The morning sun cast long shadows across Konoha's training grounds as Hikaru made his way toward the Academy building. His steps were quicker than usual—claiming the promised genjutsu lesson before enjoying his afternoon with Ayako at the circus.
He found his former instructor preparing materials in the empty classroom, organizing scrolls and equipment with practiced movements. Koji-sensei looked up with a knowing smile when Hikaru appeared in the doorway, setting down his papers carefully.
"I was wondering when you'd come to collect on my promise," Koji-sensei said, reaching into his desk to retrieve a scroll wrapped in brown paper. "The Magen: Chitose Yume no Jutsu (Demonic Illusion: Dream of a Thousand Year Technique)—a basic illusion technique that traps your target in a dream-like state, making them fall asleep."
He handed Hikaru the scroll along with a brief explanation of the hand seals and chakra control required. "It's a D-rank technique, but don't underestimate it. Sometimes putting an enemy to sleep is more effective than fighting them directly."
"Remember," Koji-sensei added as he returned to his preparations, shuffling through his materials, "genjutsu requires precise chakra control and understanding of your opponent's mind. Practice the fundamentals before attempting it in any serious situation."
Hikaru bowed gratefully, tucking the scroll safely into his equipment pouch. He patted the pouch twice to ensure it was secure.
"Thank you, Koji-sensei," Hikaru said, pressing his palms together respectfully. "I'll practice carefully."
By mid-morning, he had returned home to find Ayako preparing for their circus outing. She hummed softly while brushing her hair, her movements lighter than usual. She had chosen her best dress and spent extra time arranging her hair, treating the event as something special.
"Ready for our adventure?" she asked, her face brightening when she saw him. She reached over to smooth down his shirt collar with gentle hands. "I heard they have performers and animals from all over the elemental nations."
"I've been looking forward to it, Onee-chan," Hikaru replied, adjusting his equipment pouch. "It's been too long since we did something fun together."
The walk to the outskirts of the village revealed the circus long before they reached its gates. Colorful banners fluttered from tall poles visible above the tree line, while the distant sound of festive music drifted on the morning breeze. Other families moved along the same path, children skipping ahead while tugging on their parents' hands, their parents following with amused expressions.
When they crested the final hill, the full scope of "The Great Animal Circus" spread before them. Hikaru stopped walking entirely, his mouth dropping open. An enormous striped tent dominated the center of the grounds, its red and gold fabric rippling in the wind like the banner of some exotic kingdom. Smaller tents clustered around the main structure, each adorned with painted signs advertising different attractions.
"Wow," Ayako breathed, stopping beside him. Her eyes widened as she counted the various structures. "It's much bigger than I imagined."
The entrance gate stood beneath a magnificent arch decorated with carved wooden animals. Hikaru tilted his head back to take in the full height of the lions, elephants, and exotic birds rendered in incredible detail, their painted eyes seeming to follow visitors as they passed underneath. Banners announced performers from distant nations that Hikaru had only read about in geography texts.
"Welcome! Welcome to the greatest show in all the elemental nations!" called a man in an elaborate costume near the ticket booth, his arms sweeping wide as his voice carried over the general excitement. His sequined jacket caught the sunlight with each gesture.
Musicians played cheerful melodies on instruments Hikaru didn't recognize, while performers in colorful outfits practiced for the gathering crowds. A woman in bright red silk spun ribbons through the air in mesmerizing patterns, while a man balanced on a tall unicycle while juggling flaming torches. Hikaru's head turned from one act to another, trying to take in everything at once.
The smell of exotic foods made Hikaru's stomach rumble—roasted nuts, candied fruits, and meat prepared with spices that reminded him of his sister's most ambitious yakitori experiments. Vendors moved through the crowds selling treats and small toys, their voices adding to the carnival atmosphere.
"Fresh honey cakes from the Land of Tea!" one vendor called out, carrying a tray of golden pastries.
"Carved animals from the finest wood in the Land of Fire!" shouted another, displaying miniature elephants and tigers.
"Tickets, please," said a cheerful man with an impressive mustache when their turn came at the entrance. His costume was adorned with sequins that caught the sunlight, and he examined their tickets with theatrical flair, stamping them with an elaborate seal.
"Thank you," Ayako replied, clasping her hands together. Her eyes darted around, trying to take in every detail of the entrance area. "When does the main performance begin?"
"In about twenty minutes," the man replied, raising two fingers with a flourish. "You should hurry inside and find good seats before the best spots are taken. Today's show features our most spectacular acts!"
The main tent was even more impressive from the inside. Hikaru's neck craned back as he looked up at the colorful silk curtains and suspended platforms that created an intricate network high above the audience. Rows of wooden benches formed a perfect circle around a central performance area covered in fresh sawdust.
Hikaru walked slowly, counting sections and estimating the space could hold over three hundred spectators when full. The setup reminded him of ancient amphitheaters described in history books.
"Look at all these people," Ayako said as they found seats with an excellent view of the performance ring. She settled onto the wooden bench and continued scanning the crowd. "Families from every district of the village, and I think I even saw some traveling merchants from other nations."
The crowd was indeed diverse. Civilian families sat beside ninja clans, while visitors in foreign dress indicated the circus had drawn audiences from beyond Konoha's borders. Children pressed against the barriers surrounding the performance area, some standing on their tiptoes for better views. Some parents lifted smaller children onto their shoulders.
As the appointed time arrived, the lights dimmed and a spotlight illuminated the center of the ring. The mustachioed man from the entrance appeared in an even more elaborate costume. He raised his arms high, and the crowd fell silent.
"Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests from near and far," he announced, his voice carrying to every corner of the vast space, "welcome to the Grand Animal Circus! I am Aruaru, your humble ringmaster, and today we shall show you wonders beyond imagination!"
