SHUKUMEI'S INVESTIGATION
In the wake of the recent disturbance within the Village of Sakura, Shukumei stood beneath the quiet sway of cherry blossom trees, his mind racing with unease.
The attempted abduction of Kurai was no isolated incidentit was a message, one that carried the weight of potential war.
The involvement of shinobi from the Land of Fire troubled him deeply.
With a calm yet commanding presence, Shukumei summoned the Delta Ops Sakura's elite tactical unit.
As they assembled before him, he issued his orders with precision.
"Search the surrounding areas. Track any foreign chakra signatures and report immediately," he instructed. "And assign a unit to remain close to Kurai at all times. Her safety is no longer optional—it is essential."
The Delta Ops acknowledged his command without hesitation and vanished into the wind, leaving Shukumei alone with his thoughts.
Something wasn't right.
And he intended to uncover the truth.
SHUKUMEI QUESTIONS SMOKE
Shukumei made his way through the village, intending to inform Yamata of the situation. However, as he passed the memorial grounds, he noticed a lone figure standing before a grave.
It was Smoke.
The air around him felt heavy—silent, yet filled with unspoken emotion. His gaze remained fixed on the gravestone before him, unmoving.
Shukumei approached slowly.
"Your brother," he began softly, "was an exceptional shinobi. A true hero to this village."
Smoke's brother had once been an allied ninja of the Land of Light a warrior who gave his life during a mission against the Land of Fire.
His sacrifice had ensured the survival of his comrades, but his death left behind a void that Smoke had never truly escaped.
Since that day, Smoke had become distant… colder.
Yet Smoke did not respond.
Not a word. Not a glance.
Sensing the tension, Shukumei decided to proceed.
"There has been an incident," he said. "Shinobi from the Land of Fire infiltrated the village. They attempted to abduct Kurai."
At those words, Smoke's expression shifted subtle, but unmistakable.
"The Land of Fire…?" he muttered, his voice low.
Shukumei nodded. "They claimed it was retaliation. A response to the death of one of their own."
Silence fell between them again but this time, it carried weight.
WEAKNESS OF THE BUTSUGAN
Smoke's eyes narrowed slightly as a faint haze seemed to settle over his mind.
It was subtle almost imperceptible but Shukumei noticed.
Smoke was deliberately suppressing his thoughts.
A mental fog.
The Butsugan, Shukumei's sacred eye, allowed him to perceive the flow of aura, emotions, and even fragments of intent.
Yet even it had limitations. When a mind actively resisted when thoughts were buried beneath layers of willful emptiness clarity became distortion.
Shukumei focused, attempting to peer deeper.
But all he found… was silence.
"Do you know anything about this?" Shukumei asked calmly.
Smoke shrugged lightly, his tone almost careless. "No. I don't."
It was too smooth. Too empty.
Shukumei studied him for a moment longer before offering a faint nod.
"I see."
SHUKUMEI SUSPECTS SMOKE
Though Shukumei turned away, his thoughts remained fixed on Smoke.
He had seen it the deliberate avoidance, the unnatural stillness of his mind.
He Smoke knew something.
But for now, Shukumei chose not to press further.
"Thank you for your time," he said quietly. "And… I apologize for disturbing you here."
Smoke gave a slight nod, his gaze returning to the grave.
As Shukumei walked away, the petals drifting through the air seemed heavier than before.
The truth was being hidden.
And he would find it.
SHUKUMEI QUESTIONS KENJI
Elsewhere, Kenji made his way toward the dojo, preparing to meet his students. However, he halted as he saw Shukumei approaching.
Immediately, Kenji bowed respectfully.
"Grandmaster."
Shukumei smiled faintly. "How are you adjusting to your role as a sensei?"
Kenji scratched the back of his head with a grin. "It's been great. My team is strong—Inochi, Kurai, Tosuke, and Rai. They work well together."
"I'm glad to hear it," Shukumei replied. "Guide them well. They will need you."
Then, his tone shifted.
"There's something you should know… regarding Kurai."
Kenji's smile faded.
