Scouting The Future

The midday sun hung lazily over the Ninja Academy, its golden rays glinting off the rooftops of Konoha. The academy buzzed with activity, young shinobi-in-training hustling between lessons, sparring in training fields, and engaging in animated conversations. Hidden in the shade of a nearby tree, Raven (Kushina) sat cross-legged, her violet Rinnegan hidden beneath her transformation jutsu. Disguised as a curious five-year-old, she observed the academy grounds with quiet intensity.

"I can't believe how small they all are," Raven muttered, her sharp eyes scanning the crowd. "Is this really where Konoha's 'greatest' shinobi start out?"

"Everyone's small at some point, little fox," Yuumi's voice echoed in her mind, dripping with amusement. "Though I suppose you've forgotten that, being born awesome and all."

Raven smirked. "Point taken. But I'm not here to admire their tiny jutsu. I need to see who's worth watching. My time here was very limited, and with Minato following me around and the Anbu, you try finding a few wives. I never wanted to marry Minato in the first place, but as one of the last Uzumaki, it's hard to say no. I mean, I care about him, but the revolution is what matters in my new life, not the attachments to my old one except for Naruto."

Her gaze landed on a group of students practicing basic taijutsu formations under the watchful eye of their instructor. Among them, a girl with short black hair and crimson eyes moved with graceful precision, her form sharper than the others. She stood out—not just for her skill, but for the air of confidence that surrounded her.

"That's her," Raven murmured. "Kurenai Yuhi."

Kurenai stepped back from her sparring partner, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. She was only eight, but her movements carried the elegance of someone far older. Her opponent bowed stiffly, clearly frustrated at having been outmatched.

"Don't take it personally," Kurenai said with a kind smile. "You're improving. Just remember to pivot your back foot when you dodge."

The boy nodded hesitantly, muttering a quick thanks before rejoining the group. Kurenai turned to leave when she caught sight of Raven, who had wandered closer to the training field.

"Hey!" Kurenai called, walking over. "What are you doing here? You're a little young to be wandering around the academy, aren't you?"

Raven tilted her head, feigning innocence. "I got curious. I wanted to see what future shinobi look like."

Kurenai crossed her arms, amused. "Future shinobi, huh? Well, you're in the right place. I'm Kurenai. Who are you?"

"Raven," she replied, flashing a disarming grin. "So, you're a student here?"

Kurenai nodded proudly. "Yep. I'm in my third year. What about you? Thinking about joining the academy?"

"Maybe," Raven said with a shrug. "Depends on what you've got to offer."

"Oh, we've got plenty," Kurenai said, her crimson eyes sparkling. "Come on, I'll show you."

Kurenai led Raven through the academy grounds, pointing out the different training areas with the enthusiasm of someone who loved every part of it.

"This is where we practice taijutsu," Kurenai said, gesturing to an open field where students were sparring. "It's all about hand-to-hand combat—footwork, technique, timing. You can't always rely on jutsu, you know."

"Hmm," Raven said, pretending to think it over. "I guess kicking someone in the face does sound useful. I have plenty of experience in that department already." Raven smiled fondly, thinking of the times she gave Minato a beating.

Kurenai laughed. "Exactly! Over here is the shuriken training range. That's one of my favorite spots."

Raven raised an eyebrow as they approached the range, where students practiced throwing shuriken at distant targets. "Let me guess—you're good at this, too?"

Kurenai shrugged modestly. "I'm okay. I prefer genjutsu, though."

"Genjutsu, huh?" Raven said, her interest piqued. "So, you like messing with people's minds?"

"It's not about messing with them," Kurenai corrected. "It's about strategy—making your opponent see what you want them to see. A well-placed genjutsu can turn a fight before it even starts. Remember Raven in battle it's often the brain that wins over brawn."

Raven grinned. "I like the way you think."

As they wandered toward the academy's main building, Kurenai gestured to a quiet corner of the grounds. "That's where my parents usually pick me up after class. They're both jonin—specialists in genjutsu."

"Both of them?" Raven asked, feigning surprise.

"Yep," Kurenai said proudly. "My dad's name is Takeshi Yuhi, and my mom's Akiko Yuhi. They're both really strong, but they're super strict about my training. They always say, 'If you're going to carry the Yuhi name, you have to do it with pride.'"

