The golden hue of dawn stretched lazily across the rooftops of Konoha as Akira made his way toward the secluded Anbu training grounds. The streets were silent, save for the chirping of birds greeting the morning. Clad in his Anbu gear, with his bear mask clipped to his belt, Akira's footsteps were steady, each stride a reflection of his newfound purpose. Today felt different—a shift in the wind, an edge in the air.
As he arrived at the training grounds, he spotted Ichika—Strawberry—leaning against a tree, casually flipping a kunai in her hand. Her signature red hair, loosely tied back, shimmered under the rising sun. Beside her stood Haru—Crow—his expression calm and unreadable, pale eyes scanning the field with the intensity only a Hyuga could manage.
"You're early," Ichika said with a small smirk as Akira approached.
"Could say the same about you two," Akira replied, glancing between his teammates. "Guess we're all eager."
Before more words could be exchanged, a sudden breeze swept through the field—and just like that, Hawk was there, as silent as the shadows he commanded. Clad in the sleek black gear of the Anbu and wearing his eagle mask, he stood with the quiet authority of a seasoned warrior.
"Good," Hawk's voice was firm and measured. "You're all here. Today's training will be simple. All three of you… will fight me."
Akira's brows lifted in surprise. Crow and Strawberry glanced at each other, and then back at their team leader.
"You want the three of us to take on you?" Ichika asked, amused.
"Yes," Hawk answered, already taking a defensive stance. "You've handled bandits and criminals. Now I want to see how you handle a seasoned opponent. Don't hold back."
No sooner had he finished his sentence than the three of them launched into action.
Crow struck first, dashing forward with his Byakugan already active, aiming a barrage of precise palm strikes at Hawk's vital points. Hawk effortlessly side-stepped, countering with a sharp chop that Crow barely evaded. At the same time, Ichika unleashed a barrage of shuriken laced with small explosive tags, timing them to explode just as Hawk shifted his position.
Akira leapt into the fray from above, using his high-speed movement enhanced by the Instant Water Step technique. His chakra surged as he drew his katana—Odachi—infusing the blade with water chakra to increase its cutting precision.
He swung with precision at Hawk's side, but the Anbu captain parried with a kunai, twisting mid-motion to deliver a sweeping kick that knocked Akira back.
"Tch, he's fast," Akira muttered, sliding back and regaining his footing.
Crow appeared beside him. "We need to coordinate better."
"I'll distract him. You and Ichika create an opening," Akira responded.
He surged forward again, weaving a set of hand seals mid-run. Water gushed beneath his feet, and in a blink, he vanished into a blur, reappearing behind Hawk.
"Water Style: Piercing Torrent!"
A high-pressure stream of water burst from Akira's hand, aimed straight at Hawk's back. But the captain spun around, throwing a series of chakra-infused senbon that diverted the attack and forced Akira to dodge.
Ichika saw the opening and moved in. Her Sharingan spun rapidly, anticipating Hawk's movements. She launched a Great Fireball Jutsu, and for a moment, it seemed Hawk would be forced to defend—but the man flipped over the blast, landing behind her with a silent grace.
"Nice try," he said, delivering a soft blow to her ribs that sent her skidding.
Even as the three regrouped and adjusted their strategy, Hawk remained untouchable. His movements were surgical, his counters swift and decisive. No matter what combination they tried—Crow's deadly palm strikes, Ichika's visual prowess, Akira's elemental speed—they couldn't lay a real hit on him.
After nearly fifteen minutes of intense sparring, Hawk stood still, not a scratch on him, while the three of them were catching their breath.
"Enough," he said, sheathing his blade.
The trio fell back, panting but not discouraged.
"That was… something," Akira admitted.
"You're all improving," Hawk said, surveying them. "Spectre—you moved well. Your control over your water chakra is improving. Crow, your discipline is commendable. Strawberry—your genjutsu layering mid-battle was sharp."
Then his voice turned serious. "Now, for the real reason I called you all here."
The team straightened.
"You're to leave the village tomorrow. A long-term mission outside the borders—two weeks at least, maybe more. I'll brief you fully before departure. Prepare accordingly. Pack lightly, bring only what you need. Dismissed."
With that, Hawk vanished in a blur of movement, leaving the team in thoughtful silence.
Later that evening, Akira returned home. The comforting scent of incense and cherry wood lingered in the air. He found his parents seated in the lounge, sipping tea and quietly going through reports. Umiko looked up first.
"Akira," she said warmly. "You're back early from training."
"I am," Akira responded, stepping closer. "I wanted to tell you both something."
Toshiro looked up from his paper, raising a brow. "Is everything alright?"
Akira nodded. "Yes. I've been assigned a mission. I'll be out of the village for about two weeks."
A beat of silence passed. Umiko set her cup down.
"Two weeks?" she asked, concern lacing her tone.
"Yes. I can't share the details, but it's important. I'll be back safe."
Toshiro stood, crossing the room to place a firm hand on his son's shoulder.
"We trust you, Akira. You're strong and smart—just like your mother."
Umiko smiled softly, standing and reaching out to brush her fingers through his pink hair, a rare expression of tenderness on her usually stoic face. "Come back to us safely. And take care of yourself out there."
"I will," Akira promised, bowing slightly in respect before stepping out into the cool night.
Under the pale light of the stars, Akira made his way toward the Senju compound. He found Tsunade sitting on the edge of the riverbank, legs dangling lazily over the water, hair tied up in her usual messy ponytail.
She turned as she sensed him, her face lighting up. "Hey."
"Hey," he replied, sitting beside her.
"You look tired," she said, nudging his arm gently.
"Had an intense spar this morning," he said with a smile. "And I'm heading out on a mission tomorrow. Two weeks."
Tsunade's expression dropped slightly. "Two weeks?"
Akira nodded. "Outside the village. I can't give details. But I wanted to see you before I left."
She turned to him fully, her eyes reflecting the starlight. "Be careful, Akira. I know you can handle yourself… but don't be reckless."
He reached for her hand and held it tightly. "I'll come back. I promise."
Tsunade leaned in and kissed his cheek, letting her lips linger for a second longer than usual.
"I love you," she whispered, pulling back slightly.
Akira's heart thudded at her words, but he held her gaze, steady and true.
"I love you too."
They sat there for a moment longer, fingers intertwined, listening to the gentle ripple of the river. In that stillness, with the warmth of her touch grounding him, Akira felt ready for whatever lay ahead.
Tomorrow, he would leave as Spectre, a shadow of Konoha.
But tonight—he was Akira. Son. Lover. Shinobi.
And that was enough.