Enso woke up earlier than usual, stirred by the chill of the morning air and the soft light breaking through his window.
Though he no longer went through intense physical training every day, he still went for morning runs from time to time, to keep his body and mind sharp.
Today felt like one of those days.
He dressed quickly in a simple black tank top and jogger pants, stepping outside just as the dew still clung to the grass. The cold air filled his lungs, waking him more effectively than any cup of tea.
His footsteps were light but rhythmic, as he picked up speed, weaving through alleys and rooftops until sweat began to bead along his brow and neck. The exertion cleared his thoughts.
Maybe that was why, over the years, he'd slowly outgrown Itachi. When they'd first met, Enso had only been a few inches taller—but now he was nearly at Shisui's height. Physical training, no matter how simple, seemed to have given him an edge.
By the time the sun was fully up, he had already arrived at the Uchiha compound. Today, he wasn't just visiting—he came bearing gifts. In his hands, he carried sets of custom-made arm and leg guards embedded with subtle seals for comfort and mobility.
Shisui's eyes lit up as he examined the pieces. "These are incredible," he said, strapping on the lightweight black armour. "Not only are they comfortable, but they go well with everything I wear."
Itachi, more reserved as usual, quietly tested the fit. Enso suggested he wear the guards over his clothing to help keep them stable during high speed movement. The younger Uchiha nodded, clearly impressed by the craftsmanship, and offered a small but sincere thank-you.
The two insisted that Enso stay for breakfast. He was soon led to the clan cafeteria, where a large, steaming bowl of dumpling soup was set before him. The aroma was rich, with hints of garlic, ginger, and miso floating up in warm waves. Enso didn't hesitate—he devoured it with quiet appreciation, savouring every bite.
After breakfast, he returned home and changed into a clean outfit. He chose a pair of crisp white pants, a white long-sleeve shirt, and a black jacket that flowed just past his hips.
Around his waist, he wrapped a LARP-style broad belt, from which two sword sheaths were strapped horizontally, one above the other, positioned in opposite directions. This unique configuration allowed for quick drawing and sheathing without hindering his movement.
He then strapped on a fresh pair of white arm and leg guards over his sleeves and pants, neatly tucking them beneath his jacket.
Next, he regrouped with his team—Hayama, Tokuma, and Inari. Without delay, he handed out the armour pieces for each of them. Hayama immediately strapped his on, grinning with approval. "These are perfect, Enso. Thanks."
Tokuma and Inari followed suit, trusting their sensei's judgment.
Together, they made their way to Konoha's main gate, where Team 2 was already waiting. Itachi gave a wave, lifting his arm high enough to show off the new armour. A grin tugged at Enso's lips, and he waved back, pleased to see them being used.
Standing beside Team 2 was Kakashi Hatake. Under direct orders from the Fourth Hokage, he had been temporarily assigned to their mission.
Though Enso had never spoken to Kakashi before, he was well aware of his reputation—not only as a Minato student, but as a prodigy in his own right.
"Good morning, Kakashi-senpai," Enso greeted respectfully. Kakashi nodded slightly in response to his greeting.
Without wasting time, the two teams departed together, knowing full well that delays weren't an option, not when the Daimyo of the Land of Fire was waiting.
During the journey, Enso remained quiet and focused, secretly activating his Mind's Eye of Kagura to sense any lurking threats in the surrounding area. While Tokuma's Byakugan helped detect distant figures, Enso provided support by swiftly neutralising hidden threats, mainly bandits, before they could obstruct their journey.
Enso took them out using his Nail Shuriken, hurling them toward their hidden positions and activating his 'Explosive Touch' technique. The shuriken burst into metal fragments mid-air, shredding the enemies before they had a chance to escape.
By the time they reached the Daimyo's castle, it was nearly 3 p.m. A warm, golden hue bathed the ornate castle walls. The team was promptly assigned to supervise the escorting unit, where they met up with the infamous Twelve Guardian Ninja.
Kakashi exchanged greetings with Asuma Sarutobi, one of the Guardians, before turning to the Genin. On request from the Fourth Hokage, a sparring session was arranged—both to test their progress and to inspire them by facing real elite-level Shinobi.
Enso quickly realised why Kakashi had been added to the mission—not just as backup, but as Minato's eyes, to observe and report on their progress.
