White Dragon Hidden in The Leaves

A week had passed since I last spent time training with Izumi, and the heavy rain that fell onto the streets of Konoha couldn't dampen my spirits any further. It had started to bother me, knowing that everyone at the academy avoided me because of what happened between me and those bullies. Forbidden from using my family's kekkei genkai, I felt like i would fall behind everyone.

"Hey! Watch where you're going!" a voice called out as I collided with someone on the street. The impact sent me tumbling to the ground in a puddle of cold water.

"Ouch... Sorry about that," I muttered, rubbing my elbow as I looked up and recognized Shisui, his eyes wide with surprise.

"Ah, it's you, Ayumi," he said, chuckling softly. "Sorry about that."

He looked at me for a while, and I guess my feeling was showing on my face.

"Hey, I've got an idea," Shisui said, his eyes lighting u. "Why don't we train together? I could teach you something new, and it might take your mind off things."

"Really?" I asked, surprised by his offer. "You'd do that for me?"

"Of course," he replied, extending a hand to help me up. "Friends help each other out, right?"

"Right," I said, taking his hand and pulling myself to my feet. My heart swelled with gratitude, knowing that at least one person in this world besides Naruto and Hinata still believed in me.

"Could you teach me the body flicker?" I asked, might as well try to get him to teach me that.

He seemed thoughtful for a bit as he helped me off the ground and to my feet. "Sure, why not?"

"By the way, Shisui," I began as we walked side by side, my voice filled with curiosity. "Do you know where Izumi is? We were supposed to have a training session today, but she never showed up."

"Ah, Izumi," he said, his expression turning serious. "She's on a mission right now. Apparently, there's a group of bandits causing trouble nearby, and she's part of the team assigned to take them down."

My eyes widened in surprise."I hope she's okay."

"She'll be fine," Shisui assured me, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Izumi's a strong ninja, and she's got a great team behind her. They'll take care of those bandits in no time."

"Right," I agreed, nodding slowly. My thoughts were consumed with worry for Izumi, but I knew I had to push it aside for now. She was strong, and I couldn't let my fear hold me back from improving my skills.

"Anyway," Shisui continued, changing the subject. "What do you say we head to the training grounds together?"

"Sounds good to me," I replied, smiling appreciatively at him. As we made our way toward the training grounds, my heart began to race in anticipation. Training with someone like Shisui was an opportunity I couldn't pass up, especially with everything that had been happening lately.

The sound of our footsteps splashing through puddles mingled with the rhythmic pitter-patter of raindrops as we navigated the streets. The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth, a refreshing change from the stifling atmosphere of the academy.

As we entered the training grounds, I felt better being in herthann being anywhere else. Here I could be myself more.

"Alright," Shisui said, stretching his arms above his head. "Let's get started, shall we?"

"Definitely," I agreed, clenching my fists with resolve. Though Izumi wasn't here, I knew she would want me to continue pushing forward, no matter what challenges I faced. And with Shisui training me today, I felt like I could take on anything.

The raindrops shimmered like tiny stars as they fell, casting a glistening veil over the training grounds. I breathed in deeply, feeling the damp soil beneath my feet and the cool air filling my lungs. The perfect setting for honing my skills.

"Alright, Ayumi," Shisui began, catching my attention. "Since Izumi's away, I thought I'd teach you something, but since you had something in mind you wanted to lear, we will go with that, Thistechniquee improves your speed and agility."

"Really?" I asked, my eyes lighting up with curiosity.

"Body Flicker Technique," he explained, his expression serious yet warm. "is a high-speed movement technique. The user can move short to long distances at an almost untraceable spee, which is different for every user. It's useful for both offense and evasion."

"Wow, that sounds amazing!" I exclaimed, unable to contain my excitement. I could already imagine how much more effective I would be in battle if I could master such a skill. "I'd love to learn the body flicker!"

"Great! But remember, It is accomplished by using chakra to temporarily vitalize the body and move at extreme speeds. The amount of chakra required depends on the overall distance and elevation between the user and the intended destination," Shisui warned, his gaze steady and focused. "You may not get it right away, so don't be too hard on yourself, okay?"

"Of course," I nodded, understanding the gravity of his words. My determination burned brighter than ever as I prepared myself for the challenge ahead.

"Alright, let's start by focusing on your chakra," Shisui instructed, stepping closer to me. "You need to channel it through your legs and feet while maintaining a precise balance."

I closed my eyes, concentrating on the familiar sensation of chakra coursing through my body. It surged like a torrential river, and I struggled to direct its flow toward my lower extremities. I felt Shisui's reassuring presence beside me, guiding me through the process.

"Good," he said, sensing my concentration. "Now, imagine your body becoming one with the wind."

I took several deep breaths, allowing the sensation of the raindrops hitting my skin to ground me.

As I exhaled, I imagined myself merging with the storm of my concentration.

"Ready?" Shisui asked, his voice barely audible over the sound of the rain.

"Ready," I affirmed, opening my eyes just in time to see him demonstrate the body flicker. Shisui faded away from sight, leaving no trace of his presence."Your turn," he encouraged as he appeared across the field from me, smiling as I steadied myself.

Taking a deep breath, I attempted to execute the body flicker. My foot shot forward, but the sudden burst of speed threw me off balance, causing me to stumble and fall face first into the mud.

