The idiot next door, Daimaru, had been surprisingly quiet lately. There were no late-night disturbances, nor any signs of him coming or going during the day. Miss Saya finally found herself getting some peaceful sleep, assuming he must have been sent away on a mission. With Daimaru out of the picture and the dilemma of finding new teammates finally resolved, things were looking up for her.
Saya's newest teammate, Shira, might have seemed inexperienced to some. However, Saya had a different perspective. Initially, she had felt a bit unsure about him, but then she heard through her family's connections that Konoha would soon invite its allies for the Joint Chunin Exams. Though the exact date wasn't set, past experience suggested that the exams would likely be held around late June or early July. This timeline provided them with extra time to prepare and complete missions, giving Saya confidence that their team would make the cut without much trouble.
Yet, Saya's family wasn't keen on letting just anyone get close to her. They had conducted a thorough background check on Shira. The verdict? Not much promise in ninjutsu or genjutsu, but excellent potential in taijutsu. Shira's unique talent, the "Seven-Day Breathing Technique," had captured both Daimaru's and Saya's attention. While taijutsu specialists often faced undervaluation—especially those without bloodline limits or unique body types—Shira's ability to create his own technique was impressive, particularly without formal guidance.
"Not everyone can master techniques like the 'Eight Gates' or Gaara's sand-based defenses," Daimaru had once remarked. Yet, it was Shira's sheer determination and work ethic that set him apart. He wasn't merely strong; he was also resourceful, brimming with potential for improvement. Saya realized that this newfound teammate might just be the key to their success in the upcoming exams.
Meanwhile, back at the Northern Fortress, Daimaru spent his days scanning the vast desert landscape. Aside from the occasional sighting of desert animals, there hadn't been any recent encounters with Iwagakure ninjas. His team had grown familiar with a few long-standing shinobi stationed at the fortress. One of them, a newly promoted chunin named Amo Ren, had even sparred with Daimaru. During their match, which featured only sand ninjutsu and taijutsu from Daimaru, things had gone relatively well. Amo Ren had mentioned that Daimaru had potential but was not entirely convinced yet of his abilities.
Yome and Sen, Daimaru's teammates, weren't slacking off either. They were constantly training to sharpen their skills. Their Jonin, Nekaze, would occasionally pop in with advice or observations, always ensuring that they stayed on their toes. His presence was a constant reminder of the expectations placed upon them, pushing them to strive for greater heights.
Daimaru, always seeking an edge, had been working hard to perfect a new puppet. This dummy looked exactly like him, right down to the intricate details of his facial features. With simulated skin and even a layer of red dye to mimic bleeding, it was a well-crafted decoy. But this puppet was more than just for show; Daimaru had designed it for life-saving purposes. In critical moments, it could mislead enemies and provide him with a tactical advantage, allowing him to escape or counterattack effectively.
Alongside the puppet, Daimaru had been practicing sand manipulation ninjutsu, aiming to imitate Gaara's armor technique. Although this technique was chakra-intensive, the protective armor functioned as a useful buffer. It absorbed damage, allowing Daimaru to engage directly without taking too many risks. Each practice session helped him grow more confident in his abilities.
As the days passed, Saya focused on her training. Shira proved to be a dedicated teammate, and together they worked on developing their skills. They pushed each other, practicing various techniques and strategies to ensure they were ready for whatever challenges lay ahead. Saya appreciated Shira's unwavering determination; it inspired her to dig deeper and hone her abilities.
Shira's "Seven-Day Breathing Technique" fascinated Saya. She watched him practice it, marveling at how he could maintain control while performing complex movements. He had a unique rhythm, a flow that seemed to come naturally to him. This talent gave Saya hope that, despite the odds, they could excel as a team. Each day, their bond strengthened, making them not just teammates but friends.
Meanwhile, Daimaru continued to refine his sand manipulation techniques. He experimented with different styles and methods, pushing his limits to find new ways to use his abilities in battle. The puppet he had crafted also became a crucial part of his training. He practiced using it in various scenarios, learning how to effectively employ it in combat situations. He visualized different strategies, imagining how he could use the puppet to confuse and outmaneuver his opponents.
As the day of the exams drew closer, the tension in the air thickened. News spread about other teams preparing for the upcoming challenge. Daimaru and his team had to stay sharp and vigilant, ready to face whatever awaited them. They knew the competition would be fierce, and they needed every advantage they could muster. Their training intensified, as each member committed themselves to the task.
Finally, the day arrived for the Joint Chunin Exams. Excitement and anxiety coursed through Daimaru as he gathered with his teammates. Saya, Shira, Yome, and Sen stood together, sharing a sense of determination. They had prepared as much as they could, and now it was time to put their skills to the test. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation; the stakes felt incredibly high.
As they entered the exam arena, Daimaru felt a rush of adrenaline. The crowd's energy heightened his senses. He took a deep breath, remembering all the training sessions, the late nights spent perfecting techniques, and the bonds they had forged as a team. No matter what happened, they would face it together. This was their moment, a culmination of their hard work and dedication.
"Let's show them what we've got," he said, his voice steady and resolute. His teammates nodded, a shared understanding passing among them. The moment of truth had arrived, and they were ready to make their mark. Together, they would confront whatever challenges awaited them. This was not just about individual glory; it was about proving themselves as a formidable unit.
As the exams began, Daimaru felt the weight of expectations on his shoulders. But instead of faltering, he channeled that pressure into focus. He would give his all for his teammates, for their shared dreams and ambitions. With determination igniting his spirit, he stepped forward, ready to embrace the challenges ahead.