Chapter 52: A Confession of Feelings
At the secret training ground on the western outskirts of Konohagakure, the morning mist had yet to fully fade. Izumo was in the middle of training the Six Powers with complete focus.
His figure blurred into layered afterimages across the field. The rapid stepping of Shave shattered the quiet of the early morning, while the displaced currents of air sent dry leaves swirling up into the sky around him.
With the final slash of Tempest Kick, a vacuum blade tore through the air with a roaring rush, striking the ground and carving a deep crater into the earth.
The fine dust stirred by his landing hadn't even settled when a familiar voice rang out from the entrance of the training field.
"Izumo! Take a break first!"
Izumo turned his head. He saw Kōtetsu running toward him with long strides, the collar of his green vest open, beads of sweat sliding down from his temples and soaking into his shirt.
Behind him stood Yūhi Kurenai, dressed in a pale pink ninja outfit. Her long jet-black hair was tied into a high ponytail, the tips still slightly damp from the lingering morning mist.
Izumo picked up a towel to wipe away his sweat, then walked over to meet them. "What brings you two here?"
Kōtetsu immediately dropped onto a stone block beside him with a heavy sigh. "Team 8 is heading out on a mission. Doto-sensei is leading the team to escort supplies to the border outpost."
Kurenai added in her gentle, clear voice, "This time the team will also have one new member—a newly graduated Genin."
Suddenly, Kōtetsu slapped his thigh and jumped to his feet, then shoved a water bottle back into Kamizuki Izumo's hand. "Forget that for now! Doto-sensei said you'll be taking the Jōnin Exam soon. We came specifically to invite you out for dinner tonight—to celebrate in advance you becoming one of the youngest Jōnin in Konoha!"
Izumo gave a faint smile. "The exam hasn't even finished yet, and you're already celebrating. You really have a lot of confidence in me, don't you, Kōtetsu?"
"Of course! As your close teammate, how could I not know how strong you are? Remember—five in the evening sharp. Come to the Akimichi family barbecue restaurant!" Kōtetsu grinned widely.
That evening, the aroma of grilled meat filled the restaurant. Charcoal embers glowed brightly, sending up tiny sparks that danced beneath the warm yellow lights.
Akimichi Doto sat in the main seat, holding a cup in his hand, a kind smile resting on his face. "Izumo, these past two months… your training results must have been very satisfying."
Izumo nodded. "I've gained a great deal. I haven't even properly thanked you for your recommendation yet, Sensei. Allow me to raise a toast to you." He lifted his cup toward Akimichi Doto.
Akimichi Doto returned the gesture with a soft sigh. "Sensei hasn't really helped much. All of Sensei's strengths lie in our clan's ninjutsu, which can't be passed on to you. That makes Sensei feel quite regretful."
"Sensei, the Body Flicker Technique you taught me has already been incredibly meaningful to me," Izumo said sincerely.
Akimichi Doto looked at the student who filled him with such pride and spoke gently. "Remember this, Izumo. No matter what the result is, you will always be the student Sensei is most proud of. On every mission, protect yourself first. Staying alive is what matters most."
Izumo raised his cup with deep respect. When the rims of their cups met, a clear chime rang out. He knew those words actually went against a ninja's usual principles—but they came entirely from genuine concern. "Thank you, Sensei."
Beside them, Kōtetsu raised a skewer of grilled meat and cheered loudly, "Once you become a Jōnin, every time I go on a mission I'll puff out my chest and say, 'I used to be on the same team as Konoha's youngest Jōnin—Izumo!'"
Laughter erupted around the table.
Kurenai sat beside Izumo. Occasionally, her fingertips brushed lightly against his arm before she handed him a neatly folded tissue. Her crimson eyes looked even more beautiful amidst the drifting smoke and warm restaurant lighting.
They chatted about embarrassing incidents from their days at the Ninja Academy, then teased each other about the time they captured a rogue ninja and Kōtetsu's face swelled up from bee stings. Their laughter bounced against the wooden windows and blended warmly into the night.
By the time the gathering ended, it was already close to midnight. Izumo walked Kurenai home.
On the quiet road, only the sound of their footsteps could be heard. Moonlight filtered through the gaps between the branches of the cherry blossom trees, weaving a broken silver web across the ground.
Petals drifted gently with the night breeze, landing in Kurenai's hair before gliding lightly onto Izumo's shoulder.
They walked in silence until they reached the gate of Kurenai's home. She suddenly stopped. When she turned around, her fingers gripping the edge of her ninja outfit had turned slightly pale.
"Izumo!" Kurenai lifted her head. Her voice trembled softly, yet it rang with clarity. "I don't know if there will be another chance later. So I don't want to wait anymore. I want to tell you how I feel!"
Izumo fell silent. He looked at Kurenai's flushed cheeks and her bright, shimmering eyes. He reached out, gently covering her slightly cold hands.
"Kurenai… I understand."
Kurenai looked up in surprise. Before she could say anything more, Izumo pulled her into his embrace.
He could feel the steady beat of his own heart and hear his breathing quicken. She returned the embrace tightly, pressing her face against his warm chest.
Izumo lifted a hand and stroked her long hair, then whispered softly near her ear, "From now on, I'll protect you."
Under the moonlight, cherry blossom petals continued to fall, landing upon the two figures locked in an embrace—like a quiet prayer drifting through the night.
As Team 8 departed from the village to carry out their mission, nearly all of Izumo's acquaintances within the village were also away. With the final month remaining, he began another round of intense training.
Until the last day of his leave ended, Izumo packed his ninja tools and backpack, then arrived punctually at the Hokage's Office.
The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, sat behind his desk with a pipe held between his fingers. Thin smoke curled upward, making his gaze appear even deeper.
"Kamizuki Izumo, your Jōnin Exam mission has been confirmed." The Third Hokage spoke slowly as he pushed a red scroll toward him. "Kumogakure has recently been provoking the border of the Land of Fire. Both sides are currently locked in a stalemate on the front lines. Your task is to support Konoha's forces on the battlefield. At the very least, you must eliminate three Kumogakure Jōnin."
Izumo accepted the scroll and opened it, scanning through the contents quickly. The mission details were clearly written.
He nodded. "Understood, Lord Hokage."
"Additionally, given the heavy situation on the front lines, you will temporarily join Minato Namikaze's team and assist them in carrying out missions."
The Third Hokage added calmly, "Minato's team has already assembled at the village gate. You will depart immediately."
"Understood!" Izumo bowed respectfully, then turned and left the Hokage's Office.
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