"Whoa, careful!" Shisui chuckled, helping me get up and wiping the mud off my face. "It's oka. Itt takes time to get used to the sensation."

"Right," I murmured, feeling slightly embarrassed. Still, I refused to let my frustration deter me. I would practice until I had perfected the body flicker, no matter how long it took. There was no room for self-doubt.

"Let's try again," I declared, determination pouring from every word.

Shisui smiled at my resolve, a hint of pride evident in his eyes. "That's the spirit, Ayumi. Keep pushing yourself, and you'll achieve great things."

With renewed vigor, I braced myself for another attempt, eager to push past my limits and grow stronger with each passing moment.

The rain continued to fall around us, but I didn't mind it.

As the fain came to a stop and parted, the final rays of the setting sun cast a warm glow over the muddy training grounds, casting long shadows as I struggled to maintain my footing.

Sweat dripped down my forehead, stinging my eyes as I stubbornly refused to let it slow me down. My muscles ached from exertion, but I knew that giving up now would only lead to further disappointment.

"Again," I muttered to myself, trying to ignore the sharp, biting pain in my legs as I launched into another body flicker attempt. My body felt heavy and uncooperative like I was trying to move through thick mud rather than air.

"Argh!" I cried out in frustration, staggering to a stop as the technique once again failed to produce the desired results. My chest heaved with each ragged breath, exhaustion threatening to overtake me.

"Hey, Ayumi," Shisui called out, his voice gentle yet firm. "Take a break for a minute."

I looked at him, my eyes pleading. "But I'm so close. I can feel it."

"Sometimes we need to step back to see our progress," he explained, his gaze steady and surprised. "Let your body rest for a moment. You've been going nonstop since this morning."

As much as I didn't want to admit it, Shisui was right. Reluctantly, I nodded and sat down on the nearby bench, my body shaking with fatigue. The cool breeze brushed against my damp skin, providing a small measure of relief as I tried to catch my breath.

"Listen, Ayumi," Shisui began, sitting down beside me. "It's okay to be bothered by how difficult this is right now. But you can't let that frustration consume you. You have to keep practicing and pushing forward."

"Easy for you to say," I grumbled, my voice tinged with bitterness. "You're already a skilled ninja."

"True, but I didn't get there overnight," he replied, a hint of amusement in his tone. "I struggled just like you are now. It's part of the process."

"Really?" I asked, genuinely surprised.

"Absolutely," Shisui confirmed, nodding solemnly. "And I believe that if you keep trying to master the flicker step, it will ultimately help you improve your chakra control."

His faith in me stirred something within, a burning desire to prove him right.

"Alright," I agreed, determination seeping into my voice. "I won't give up. I'll keep practicing until I can do it flawlessly."

Shisui grinned, giving me a supportive pat on the back. "That's what I like to hear."

With renewed energy, I rose from the bench and prepared myself for another round of practice. The sun had dipped below the horizon, leaving only the cool twilight to bear witness to my resolve.

No matter how many times I stumbled or faltered, I would continue to push forward, striving to become the ninja I was meant to be.

"Alright, Ayumi, let's focus on the fundamentals," Shisui said, his voice firm yet gentle as he prepared to guide me through the intricacies of the flicker step.

"First, pay close attention to your breathing. This technique requires a lot of stamina, though you don't seem to be running out of any, " he joked

"Got it," I replied, taking in a deep breath and allowing it to flow out slowly, feeling the cool air fill my lungs and then escape through my parted lips.

"Good. Now, let's concentrate on your footwork," Shisui continued, shifting his gaze downward.

"When you execute the body flicker, you need to be light on your feet and move quickly. Keep your weight on the balls of your feet and avoid heavy, flat-footed steps. You want to be like a leaf dancing in the wind, swift, and nearly silent."

I nodded, mentally rehearsing the movements in my head as I adjusted my stance accordingly. My heart pounded with determination, and sweat trickled down my forehead. I would not give up.

"Are you ready?" Shisui asked, his eyes meeting mine with an unwavering intensity that only further fueled my resolve.

"Ready," I answered, my voice steady and strong.

"Then let's begin."

With Shisui's guidance, I practiced the body flicker over and over again, refining my movements with each repetition. Despite my exhaustion and aching muscles, I refused to relent.

Each failure only served to strengthen my conviction, lighting a fire deep within my spirit that burned brighter with every passing moment.

"Remember to breathe, Ayumi," Shisui reminded me as I faltered once more, struggling to maintain my balance after a particularly difficult sequence. "And keep your footwork light and agile. You're getting closer."

"Thanks," I panted, wiping the sweat from my brow with the back of my hand. "I won't stop until I've got this, Shisui. I promise."

"I know you won't," he replied, his voice tinged with pride and a hit of nervousness, which I didn't notice. But the pride I did sense sent a warm, comforting sensation coursing through my veins. "There's no technique you can't master if you keep training the way you are right now."

His words bolstered me. As the stars began to twinkle in the night sky above us, I knew that it would be only a matter of time before I learned how to use it properly.

"Let's do this," I whispered, steeling myself for another round of practice as Shisui stood by my side until he said "Alright that's enough,"

I did a double take at him, but he didn't change his order. "I'll walk you home, If you ever need help again with the body flicker training, if I'm around, I'll gladly help." And with that, we head home, my stomach grumbling from the lack of eating.