The golden hues of sunset painted the sky as the village lights flickered to life. Inside the grand chambers of the Homurakage's Office, an important meeting was taking place. The room, adorned with ancient scrolls and glowing symbols of past Kages, radiated a deep sense of history and wisdom. The large windows overlooked the village, where shinobi patrolled the streets, ensuring peace before the upcoming Chunin Exams.
Seated around a polished wooden table were three formidable figures: Homurakage, the wise and aged leader of the village; Kenshiro, a battle-hardened shinobi with a fierce reputation; Ghesso, an enigmatic sage with an unpredictable personality; and Lady Ayame, an elegant yet formidable presence, known as one of the legendary sages of this era.
Ghesso leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with determination as he spoke.
"I have made my decision. I will take Ryuji Inazuma under my wing for training over the next two months. This training will be crucial for his survival, given the threats that loom over him. However, since this is a mission that involves traveling beyond our planet, I request this be classified as an A-rank mission to ensure its importance is officially recognized."
Homurakage, with his calm and authoritative voice, acknowledged Ghesso's request. "I understand the gravity of this training. Ryuji Inazuma holds immense potential, but he is also a target. The village of Raging Fire is no ordinary place—it exists beyond this world, under the Land of Blaze's jurisdiction. Many warriors from different planets reside there, making it a dangerous yet invaluable place for training."
With a swift motion, Homurakage called out three young shinobi:
Aiko Himura – A promising kunoichi with an untapped well of power.
Ryuji Inazuma – A prodigy with immense chakra reserves and the only shinobi in the village possessing a unique otherworldly power, surpassing even the Tailed Beasts.
Kai Kurogami – A skilled shinobi with great potential but a rough personality that needed shaping.
As the three entered, their expressions ranged from curiosity to excitement. Ryuji, always energetic, jumped in exhilaration when he heard his name attached to an A-rank mission. However, his excitement quickly turned into frustration.
"What?! I have to train for the Chunin Exams! I can't afford to waste time on a mission right now! And why do I have to go with this perverted old man?! No way!" Ryuji exclaimed, crossing his arms stubbornly.
Before he could continue his protest, Ghesso delivered a sharp karate chop to his head, making him stumble forward.
"You little brat! You dare insult me? Do you have any idea how legendary I am?" Ghesso barked, puffing out his chest in exaggerated pride.
Homurakage sighed but spoke firmly, "This mission is non-negotiable. You will have ample time to train during your journey. If anything, this mission will enhance your abilities far more than staying here. You must prepare for what's ahead, Ryuji."
Realizing he had no way out, Ryuji pouted but accepted his fate. "Fine... but I better get stronger because of this."
Kenshiro placed a hand on Kai's shoulder. "You're coming with me for training. In two months, I will reshape your entire personality and combat style. No excuses."
Kai simply smirked. "I look forward to it."
Lady Ayame turned to Aiko and gave a rare smile. "You will train under me. I have special techniques to pass down to you."
Aiko's eyes widened in surprise. Training under a legendary sage was an opportunity few ever received. She bowed respectfully. "I will not disappoint you, Lady Ayame."
Before the meeting concluded, Ghesso made a surprising request.
"Homurakage, I need two more members to join me—Jasper Tyros and Seinna Frostveil."
Homurakage's expression darkened slightly.
"You know that outsiders are not welcomed in the Land of Blaze. If we send them, the village of Raging Fire might not accept them."
Ghesso, unfazed, shrugged. "I'll handle that. We need Jasper's battle instincts and Seinna's expertise. Plus, they are both crucial to this mission's success."
After a moment of hesitation, Homurakage finally agreed, drafting an official request letter to the Lord of Raging Fire.
Later that evening, the air in the village carried an air of change. Ryuji packed his gear, mentally preparing himself for the upcoming mission. Ghesso, meanwhile, visited Aiko's house, where Jasper and Seinna were staying.
As he entered the house, he called out, "Oi, Jasper! Pack your bags. We're heading to another planet—the Village of Raging Fire."
Jasper, who had been casually doing push-ups in the corner, looked up and laughed. "Oh? So that means Seinna will have to survive ten days without me?" He turned to Seinna with a teasing grin. "Poor Seinna, I wonder how you'll handle my absence."
To everyone's surprise, Ghesso smirked and added, "Oh, didn't I mention? Seinna is coming too."
Jasper's jaw dropped in disbelief. "Wait… WHAT?! She's coming too?"
Seinna's heart skipped a beat. She had feared Jasper's departure, knowing that in ten days, he would be unreachable. But now, fate had given her a chance to stay by his side.
A victorious smile played on her lips as she looked at Jasper.
"Well, my dear, looks like you won't be getting rid of me that easily."
Serena, who had been listening from nearby, suddenly spoke up. "I want to come too!"
Seinna immediately turned serious. "Absolutely not. In your pregnant condition, travel is too risky. Aiko's grandmother will take care of you."
Serena sighed but nodded, understanding the concern.