The training field was tucked within a terraced clearing just beyond Hanagakure's eastern gate—flowered hills rolled around it, giving the illusion of isolation while still being watched.
Shisui arrived early, his steps light but firm. He studied the surroundings instinctively, cataloging wind direction, mineral traces in the soil, and chakra residue.
A few minutes later, he heard the grass crunch behind him.
The first to arrive was a short, wiry boy with white-streaked green hair and a mischievous glint in his eye. He wore twin sai and carried a chakram on his back.
"Yo! You must be Daimyō-boy," he said with a grin. "I'm Makoto Rinari, demolition specialist."
Next came a girl clad in violet robes embroidered with moon motifs. Her long hair was tied with flower pins, and she carried a sheathed fan and a pouch full of talismans.
"I am Yua Haneshiro," she said gently. "I specialize in Genjutsu and Spirit-channeling techniques."
Then came their leader—Kaien Yuuro, tall, with dark skin, shoulder-length hair tied back, and eyes like weathered stone. He wore a short-sleeved flak coat and finger rings humming with Arch Energy.
"I don't care about your last name," Kaien said as his gaze swept over Shisui. "On this field, you earn respect like everyone else."
He tossed each of them a scroll. "Your first team assessment starts now. You're to complete a petal retrieval test—but these aren't ordinary petals."
He pointed to the mountain behind them.
"You'll have to climb the Briar Ridge, avoid the guardian constructs, and retrieve three petals from the Blooming Sentinel Tree. One mistake and you're done."
Makoto whistled. "Sounds like a suicide hike."
Yua looked toward Shisui. "Shall we work together?"
Shisui tied the lunch box to his belt, his eyes narrowed with resolve.
"We'll do it. Together."
And so, Team Nine dashed into the wilds—petals rustling behind them, and destiny unfurling ahead.