"Sounds intense," Raven said. "What are they like?"

Kurenai thought for a moment. "My dad's... kind of a perfectionist. He's all about precision and discipline, especially when it comes to chakra control. My mom's a little more relaxed, but she's sharp. She says genjutsu is as much about reading your opponent as it is about technique."

"Sounds like you've got good teachers," Raven said, genuinely impressed.

Kurenai smiled. "I do. But sometimes I wish they'd let me figure things out on my own, you know?"

"Maybe they will," Raven said with a shrug. "Eventually."

As they walked, Raven couldn't help but study Kurenai more closely. She moved with the ease of someone who was comfortable in her own skin, her confidence natural and unforced. Raven knew what Kurenai would grow into—a skilled genjutsu master, an important ally during the Chunin Exams, and a pillar of Konoha's next generation.

"She's going to be incredible," Raven thought, her mind drifting to the future. "If I can get her on my side now..."

Yuumi's voice interrupted her thoughts, sly and amused. "Looks like you've found another target, little fox. First Mikoto, now this one?"

"Quiet," Raven muttered under her breath, her cheeks flushing slightly. "She's important."

"For the revolution, right?" Yuumi teased. "Not for anything else."

Raven ignored her, turning back to Kurenai. "So, what's your plan? Become Hokage someday?"

Kurenai laughed. "Not really my style. I just want to be a strong kunoichi, like my mom. Someone people can count on."

"Not a bad goal," Raven said, nodding. "But don't sell yourself short. I bet you'll do something big one day."

Kurenai tilted her head, curious. "What makes you say that?"

Raven smirked. "Call it a hunch."

Kurenai led Raven into the academy building, pointing out the classrooms, training rooms, and sparring halls. The walls were lined with posters detailing basic ninja principles, along with diagrams of chakra systems and hand seals.

"This is where we learn about chakra control," Kurenai explained, gesturing to a large chart of the human body with chakra points marked in red. "We practice things like walking up walls and standing on water. It's all about balance and focus."

Raven nodded, pretending to be impressed. "Sounds complicated."

"It is at first," Kurenai admitted. "But once you get the hang of it, it's kind of fun. You should try it sometime."

"I just might," Raven said with a grin.

As they continued their tour, Kurenai introduced Raven to some of her classmates, who greeted her with varying levels of curiosity. Most were friendly, though a few seemed skeptical of the unfamiliar "five-year-old" tagging along.

"She's thinking about joining the academy," Kurenai explained cheerfully. "I'm just showing her around."

"Lucky you," one boy muttered, clearly annoyed that Kurenai was paying more attention to Raven than him.

Raven smirked, deciding not to comment.

Toward the end of their tour, Kurenai gestured toward one of the academy's sparring rooms. "Want to see what we've been working on?"

Raven raised an eyebrow. "You offering to show off?"

Kurenai laughed. "Maybe. Come on."

Inside, a small group of students practiced taijutsu techniques under the watchful eye of an instructor. Kurenai stepped onto the mat, her movements fluid and confident as she sparred with one of her classmates. Her form was sharp, her timing impeccable.

Raven watched from the sidelines, genuinely impressed. "Not bad," she murmured. "She's got potential."

"You're not wrong," Yuumi said in her mind. "But are you going to sit there admiring her, or are you going to recruit her for your grand revolution?"

Raven grinned. "Patience, Yuumi. I've got this."

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows over the academy grounds, Kurenai walked Raven back toward the gate. "So, what do you think? Ready to join?"

"Maybe," Raven said with a smirk. "You make a pretty good tour guide."

Kurenai grinned. "Thanks. If you do join, let me know. I'll show you the ropes."

"Deal," Raven said, extending a hand. Kurenai shook it firmly, her crimson eyes gleaming with determination.

As they parted ways, Raven couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement. Kurenai Yuhi was everything she remembered and more, and now she was one step closer to becoming part of Raven's vision for the future.

"Not bad for a day's work," Yuumi said, her tone teasing. "Another target acquired."

Raven rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help smiling. "You know what? You're not wrong."

Join my patreon today to read up to chapter 33 in advance your support is my inspiration join for only 3 to 5$

patreon/everstone