Uchiha Izumi flexed her injured hand, feeling a faint throb shoot up her wrist. She knew she should probably head back and treat it properly, but stubbornness had a way of digging its claws into her. The training ground was empty, the air sharp and crisp, and she wasn't ready to stop yet.
Bandaging the wound herself, she pulled the cloth tight and tied it off with a small knot.
"This should be fine for now," she murmured, rotating her wrist to test it. "I'll give it proper treatment once I'm back. No need to waste the rest of the day."
The thought of simply walking away from the training ground made her restless. She still had Chakra left to spend, and her curiosity for trying new jutsu was gnawing at her. So, with deliberate steps, Izumi wandered deeper into the rugged expanse, weaving between boulders until she reached a sharp cliff's edge.
Below her stretched a massive canyon, its steep walls casting deep shadows. A narrow path wound its way down the side like a serpent curling toward the earth. With a grin, Izumi began the descent.
Her boots scraped against the stone as she half-climbed, half-slid down, bracing herself with nimble movements. At the bottom, she straightened and put a hand on her waist.
"An ordinary person's back would have given out from that climb," she chuckled to herself. "But for a Ninja, it's nothing. Perks of the trade, I guess."
Standing in the silent canyon floor, she scanned the surroundings. It was perfect — hidden from sight, no risk of interruption. Her eyes gleamed with mischief and anticipation.
"I haven't summoned many creatures yet," she thought aloud. "Squids are out; I'd need sake for that, and I don't have any. Let's try snakes. I wonder what kind of snake I can summon at my current Chakra level."
The idea excited her. She could test her limits, see what allies she might call upon in battle. But she wasn't careless — first, she methodically placed Exploding Tags and protective charms at several points around her. It was always better to be prepared in case her summoning went wrong… or worse, brought something dangerous.
Once satisfied, she stepped into the center of the cleared space.
"Let's use a bit more Chakra than usual. Better to overshoot than fall short."
She took a deep breath, her lungs filling with the cool canyon air. The sound of it echoed faintly in the stillness — hiss—whoosh — like the whisper of scales on stone.
Biting the inside of her lip, she glanced at her hand, hesitating. The next part always hurt. She pressed her index finger to her lips, then sharply bit into her thumb.
"Ouch, ouch, ouch…" she hissed through clenched teeth, watching the blood well up in a vivid red bead.
Without wasting another second, she began forming the necessary hand signs, her movements quick, precise, and practiced.
"Summoning Technique!" she called, slamming her palm against the ground.
There was a sharp bang! and a sudden puff of smoke exploded outward. From within it, a massive, coiling shape emerged — a snake, easily twenty meters long, its thick body covered in scales that shimmered faintly in the dim light. Its golden, slit-pupil eyes fixed on her.
The snake's head swayed slowly from side to side. "Hmm? Where's my food? I was eating just a moment ago… Where am I?" His voice was a low rumble that made the air vibrate. Then his gaze sharpened. "Did you summon me, human?"
Izumi scratched the back of her head sheepishly. "Ah… yes. Sorry to interrupt your meal. I just wanted to try the Summoning Technique."
The snake slithered closer, the tip of his snout nearly touching her face. Izumi instinctively took a step back, tensing. But instead of attacking, he chuckled.
"So this is the Summoning Technique. Interesting… This is my first time being called by a human. I've heard it's dangerous, though. Some summonings go very, very wrong. Lord Kiba himself had one of his eyes taken out by a human."
Izumi's eyes widened. "In that case, I'm sorry. I won't summon you again if it's that troublesome."
"How can that be!" the snake barked, his body coiling in what seemed like amusement. "My name is Kiba. I specialize in defense. If you're ever in danger, summon me. I'll block the attacks for you."
Izumi's surprise softened into gratitude. "Yes! Thank you!"
Kiba tilted his head. "Don't you know the others?"
