Chapter 9: Trial by Lightning

The morning of the mission came quickly. Ei awoke before the sun had risen, her room bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight. Today would mark her first mission alongside her brother, A, and although she felt ready for whatever lay ahead, there was a sense of anticipation simmering beneath her skin. This wasn't just about strength or skill. This mission was about learning—learning how to lead, how to make decisions, and how to carry the weight of Kumogakure's future on her shoulders.

As she dressed in her usual black-and-violet combat gear, a quiet knock came at her door. She opened it to find Yae, her sage fox summoning beast, in her human form. Her long, pink hair cascaded down her back, her expression unreadable but her eyes gleaming with interest.

"Ready for your trial, little princess?" Yae's voice was smooth, teasing, but Ei could sense the seriousness underneath her words.

Ei nodded, securing her sword at her side. "I am. I've been waiting for this."

Yae's lips curved into a slight smile. "Good. This is just the beginning, Ei. Don't forget that. There will be more trials, harder ones, as you ascend toward your destiny."

"I won't forget," Ei replied, her resolve solidifying. "And I won't fail."

With that, she left her room, Yae following behind her silently. As they descended the stone steps of their home, Ei couldn't help but feel the weight of the upcoming day pressing down on her. Today wasn't just about completing the mission—it was about showing her father and brother that she could rise to the occasion, that she could one day become the Raikage Kumogakure needed.

When Ei arrived at the Raikage's office, A was already waiting, his arms crossed over his chest, his expression stoic as always. He glanced at her as she approached but didn't say anything. The two of them were often quiet around each other, speaking more with actions than words.

Without any pleasantries, the Third Raikage emerged from his office. He towered over both of them, his presence alone commanding respect. He gave Ei a single, firm nod, his approval evident though unspoken.

"Today's mission is simple," the Third Raikage began, his voice deep and authoritative. "You will intercept a group of rogue shinobi from Iwagakure who have been raiding small villages on the outskirts of our territory. They're skilled, but nothing the two of you can't handle."

Ei listened intently, her mind already planning for the confrontation ahead. Iwagakure rogue shinobi meant powerful earth-style users. Their techniques were notoriously difficult to counter, but lightning-style was the perfect match to neutralize their defenses. She had no doubt that she and A could take them down.

Her father's gaze shifted to her, and she felt the weight of his expectations settling on her shoulders once again. "This is an opportunity, Ei. To show that you understand the importance of swift, decisive action. Don't hesitate. You know what you're capable of."

"I won't hesitate," Ei responded, her voice firm.

A grunted in agreement, his large hand resting on the hilt of his weapon. "Let's get this over with. We don't have time to waste."

The two siblings departed without further words, moving swiftly through the village's outer gates. The land outside Kumogakure was rugged, with rocky cliffs and wide valleys, perfect for an ambush from Iwagakure shinobi. But Ei was prepared for that. Her senses were heightened, her lightning chakra humming beneath her skin, ready to be unleashed.

As they approached the coordinates where the rogue shinobi had last been seen, A gestured for them to stop. The air was still, but Ei could feel the tension. Something was off.

"They're close," A muttered, his eyes scanning the terrain. "Stay sharp."

Ei closed her eyes for a moment, focusing on the bioelectric energy around her. Her lightning affinity allowed her to sense the subtle signatures of living beings in the area. Sure enough, she could detect faint movements—underground. The enemy was lying in wait beneath the surface, no doubt planning to catch them off guard with an earth-style jutsu.

"They're beneath us," Ei whispered, her hand tightening around the hilt of her sword.

A's expression hardened. "Then let's draw them out."

Without warning, A slammed his fist into the ground, sending a shockwave through the earth. The ground cracked and rumbled, and within seconds, several Iwagakure shinobi burst from the ground, their startled expressions quickly replaced with battle-ready glares.

Ei wasted no time. In an instant, she activated her Lightning Chakra Mode, her body surrounded by a violent aura of blue lightning. She moved faster than the eye could see, her blade flashing as she struck down the first rogue shinobi before he could even form a seal.

The others retaliated, launching massive boulders and earth-style techniques at both her and A. But Ei was too fast, her movements graceful and fluid as she dodged the attacks effortlessly. Her lightning chakra crackled through the air, her strikes precise and deadly.

A charged forward with brute strength, his massive frame barreling through their enemies. The two siblings fought in perfect harmony—Ei's speed and precision combined with A's raw power created an unstoppable force.

As the last of the rogue shinobi fell, Ei stood over their leader, her blade at his throat. His eyes were wide with fear, and she could see the realization dawning on him that he had underestimated Kumogakure's forces.

"You… you're the Raikage's daughter," he gasped, his voice trembling. "I didn't… we didn't know."

Ei's gaze was cold, her lightning aura still crackling around her. "You made a mistake coming here."

With a final, swift movement, she incapacitated him, knocking him unconscious. The mission was complete. The rogue shinobi were either dead or captured, and Kumogakure's borders were once again secure.

A approached, wiping the dust from his hands. "You handled yourself well, Ei. No hesitation, just like Father said."

Ei nodded, feeling the adrenaline still coursing through her veins. She had proven herself today—not just in combat, but in making the quick, decisive choices that her father had spoken of. She had felt the weight of leadership and had risen to meet it.

As they began their journey back to the village, Ei couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Today had been a test, and she had passed. But she knew there would be many more tests to come—greater challenges, harder decisions. The road to becoming the Raikage was long, and she had only just begun to walk it.

But no matter what lay ahead, Ei was ready. She would not falter. She would not break. She was the daughter of the Raikage, and she would carry that name with pride.

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End of Chapter 9.