps, and the general hum of a thriving village.

Two guards stood at attention as the group neared.

"Hey Guy," one of them greeted, "already home, huh?"

"Greetings, Kotetsu, Izumo!" Guy called out cheerfully. "We've successfully escorted our esteemed guests from the Land of Iron!"

Their eyes widened slightly at the sight of Taiyo and Mora, clearly not accustomed to seeing samurai visitors.

The guards nodded, quickly regaining their composure. "Welcome to Konohagakure," one of them said, bowing slightly to Taiyo and Mora. "We hope you enjoy your stay in our village."

Taiyo's keen senses were immediately overwhelmed as they passed through the gates. The sounds, smells, and sights of Konoha assaulted him all at once. The bustling streets were filled with civilians and shinobi going about daily. The air was thick with the aroma of various foods and the chatter of countless conversations.

Mora looked around, her eyes shining with interest, "So, does it all sprawl out from the Hokage's Tower?"

Taiyo looked up, following Mora's gaze to the towering structure in the distance. The Hokage Tower stood tall and proud at the center of the village, its red roof gleaming in the sunlight.

"Indeed it does!" Guy exclaimed, gesturing grandly. "The heart of our village, where the Will of Fire burns brightest!"

Taiyo tilted his head slightly, racking his mind for what he could remember. The Will of Fire. A philosophy passed down from the First Hokage, boiling down to love and understanding are the keys to peace. Taiyo shook his head lightly. The ideal was sound, the only issue was actually fostering that love and understanding. The world was soaked in blood, and each nation had its own grievances for the blood spilled between them. Even the Twelve Clans have some blood between each other.

"That's where Lord Third governs, then?" Taiyo murmured.

"Indeed it is," Neji replied, his pale eyes flickering to Taiyo. "Lord Third oversees the village from there."

As they made their way through the bustling streets, Taiyo couldn't help but marvel at the diversity of people and activities around him. Civilians mingled freely with shinobi, children ran playing ninja games, and the air was filled with a sense of energy and vitality that reminded him of Sorashima.

"This way," Guy announced, leading them down a side street. "We'll take you to the Hokage's office!"

Guy led them across a rising staircase as they reached the main building. It didn't take long before they arrived at the Hokage's office. Taiyo straightened himself. He was about to meet one of the most powerful men in the world. He had to make a good impression.

The door opened to reveal a spacious room with just one singular desk at the center, a comfortable-looking couch on the side, and a few tables on the side for decoration. However, the most striking thing in the room was its sole inhabitant; one kind looking old man. But Taiyo knew better. While the Hokage was not a master of samurai-style breathing techniques, he could still hear the practiced motions of each inhale and exhale, each with purpose and clear intent.

Though Taiyo couldn't help but cringe at the pipe. Smoking was generally considered taboo in the Land of Iron. Besides that, the man had this conflicting aura about him. He had a warm, gentle presence, but there was a coldness underneath it, as if it could switch to an oppressive essence in an instant.

The old man stood up from his desk, a gentle smile on his weathered face. "Welcome to Konoha," he said, his voice warm and gravelly. "I am Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage. It's an honor to receive representatives from the Land of Iron."

Taiyo and Mora bowed deeply, showing the respect due to a leader of Hiruzen's stature.

"The honor is ours, Lord Third," Mora replied smoothly. "I am Mora Akagai, and this is my cousin, Taiyo Akagai, heir to the Akagai clan."

"Ah," Hiruzen smiled gently, "The Akagai's Sun Mandate. Your reputation precedes you. You are often the subject of debate amongst our jonin."

Mora's face lit up with a small grin, "Oh? And what would those debates be about?"

Hiruzen chuckled, "Oh, the typical 'who would win' situations. Most recently, it was whether or not you could defeat the Seven Swordsman of the Mist."

Mora snorted, "Maybe not all at once, but one on one? I could take them down."

Hiruzen's eyes twinkled as they settled on Taiyo. "Ah, young Taiyo. I've heard much about you from Shogun Yamada. I hope you'll find your stay in Konoha both educational and enjoyable."

Taiyo straightened, meeting the Hokage's gaze with a mix of respect and curiosity. "Thank you, Lord Third. I look forward to learning about your village and its ways."

