Chapter Twenty-One: A Shadow in the Forest

Year of Establishment: The Fourth Year of Konoha's Founding

Month: April (Mid-Second Week of the School Year)

Kenichi Sato's Age: 8 Years

A week had passed since the new school year began, but the impact of the combat test—where Might Duy revealed what no one had expected—still echoed through the halls of the academy. Some students whispered behind his back, their awe tinged with disbelief, while others tried to dismiss it, repeating that a single strike doesn't make a ninja.

As for Duy, he remained silent. He neither boasted nor commented. He simply carried on as if nothing had happened. Yet in his eyes, there burned a new flame that hadn't dimmed since that day.

Even in the training yard, some students would pause when Kenichi or Duy passed by, watching them from afar. Hiruzen Sarutobi was among the few who spoke up, approaching Kenichi during a break and saying with a sincere smile, "Your training is inspiring. If we continue with this kind of determination, we'll make something great for Konoha."

Kenichi replied with confident eyes, "We're just getting started, Hiruzen. What matters is that we never stop."

Kagami Uchiha, meanwhile, observed silently. His calm eyes followed Duy as he repeated a front kick toward a wooden target. He muttered to himself, "His strike was unrefined… but it carried real weight. If I faced him now, would I be fast enough?" Then he smiled slightly, "I'll know soon enough."

—

One day, after their evening training, Duy suggested, "Let's go to the forest. I think the reiko herb started sprouting after this week's rain."

Kenichi nodded without hesitation. Their daily trips to the forest had become a sacred ritual—one not only for gathering herbs but also to calm the mind after hard training.

The sun was setting, golden rays piercing through the branches like threads of light stretched between the trees. The ground was still damp from last night's rain, and the scent of fresh earth filled the air.

—

On the way back, Duy said as he adjusted his pack, "Stop by my place first. I want to grab something."

Kenichi had never visited Duy's home before. He followed his friend in silence until they reached a remote edge of Konoha.

The cabin was small, its wood faded from sun and rain. The door creaked lightly as it opened. Inside, there were only two straw mats, some worn-out blankets, and a wooden basket containing two onions, three potatoes, and a piece of stale bread.

Kenichi couldn't stop himself from asking quietly, "Where's the rest of the food?"

Duy smiled with that expression that hides more than it shows. "Every morning I go out looking... in the forest, the market. Sometimes I trade herbs."

Kenichi looked at his friend differently—not with pity, but with a mix of respect and concern. Duy trained hard, but he wasn't eating properly.

They sat for a while near the cold fireplace. Duy only drank some water, while Kenichi took a small piece of dried meat from his bag and handed it to him.

Duy hesitated, then said, "My mom always told me not to eat too much meat. Vegetables and fruits are enough…"

Kenichi replied seriously, "Maybe she meant it for your health, but you're now pushing your body beyond its limits. If it doesn't get proper fuel, it'll start breaking down from the inside. Muscles don't grow from training alone. They need what we feed them."

Duy thought for a moment, then said, "So… how do I start? I don't have money."

Kenichi smiled lightly. "We'll hunt. Or trade the herbs that only we know the value of. Or maybe… I'll cook for you myself."

Duy finally laughed—a real, genuine laugh.

—

That evening, Kenichi returned home with a new resolve in his heart:

> "I won't let a body like Duy's be wasted because of hunger. Training means nothing without care. And roots, if not watered, will die in the shadows."

At his doorstep, a small familiar voice greeted him: "Onii-chan!"

His little sister ran toward him with unsteady steps, holding up her torn doll. Kenichi bent down, and she hugged him tightly. He smiled as he lifted her into the air, spinning her around gently.

They sat together near the door as he taught her how to hold a stick like a sword, and she mimicked him with cheerful laughter.

He teased, "Careful, you might be the next ninja in the family."

She giggled, then leapt at him, knocking him to the ground. He playfully surrendered, "Ah! I've been defeated by the little princess!"

In his heart, Kenichi felt that moments like this were what gave him the strength to keep going.

End of Chapter Twenty-One