--- Training Grounds
Sweat ran down Rei's brow as he moved through a kata sequence, each strike of his katana slicing cleanly through the air. His eyes, dulled from exhaustion, remained focused.
In the nearby trees, two Chūnin observers from the Hokage's office watched.
"He trains like a machine. Never asks for breaks," one whispered.
"He hasn't activated his dōjutsu once since that spar. He's holding back."
"Maybe that's the point."
Below, Rei paused. He could feel them. Always watching. Always testing.
Let them. I'm used to being studied. But when I strike back, they won't see it coming.
---Mission Assignment Hall
Rei's name was called for a C-Rank escort mission.
Team Leader: Ebisu
Members: Rei Chinoike, Tenten, and a new Genin named Haru
Ebisu wasn't thrilled.
"I was told to evaluate you. Not train you. Don't make me regret this, Chinoike."
Rei gave a respectful bow. "Understood, sensei."
Tenten smirked. "Let's see if you live up to the rumors."
Escort Mission: Borderlands Route
The client—a merchant with far too much gold and far too few manners—complained constantly.
"Why do we need three ninja for this? A Genin and two kids with attitude?"
Rei ignored him. His eyes scanned the forest, mind calculating paths, ambush points, chakra signals...
Tenten noticed his vigilance. "You're not just playing cool, are you?"
Rei glanced at her. "I was raised where letting your guard down gets someone killed."
The moment passed. But it stuck with her.
Bandits. Fifteen of them. Not rogue ninja—just trained thugs. But enough to be a threat.
Ebisu yelled, "Formation C!"
Tenten launched kunai with explosive tags. Haru panicked and froze.
Rei moved like water—smooth, calculating, not flashy.
Two down. Three. He lured the leader into a Genjutsu—making him think the forest was burning around him.
The thug screamed and ran straight into Tenten's trap.
Ebisu shouted, "Rei! Protect the merchant!"
The boy was already there—his katana drawn, blocking a hidden dagger aimed at the client's throat.
Crimson eyes flared.
Ketsuryugan.
The attacker dropped instantly—paralyzed in fear and illusion.
---- After the Mission
Ebisu sat at the Hokage's desk, arms crossed.
"He's dangerous. Not reckless. Precise. The Ketsuryugan isn't a toy in his hands—it's a weapon used only when needed."
Tsunade nodded. "So he's not like Itachi."
Ebisu hesitated. "No… he's something else entirely. He's choosing restraint not because he has to—but because he wants to."
---- Rei's Room
Rei stared at a small photo of the Chinoike Valley—his prison, his birthright.
He whispered to himself:
"They see my eyes… but not the chains I broke to get here. They respect the blade, not the hand that steadies it."
"But I will keep walking. Keep learning. Until I become the kind of man who can set everyone free."
He closed the scroll. Picked up his sword. And stepped back into the shadows.
[End of Chapter 2]