Hiruzen smiled, "And I will do my best to ensure you have a smooth transition."

He turned to Team Guy, "You four have done well on your first B-Rank. You're all dismissed; you may collect your payment at the mission desk."

Guy's team bowed respectfully and filed out of the office, though Tenten cast one last curious glance at Taiyo's katana before leaving. Mora turned to the Hokage with a respectful grin as the door closed behind them.

"A B-Rank for us? You flatter us, Lord Third."

Hiruzen chuckled warmly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, one can never be too cautious when it comes to diplomatic missions, especially ones as unique as this."

"If I recall," Mora murmured, "Clients usually request the mission and pay the village. But I'm fairly certain no one in the Land of Iron requested this mission, so how did Team Guy get paid?"

Hiruzen nodded, impressed by her knowledge of the shinobi-client system, "Very astute. You are indeed correct that the client usually requests the mission. In this case, considering the sensitive nature of this mission, we decided to act proactively. As for Team Guy's payment, we took that from the village's central funding."

Mora nodded, understanding flashing through her eyes, "I see, I see. We appreciate the foresight, Lord Third."

Hiruzen nodded before his demeanor shifted. No longer was he a kind, old man but an experienced statesman, "It was my pleasure, but moving onto business…"

Taiyo stiffened. Just like he had predicted, Lord Third was absolutely capable of switching between the kind, old man and powerful, experienced Kage in an instant. It felt like he was before Shogun Yamada again, only there was something… different.

"Let us discuss Taiyo's stay here."

Mora nodded, her crimson hair catching the light, "Of course. I'm sure you already know all the details, but allow me to reiterate it for clarity's sake. Taiyo will be participating in missions and training alongside this year's Konoha graduating class for the next five years. At the same time, Taiyo will be sharing knowledge of samurai techniques and culture, while the inverse will be true as well. He will be provided with room and board throughout the duration of his stay."

Hiruzen's gaze shifted to Taiyo. "And how do you feel about this arrangement, young Akagai?"

Taiyo straightened as the Hokage's gaze drifted over him. He felt a small flash of longing as he thought of his friends and family before squashing it immediately. He had already pushed through his doubts when he bade farewell; he would not allow them to rise again. "I'm honored by the opportunity, Lord Third. I hope to learn from Konoha's shinobi and foster good relations between our two lands."

A small smile tugged at Hiruzen's lips. "Well said. However, I must ask - are you prepared for the challenges that lie ahead? The life of a shinobi is quite different from that of a samurai."

Taiyo felt a rare flash of pride course through him. He would show the shinobi what a samurai is capable of. "I understand there will be difficulties, Lord Third. But I'm more than up to the task."

Hiruzen nodded, a glimmer of approval in his eyes. "Very well. As for your living arrangements, we've prepared a small apartment for you near the Hokage Tower. It's close to the training grounds and the Academy, which should be convenient for your studies and missions."

Taiyo bowed his head gratefully. "Thank you, Lord Third. Your hospitality is most appreciated."

Mora stepped forward slightly. "Lord Third, if I may ask, how will Taiyo be integrated into the shinobi system? Will he be assigned to a team?"

Hiruzen stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Ah, yes. That's a matter I've given much consideration. I already have a team in mind for you, Taiyo. Tomorrow is the day for team assignments, and you will be present. It will be an optimal way to introduce yourself to your peers."

Taiyo nodded, feeling a surge of excitement and anxiousness well up inside him, "I understand, Lord Third. I'll do my best to bond with my new teammates."

"I'm sure you will," Hiruzen smiled with a hint of kindness, "now, I believe we've covered the essentials. Is there anything else you'd like to discuss?"

Mora shook her head, "No, Lord Third. You have been most accommodating. If anything pops up, we will be sure to let you know."

"Excellent," Hiruzen said, rising from his seat, "In that case, I'll have an escort show you to your new apartment. Am I correct in assuming you'll be staying for a short while to ensure Taiyo settles in?"

Mora nodded, "Yes, for a full week. Just to help him acclimate and address any concerns. My duties as the Sun Mandate mean I can't be away from the Land of Iron for long."

Hiruzen nodded, "Understandable."

As they were about to leave, Hiruzen's voice stopped them. "One more thing, Taiyo. While you're here, you'll be expected to follow our village's rules and customs. This includes wearing a Konoha headband during missions and official duties."