He gestured dramatically, and music swelled from hidden musicians as the first performers entered the ring.
The performance that followed made Hikaru's eyes widen repeatedly. Massive elephants performed complex choreography while balancing on platforms barely wide enough for their enormous feet. Their trunks moved in perfect synchronization as they lifted their front legs in graceful salutes, drawing gasps from the audience.
Tigers leaped through rings of fire, their orange and black stripes blurring as they soared through the flames. Hikaru found himself holding his breath with each jump, releasing it only when each cat landed safely. The crackling of the fire mixed with collective gasps from the audience.
Bears wearing colorful vests rode bicycles while juggling bright red balls. One particularly large bear even managed to ride backwards while keeping three balls in the air, causing Hikaru to shake his head in amazement along with thunderous applause.
But it was the aerial acts that made him lean forward in his seat. Performers swung between platforms suspended high above the ring, their bodies twisting through impossible sequences without safety nets. They moved with fluid grace, their timing so perfect they seemed to defy gravity itself.
"How do they make it look so effortless?" Ayako whispered, leaning forward with her hands pressed to her cheeks. Her eyes never left the performers as they executed maneuvers that would challenge even trained ninja.
Between acts, Aruaru maintained the energy with commentary that made Hikaru smile despite himself. The ringmaster's enthusiasm was infectious, drawing cheers and applause that created a sense of shared experience among the diverse audience. He told stories about each animal's homeland, describing distant mountains and exotic forests.
The variety of animals made Hikaru's head turn constantly. Zebras from the grasslands of the Land of Lightning performed alongside white bears from the northern territories. Their black and white stripes created mesmerizing patterns as they pranced around the ring in formation.
Exotic birds with brilliant plumage flew in coordinated formations that painted the air with living color. Parrots in every shade of red, blue, and green created rainbow spirals above the audience's heads, while larger birds of prey demonstrated their hunting skills by diving to snatch targets with incredible precision.
"This is amazing, Hikaru-kun," Ayako said during a brief intermission, her face glowing. She clapped her hands together excitedly. "I'm so glad we came together."
"Me too, Onee-chan," Hikaru replied, though he found his attention beginning to wander toward the technical aspects of the performance. His eyes drifted toward the tent's structure and the backstage areas.
"I need to visit the restroom," Hikaru said during the longer intermission, when performers were rearranging equipment for the second half of the show. His fingers drummed against his leg as his curiosity about the circus's operations grew stronger.
"Don't get lost in all the excitement," Ayako replied with an amused smile, waving him away gently. "I'll save your seat."
The restroom facilities were located in a separate area behind the main tent, requiring him to navigate between several smaller structures. Hikaru's steps slowed as he took in the organization—each tent and enclosure served a specific function in the complex operation.
Signs marked different areas: "Animal Care," "Equipment Storage," "Performer Preparation." Workers moved between the structures with practiced efficiency, carrying feed, cleaning supplies, and costume pieces.
It was while washing his hands that Hikaru's movements stopped entirely. A young boy's excited voice carried clearly through the thin walls.
"Tou-san (Dad), I saw a bird I've never seen before in one of the tents!" the child exclaimed, his voice rising with excitement. "It has golden feathers and there are papers with drawings all around its cage!"
"Keep your voice down," replied an older man, his tone carrying patient exasperation. "We're not at home. There are many strange animals here from all over the world."
"But do you know what kind of bird it is?" the boy persisted, his footsteps bouncing with energy. "It looked really cool!"
Hikaru's hands froze with water still dripping from them. The description of papers with drawings around a bird cage immediately caught his attention. His mind raced—sealing papers, perhaps?
"Forget about it," the father said dismissively, his voice growing fainter as they moved away. "There are many strange animals in this world. Come along now."
"You're boring," the boy complained as their voices faded completely.
Hikaru found himself nodding in agreement with the child's assessment. He dried his hands slowly, his movements automatic as his thoughts focused on golden feathers and papers covered with drawings.
After finishing in the restroom, Hikaru began walking back toward the main tent but found his feet slowing near the smaller structures scattered throughout the circus grounds. Most were clearly storage or preparation areas, but one tent stood apart from the others—decorated with colorful patterns that formed rainbow shapes.
The tent appeared unguarded, its entrance partially open. Hikaru glanced left and right to ensure no staff members were watching, then wiped his suddenly sweaty palms on his pants before approaching.
The interior was dimly lit, filled with numerous bird cages of various sizes. Most stood empty, their doors hanging open, but one in the upper corner immediately made Hikaru stop walking. His eyes widened as he took in a magnificent bird with dark brown feathers highlighted by lighter golden-brown plumage on its neck. Small white spots marked its tail, while distinctive markings adorned its powerful wings.
"A golden eagle?" Hikaru whispered, stepping closer. His breathing became shallow as he absorbed the creature's size and regal bearing.
But what made his hands begin to tremble were the papers surrounding the cage. Complex sealing formulas covered multiple scrolls arranged in careful patterns around the enclosure. The complexity of designs far exceeded basic containment seals, and Hikaru recognized some of the more advanced symbols from his studies.
As he studied the setup more closely, trying to understand what would necessitate such elaborate precautions, a small voice spoke clearly in the dim tent.
"Help."
Hikaru's body went rigid, his breath catching in his throat as he looked around for the source of the word. His eyes fell on the golden eagle, which was regarding him with intelligent attention that seemed far too knowing for an ordinary animal.
"Can you help me?" the voice asked again, and this time Hikaru was certain it came from the magnificent bird in the cage.
His mouth fell open in shock as he realized what he was witnessing. This wasn't just an exotic animal—it was something far more extraordinary than anything he could have imagined when he'd decided to explore the circus's hidden corners.