Naruto: One Eye Tenseigan

The trio sprawled out on the soft grass of Training Ground 7, the golden light of the setting sun casting long shadows across the clearing. Though their limbs ached and their lungs burned, the air between them was alive with the buzz of victory.

Mai Kisaragi flopped onto her back dramatically, her arms splayed wide as if she'd just survived a life-or-death ordeal. "I thought for sure she'd dodge that web," she said, her voice a mix of awe and relief. "She's a total ninja goddess. How did we even pull that off?"

Nearby, Mina Harada sat with her legs tucked neatly to the side, adjusting her glasses as if it would ground her thoughts. The flush of exertion lingered on her cheeks, but her composure remained intact. "It almost didn't work," she said matter-of-factly. "If Sayuri-sensei had been even a fraction faster, we'd still be running around like headless chickens."

Tomaru Minakura, standing a few feet away, tossed the jingling bell to Mina with a smooth, deliberate flick of his wrist. "We all played our part," he said evenly, though there was a faint flicker of pride in his tone.

Mai rolled onto her side, grinning up at him. "Look at you, Mr. Hero. So modest after clearly having the time of your life trying to impress our sensei."

Tomaru turned his head to give her a sidelong glance. "Hey, is this how you treat the guy who worked hard to make sure we didn't lose?"

Mai clapped a hand to her forehead in mock reverence. "Oh, yes, sir! Thank you, sir!" she teased, her golden eyes gleaming with mischief.

Mina, not missing a beat, pushed her glasses up with a smirk. "You've worked hard all right—especially to memorize Sayuri-sensei's body shape. Every. Single. Angle."

Tomaru froze, the words catching him completely off guard. His usually calm expression faltered, and a faint blush crept up his neck. "W-What?!" he stammered, his composure momentarily shattered.

Mai let out a loud laugh, clutching her sides. "Oh, Mina, that was perfect! Did you see his face? He went from ninja cool to 'caught red-handed' in two seconds flat!"

Tomaru groaned, rubbing his temples. "You two are unbelievable."

Mina chuckled softly, her voice taking on an innocent lilt. "We're just making observations, Tomaru. You've been staring at her since this afternoon. It's very… dedicated of you."

Mai leaned closer to him, her grin so wide it nearly split her face. "Let's just hope your 'dedication' doesn't get you caught in a genjutsu. Can you imagine? Sayuri-sensei's image everywhere. You wouldn't survive."

Tomaru pointed a finger at her, his expression torn between frustration and amusement. "Don't even joke about that!"

Mai flopped back onto the grass, still laughing. "Too late, buddy. Now I can't unsee it."

Mina adjusted her glasses again, her smirk widening. "Focus is key, Tomaru. Maybe work on your priorities a little?"

Tomaru sighed heavily, his hand dragging down his face in exasperation. "I hate both of you right now."

Mai reached over and gave him a playful nudge. "Aw, don't be like that, Tomaru. We're your teammates. We tease because we care."

Mina nodded, her tone mock-serious. "Exactly. Think of it as character development."

Tomaru groaned, but despite himself, he couldn't keep a small smile from tugging at the corners of his lips. "You two are going to be the death of me."

Mai snickered, sitting up and crossing her arms confidently. "Maybe, but you'll thank us later when you're stronger. Or, you know, when you finally admit you have a crush on Sayuri-sensei."

Tomaru opened his mouth to retort but was interrupted by a voice from behind.

"I'm glad to see the three of you bonding so well," Sayuri said, her tone calm but carrying a faint edge of amusement. She had appeared silently, as if summoned by their conversation, her sharp green eyes glinting.

All three genin froze, their faces a mix of surprise and embarrassment.

Mai whispered out of the corner of her mouth, "Think she heard us?"

Mina adjusted her glasses nervously. "I think she definitely heard us."

Tomaru, his blush returning full force, stared at the ground and muttered, "Why me?"

Sayuri's lips quirked into a small, knowing smile. "Teamwork is important. Keep it up."

And with that, she turned and walked away, leaving the three genin to stew in their embarrassment.

Mai broke the silence with a sly grin. "Well, Tomaru, now she really knows you're dedicated."

Tomaru sighed, flopping onto the grass with a groan. "I take it back. You're not unbelievable. You're both nightmares."

Mina and Mai's laughter echoed through the training ground, the teasing cementing their bond as Team 2.

Team 2 stood in a loose triangle, the air buzzing with the anticipation of what would come next. Sayuri Koizumi, their enigmatic jonin-sensei, stood before them with her usual calm demeanor, though there was a faint unease in her stance.

"Let's start with introductions," Sayuri said, her voice smooth and steady, her sharp green eyes shifting between her three students. "You'll each share your name, strengths, and what you want to achieve as a shinobi."