Taiyo's eyes widened slightly. He hadn't considered that he might need to wear a shinobi headband. It felt strange, almost like betraying his samurai heritage. But he quickly composed himself, remembering his duty.

"Of course, Lord Third. I understand," he replied, bowing his head respectfully.

Hiruzen's eyes softened, seeming to sense Taiyo's inner conflict. "Don't worry, Taiyo. Wearing our symbol doesn't diminish your identity as a samurai. Think of it as a sign of the bridge we're building between our cultures."

Taiyo nodded, feeling a bit more at ease with the idea. "Thank you for your understanding, Lord Third."

Hiruzen pressed a small button on his desk, and moments later, a young shinobi with spiky black hair and a bandage across his nose entered the room.

"Ah, Kotetsu," Hiruzen said. "Please escort our guests to the prepared apartment."

"Of course, Lord Hokage," Kotetsu replied with a bow before turning to Taiyo and Mora. "If you'll follow me, please."

The journey was brief. The Hokage wasn't kidding when he said his apartment was near the tower. It was only a five-minute trek.

"Well, this should be it," Kotetsu exclaimed, giving them a nod.

"Thank you, Kotetsu," Mora said gratefully, bowing slightly to him. Taiyo nodded, mirroring her bow.

Kotetsu blushed slightly. He wasn't used to being thanked by anyone this high-ranked. "It was no issue. I hope you enjoy your stay."

With that, he bounded off to the village gates, where Izumo was likely waiting for him. With that, Taiyo used his key to enter, unlock the door, and enter the inside. It was a modest space but clean and well-furnished. It was a small living area that opened up into a kitchen, with a bedroom and a bathroom to the side. It had large windows that allowed natural light to illuminate the room.

While nothing to the grand estate of the Akagai, it was still a generous provision by the Hokage. One that he appreciated immensely. As he began filling his drawers and closet with clothing, his stomach gurgled loudly as a warm flush filled his cheeks.

Mora looked to the side, her face set in a teasing grin, "That's a first, Tai. I suppose we should acquaint ourselves with local restaurants."

He nodded, smoothing his haori. "A wise suggestion. I doubt I can keep up with all the new experiences on an empty stomach."

They left the apartment and strolled through the bustling streets of Konoha. The village was vibrant and alive; the air was filled with the chatter of shopkeepers, the laughter of children, and the sizzle of street vendors cooking fresh food. In the midst of his appreciation for the liveliness, he had accidentally bumped into a wandering bystander.

"Ow! Watch where you're going, 'ttebayo!"

The bystander whipped around, rubbing his forehead. Taiyo noticed he was about the same age as him, with spiky blonde hair and bright blue eyes. And a very orange jumpsuit. Then again, Taiyo was wearing red and yellow, so he couldn't talk much.

"My apologies," Taiyo said quickly, bowing slightly. "I should have been more attentive."

The boy blinked, surprise replacing his initial annoyance. "Whoa, what are you all dressed up for? Are you from some kind of fancy clan or something?"

Taiyo hesitated. The boy didn't seem like he was mocking him; he was genuinely curious. "I am Taiyo Akagai from the Land of Iron. But I came here to train as a shinobi."

"Whoa!" The boy's eyes sparkled with excitement. "So you're like a samurai ninja! That's awesome!"

His eyes scrunched up a bit, "But wait, don't samurai wear heavy armor? You guys are just in your clothes."

Taiyo opened his mouth to answer, but his stomach immediately responded with a loud gurgle. His face flushed again as the blond boy laughed loudly. Mora snorted as well, "Well, before we get into all that, you wouldn't happen to know a good place to eat, would you?"

The boy's eyes lit up with excitement, "Oh yeah! There's this great ramen place! Follow me!"

Chuckling as their enthusiastic guide led them, Mora began to notice certain… things. Soft glares, murmurs, and people moving out of their way. Not out of politeness, but malice.

Her brow furrowed, Interesting.

Taiyo, on the other hand, was uncharacteristically ignorant of his surroundings. He was more focused on how similar this kid was to Kyoma. If Lee was a mirror in personality, then this boy was Kyoma's full clone. Energetic, loud, friendly, and blond. The only thing that ruined the illusion was the boy's height. He was far shorter than Kyoma.

