Listen You Little ...

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Even before the first rays of dawn painted the skies, Koushin was already present in the heart of the village. Night had been a comforting blur of whispered confessions and gentle touches, the kind that kindled warmth in the heart and chased away lingering uncertainties. They watched as Naruto and Hinata had reverse summoned to their respective realms, a sight that filled them with a peculiar mix of apprehension and excitement.

In the cool night air, Koushin and Ino had allowed themselves a moment of tranquillity. They held each other, talked about everything and nothing, their voices soft whispers in the stillness. Their affections were shared through gentle caresses and soft kisses, creating a serene intimacy that felt like a haven amidst the brewing storm. When they parted at the doorstep of Ino's home, they shared a tender kiss, a promise sealed in the intimacy of the early morning.

As Koushin stood alone in the village square, the familiar skull symbol materialized at the edge of his vision. He stepped forward, and the ancient text he had seen years ago unfurled before him. "Dragon Realm. Enter?"

The words were a stark reminder of his purpose, and he found himself taking a deep breath to steady his nerves. With a resolute nod, he accepted the invitation.

In an instant, he was enveloped by a familiar sensation of being tugged through space, a brief journey through an ethereal realm of nothingness. When his vision cleared, he found himself standing in an entirely different realm.

He was surrounded by hundreds of dragons, their majestic forms a spectacle to behold. They soared in the skies, their wings casting enormous shadows over the land, and they lounged on the ground, their scales shimmering under the sunlight. It was as if he had stepped into an ancient tapestry, an image of a world forgotten by time. The sight was awe-inspiring.

Around him, towering walls stood as a testament to an old and powerful language. Words were carved into the stone in deep, imposing lines – the Shouts. They were ancient phrases imbued with raw power, a power that could bend the world to the will of the speaker.

Koushin studied the walls, his gaze tracing the carved lines. Each word represented an aspect of the power he had yet to tap into, the last cheat he had kept hidden. The Shouts and the Dragon Souls.

"Ah, the Dragon Child returns," a deep voice echoed, resonating from a colossal dragon perched atop a towering outcrop. Its scales shimmered under the sun, a captivating dance of gold and bronze. Each syllable rolled out from its monstrous maw, filled with both curiosity and challenge.

Koushin, arms crossed in front of him, offered a grin in response, "I'm not just a visitor this time. I'm here to earn my wings." His voice echoed with an unwavering resolution, infused with the audacious charm that was quintessentially Koushin.

The dragon's eyes narrowed, the swirling depths within them reflecting Koushin's image back to him. "You have the spark of the Dovah in you. But to command our Thu'um, our voices, you must prove yourself worthy."

Koushin's eyes sparkled with anticipation, "Well, isn't that what I'm here for?" His words were edged with a playful confidence, belied by the intensity of his gaze.

Meanwhile, in another realm, Naruto was greeted by an imposing sight. A gigantic Tengu, his massive form resembling a mountain, was observing him with wise, twinkling eyes. The elder Tengu, for his size and age, had an air of playfulness about him that made Naruto feel both at ease and wary.

As he tread cautiously, his eyes darting around the area, he suddenly felt something soft under his feet. Almost instantly, the ground beneath him gave way, and he plunged into what felt like an enormous pile of leaves. Emerging from the pile, his blonde hair now decorated with an assortment of leaves and twigs, Naruto couldn't help but laugh at his own predicament.

The Tengu chortled, a deep, echoing sound that shook the leaves on the trees. "Young one," his voice boomed, "You must be more vigilant in the Tengu realm."

Naruto pushed himself up, shaking the leaves out of his hair. His infectious laughter filled the serene realm, a bright sound in the quiet morning. "I'll give you this round, Old Tengu Konoha, but don't expect to catch me off guard again!"

"So, I heard you are ready to learn Sage Arts," Konoha-Tengu rumbled, his voice like the rolling echo of distant thunder. His ancient eyes were bright with interest, the glint within them like sunlight on the surface of a still lake.

Naruto nodded, a spark of exhilaration dancing in his blue eyes. The prospect of new knowledge, of growing stronger to protect those he loved, brought an eager grin to his lips. "I am," he confirmed, the resolve in his voice as steady as the heartbeat within his chest.

"Good," the elder Tengu responded, a note of approval coloring his tone. His large talon gestured towards the ground at his feet. "Sit. Let's converse before we embark on this journey of learning."

Taking a seat opposite the ancient being, Naruto's gaze met that of Konoha-Tengu. The gravity of the situation hung heavy in the air around them, a tangible reminder of the path they were about to tread.

The Tengu elder drew in a deep breath, holding it for a moment before releasing it in a slow sigh. He began to speak, his voice a melody of wisdom, ancient knowledge and deep-rooted history. "For countless eons, we have been a part of this world, as integral as the very air you breathe, and yet, we have been largely forgotten. We have chosen a life of seclusion, of distance from the hustle and bustle of the human world."

The Tengu's voice resonated through the peaceful realm, causing the leaves to rustle and the nearby stream to babble. The serene surroundings seemed to respond to his voice, as if they were a part of the same entity, breathing as one.

"Two humans have ever set foot in this land," he continued, his gaze settling on Naruto. "One is you, and the other was Hana, the first Uzumaki. In her era, the very concept of chakra was a mystery, an undiscovered element of life."

Naruto, who had been listening intently, tilted his head slightly at this. "But I thought the Sage of the Six Paths discovered Chakra?"

The Tengu chuckled, a sound that echoed through the tranquility of the realm. "Ah, such is the version of the story the world has come to know, young one. The Sage of Six Paths indeed played a crucial role in spreading the knowledge of Chakra, but it is far older than his era. It has been within us, around us, part of the natural fabric of this world for ages."

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