"Alright... time to figure this out," I said to myself, standing up and dusting myself off
"Yup. That's our Indra. Always five steps ahead."
"Alright... time to figure this out," I said to myself, standing up and dusting myself off.
"Even if I don't have a kekkei genkai, I'll find my own way."
For five seconds i got real motivated. But then reality hit me like a truck.
I let out a heavy sigh, my shoulders slumping in defeat as I leaned back against the tree. "Oh, who am I kidding... it all lies in the bloodline," I muttered to myself, shaking my head with a bitter laugh. "Look at Indra and Ashura. One's gonna have a Susanoo, the other will be pulling out a Buddha with a thousand hands. What do I have? Nothing that stands out."
A frustrated groan escaped me as I stared up at the sky. "Maybe in some far-off future, in some crazy scenario, I might awaken a kekkei genkai capable of dealing with those kinds of threats. Maybe."
But even as I thought that, I couldn't shake the nagging doubt. It was like a whisper in the back of my mind: What if I don't? What if this is all I'll ever be?
I closed my eyes, leaning my head back against the tree. "Whatever. I'm not gonna sit around and wait for some power to drop into my lap. I'll train... I'll figure it out myself."
But the truth hung heavy in the air. If I don't have a bloodline power to fight on the same level as Susanoo or Wood Release… What then?
"Nevermind i need some fresh air."
Then i walked towards hagoromo.
"Father I think I had enough training for today I will walking in the village for some fresh air."
Hagoromo turned to me with a gentle nod, his expression calm as always. "Very well, Danava," he said with a slight smile. "Make sure not to wander too far, and be back before sunset."
"Yeah, I will," I replied with a wave, turning on my heel.
As I walked away from the training grounds, the sounds of chakra bursts, disciples yelling, and logs being split gradually faded behind me. The cool breeze hit my face and I took a deep breath.
"Ahh... finally. Some peace and quiet."
The village wasn't bustling like a shinobi village would be in the future, but there was life. Farmers tending to crops, children running around laughing, and elders sitting in circles sharing stories of the old times. Despite everything, it felt... grounding.
I kept walking aimlessly, hands in my sleeves, eyes watching the villagers live their normal lives. For a moment, I envied them.
"No ninjutsu, no crazy chakra wars, no bloodline pressure…" I muttered to myself. "Just... peace."
I stopped at a small river that ran through the edge of the village and sat by its bank, throwing a stone into the water. Maybe power will come eventually... or maybe it won't. But at least I'm not alone.
I sighed and leaned b
As I was enjoying my time, Shikaru called me from behind.
"Oi Danava, what are you doing here?"
I turned around and saw him walking over, his younger sister Shirai right behind. "Oh, Shikaru and Shirai. What are you two doing here?"
Shirai grinned and skipped up beside me. "Elder brother was just sitting dead in the room, so I dragged him out for some fresh air, Danava." She gave a cheerful smile and immediately plopped down next to me, tugging Shikaru with her.
"What a drag," muttered Shikaru as he sat down beside us.
Yep. Definitely Nara material, I thought. The first time I met this guy, I had doubts… but with what he just said and that damn hairline, I'm confirmed. This guy's gonna start the Nara clan someday.
"You still didn't answer though—what are you doing here?" Shikaru asked, glancing lazily at me.
"Nothing much," I said with a small smile, looking up at the sky. "Just taking in some fresh air. Needed a break."
Shirai leaned back on her hands and looked at the clouds with a hum. "It's nice. Peaceful. I wish we had more days like this."
Shikaru yawned. "Yeah, too bad peace doesn't last long. Not with everyone obsessed with chakra now. So troublesome."
I smirked. "Wow. You're already sounding like a grumpy old man."
Shikaru shrugged. "I was born tired."
Shirai giggled, then turned to me. "So, Danava, how's your training going? You figuring out what chakra style fits you yet?"
I sighed. "Not really. I've been testing wind, and there's something there… but I'm not making trees explode."
Shikaru chuckled. "Eh, don't sweat it. Maybe your thing isn't flashy."
I chuckled dryly. "Yeah… maybe in some life-or-death situation, something cool will awaken and save my ass."
Shirai smiled at me. "Don't worry, Danava. You're strong already. You'll figure it out."
back on my elbows, letting the wind ruffle my black hair. "Guess this is what they call a breather."
Back to Indra—
The sun had begun its descent beyond the mountains, bathing the earth in a warm orange hue. Shadows stretched long across the stone and soil, and the wind carried a strange stillness. The birds had quieted, the trees stood unmoving—as if nature itself was holding its breath.
Indra stood alone in the clearing behind the mountain, his expression focused, his fingers weaving through hand signs. The chakra around him pulsed faintly with every movement, flickering like a small flame fighting against dusk.
The air shifted.
A breeze whispered through the tall grass.
His hands stilled.
Indra's eyes narrowed as he slowly turned his head, scanning the forest line.
"...Who's there?" he asked sharply, voice cutting through the silence like a blade. His senses were on edge—he could feel it. A faint pressure brushing against his skin. Something—or someone—was watching him.
He glanced to the left.
Then to the right.
Nothing. Just trees. Just wind.
But the feeling didn't leave.
"I'm watching you, Indra..."
A voice—low and eerie—echoed faintly around him, yet it seemed to come from nowhere and everywhere at once.
"I'm watching you…"
Rustling leaves stirred high above, but no footsteps followed. Just the sound of branches creaking, as if the forest itself was whispering secrets only to him.
Indra's eyes grew colder. His fingers clenched.
"Who's there?! Come out!!" Indra's voice boomed through the silent trees, sharp and commanding, filled with suspicion and rising tension.
But there was no response.
Only silence.
The strange presence that had stirred the air... was gone.
Just like that.
As if it had never been there in the first place.
Indra stood frozen for a moment longer, his eyes narrowing, scanning every inch of the forest with his heightened senses. But nothing. No chakra signature. No movement. Not even the animals made a sound.
The wind returned, gently rustling the leaves, as if mocking his confusion.
"Tch…" he clicked his tongue and turned around.
His footsteps echoed softly against the rocky path as he began walking back toward the village, thoughts swirling in his mind.
What was that presence…? Why did it feel so familiar yet so foreign? Was it someone I know… or something else entirely?
I also went back to the house after bidding farewell to Shiraku and Shirai, who waved me off with their usual mix of laziness and cheer.
As I walked through the quiet village streets, the sky was dimming into twilight, that warm orange hue slipping into deeper purples and blues. The air felt a bit chilly, but calming.
That's when I saw him.
Indra.
He was walking down the path from the direction of the mountain, his posture straight, but his expression… distant.
"Hey elder brother!" I jogged up to him with a grin, brushing the fatigue from my face.
He glanced at me, and his usual sharp gaze looked a little foggy tonight.
"So how was the training behind the mountain?" I asked casually, keeping my tone light.
"Umm... it was ok. Nothing much happened," he muttered, his voice lower than usual.
That answer… that tone... It was all I needed to confirm what I had suspected.
So Black Zetsu is starting to make his move, huh? I thought, keeping my expression neutral.
I didn't press it. Not now.
"Don't worry elder brother," I said instead, stepping closer with a soft smile, "You still have me and Ashura. You still have family."
Indra blinked, his face softening for a moment before a small, almost amused smile formed on his lips.
"Why are you saying it like I'm in some tension or trouble?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Just saying," I replied with a slight shrug.