The boy led them to a small shop, a delicious aroma wafting from within. A red sign above it read "Ichiraku Ramen." He waved them inside eagerly, "This is the place! You're going to love it!"

The quaint stall had a few stools lined up against a counter, and an older man with a headband and a warm smile greeted them. "Welcome! Naruto, are you bringing in new friends?"

"Yup!" Naruto replied, plopping onto a stool. "I told them they've never had ramen like yours before!"

The man bellowed out a hearty laugh, "At this point, I should hire you, Naruto! You advertise our place far better than anything we could put out!"

Naruto grinned, "I just spread the good word of Ichiraku Ramen!"

Mora couldn't help the grin on her face; even Taiyo's lips curved upwards.

"Naruto, eh?" She said teasingly, "Glad to finally know the name of our mysterious tour guide!"

A girl from the back of the restaurant gave a mock gasp, "You didn't introduce yourself, Naruto? How ungentlemanly!"

"Ayame!" Naruto whined from his seat, causing the girl to giggle as she prepared some more ramen.

"That's okay," Mora replied, her tone light. "You're far more entertaining than any gentleman I know."

Taiyo nodded in agreement, still smiling as he settled onto a stool.

"Alright, what'll it be, folks?" the man came up, a notepad in his hands.

Taiyo looked over the menu before he felt a pat on his shoulders. It was Naruto, leaning in with bright eyes, "I'd suggest the miso ramen! It's super good! Though I usually get mine with extra pork!"

With a thoughtful expression, Taiyo nodded. "Then I will try the miso ramen as well."

"Same for me," Mora chimed in. "I'll trust the word of our ramen guru here."

"Three miso ramen, one with extra pork! Coming right up!" the man called out, passing the order to Ayame.

As they waited, Taiyo took in his surroundings. It was lively, just like Sorashima, yet somehow different.

"So," Naruto spoke excitedly, "Are you guys actually samurai?"

"Indeed we are, my golden-haired friend!" Mora answered cheekily.

"Cool!" Naruto gushed before his eyes widened in realization, "Wait! If you're training to be shinobi, then does that mean you're joining the genin teams tomorrow!?"

"Yes," Taiyo replied. "That was the Hokage's intention."

"Awesome!" Naruto rocked back and forth on his stool. "I hope we're on the same team! I bet you'll have some crazy samurai moves!"

Mora chuckled, "Well, Tai? Think you can live up to those expectations?"

Taiyo flushed slightly. "I will certainly try."

Ayame brought out their steaming bowls of ramen and set them down with a smile. "Here you go! Enjoy!"

The aroma was intoxicating, and Taiyo hesitated only a moment before digging in. The broth was rich, the noodles perfect, and the flavor unlike anything he'd ever tasted.

Mora slurped loudly next to him, her eyes alight with approval. "This is fantastic! We may need to make this a regular stop."

Naruto beamed, his mouth already full of noodles. "Told ya!"

Taiyo savored each bite, nodding along with Mora's sentiment. This village held many surprises, but some were far more pleasant than others.

"So," Naruto asked between slurps, "What's it like being a samurai?"

Taiyo swallowed his mouthful thoughtfully. "I suspect it is not so different from being shinobi. We train diligently, though our techniques vary."

"Like using swords?" Naruto's eyes gleamed with curiosity.

"Yes," Taiyo answered with a hint of pride. "We practice many sword styles."

"What about jutsu?" Naruto pressed eagerly.

Taiyo frowned, "Not quite. We don't use chakra in the same sense as shinobi."

"Huh!?" Naruto's jaw dropped, "You mean there are other ways to use charka!?"

Mora frowned lightly. Had it never occurred to Naruto that chakra could be used outside of Ninjutsu or Genjutsu? Was that a sign against him, or was the shinobi academy that inept?

"Chakra," Taiyo corrected, though with no malice, "And yes. Instead of using chakra to manipulate the elements outside our bodies, we use chakra to reinforce our lungs."

"Huh?" Naruto squinted at him in confusion, "Wait, how does that work?"

Taiyo explained, "We call it Focused Breathing. It allows us to enhance our bodies. In time, we can even infuse elemental chakra into our weapons."

