Chapter 83: The Fire Within

Saya was standing at the edge of the training ground, panting heavily, as the sun was sinking below Konoha. She was frustrated and thought that she was also mocked by Ryu at the entrance exam. Her fists clenched at her sides as she replayed the day's events and the revelation about Ryu.

"That jerk was holding back this entire time," she muttered through gritted teeth, her eyes narrowing as she pictured Ryu's face. The realisation stung more than any physical blow ever could. She had thought she'd bested him with her abilities, but now the truth was painfully clear. It wasn't her skill that had won the day—it was his restraint. 

Saya kicked at a nearby rock, sending it skittering across the ground. "What makes him so special?" she wondered aloud, her voice laced with a mixture of anger and curiosity. "Why would the clan head be interested in him?"

She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath to calm her racing thoughts. The gentle rustling of leaves in the evening breeze seemed to mock her frustration.

"No," she said firmly to herself, "I can't let this get to me. I need to focus on getting stronger, on surpassing him."

As the last rays of sunlight faded, Saya found herself lost in memories, her mind drifting back to the first time she had encountered Ryu for the first time. It felt like a lifetime ago, yet the details were still vivid in her mind.

##Flashback Start## 

The streets of Konoha were bustling with activity, villagers going about their daily routines under the warm summer sun. Saya was making her way through the crowd when she spotted an elderly woman struggling with a heavy bag.

Without hesitation, Saya approached the woman, a kind smile on her face. "Hello, Granny. Do you want my help in crossing the road?"

The old woman's weathered face lit up with gratitude. "Oh, my dear, that would be wonderful. You're such a kind girl, just like that boy who used to help me."

Curiosity piqued, Saya tilted her head. "What boy, Granny?"

As they began to cross the street, the old woman's eyes twinkled with fondness. "A young lad, a few years ago about your age. He would always stop to help me with my groceries or offer to walk me home. Such a polite child, though he looked a bit stupid wearing goggles all the time."

"Goggles all the time?" Saya asked, her interest growing despite herself. "Stupid indeed and a real fashion disaster."

The old woman nodded, her smile widening. "Oh yes, dear. Stupid and kind."

Suddenly a blur of motion caught her attention. A boy came sprinting down the street narrowly, avoiding a collision with her.

"Sorry," the boy shouted a hasty apology over his shoulder as he disappeared around a corner.

Saya's brow furrowed in annoyance. "What an idiot," she muttered. "Running in the middle of the street like that. Does he have a screw loose or something?"

The old woman chuckled softly. "Now, now, my dear. Don't be too harsh. Perhaps he's preparing for the upcoming Ninja Academy test. I hear it's quite challenging for young ninja hopefuls."

Saya scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain. "Him? A ninja? That sickly brat who looks like he hasn't eaten in days?"

"My child," the old woman said gently, her voice carrying the wisdom of years, "at least he is trying his best. That's what one needs to do to overcome every hardship. You should consider working out as well; it might help you with the test."

Saya fell silent, the old woman's words striking a chord within her. After a moment, she spoke softly, almost to herself. "But... what if your best isn't good enough? What if you're just destined to be a failure?""

The old woman patted her hand gently. "Then you keep trying, my dear. You keep challenging yourself until you improve upon the person you were yesterday."

Saya thought about what the elderly woman had said as they crossed the street. Maybe there was some truth to what she said. Maybe she should put in more effort like that boy.

After bidding farewell to the grateful grandmother, Saya found herself jogging in the direction the boy had run. Her curiosity had gotten the better of her, and she wanted to see what all the fuss was about.

After bidding farewell, Saya found herself jogging in the direction the boy had run, curiosity getting the better of her. She spotted him in a nearby park, attempting pushups on the grassy ground.

"One... two... thre..." Ryu's count was cut short as his arms gave out, and he collapsed face-first onto the grass. Saya had to suppress a laugh. It looked like he was trying to kiss the earth rather than exercise.

"How pathetic," she thought to herself. "Even that old grandmother is stronger than him. What's his motivation for working so hard?"

As she watched, Ryu slowly pushed himself back up, his arms trembling with the effort. "Come on," he muttered to himself, his voice barely audible from Saya's hiding spot. "Just one more. You can do this."

Saya found herself holding her breath, inexplicably invested in whether this weak boy could manage one more pushup. To her surprise, he did, letting out a triumphant gasp before collapsing again. As she turned to leave, a small part of her couldn't help but admire his determination.

As Saya walked away from the park, her thoughts were a jumble of confusion and conflicting emotions. The image of Ryu's determined face as he struggled through his exercises stayed with her, a stark contrast to her own effortless strength.

Days turned into weeks, and Saya found herself drawn back to the park, watching Ryu's futile attempts at training. Each day, she expected to see him give up, but each day he returned, pushing himself harder than before.

"Does this boy not know when to give up?" she muttered to herself one afternoon, watching as Ryu struggled through a set of squats.

Yet, as much as she tried to dismiss him, Saya couldn't ignore the flame that had been ignited within her. Seeing someone so weak and sickly try so hard to improve... it stirred something in her soul.

"Maybe," she thought, her inner voice hesitant, "maybe there's more to strength than just natural talent. Maybe... maybe I've been taking my abilities for granted."

Before she knew it, Saya found herself incorporating the same workouts into her daily routine. She'd run laps around the village, do pushups in her room, and practice her chakra control whenever she had a spare moment.

Months passed, and both Saya and Ryu's bodies began to show the fruits of their labour. Saya's stamina improved, her muscles becoming more defined. And Ryu, though still far from the picture of health, had gained a bit of colour in his cheeks and strength in his limbs.

One day, Saya arrived at the park to find Ryu attempting a new training method. He had tied a makeshift parachute to his back and was running in circles, the drag of the chute making each step a struggle.

"Interesting," Saya mused, her competitive spirit flaring. The next day, hidden from prying eyes, she attempted the same exercise with a parachute crafted from old clothes and rope.

"This is harder than it looks," she panted, her legs burning with exertion. "How was that boy doing it?"

But then, a fierce determination settled over her features. "If that scrawny kid can do it, so can I. I'll surpass him, no matter what it takes!"

##Flashback End##

Back in the present, Saya's eyes snapped open, her resolve hardened by the memories of her journey. She stared out at the darkening training ground, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I would beat him next time, and I will. I will not hold back. Next time, I'll show you my true strength."

With renewed determination, Saya began her evening training routine. As she pushed her body to its limits, her mind raced with strategies and techniques she could use to overcome Ryu's superior strength and stamina.

"I won't underestimate you again, Ryu," she thought as she performed a series of complex taijutsu moves. "But I won't let you underestimate me either. Next time, I will force you to give it your all, and then we'll see who's truly stronger."

As she trained, memories of their past encounters flashed through her mind again. The look of determination in Ryu's eyes, the quiet strength he possessed despite his frail appearance. It both frustrated and inspired her.

"Why?" she muttered between heavy breaths. "Why do you try so hard to finally hold back in the end? What was your reason? What drives you, Ryu?"

Unknown to Saya, these questions were shaping her much-needed ninja way, pushing her to explore the depths of her own determination and the true meaning of strength. Saya's determination was stronger than ever, a fire that would eventually shape her into a powerful ninja.

##PoWeR StOnEs##

Sorry guys. There would be no new chapters for a few days as I would be on a family trip for the next few days. 

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