"Not really," Izumi admitted. "I've only summoned Blue Ya and a few small snakes. I didn't try summoning others much… I was worried it might cause trouble."
Kiba's eyes narrowed, and he let out a sharp hiss. "You've only summoned that little brat Blue Ya? Are you looking down on us snakes?"
Izumi waved her hands frantically. "No, no, nothing like that! I just grew up with Blue Ya. He's very cute, so I didn't try many others."
Kiba studied her for a moment before letting out a low hum. "What's your name?"
"Uchiha Izumi. Please guide me!" she said quickly, bowing slightly.
Kiba's gaze sharpened. "Uchiha, huh? No wonder. I was wondering how such a small human could summon me. Very well — the Uchiha are indeed impressive. I'll help you. Summon some others, and I'll introduce you. It'll be easier to fight alongside them if you know each other beforehand."
"Thank you, Kiba!"
Without hesitation, Izumi bit her thumb again, gathering Chakra and pressing her hand to the ground. A second puff of smoke burst forth, revealing a massive cobra, its hood flared wide and its body towering over her.
Kiba flicked his tail toward the newcomer. "That's Kiba — no relation to me. He's skilled in poison and poisonous mist, along with Water and Wind Release."
The cobra's slit pupils locked on Izumi. "What's this? I hear you were praising yourself while belittling me. I am Kiba, poison master. If you need my aid, call me — but don't waste my time."
Izumi bowed politely. "Thank you. I'll remember that."
With a dismissive hiss, the cobra vanished in a swirl of smoke.
Kiba chuckled. "Don't mind him. He's always arrogant. Now, summon the next one."
Izumi gathered more Chakra this time, focusing harder. The smoke that appeared was softer, almost silvery, and from it emerged a five-meter-long snake with scales that shimmered like polished silver.
Kiba's eyes went wide. "You… you can actually summon her? Incredible. That's Luo Snake — my senior. Very powerful."
The silver snake inclined her head gracefully. Her voice, when she spoke, was soft and melodic. "Ah… a new summoner. Impressive. Few your age could summon me. As he said, I am quite old. My talents lie in concealment, Genjutsu, perception, healing, and medicinal research."
Izumi smiled warmly. "Thank you, elder sister. My name is Uchiha Izumi — please guide me!"
Luo Snake's eyes sparkled faintly. "Uchiha… that explains your Chakra. And you call me elder sister — how charming."
Her gaze flicked to Izumi's hand. Without warning, her long tongue shot out, faster than Izumi could react, and bit the injured hand.
"Ah!" Izumi gasped, but the pain was fleeting. As Luo Snake released her, she noticed something extraordinary — the wound was already knitting closed.
"Incredible!" Izumi whispered, flexing her fingers.
"Your blood is delicious," Luo Snake murmured, "though it has a strange taste… perhaps some bloodline trait. No matter — I'll study it. I've healed your hand, but you should rest."
"Thank you! I was planning to treat it when I got back, but this saves me the trouble."
Luo Snake gave a small nod. "To have such Chakra at your age is impressive. But I dislike fighting — call me for healing or support, not battle. Keep training. Farewell for now."
With another soft bang, she vanished.
Kiba looked stunned. "That was amazing. Even I have never seen her summoned before."
Izumi's eyes shone. "She's powerful, isn't she? And she healed me instantly."
Kiba nodded firmly. "Her knowledge is vast. Her Sage Art is formidable as well."
Izumi's interest piqued. "Sage Art? The legendary Sage Art? Could I learn it too?"
"Of course," Kiba said, "anyone can learn it. But the trials are grueling. You should become stronger first."
Izumi clenched her fists, determination flaring. "Then I'll get stronger, no matter how long it takes."
Kiba's voice softened. "If you can summon Luo Snake, your future is limitless."
And standing there in the canyon, surrounded by the faint traces of dissipating Chakra and the lingering scent of snakes, Izumi believed him.
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