Naruto's eyes sparkled with excitement. "That's awesome! So you can do crazy sword stuff with it?"

"Precisely," Taiyo replied, encouraged by Naruto's enthusiasm.

"It sounds really hard!" Naruto marveled.

Mora chimed in with a teasing lilt, "Not as hard as some of your shinobi techniques, I'll bet."

Naruto opened his mouth to respond, but the old man interrupted him, "Naruto, it's gotten pretty late. You should probably get home to rest up for tomorrow."

Naruto's eyes widened as he looked outside; it was dusk. Taiyo's eyes widened as well. How long had they been inside this shop?

"You're right! Thanks, old man Teuchi!" With that, he gave the samurai a wave of farewell.

"Hope to see you tomorrow, Taiyo! 'Ttebayo!"

Mora snickered as Taiyo gave him a wave back. She turned back to Teuchi and reached into her kimono, pulling out a red wallet.

"It's on the house!" Teuchi declared with a smile.

Mora gave a small frown, "I can assure you we have the money."

"The money isn't the issue," Teuchi elaborated. "I'm glad Naruto has gotten a few more friends!"

He then leaned in and motioned for Mora to do the same. Raising a brow, she obliged.

"Listen," he muttered quietly, "no matter what anyone else tells you, Naruto is a good kid. Sure, he may a pull a prank or two, but he's nothing like what the rest make him out to be."

Mora nodded knowingly. "Thanks for the warning. We'll keep that in mind."

Taiyo caught the exchange, the undertone of concern in the ramen chef's voice not lost on him. He filed it away with all the other curiosities this village had presented.

"Please come again!" Ayame called as they made their way out.

"Definitely!" Mora called back. As she walked away, she felt as if something was amiss. She quickly patted down her body before her eyes widened in realization.

"Oh shoot," Mora murmured, "Tai, I accidentally left my wallet in there, would you mind getting it for me?"

Taiyo politely tilted his head, "Not at all." He turned back toward the stand, disappearing within its confines.

As Mora waited for Tai outside, a villager came up to her.

"Excuse me," he greeted, "but is that boy your son?"

Mora raised a brow. She was twenty-three! Did she look old enough to be his mother?

"That would be my cousin."

"Ah," the man's eyes widened, "my apologies. However, the reason I ask is because I wish to impart some advice for foreigners visiting our fine village."

"Okay," Mora drawled, having a feeling about where this was going, "and what does this advice entail?"

The man leaned in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Stay away from that Naruto kid. Nothing but trouble."

Mora's smile was tight-lipped. "I see."

"If you're looking to make a good impression here," the villager continued, "it'd be in your best interest to avoid him."

Mora nodded, though her eyes were cool. "Thank you for your concern," she said, dismissing him as politely as she could manage.

The villager gave a satisfied nod and walked off, leaving Mora standing alone under the dimming sky. She sighed, her earlier exuberance tempered by the conversation.

Inside, right as Taiyo entered the small restaurant, Teuchi was there waiting for him.

"Ayame was about to chase you down with this," Teuchi said, holding out the bright red wallet.

"Thank you very much!" Taiyo accepted it with a bow before heading back to Mora.

Mora chuckled as he returned. "I see we've already started leaving quite the impression."

"Seems so," Taiyo smiled at her, handing her the wallet.

They began walking through the streets of Konoha, the lanterns casting a warm glow against the darkening sky. Taiyo observed the village as they made their way back to their lodgings.

"Better get lots of sleep, Tai!" Mora cheerily reminded him, "Tomorrow is the big day!"

Taiyo nodded, feeling the weight of her words settle in. His first official day as a shinobi. The thought quickened his pulse with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Mora gave Taiyo a quick pat on the back before slipping into her room, leaving him alone with his thoughts. Taiyo settled into his futon, staring up at the ceiling. The curiosity tugged at him as he eventually drifted off to sleep.

Morning arrived with a chorus of birds outside his window. Taiyo awoke, ready and alert. He dressed quickly, tying back his long hair with practiced ease, then secured both swords at his side.

Mora was already waiting for him in the courtyard, sipping tea with a knowing smile. "I told you not to stay up too late!"

