TRAINING BEGINS!
At the start of the match, Kenji mentions that they need to select a team leader.
Tosuke suggests that Inochi should take on that role.
However, Rai believes Tosuke is the best choice for leader since he's the strongest.
Inochi then voices his opinion that Kurai would make a good leader, at which point Kurai shyly averts her gaze and blushes.
This leads to a disagreement among them, and Kenji steps in to quell the argument.
Kenji emphasizes that for them to operate effectively and become a successful team, everyone must engage in open communication and treat each other fairly, also avoiding arguments among themselves.
They all start by offering their apologies because Kurai wasn't the individual to initiate or engage in the dispute.
Kenji proposes she either assume the role of the leader or nominate someone else, given that Kurai was involuntarily involved.
Choosing not to lead herself, Kurai decides to make a selection and after considering, mentions she believes Inochi would excel as the leader.
Kenji questioned Kurai about her selection of Inochi, to which she responded by emphasizing her admiration for his aspiration to be the Grandmaster, along with his commitment to safeguarding the village and guiding it towards prosperity, all the while maintaining its complete integrity.
Inochi, displaying a stunned look, shuts his eyes, flashes a smile, and while scratching the back of his head remarks, "Wow, Kurai, I didn't realize you were really taking notice.."
Kurai glances aside at Inochi, her cheeks flushing once more. When Inochi inquires if Kurai is alright, she assures him that she is fine.
Kenji concurs with Kurai, affirming their membership in TEAM INOCHI, and remarks, "You're now part of TEAM INOCHI."
TEAM INOCHI
Rai, approaching Inochi with a teasing demeanor, comments, "I thought I'd be the leader, but I suppose having Inochi as the leader isn't too bad."
Inochi inquires of Rai, "What is that supposed to signify?" to which Rai responds that he was merely joking. Tosuke offers his congratulations to Inochi, and quietly, Kurai's cheeks turn red.
Kenji then announces to everyone to prepare as the match is about to begin and to remember to put their all into it.
Everyone nods in agreement and respectfully responds with "hai Sensei".
Inochi then approaches Kurai, reassuring them with a smile, "Should you ever find yourself in a difficult situation, know that I'll always be here to guard you."
Kurai gazes and perceives Haru's reflection within Inochi; everyone assumes their stance just as a pink cherry blossom petal from a sakura tree reaches the earth.
TEAM INOCHI VS KENJI
Kenji performs 8 backward flips, releasing shuriken towards Inochi.
Upon noticing, Inochi begins to draw his sword to deflect them, while Kenji moves closer to Inochi.
Seeing Kenji advance, Inochi attempts to slash at Kenji, who, in a swift motion, unsheathes his own short sword to counter Inochi's attacks.
Tosuke leaps over Inochi, approaching with a fist; Kenji propels himself skyward as Tosuke slams his fist into the earth with tremendous force, fracturing the terrain.
Kenji finds himself astonished by the sheer power of Tosuke.
Suddenly, as Kenji is airborne, Rai draws his bow, directing an arrow straight at Kenji. Reacting, Kenji exclaims, "great teamwork," and then performs a gesture to invoke a wind-class technique, effectively deflecting the arrow while keeping its integrity intact.
Rai is shocked and says wow Kenji Sensei is really amazing he then lands on the ground Kurai watches from a distance admiring Kenjis moves.
Inochi once more rushes forward, leaps up, and his sword collides with Kenji's. He finds himself impressed by Inochi's fencing abilities, noting his exceptional control and speed.
Furthermore, he acknowledges Inochi's concentration but recognizes there's still room for improvement.
Tosuke advances, morphing his hand into a weapon and aims a swing at Kenji who swiftly evades and propels him backward with a kick.
Kurai follows by forming a seal, employing a technique of the fire class, and unleashes a tremendous blast of flames.
Kenji counters with a water class maneuver, surprising Kurai.
Rai yells out Tosuke's name, prompting him to shake his head and gaze at Inochi.
Inochi starts to power up, exchanging strikes with Kenji using their swords.
Kenji manages to dislodge the sword from Inochi's grip, sheathes his own sword, and then smiles.
Inochi engages in close combat with Kenji, whilst Shukumei instructs him in the martial art of wing chun.
He concentrates on blocking and delivering punches to Kenji, maintaining the entirety of the structure.
Kenji unleashes a series of five strikes, yet Inochi expertly defends against each one.
Kenji retaliates with a powerful kick, but Inochi evades by leaping over Kenji while executing a complete 360-degree spin.
During this maneuver, Inochi draws six shuriken and hurls them towards Kenji.
In response, Kenji executes several backflips to evade being struck.
Following this, Kosuke unleashes a Dragon Bomb from his mouth directed at Kenji, who leaps into the air to avoid the attack, which then obliterates a nearby tree as it makes contact.
Kenji is stunned by the power that Rai then channels, forming a sign to infuse his arrow with a lightning class element, and launches it with maximum velocity... all the while maintaining its complete shape.
Kenji counters by using a stronger wind class technique.
POWER OF TEAM INOCHI
Inochi gazes at Kurai, and it's as if she has the ability to decipher his thoughts; she understands exactly what he intends.
Together, they launch an attack on Kenji.
Inochi delivers two blows with his fists while Kurai takes to the air, performing a 360-degree kick.
