The First Contact with the

Ryuusei and Seiryu stood in the center of the training field, surrounded by seven other children. All of them had passed the initial tests and were now part of Class A, the select group granted access to star energy training. The air was thick with anticipation, and Ryuusei couldn't hide his excitement.

"Can you circulate your chakra yet?" Ryuusei asked, glancing at Seiryu while they waited for the instructor.

Seiryu frowned, looking a bit embarrassed.

"No… My dad's always away on missions, and my mom's just a civilian. She doesn't know anything about chakra," he replied with a shrug.

Ryuusei fell silent for a moment, reflecting on his friend's words. So it's like that for everyone… he thought, recalling how his own father was rarely home. The overwhelming workload of Hoshigakure's shinobi was a reality, and the children were often the ones left behind to face the consequences.

Before they could continue, the instructor arrived. It was Ginga, a veteran shinobi with dark marks on his hands and face, clear signs of prolonged exposure to the star mist. His stern gaze swept over the group, though there was a glimmer of pride in his eyes.

"Welcome to star training," he announced, his voice cutting through the murmurs. "Before we begin, let's review the basics. Chakra is the energy that flows within all of us, formed by the combination of physical energy from your cells and spiritual energy from your mind."

Ryuusei already knew this, but he listened attentively, eager for what was to come.

"Here in Hoshigakure, we have a unique advantage," Ginga continued, gesturing toward the meteorite resting in the distance, surrounded by swirling star mist. "Star energy is denser and more potent than regular chakra. It will act as a crutch for you, helping you sense and control your chakra more easily. This will accelerate your training, but it also demands caution. The star does not forgive mistakes."

Silence fell over the group as the weight of his words sank in. Ryuusei felt a chill run down his spine, but it was quickly replaced by renewed determination. He was ready.

"Let's begin," Ginga ordered, motioning for everyone to sit in a circle.

Ryuusei closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He repeated the exercise his mother had taught him earlier, focusing on the chakra flowing within. This time, though, the energy felt more vibrant, more present. The star mist surrounding them seemed to amplify his perception, making everything clearer.

"Focus," Ginga instructed, pacing around the circle. "Feel the star's energy merging with your chakra. Let it guide you."

Ryuusei tried to guide his chakra through his body, but like before, his first attempts ended in failure. Yet, on his fourth try, he managed to complete a full cycle of energy circulation. The sensation was incredible, as though his body were vibrating with newfound strength.

"I did it!" he almost exclaimed but quickly bit his tongue, determined to maintain focus.

Before he could continue, a sharp cry of pain shattered the silence. Ryuusei's eyes snapped open, and he saw Sora, one of the girls in the group, clutching her head and gasping for air.

"Enough!" Ginga barked, raising his hand. "Star training ends here for today. Two hours is more than enough for your first session."

As Sora was escorted to the infirmary, the rest of the group made their way to the training yard for follow-up instructions. Ryuusei glanced at Seiryu, who looked completely drained.

"Do you feel anything weird in your body?" Ryuusei asked, concern etched across his face.

"Just really tired," Seiryu muttered, rubbing his eyes. "Like I've been running for hours."

Ryuusei nodded thoughtfully. He, too, felt fatigue, but it was mild compared to the exhaustion visible in the others. Why don't I feel the same as them? he wondered, confusion gnawing at the back of his mind.

While the other students rested, sprawled across the training ground as Ginga addressed their questions, Ryuusei quietly stepped away from the group. He found a quiet corner, sat down, and closed his eyes, eager to practice again.

This time, it happened almost instantly. The energy within him felt denser, more vibrant, as though it were pulsating in sync with the star mist. Is this because of the star energy? he mused, recalling what he had read about the Kujaku Myōhō. A small amount of star energy had already fused with his chakra, and the difference was undeniable.

Guiding the chakra through his body, Ryuusei encountered fewer obstacles. After a few failed attempts, he managed to circulate the energy smoothly. Each successful cycle boosted his confidence, and by the fourth full rotation, Ginga's voice cut through his concentration.

"Training's over. You're dismissed," the instructor announced, his gaze sweeping the group with a mix of pride and concern.

Ryuusei blinked in surprise. I've been like this for three more hours? he wondered, glancing at the sky, now painted in shades of orange as the sun began to set.

Stretching as he stood, Ryuusei felt only mild fatigue, nothing compared to the exhaustion etched into the faces around him. Seiryu trudged over, every step seeming to take monumental effort.

"Did you manage to feel your chakra?" Ryuusei asked, studying his friend.

Seiryu grinned, still breathless but visibly excited.

"It was hard at first, but I got there eventually," he replied. "But every time I tried to move the chakra, it wouldn't budge. It felt… stuck."

Ryuusei nodded, understanding his friend's frustration.

"I struggled at first too," he said encouragingly. "But it gets easier with practice. Just keep trying."

Seiryu glanced at Ryuusei, admiration and a hint of envy flickering in his tired eyes.

"You talk like you've already mastered it," he chuckled weakly. "I can barely stand, and you look fine."

Ryuusei laughed along, though the confusion lingered. Why don't I feel the same exhaustion as everyone else? Why does the star energy react differently with me?

As they walked home together, Ryuusei's thoughts churned. He could sense something unusual within himself, something he couldn't yet comprehend.

"Hey, Ryuusei," Seiryu called, breaking the silence. "Do you think we'll ever be able to use the Kujaku Myōhō?"

Ryuusei blinked, caught off guard by the question.

"Of course we will," he answered, determination firm in his voice. "It's just a matter of time and training."

Seiryu smiled, looking a little more hopeful.

"I hope you're right," he murmured, eyes drifting toward the horizon.