"I slept well enough," Taiyo muttered, donning his red haori. He glanced at the headband on his nightstand. Grasping it in his palm, he ran his thumb over the leaf symbol. Mora looked over at him, her eyes narrowed as he fought an internal battle.

To be a samurai or shinobi, she thought to herself. She saw as a determined glint appeared in his eye, tying the headband in away that hung limply from his neck.

"Come on, let's get going. We can't have you being late!"

"Good! Because I won't be able to accompany you to this announcement!" Mora declared, pleased with his decision.

"So," she clasped a hand onto his shoulder, "You'll have to face this event on your own. I know you'll persevere, Tai!"

The courtyard bustled with morning activity as villagers passed by, the air crisp with the scent of dew and fresh beginnings. Taiyo bowed his head respectfully to Mora. "I'll do my best."

"Then get going!" Mora nudged him playfully.

Taiyo took a steadying breath and made his way through the village streets, which were already coming alive with the chatter of merchants setting up stalls. The path to the Academy was unfamiliar, but his keen sense of direction guided him. He arrived at a large building surrounded by other young shinobi-in-training, milling about and talking amongst themselves.

He stopped before a door marked "Assembly Room." He took a breath and listened inside.

"—at are you doing here, Naruto. This isn't for dropouts, you know."

Taiyo raised a brow. Dropout?

"Oh yeah?" Came Naruto's familiar voice, still brimming with energy, "Do you see what I have here, Shikamaru? Do you see, do you see? It's a Konoha headband! We'll be training together!"

Shikamaru? Taiyo thought, racking his mind for any information on the familiar name. If I recall, he's the Nara heir, no?

"Ahem!" Taiyo flinched as he turned around and saw a veteran shinobi with an X-shaped scar across his nose. "And what do you think you are doing?"

"My apologies!" Taiyo apologized quickly, bowing deeply, "I was told to come here for my introduction to the graduating class!"

The man's eyes widened, "Ah, so you are our samurai transfer."

Taiyo nodded, "I am Taiyo Akagai. It's a pleasure to meet you."

The man grinned, "Finally, a young man with manners! My name is Iruka, I was the main instructor for this year's graduating class. It was good timing I found you. Come on, let's go introduce you to your future teammates."

Iruka led Taiyo inside. The Academy's wide corridors echoed with the chatter of students, and Taiyo felt eyes on him as they passed curious shinobi-in-training. He stepped into the assembly room, the noise hitting him like a wave.

His presence caused a lull as heads turned to see who this new figure was. Taiyo stood tall, maintaining his composure against the sea of unfamiliar faces.

"Alright, everyone settle down!" Iruka called out, motioning for Taiyo to join him on a small platform at the front of the room. "We have a very special announcement before you head off on your first missions as genin."

Taiyo moved forward. He couldn't help but notice Naruto waving exaggeratedly from within the crowd.

"This," Iruka continued, "is Taiyo Akagai, our very first samurai transfer student from the Land of Iron."

Murmurs spread across the room like wildfire.

"A samurai?"

"Is he going to be on our team?"

"That's so cool!"

"I could take him!"

"Shut up, Kiba!"

Hearing their reactions, Taiyo felt a mix of relief, exasperation, and tension. At least no one called him an outsider—yet.

"I hope we can all work well together," Taiyo said clearly, bowing his head in greeting. His eyes quickly flickered from left to right, noting every person of importance. There were quite a few heirs and heiresses from most of the major clans. He could see the crests for the Nara, Yamanaka, Aburame, Akamichi, Hyuga, Inuzuka… Uchiha.

Iruka gave an approving nod, "All right, Taiyo. You may go sit in an empty seat. There is an empty one near Hinata. Hinata, would you raise your hand, please?"

A shy girl with lavender eyes hesitated before slowly raising her hand. As Taiyo approached, her cheeks turned a shy pink, and she offered a tentative smile.

"Thank you," Taiyo said, taking the seat beside her. She gave a small nod, her voice barely audible over the excited chatter around them.

"I'm Hinata Hyuga… it's nice to meet you."

Taiyo returned her smile, aware of the weight carried by her name. "The pleasure is mine."