Kenji manages to defend against these moves.
Meanwhile, Inochi ducks under his legs and seizes one, confidently stating, "you mind if I use this right Kenji Sensei?" causing Kenji to fall over in the process.
Tosuke's limbs emerge from below the earth, seizing Kenji firmly.
As Rai rushes forward screaming wielding his bow and arrow, he triggers a blade to emerge from the weapon in an attempt to defeat Kenji.
Kenji employs a technique involving lightning to startle Tosuke into releasing him, then swiftly propels Rai away with a kick.
Losing track of Inochi and Kurai, the duo suddenly leaps from a tree, executing fire-class maneuvers directed at Kenji.
Kenji then grins, makes a gesture, and announces, "Metal class metal barrier technique," calling forth a formidable defense.
THE WHITE TIGER
Kenji is the sole ninja from his clan capable of wielding metal class, recognized as an elite ninja known as the "White Tiger."
Every technique he has mastered has been a triumph, placing him in an unparalleled category.
GREAT TEAMWORK
Rai then exclaims, "Awww man, we were so close to catching him," to which Kenji responds with a grin, "It's going to be some time before you can outdo me."
Kenji informs them that their performance was excellent and they collaborated effectively as a team.
They even succeeded in making him utilize one of his powers, the metal class.
Inochi compliments Kurai on her impressive performance.
A fluttering sensation arises in her stomach, and a blush spreads across her face.
Turning her gaze aside, she quietly asserts to Inochi, "He was also outstanding."
Inochi beams at Tosuke and Rai before praising him for his excellent performance, offering congratulations on becoming the team's leader.
Kenji starts to address the issues they are facing by first turning to Inochi, acknowledging his excellent sword skills.
However, he points out that Inochi's tendency to lower his guard led to him losing his weapon.
He emphasizes that Inochi needs to focus more while maintaining his vigilance.
He starts conversing with Tosuke, pointing out that his intelligence and keen strategic insight, largely derived from his ability to entrap someone beneath the earth, showcase his high battle IQ.
However, he emphasizes the necessity for Tosuke to enhance his control over his Aura since his punches have the force to fracture and shatter the ground, and his Dragon blast has the power to decimate numerous trees within the forest, while still ensuring the forest's overall structure remains intact.
However, Rai, on the other hand, possesses excellent archery skills, yet he needs to improve his precision.
Just because your initial strategy doesn't succeed, never resort to repeating the same strategy with mere additions to it.
He asserts that Kurai possesses significant potential and is highly perceptive; she observes her adversaries and their skills, formulating a strategy prior to launching an attack.
It is essential for her to have contingency plans A, B, and C.
They all acknowledge his point and bow down afterward.
At that moment, Kenji's stomach rumbles loudly, drawing the attention of everyone present.
He clasps his abdomen, chuckling with a tinge of embarrassment, and suggests that he treat them to a meal following their exhaustive training session.
This proposal is met with enthusiasm, and they all consent.
Kenji then escorts them to the Sakura Restaurant.
Following their delightful dinner, the sky darkens, and as the moon ascends, Kenji informs Team Inochi of his intention to show them a unique place.
SAKURA MOUNTAINS
He guides them towards the hills, beside the cherry blossom tree, They all recline on their backs, shoulder to shoulder, Kenji situated centrally, Inochi and Kurai to the left, and Rai and Tosuke to the right.
STORYTIME
He starts narrating a tale regarding the 1st Grandmaster Haru, emphasizing his role as his mentor and his excellence as a shinobi, known by a distinctive nickname others referred to him by, "The Afro Samurai".
He discussed the manner in which the Grandmaster concluded a conflict and possessed great strength; he was so formidable that shinobi called him "The God of Light" the strongest in the history of shinobi.
NEW BONDS FORMED
Kurai expressed her astonishment and informed Inochi that his father is incredible.
In response, Inochi grinned, expressed his gratitude towards Kurai, and mentioned he recalls her mentioning that her dad is a Grandmaster.
He added that he's eager to meet her father, believing he must be really cool.
He subsequently inquires of Kurai whether he will ever visit the village, to which she responds that she is there on a crucial mission.
She confides in Inochi that a shinobi from her own village is attempting to abduct and assassinate her, expressing her fear and her desire to become stronger in order to defend herself, as well as her friends and family.
Inochi, wearing a melancholy expression, clasps Kurai's shoulder with his eyes shut and, with a smile, assures Kurai that everything is alright.
PROMISES
He confidently promises her that he will always be there to protect her, asserting that even in the event of her being captured, he would not hesitate to come to her aid.
PROMISE MADE
Kurai, wearing an expressive face, begins to encounter a novel sensation for the first time upon meeting Inochi.
She finds herself pondering over her attraction towards him and her ease in his presence, feeling a sense of tranquility enveloping her.
She questions why, whenever he persistently gazes into her eyes, a sensation in her stomach emerges and she starts to blush.
Kurai admires Inochi and notices the flame in his eyes.
She also grins and mentions that Inochi's afro hairstyle seems amusing.
Rai laughs lightly and agrees, noting that indeed, everyone shares the same opinion.
Inochi responds by telling Rai to keep quiet; they all begin to giggle in a teasing way.
She acknowledges this emotion, yet it's distinct; it isn't affection, desire, or attraction, it's love.