The Guardian Ninjas complied, engaging the Genin in a sparring session. Their intent wasn't to win, but to offer a glimpse of what true power felt like.
Among all the Genin, Itachi and Tokuma performed the best. The two impressed everyone by lasting significantly longer than expected, bringing the fight to a draw. But it was Enso who truly left a mark.
With a burst of speed that caught even the seasoned Jonin off guard, he overwhelmed his opponent cleanly. His movement was precise, explosive—his steps barely making a sound as he darted in and out of range.
The display drew the attention of three more Guardians, who jumped into the sparring match—amused, intrigued, and eager to test the young Shinobi's limits. But Enso remained composed. Without hesitation, he activated his Body Flicker technique and Chakra Reinforcement, his form blurring as he accelerated to an even greater speed.
His movements became harder to track, his sword sweeping in small arcs that parried and deflected attacks from multiple opponents at once.
These were not your average opponents—they were elite Shinobi, each formidable in their own right. Their teamwork was impeccable, honed through years of coordination and battlefield experience.
The four Guardians worked together seamlessly, shifting between coordinated strikes, surprise attacks, and well-timed Ninjutsu. They tried to trap Enso in their rhythm, overwhelming him with relentless pressure from all sides.
Enso calmly utilised his speed and made use of his Wind Release: Shield of Wind Count to deal with the incoming attack. After all, the Guardian Ninja didn't use any Jutsu above A-Rank in this sparring session.
Kazuma cast a cold glance toward the field and subtly signalled for another Guardian to step forward. But before the next challenger could join, Hayama and Kakashi moved in almost simultaneously to halt the match.
"That's enough," Hayama said sharply, his voice firm and unwavering. Beside him, Kakashi cast a cold glance around the field, his stance shifting into a subtle but unmistakably combat-ready posture—just in case anyone thought of pushing further.
From the sidelines, Itachi's eyes remained fixed on Enso. His face was unreadable, but within his gaze lingered a quiet spark of respect. As expected of my rival, he thought to himself, the corners of his mouth curling ever so slightly.
Kazuma let out a light chuckle before deciding to call it off. Still, his expression remained unreadable, hiding whatever thoughts lay behind his calm demeanour.
Unbeknownst to them, the Fire Daimyo had been watching the entire demonstration through a specialised telescope Jutsu used by one of his trusted Shinobi.
Impressed by the level of skill and discipline they all displayed—especially by Enso, Tokuma, and Itachi—the Daimyo ordered an evening feast to be prepared in their honour. "Make sure the food is of the highest quality," the Daimyo instructed. "These kids have earned it."
As evening fell, the air cooled, and the entire group dressed in their finest clothes for the evening feast. Everyone, except Enso, who had simply donned a shirt and pants, left his jacket in his room. The others, though, were sharply dressed in the elegant garments that befitted such an occasion.
The banquet hall was filled with the rich scents of roasted meat and spices, the centrepiece being a freshly roasted pig. The crisp skin crackled as the warm aroma of the roast filled the air, making everyone's mouth water in anticipation. As the guests settled into their seats, the first course was served, and the feast began.
While the alcohol flowed freely at the table, Hayama remained vigilant. He raised his cup only once, offering a respectful toast to the Daimyo.
As a precaution, he quietly tested both the food and drink for any trace of poison, ensuring the safety of his Genin. After confirming it was safe, he gave a discreet nod, signalling to the others that it was all clear.
Enso, with a casual yet appreciative glance, took his plate and began eating, savouring the delicate flavours. His eyes occasionally drifted to the Geisha performing their dances in the centre of the room, their graceful movements and flowing robes weaving a hypnotic rhythm.
Their performance, arranged by the Daimyo, was a highlight of the evening, adding a layer of elegance to the celebration.
Once the feast concluded, the two teams were escorted to their rooms for the night. The Twelve Guardian Ninjas split into three groups, taking turns patrolling the Daimyo's castle. With the Guardians handling the watch, the Konoha teams were free to rest peacefully, their sleep uninterrupted.
Enso, however, was an early riser. Accustomed to waking before dawn, he made his way to the cafeteria. There, he found the Twelve Guardians and Hayama already gathered, having risen early just like him.
The Twelve Guardians bore no ill will toward Enso for having bested them in their previous sparring match. Instead, they teased him playfully. "You must have trained in your mother's womb!" one of them laughed, and the rest joined in with hearty chuckles. Despite the intensity of their earlier battle, there was no animosity between them.
