RAI FINALLY PROMOTED
On his third attempt, Rai finally achieves success in the Mid-Class examinations, visibly overflowing with happiness as he celebrates his accomplishment, harboring a previous concern about his potential failure.
KUBO SHUSAI
He eagerly makes his way home to inform his father, Kubo, the leader of the Delta Ops, of his triumph.
Kubo, easily identified by his short, spiky red hair, green eyes, a goatee, and his unique attire that blends a green and black archer's cloak with samurai armor, extends his congratulations.
He expresses his constant belief in Rai's capability to overcome challenges.
He reflects on Rai's initial difficulties with hand-to-hand combat at the age of seven and the mockery he faced for his archery enthusiasm, commending his determination and bravery.
RAI'S RIVALRY
Kubo affirms his steady support for Rai during his examination period, acknowledging Rai's concern over his rivalry with Inochi and the apprehension of disappointment.
To alleviate his worries, Kubo pledges to ensure Rai is well-prepared.
As the topic turns to "Kurai," Rai blushes, shyly revealing she's a newcomer to their village, known for her attractiveness, her brown eyes and hair, and her scent reminiscent of cherry blossoms.
Motivated to prove his worth not only to her but also to surpass Inochi, Rai dedicates himself to his training.
Kubo chuckles at his son's budding romance, joking about Rai having a girlfriend, which imbues Rai with added drive.
HISTORY OF THE SHUNSAI CLAN
Kubo then leads Rai to the dojo for training, enriching their session with tales of their family's history.
He elaborates on the Shunsai Clan's reputation as archery masters, known as Tasetior or "Land of the Bow," a designation originating from the Dragon Age, emphasizing how archery has been integral to their lifestyle for both hunting and warfare, and how their adept archers were in high demand by Sakura.
Kubo discusses the tactic of having specialized archer units within the Delta Ops army, often collaborating with Sakura squads composed of a driver, a shield-bearer, and an archer.
He notes that archery is not merely a martial skill but a celebrated craft within the Shunsai Clan, esteemed across the ninja realm.
HOUKU SHUNSAI
He recounts the story of the legendary archer Houku Shunsai, hailed as a hero for his feat of shooting down ten meteors threatening the ninja world, displaying the illustrious tradition of their kin and the divine respect for its bowmen.
Hearing this, Rai voices his ambition to mirror the legendary archer.
Kubo then exhibits a demonstration, targeting six marks with a solitary arrow.
ARROW DUPLICATION
As Rai wonders about the feasibility with just one arrow, Kubo grins, concentrates, and executes the "Ninja Class Arrow Duplication Technique" technique, hitting the targets with duplicated arrows.
Awe-struck, Rai begs his father to teach him.
Kubo reveals more, presenting special arrows filled with aura.
Upon Rai's confusion, Kubo shows another technique, adding a fire component to an arrow, impressing Rai.
Kubo explains these techniques are exclusive to their clan, noting historically, Archers couldn't alter signs or charge arrows with elemental aura mid-flight; they pre-charged the arrows with aura to augment their power.
RAI LIGHTNING ARROW
Rai mentions his application of a similar principle during team practice, managing to infuse an arrow with a lightning aura for added velocity.
Kubo, recognizing Rai's creativity, requests a demonstration.
Rai, concentrating, charges an arrow with a lightning aura and releases, resulting in an impactful strike, though Kubo suggests enhancing aura control for improved accuracy.
He indicates the method is ideally suited for covert operations as a high-speed penetrative strike.
Aiming to guide Rai in mastering this, Kubo next plans to instruct him in the fire arrow technique, seeing as fire and lightning match Rai's natural talents.
Despite early setbacks, Kubo teases Rai about Kurai's anticipated reaction, motivating Rai to succeed.
With focused effort, Rai executes the technique effectively, earning Kubo's admiration, who reassures him of his potential and capability to excel in the exams.
Overcome with gratefulness, Rai thanks his father and hugs him.
Kubo then stresses the necessity of persistent training, next focusing on perfecting the arrow duplication skill.
Kubo tells his son that the duplication technique is straightforward, involving splitting one's aura while releasing the shot, advising control over the aura to effectively summon.
He mentions he can personally draw 10 arrows at once using this method.
He shows Rai the gestures, encouraging him to attempt, and Rai, concentrating, divides his aura, releasing the shot that duplicates into three arrows.
Kubo acknowledges this as impressive, noting the usual outcome is three arrows on a first attempt.
When Rai inquires about increasing the count, Kubo responds that part of his development must come from personal discovery, stating he's taught him two techniques, plus Rai's invention of the lightning class technique.
Rai protests, deeming it unfair, seeking further guidance.
KUBOS MOTIVATINAL WORDS
As Kubo begins to leave, smiling, he assures Rai of his faith in him as his progeny and a member of the Shunsai clan.
These encouraging words deeply inspire Rai, who clenches his fist with a broad smile, vowing to make his father proud without disappointment.
As Kubo departs, Rai commences training solo, eventually depleting his aura and accidentally hanging upside down from a tree branch.
Hikari and Kurai, on their way home, notice Rai.
Kurai approaches and, finding Rai upside down, leans close to inquire about his peculiar situation.
Rai, awakening to see Kurai's face, becomes flustered and falls from the tree.
Kurai, alarmed, asks if Rai is okay as he stands, chuckling it off, claiming he was merely resting.
Kurai looks at him quizzically, wondering about his unconventional nap spot.
Rai, anxious, confirms he was indeed resting, worried she might ridicule him.
Kurai smiles, acknowledging his explanation, then mentions she wouldn't mock him for striving to improve his skills, assuming he wants to impress his family and clan, notably in front of someone specific.
Rai, growing nervous, initially mentions his mother before admitting he doesn't want to be bested by Inochi.
THE LIGHT OF RAI
Kurai reassures Rai by holding his hand, commending his training and predicting his success, having observed his skills.
Rai, taken aback, blushes at the encouragement.
Kurai then excuses herself to allow Rai to continue resting, while Rai, touched by the interaction, remains seated, filled with resolve.
Kurai leaves with Hikari, leaving Rai determined, punching the ground, and self-motivating to excel, recognizing his legacy and refusing to accept defeat.