Tomaru's brow arched slightly at her suggestion. For someone with Sayuri's commanding presence, it was surprising she didn't take the lead.

Mai Kisaragi, ever eager to jump in, raised her hand with a grin. "I'll go first!" She stepped forward, placing her hands confidently on her hips.

"My name's Mai Kisaragi! I'm great at taijutsu, and I'm going to become the strongest kunoichi in Konoha!" she declared, her golden eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Tomaru gave her a sideways glance, his expression neutral. "Don't forget to learn some patience along the way."

Mai shot him a playful glare. "Patience is boring. I'll leave that to you, oh wise and stoic one."

Mina adjusted her glasses with a small sigh. "I'll go next," she said in her usual composed tone. "Mina Harada. I focus on analyzing situations and creating strategies. I may not aim to be the strongest, but I want to be the most reliable member of our team."

Mai clapped her on the back. "And you already are, Mina! Brains and beauty—you've got it all."

Mina smirked faintly. "Including the patience you lack."

Finally, Tomaru stepped forward, his gaze steady and unreadable. "Tomaru Minakura. I focus on taijutsu. My goal is to be strong enough to protect myself and those I care about. That's all."

Mai tilted her head with an exaggerated frown. "That's it? No grand speeches? No mysterious declarations?"

Tomaru shrugged. "Straightforward is better."

Mina arched an eyebrow, the corner of her mouth curving into a smirk. "You're just trying to keep your cool because Sayuri-sensei's watching."

Tomaru gave her a sidelong glance, but his ears turned faintly pink. "Don't start."

Mai grinned mischievously. "Aw, look at him. Totally calm on the outside, but inside? 'Sayuri-sensei, notice me!'"

Tomaru exhaled, his tone remaining steady despite the faint color in his cheeks. "You two have active imaginations."

Mina leaned toward Mai with a mock whisper. "Translation: 'Don't tell them I was just staring.'"

Mai burst out laughing, and even Mina couldn't suppress a chuckle. Tomaru, on the other hand, remained outwardly composed, though the faint flush creeping up his neck gave him away.

Sayuri, watching the exchange, decided to let it slide for now. She cleared her throat, drawing their attention back to her.

"My turn," she began, her tone regaining its usual composure. "I am Sayuri Koizumi. My specialties are Water Release and genjutsu, and I possess the kekkei genkai called Swift Release."

Mai's eyes lit up. "Kekkei genkai? That sounds awesome! What does it do?"

Sayuri gave a small nod. "Swift Release allows me to move at speeds most opponents can't perceive. It's an ability that emphasizes precision and control, but it's also dangerous. Overuse can exhaust the body—or worse."

"Fast and elegant," Mina remarked thoughtfully. "Fitting for someone like you."

Mai, however, leaned toward Tomaru, a sly grin spreading across her face. "Fast and elegant. Sounds like someone was paying extra attention."

Tomaru's gaze shifted slightly, his expression calm but a bit sharper. "I respect strength," he said simply.

"Sure, sure," Mina said, her tone teasing. "Respect strength, admire beauty..."

"Enough," Tomaru interjected, though his tone betrayed just the faintest edge of fluster.

Sayuri's gaze flicked between them, her lips pressing together in an attempt to suppress a small smile. "If we're done with distractions, we'll continue. Tomorrow, we'll begin team exercises. Don't be late."

Mai straightened dramatically. "Yes, Sensei! First one there gets dibs on teasing Tomaru more."

Tomaru sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I'm starting to regret joining this team."

Mina smirked, adjusting her glasses. "Don't worry, Tomaru. We'll grow on you."

"Like weeds," Tomaru muttered, though the faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips betrayed his amusement.

As their laughter died down, the three of them stared up at the sky, its hues shifting from amber to deep indigo. For a moment, silence settled over the clearing, broken only by the distant chirping of crickets.

"She's strong," Mina murmured, her voice thoughtful.

Mai turned her head to look at her. "Sayuri-sensei?"

Mina nodded. "Not just strong. Precise. Every move she made was calculated. I didn't even think she'd notice the kunai wires until it was almost too late."

Tomaru exhaled deeply, his gaze still fixed on the sky. "She's what we're supposed to become."

Mai snorted. "You mean untouchable ninja goddesses? Speak for yourself, Tomaru. I'm already halfway there."

Mina rolled her eyes, though a faint smile played on her lips.

Tomaru sat up, resting his arms on his knees. "It's not just about strength or skill. She's in control. Always thinking ahead. That's what we need to learn."

Mai shrugged, a flicker of something serious crossing her face before her grin returned. "Fine. But if we start turning into stoic, brooding weirdos, I'm blaming you."