Returning to the field clearing, the team was greeted by Kaien Yuuro, his arms crossed as he inspected them with a hint of approval.
"Makoto. Direct but reckless. Yua. Strategic with good chakra control. And you, Shisui…"
He paused, then smirked. "You're dangerous—precise, adaptive, and commanding. Good."
Shisui bowed slightly. "Thank you, Kaien-sensei."
Kaien held out a scroll. "Congratulations. You've passed the initiation trial. You're now an official squad of Hanagakure—Team Nine: Bloom Fang."
Makoto whooped and gave Yua a high five. "Team Bloom Fang? Not bad!"
Yua smiled softly. "It suits us. A bloom that hides its thorns."
Kaien turned serious. "Tomorrow, you'll receive your first C-rank mission. Rest well. And keep your instincts sharp—Hanagakure has enemies who covet what blooms behind our petals."
As the team disbanded for the evening, Shisui stood at the edge of the training field. Naoko awaited him there with a soft smile, holding a water flask and a bundle of his favorite buns.
"You're amazing," she whispered.
Shisui took her hand. "I want you with me every step of the way."
As the sun dipped behind the flower-crowned mountains of Hanagakure, Shisui felt a new chapter unfolding—not just as a shinobi, but as the future guardian of a land built on beauty, thorns, and iron will.