The late afternoon slowly descended over Konoha.
In the makeshift training field behind the Academy, Ren repeated basic movements with his sword. Nothing flashy. Simple strikes, posture control, steady breathing. The blade sliced through the air in short, precise arcs, lifting small dry leaves from the ground.
Sweat ran down his temple as he finished the sequence and lowered the sword.
"You even train outside the Academy… what a troublemaker."
The voice came from behind.
Ren turned and saw Nara Reiji leaning against a low fence, hands behind his head, expression relaxed as always.
— It's not official training — Ren replied. — Just maintenance.
Reiji glanced at the sword for a moment.
— Hm. Makes sense. My father always says that repeating the basics keeps you from dying early.
Ren carefully sheathed the blade.
— And is he usually right?
— Unfortunately.
There was a brief, comfortable silence.
Then Reiji spoke, as if remembering something unimportant.
— Oh, speaking of which… my dad asked if you wanted to come over to our house today. Nothing formal. Just to talk… maybe play something.
Ren picked up his makeshift water bottle and took a sip before replying.
— Play something?
— Shōgi. Cards. Or just chatting — he shrugged. — Depends on his mood.
Ren considered the invitation for a few seconds.
— Fine — he finally said. — I can go.
— Cool.
Reiji immediately turned, starting to walk as if he already knew the answer.
---
The Nara residence was in a quieter part of the village.
The path to their home passed through more wooded areas, where shadows gathered even before the sun fully set. The yard was spacious, with short grass and well-placed trees, creating naturally shaded spots.
As soon as they entered, Reiji slipped off his sandals and went straight to the back of the house.
— Want to help? — he asked, picking up some simple tools.
Ren nodded.
They spent a few minutes tidying the yard: collecting fallen branches, adjusting a loose wooden fence, small, almost automatic tasks. Nothing that required real effort, but enough to keep their hands busy.
— Have you always been like this? — Reiji asked suddenly. — Training alone, planning things?
Ren adjusted a stake in the ground.
— Not always. I learned early that relying too much on others usually comes at a cost.
Reiji thought for a moment.
— Hm… my dad would say that's half wisdom, half problem.
Later, they sat on the engawa, sipping simple tea. The sky was darkening, tinged with orange and purple.
— Do you think about the future? — Reiji asked casually. — Like… beyond the Academy.
— Yes.
— What do you want to be?
Ren didn't answer immediately.
— Someone who isn't pushed around by other people's decisions.
Reiji smirked slightly.
— That answer will definitely interest him.
Before Ren could ask who, a sliding door opened.
An adult man entered the room, carrying a well-worn shōgi board. He wore simple clothes, but his gaze was sharp, heavy with experience.
— So this is Ren.
He placed the board in the center of the tatami.
— Reiji has talked a lot about you.
Ren stood and gave a short bow.
— Ren.
The man sat calmly.
— We were thinking of playing. Sit down.
Ren sat.
---
The shōgi pieces were arranged with precise familiarity.
— You know the rules? — asked Reiji's father, adjusting the king.
— The basics — Ren replied. — Movement, promotion, and drops.
— Excellent.
He slid the board slightly.
— Start.
Ren opened the game with a simple move: advancing the central pawn. Reiji's father responded symmetrically, observing each move intently. Ren remained calm, focused on controlling space and spotting patterns.
— Good… you have a strategic mind — the man commented, moving a piece that captured Ren's advanced pawn.
— It's still early — Ren countered, promoting a pawn and threatening a lateral advance.
The game unfolded cautiously: pawn exchanges, small threats with the rook, knight moves testing Ren's patience. He tried to maintain balance, but every move from Reiji's father seemed to anticipate his intentions, slowly applying pressure.
When Ren advanced his lance to attack the opponent's king, he realized too late that his left flank was exposed. The man slid his rook—a subtle move protecting the king while capturing Ren's supporting piece.
— I see… — Ren murmured, recognizing the subtlety. — You anticipated my line of defense.
— I've learned to observe — Reiji's father replied. — And to wait for the right moment.
A few moves later, Ren found himself without defensive options, surrounded by his opponent's control of the board. Checkmate came silently, inevitably, and Ren bowed his head, accepting defeat.
— Excellent game — said the man, collecting the pieces. — You have talent, but there's still much to learn.
Ren nodded, studying the board and the strategy he had failed to foresee.
---
When Ren left the Nara residence, night had already claimed the village.
The shadows along the path seemed thicker.
He had not come there merely as a guest.
And the Nara family… had definitely not spent that afternoon just talking.
--