Bab 43: Chapter 43: Journey to Konoha
Preparation for the journey to Konohagakure began early, with a sense of pride and responsibility lingering in the air. Word of the joint Chūnin Exams had brought the entire village of Kumogakure together, each person wishing us strength and success. As representatives of our village, we were to carry not only our skills but also the honor of Kumogakure into the exam, and the weight of that felt heavier than any gear I packed.
One of the most cherished items I was taking on this journey was a new outfit gifted to me by my mother. It was a late birthday present, and she had personally tailored it with care and intention. The sleek armor was black with intricate purple and silver detailing, a design I remembered as the 'Orochi Cuirass' from the Honkai Impact 3rd game, and fit me like a second skin. Lightweight yet durable, it was crafted to allow freedom of movement, with reinforced protection on the shoulders, chest, and waist. The high collar and layered fabric gave it an almost regal feel. When I put it on, I could sense the care that went into every stitch, it made me feel both protected and empowered, as if I was carrying a part of my mother's support with me.
As I admired the fit in a mirror, my mother hovered nearby, her eyes bright with pride. "I knew it would suit you perfectly," she said, smoothing out a section on my shoulder. "I wanted you to wear something that reflects your strength, but also something that's uniquely yours. This is more than armor—it's a symbol. Remember that wherever you go, your family is with you."
"Thank you, Mom," I murmured, touched by her words. Her gift meant more than I could express.
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At the village gates, our team gathered, each of us focused yet aware of the importance of the journey ahead. A stood before us in his signature attire, his presence commanding and grounded. Samui, stoic as ever, was adjusting the strap of her own pack, while Yugito prepared with a quiet, determined air. My own presence felt a little different now with my new outfit, as though I carried a newfound confidence within me.
"Everyone ready?" A's voice broke the silence, and I glanced over at him.
"Yes, brother," I answered, offering a nod. Even his slight smile reflected the pride he felt in each of us.
With that, we set off, our pace steady as we traversed the rocky terrain around Kumogakure and entered the vast forests and plains that marked the border of the Land of Fire. Each step felt like a step into the unknown, yet I felt rooted in purpose. My mother's words stayed with me, filling me with strength.
Our first days were uneventful, each of us conserving energy and mentally preparing. As the landscape began to change from rugged cliffs to dense woodlands, we fell into our routine: traveling by day, setting up camp by evening, and sparring lightly to keep our senses sharp. During one such break, Yugito joined me as I looked out over the landscape from a small hill.
"Excited about Konoha?" she asked, noticing my gaze fixed on the horizon.
"It's strange," I admitted. "There's a feeling of nostalgia… like I know the place already."
Yugito raised an eyebrow. "Nostalgia? For Konoha?"
I shook my head, a smile tugging at my lips. "It sounds silly, but it's almost like I've been there before in another life."
She studied me for a moment before nodding. "I get it. Sometimes we have connections to things we can't explain. Still, it's good that you're so focused. We're here to show Konoha the strength of Kumogakure."
Her words grounded me. No matter the strange familiarity I felt, I reminded myself I was here on a mission. The nostalgia could wait.
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After nearly a week, we reached the forest that bordered Konohagakure. The morning sun filtered through the towering trees, casting dappled light across the path. And there, looming before us, were the gates of Konohagakure.
The sight was exactly as I had pictured: the wide, impressive wooden gates marked with the symbol of Konoha. My heart raced as I took in the scene, memories flooding my mind. Though I had never physically been here, every detail felt oddly familiar, as though the village had been carved into my memory long ago.
"Konoha's gates…" I whispered under my breath, almost in awe.
A turned, his sharp gaze noticing my expression. "They're impressive," he said, his tone softening slightly. "But remember, Ei, we're not here to marvel. We're here to represent Kumogakure."
"Understood," I replied, shaking myself from my reverie. It was a strange feeling, standing here not as an observer but as a participant in this world.
As we entered the village, I took in everything: the bustling streets, the shops with vibrant signs, and the villagers chatting animatedly. Familiar landmarks came into view, from the Hokage Rock to the wide red roofs that topped many of Konoha's buildings. The village was exactly as I remembered it from the stories I had grown up with. But the reality was richer, more alive.
Our arrival did not go unnoticed. Konoha shinobi patrolled the streets, their uniforms neat, their eyes alert as they observed us passing through. I could feel the weight of their gazes, the curiosity mixed with an unspoken tension. I wasn't just a visitor here—I was a representative of Kumogakure, and our presence was a reminder of the rivalry and mutual respect shared between our villages.
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As we approached the Hokage Tower to officially announce our arrival, I kept a straight face, reminding myself that my role here was to prove my worth as a Kumogakure shinobi. Yet, the immense structure loomed over us, and my eyes drifted to Hokage Rock, where the faces of Konoha's previous Hokages were carved into the mountain. Each face carried a sense of legacy, an unspoken testament to their leadership.
Once inside the Hokage Tower, we were led to a spacious hall to meet with a Konoha representative. The building was filled with shinobi moving about with purpose, and every room seemed to hum with quiet intensity. I felt a strange calm as we waited; the sensation was almost surreal. Here I was, at the heart of Konohagakure, preparing for the exams that would shape my path.
After we completed our formalities and were shown to the guest quarters, I found myself alone, finally able to reflect. The familiar yet foreign nature of Konohagakure lingered in my mind, but the thought of my mother's gift—this armor that felt as though it had become part of me—grounded me. I could almost feel her pride and faith in me through it, a reminder that while I might feel a connection to Konoha, my loyalty and purpose belonged to Kumogakure.
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Later that evening, our team gathered to discuss strategy. A took his place at the head of the table, his eyes sharp, voice steady.
"We've got a long journey ahead of us," he began, "and this exam isn't just a test of our strength. It's a chance to build alliances, to show other villages what we're made of."
Samui leaned forward, her expression serious. "We should be cautious. As much as this exam is about skill, it's also political. Everyone here has a stake."
Yugito nodded in agreement. "And our actions here will reflect on our village. We need to be at our best."
Listening to my teammates, I felt a swell of pride. Each of us was focused and determined, ready to prove ourselves. My new armor felt like a constant reminder of what I was here for—to represent my village with honor and strength.
That night, as I settled down to sleep, I couldn't help but think of the journey ahead. The next days would test us all, but I was ready. With my mother's gift and the knowledge of all I had trained for, I felt prepared for whatever awaited in the exams.
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End of Chapter 43.
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I need idea on how the Chūnin exam should progress. Please input your idea on the comments. Thank you!
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
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