Over breakfast, Enso shared his wish to train at the Fire Temple, hoping to further hone his skills. Asuma and Chiriku considered his request for a moment before replying. "We'll personally relay your request to the Daimyo," they assured him, their expressions serious yet supportive.
Soon, Kakashi, Itachi, and Yuki joined the group. The atmosphere lightened as the familiar faces settled in, the conversation flowing easily. The younger Genin, accustomed to the comfort of their new beds, were reluctant to leave the warmth and cosiness of the soft bedding. They seized the opportunity to sleep a little longer before finally heading to the cafeteria.
By 8 a.m., the group was ready to leave. The Daimyo was carried in a grand sedan chair, designed with elaborate details and covered by blinds to shield him from the harsh rays of the sun. Four strong men lifted the sedan, ensuring the Daimyo's comfort as they began their journey.
Tokuma and Itachi led the way, their unique Dojutsu allowing them to scout ahead, detecting any potential threats long before they became visible to others. Two of the Twelve Guardians walked beside the Daimyo's sedan, while the rest of the team spread out along the road, providing a thorough perimeter of protection.
Yuki was positioned at the front of the Daimyo's carriage, leading the group with confidence and focus. Kakashi, Hayama, and Enso took their places behind the sedan, their eyes scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger.
They set out at a steady pace, taking care to avoid causing the Daimyo any discomfort during the trip. The quiet hum of the journey, broken only by the rhythmic sound of footsteps, filled the air as they moved through the peaceful countryside. But as they reached the midway point, a sudden cry shattered the calm. "Enemy attack!" Enso shouted, his voice sharp and commanding.
In that instant, a golden arrow shot through the air, heading straight for the Daimyo. One of the Twelve Guardians reacted immediately, swinging his three-section staff in an attempt to intercept the projectile. However, his staff was knocked away by the force of the arrow.
Seeing this, Hayama sprang into action, drawing his vacuum sword. He swung the blade swiftly, knocking the arrow off course just before it reached the Daimyo.
The group swiftly assumed defensive positions, their senses sharp and alert, prepared for any threat. Enso, activating his Mind's Eye of Kagura, immediately pinpointed the hidden enemy beneath the ground. To his surprise, however, Tokuma's Byakugan, typically so accurate, failed to detect the presence of the enemy.
"I've got it," Enso muttered under his breath, stepping confidently to the front of the group. He gave Itachi a quick signal to cover him. After a brief pause, Enso surged forward, moving with purpose and determination, intent on intercepting the enemy before they could cause any more damage.
With a swift series of hand signs, Enso summoned the Starch Syrup Capturing Field. He aimed it at the ground beneath him, the sticky substance spreading to trap the enemy underneath.
Enso decided to test the Pink Lightning technique on a wimp, a variant of Tsukiyo's lightning-based jutsu that had always intrigued him. He made a minor adjustment to this technique, shifting the balance between physical and spiritual energy. This tweak made the technique stronger than the original version.
The lightning now took on a fully black form, a stark contrast to the pink lightning Tsukiyo's technique had produced due to an imperfect chakra balance. With Enso's modification, the technique became far more potent, no longer resembling Tsukiyo's flawed version. Its power now rivalled that of Kakashi's Chidori. Pleased with the result, Enso decided to name it Dark Lightning—a fitting title for his enhanced creation.
Enso unleashed Dark Lightning, and with a single finger, the surge of energy struck the enemy. The explosion was deafening, and the enemy was electrocuted so intensely that they fell dead on the spot.
Enso moved swiftly, inspecting the body with growing suspicion. To his surprise, he recognised the attacker. It was Nagero, a skilled individual who had mastered the unusual "Assimilation of All Things" technique.
Enso recalled seeing this character briefly in the Naruto anime. However, he was uncertain if the original attack on the Daimyo involved others or was solely orchestrated by Obito, as both the anime and manga had left that unclear.
Without hesitation, Enso calmly absorbed his soul. A technique capable of evading even the Byakugan was far too valuable to let it slide.
After finishing with the corpse, Enso shouted, "This enemy is different from the previous one!" His sudden declaration kept the team on high alert, no one dared to lower their guard as they looked around with caution.