Shukumei explained the attack the Land of Fire shinobi, their intentions, and their claim of retaliation.
Kenji's eyes widened. A bead of sweat rolled down his temple.
Shukumei noticed immediately.
Fixing him with a steady gaze, he asked, "Do you know anything about this?"
Kenji hesitated.
The silence spoke volumes.
Shukumei stepped closer, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"I can feel your unease," he said. "Whatever you're hiding… now is the time to speak."
KENJI TELLS THE TRUTH
Kenji exhaled slowly.
"…On our way to Kurayami," he began, "we passed through the Land of Fire. We encountered a shinobi."
Shukumei's expression hardened. "And?"
Kenji lowered his gaze.
"Smoke… killed him."
The words hung in the air."
He said it was the only option," Kenji continued. "If he hadn't acted, we would have been killed."
Shukumei closed his eyes briefly, absorbing the truth.
"So that is what sparked this…"
Kenji clenched his fists. "I tried to stop it—but Smoke wouldn't listen."
FORGIVENESS
Shukumei opened his eyes, his expression calm once more.
"You chose to stand by your comrade," he said. "That is not weakness. That is loyalty."
Kenji looked up, surprised.
"You remind me of Haru," Shukumei added. "He valued his allies above all else."
"Kenji smiled faintly.
"Still," Shukumei continued, "we must deal with the consequences. I've assigned Delta Ops to watch over Kurai. I want you to do the same."
Kenji nodded. "Of course."
With a bow, he turned and continued toward the dojo.
KENJI ARRIVES AT THE ACADEMY
When Kenji arrived, Rai was the first to notice.
"Hey, Sensei! You're late!" Rai called out.
Kenji chuckled. "Sorry. Important business."
He gathered the team.
"Today, we're heading to the academy. You'll be briefed on the Mid-Class and Semi-Class exams."
Excitement flickered across their faces.
"Let's move."
MID AND SEMI EXAMS
The academy was filled with shinobi from various teams, all gathered inside a large classroom.
At the front stood Yuro, poised beside a banner marked with a sakura emblem.
"These exams determine your advancement," she announced. "There are three stages: written exams, survival trials, and individual combat."
She continued, "Those already above mid-class are exempt from the written test."
Inochi and Tosuke exchanged smiles.
"Kurai and Rai," Yuro added, "your written exam is in three days. The semi-finals begin in a month."
The room buzzed with anticipation.
Kenji folded his arms. "Train hard. These exams won't be easy."
Kurai nodded quietly. "I'll be studying."
Rai grinned. "Want company?"
She shook her head gently. "I prefer to study alone."
Rai sighed dramatically. "Aww, man…"
INOCHI AND SHUKUMEI
Later that day, Inochi made his way to the forest, where Shukumei waited beside a flowing river.
Inochi bowed. "I'm here, Master."
Shukumei turned to him with a smile.
"I hear your exams are approaching. I expect you to excel."
Inochi grinned. "I won't disappoint you."
Shukumei chuckled softly. "Then it's time I teach you something new."
SHUKUMEI TRAINS INOCHI
"The Yaskue Clan is special," Shukumei began. "Each member possesses all five aura natures fire, water, wind, earth, and lightning."
Inochi's eyes widened.
"I will show you a technique created by your grandfather…"
AKIRA YASKUE
"…Akira Yaskue," Shukumei said. "A master who forged a technique combining all elements into one."
He demonstrated the hand sign, his aura flowing seamlessly.
A dragon-shaped surge of energy erupted forward, striking a tree with overwhelming force.
ELEMENTAL DRAGON TECHNIQUE
Inochi stared in awe.
"I'll master it," he said determinedly.
Shukumei smiled. "First, you must master each element individually."
INOCHI TRAINING BEGINS!
Shukumei gestured toward a nearby waterfall.
"Go. Meditate. Become one with water."
Inochi nodded, determination burning in his eyes.
"I'll succeed."
As he rushed toward the cascade, Shukumei watched silently.
The storm was coming.
And his students would need to be ready.