[Opening Scene – Abandoned Garden Outside the Village Walls]
Fog swirled over the damp stone tiles as Riku knelt in silence, both hands pressed to the moss-covered ground. The garden had once been part of a noble clan's estate, now long dead or exiled—like so many in Kirigakure.
In the center of the clearing was a half-formed dome of pinkish crystal, cracked and glittering under the weak morning light.
"Close… but still not stable."
He traced the fractures along its surface with one finger. It wasn't strong enough. Too brittle to hold a real target. The concept was solid—crystallizing air moisture and chakra into a reinforced cage—but his control wasn't.
He inhaled deeply and channeled his chakra again. The hand signs were slow: Tiger → Ram → Dragon → Snake → Ox. A swirl of energy danced at his fingertips.
Crystal Style: Prism Confinement.
A new structure began to rise, smoother this time, forming an angular cocoon that shimmered in the mist.
"Not bad," said a voice behind him. "Though I'd add a fifth anchor to the base if you want it to hold a real ninja."
Riku spun, chakra flaring reflexively—only to freeze when he saw her.
[Reveal – Mei Terumi]
Long auburn hair, piercing green eyes, the unmistakable Kirigakure flak jacket—but hers was worn with a kind of casual defiance. Two swords hung at her hips, and her presence commanded respect even without a word.
"You're… Mei Terumi."
He'd seen her once from afar. A jōnin. Some whispered she was a rebel sympathizer. Others said she had killed her own family to survive the purges. All he knew for sure was that she was dangerous—and important.
She crouched beside the half-formed crystal and tapped it with a knuckle.
"This technique—did you create it yourself?"
"I'm… still working on it," Riku muttered. "It's supposed to trap someone. Without… killing them."
Mei nodded, slowly. "Merciful. Strange choice for a Mist ninja."
She didn't say it unkindly. If anything, there was a trace of admiration in her tone.
[Mei's Past & Sympathy]
The two sat in silence for a moment. Then she said, quietly:
"My first kill was my cousin. He begged me not to do it."
"…Did you?"
"No. But I did it anyway."
Riku looked away.
"I didn't even mean to kill him. It just… happened."
"Then you're already better than most."
She turned toward him, face unreadable. "You remind me of myself. Back then. Angry. Isolated. Too smart for your own good. Too emotional to survive here for long."
"Then why are you helping me?"
"Because you've got power—and something rare: restraint. I've seen too many turn that into a weakness. I want to see if you can turn it into strength instead."
She stood and offered a hand.
"Come. I'll show you how to stabilize your technique."
[Training Scene – Crystal Reinforcement]
They moved into the center of the garden. Mei taught him how to "anchor" crystal using minute shifts in earth chakra polarity—how to balance between structural flow and offensive intent.
She was a master of Lava Release and Boil Release, so she understood complex chakra nature manipulation. Watching her adapt her thinking to help him with crystal was awe-inspiring.
"Control the moisture, then compress it with will. Crystal doesn't just form—it obeys."
As the afternoon passed, Riku's "Prism Confinement" dome became clearer, more symmetrical, stronger.
At last, Mei smiled.
"You're not just some lucky kid with a kekkei genkai. You're a thinker. That's dangerous. Keep being dangerous."
Riku's Inner Thoughts (End of Chapter)
She said I reminded her of herself. But she's strong, confident. Everything I'm not.
Still… when she looked at me, it wasn't as a weapon. It was as a person.
Maybe… just maybe… I'm not alone in this village.
Riku's New Technique Unlocked:
Crystal Style: Prism Confinement Jutsu (Shōton: Kōshō Kekkai no Jutsu)
Creates a multi-faceted crystal dome that traps targets inside.
Reflects light and chakra to disrupt visual jutsu (like Sharingan or Byakugan)
Can absorb some kinetic force, making it useful for both capture and defense.
Incomplete version can shatter if pushed too hard, causing crystal shrapnel.