He was pleasantly surprised. He thought Hinata would have been like Neji. Cold, strict, and professional. But he didn't need any keen senses to know she was different. He relaxed into his seat, scanning the room around him. Naruto was still waving, oblivious to the snickers from a boy with a wild mane of hair and a girl with an annoyed expression. He also noticed the boy wearing the Uchiha crest throwing glances his way. They weren't threatening, but they weren't amicable either.

"Settle down!" Iruka shouted again, regaining control of the room. "I know you're all eager, but we have some assignments to go over. This isn't vacation time!"

Taiyo watched as Iruka began listing names and team placements. Each group seemed carefully considered, often pairing heirs from major clans with those who appeared less traditional. The arrangement puzzled him at first, but he quickly understood—Konoha's style emphasized balance and diversity.

"Team 6!" Iruka's voice caught in. "Izuki Moyza, Kiba Inuzuka, and Akame Tazuki. Your instructor will be Kisuke Mizuen."

The boy with wild hair triumphantly pumped his fist, while the annoyed girl beside him threw her hands up in exasperation. The other girl stared disinterestedly, staring ahead apathetically.

"Team 7!" Iruka's voice cut through again, "Sakura Haruno…" the pink-haired girl perked up, "Naruto Uzumaki..."

"Yeah!" Naruto pumped his fist in the air before crossing his fingers, Please be Taiyo, please be Taiyo, please be Taiyo!

"… and Sasuke Uchiha!"

Naruto froze mid-celebration. "What?!" His face fell, and he looked over at Taiyo, deflated. The Uchiha boy smirked, standing coolly with his hands in his pockets. Taiyo quirked a brow as he heard Hinata let out a quiet, disappointed gasp.

"Your instructor will be Kakashi Hatake."

Taiyo's eyes widened. Kakashi the Copy-Ninja? Naruto did indeed get a good team. With him, Kakashi, and an Uchiha in one team… his eyes drifted over Sakura. She didn't seem physically powerful, but her strengths likely lay in another arena, maybe genjutsu?

"Team 8!" Iruka called out, "Shino Aburame…" A boy with dark glasses and a high-collared coat nodded his head stoically, "Hinata Hyuga…" the girl perked up at her name, "and Taiyo Akagai. Your instructor will be Kurenai Yuhi!"

Taiyo let out a small breath, relaxing into his seat. He noticed Hinata smiling to herself, her earlier disappointment softened by the announcement.

Iruka continued with the final teams before dismissing them, and the room burst into activity. Taiyo stood, navigating through the crowd. He felt a tap on his shoulder and turned to see Naruto's grinning face.

"Hey! Looks like we're going to be rivals!" Naruto said enthusiastically, eyes shining with competitive spirit.

Taiyo chuckled, nodding. "It seems so. I look forward to it."

"Man, I was hoping we'd be on the same team," Naruto confessed, rubbing the back of his head. "But don't think I'm going easy on you just because you're new!"

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Taiyo replied warmly as Hinata approached shyly from behind.

"Naruto," she began softly, looking at the floor then back up at him with determination. "I—I hope… we're in the same group again sometime."

Naruto blinked in surprise before he raised his fist confidently. "You bet we will be!"

"U-Uh…" Hinata stammered, flustered by his exuberance.

Taiyo exchanged an amused glance with her as Shino coolly joined their circle.

"Should we wait for our instructor?" Shino asked, his voice as stoic as his expression.

"That sounds wise," Taiyo murmured before turning to face both of them, "I am honored to be on a team with you two! I will do my best support you as a teammate!"

Hinata was startled by the sudden respect as Shino raised a brow. But before either could respond, a woman with striking red eyes appeared at the door. She wore a white and red outfit that was quite mesmerizing.

"Team 8, correct?"

All three nodded. She gave a small smile, "Meet me at Training Ground 8. I'm certain we want to introduce ourselves privately."

Before the three of them could question it, she disappeared as if she were a mirage.

"Genjutsu," Shino muttered quietly but still loud enough for his teammates to hear.

"I suppose we should get moving," Taiyo murmured, a small flush hitting his cheeks, "Does anyone know where Training Ground 8 is?"

Hinata held back a giggle as she nodded, "I know where it is!"

Taiyo nodded gratefully as Hinata began to lead the squad. The trio followed Hinata through the winding village streets, the quiet hum of early morning fading behind them.

Somewhere ahead, their instructor waited.