Bab 12: Chapter 12: Growth Through Training and Bonds
The first year of Ei's life in the academy passed in a blur, yet every moment was filled with intense growth and training. At just six years old, she and her newly formed team—Yugito, Samui, and Mabui—were already gaining a reputation for their abilities. They weren't just students anymore; they were the future leaders of Kumogakure, and everyone could see it.
Each day began the same: Ei, Yugito, Samui, and Mabui met early at the training grounds, well before the other academy students had even woken up. The sun barely kissed the horizon when they started their routine. Under Ei's leadership, they pushed each other beyond what most academy students could handle.
Samui's swordsmanship was becoming sharper with every swing of her blade. She was naturally calm and reserved, but when she gripped her sword, her precision and deadly accuracy were undeniable. The other students were wary of sparring against her, knowing she could disarm or overpower them in seconds.
Yugito, on the other hand, had fully embraced Matatabi's blue flames. The two-tailed beast's chakra surged through her in combat, enhancing her fire jutsu. But instead of letting the wild power of Matatabi overwhelm her, she learned to harness it with focus. She was rapidly becoming a prodigy in fire-based techniques, her blue flames a sight to behold.
Mabui's genius mind, however, was her greatest weapon. She might not have wielded a sword or controlled a tailed beast, but she was the tactician of the group. She had begun experimenting with space-time ninjutsu, something even adults found difficult to master, but her innate talent for grasping complex theories gave her an edge. Though the jutsu was still in its infancy, Mabui's ability to move small objects across short distances was a start.
Ei, as their leader, didn't hold back in pushing herself. Every day, she trained relentlessly with the Lightning Chakra Mode her father had taught her, becoming more adept at increasing her speed and strength. The power crackled around her, and she had to learn control—her strength, even at six, was far beyond that of her classmates. Her goal wasn't just to keep up with her team; it was to surpass them and lead by example.
Together, they spent countless hours practicing formations, testing their teamwork, and learning to anticipate each other's moves. Ei could feel their bond deepening with each session. Kumogakure was a village that valued strength above all, and Ei knew that, in time, they would become the village's strongest.
Their time in the academy was different from the average student's. While most of their classmates struggled to learn basic ninjutsu, Ei's group was already far ahead. Their talents were undeniable, and the instructors often paired them together for more advanced tasks and lessons. The academy became a proving ground for their abilities and a place where they could sharpen their skills further.
Ei noticed how the other students looked at them—sometimes with admiration, other times with jealousy. But it didn't matter. In Kumogakure, strength dictated respect, and Ei's team was stronger than anyone their age. There was no point in slowing down for those who couldn't keep up.
Samui, though reserved, gained attention from her peers for her incredible sword technique. She was quiet but firm in her skill, always practicing at the edge of the training grounds with her blade. Yugito, too, became popular for her control over Matatabi's power, especially the blue flames that set her apart from everyone else.
Mabui, though not as physically imposing as the others, quickly became known for her strategic mind. She often solved problems in class faster than anyone, and her spatial awareness in training exercises was unmatched. The instructors were constantly impressed by her quick thinking, and rumors spread that she was already being considered for roles beyond that of an average kunoichi.
Despite their growing fame, Ei made sure their focus never wavered. They weren't there for recognition—they were there to grow strong enough to protect their village. Every lesson learned at the academy was another step toward their goal.
As the year passed, their skills grew. It wasn't long before the instructors began talking about the next step in their training: missions outside the village. For many academy students, this was the most exciting, but also the most terrifying, part of their shinobi education. Ei, however, was calm.
She knew this day was coming.
One evening, after their regular training session, Ei gathered Yugito, Samui, and Mabui in the courtyard.
"We're about to take our first mission outside the village," Ei said, her voice steady but filled with anticipation. "We need to be ready."
Mabui raised an eyebrow, her keen mind already turning. "Do you know what the mission is?"
"Not yet," Ei replied. "But we'll find out soon. I've been hearing from some of the instructors that it'll likely involve reconnaissance. They'll want to see how we handle ourselves in unfamiliar territory."
Samui, ever quiet, nodded. She was always prepared for whatever task was thrown at her, her calm demeanor unwavering. "Whatever it is, we'll be ready."
Yugito was more vocal, the energy of Matatabi within her constantly feeding her desire for action. "I can't wait to show what we can do! It's time for us to prove ourselves."
"We've been training for this," Ei said, her violet eyes sparking with the promise of lightning. "Now we have to make sure we're ready for anything. Mabui, I'll need you to come up with a strategy. If we're sent into enemy territory, we can't afford any mistakes."
Mabui nodded, her expression serious. "I'll start working on it right away. I'll also practice with my space-time techniques. If we need a quick exit, I want to make sure we can rely on them."
Samui adjusted the grip on her sword, her focus already sharpening. "I'll work on my speed. If we need to move quickly, I'll be ready."
"Good," Ei said, nodding approvingly. "And Yugito, keep practicing with Matatabi's flames. Your control has improved a lot this past year, but we'll need every bit of that power if things get dangerous."
Yugito smirked, her eyes flashing with confidence. "Leave it to me. I'll make sure we're unstoppable."
As the days passed, the team's preparations became more intense. Mabui had drawn up potential scenarios they might face on the mission, running the team through drills to prepare for ambushes, traps, and hostile environments. Her strategic mind was in overdrive, planning every detail.
Ei appreciated how well Mabui had taken to the role of strategist. Despite being the youngest member of their team in terms of physical prowess, her mind worked faster than anyone else's. It was her who first suggested that they use Samui's sword as the vanguard in their formation, with Yugito providing cover fire from the rear, and Ei and Mabui coordinating from the middle.
The training became more rigorous as their mission drew closer. Samui pushed herself to increase her sword speed, her calm demeanor hiding the intense focus she carried in every move. Yugito, meanwhile, spent hours refining her fire jutsu, making sure that Matatabi's blue flames were as controlled as they were powerful.
Ei, at the center of it all, never stopped pushing herself to become better. Whether it was mastering the finer points of the Lightning Chakra Mode or training in advanced combat techniques, she knew that as the leader, she had to be the one to lead by example.
The morning of their first mission arrived with the first light of dawn. Ei, Yugito, Samui, and Mabui stood at the village gate, dressed in their shinobi gear, ready to embark on the next chapter of their journey. Their year of training had prepared them for this moment, and now they would face their first real challenge.
Ei looked at each of her comrades, pride swelling in her chest. They were ready.
"This is it," she said, her voice steady but filled with determination. "Our first mission outside the village. We've trained for this. We've prepared for every possibility. Now let's show Kumogakure what we're capable of."
Yugito grinned, her flames flickering just beneath the surface. Samui remained calm and poised, her sword gleaming in the morning light. Mabui adjusted her gear, her mind already running through the strategy she had crafted.
Together, they stepped forward, crossing the threshold of the village gate, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
End of Chapter 12.
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
Israfil
Israfil This story has been on my mind for a while, I'm only doing this for fun and to share it with you all. I'm busy in real life so don't hope for a really fast update time.
Please give me your stones if you liked the story~!
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