I Still Got It

Soon after the light-hearted chatter, the moment arrived for Neji, Lee, and Tenten to step into the classroom to display their skills. Each of them faced their individual challenges, but with determination, they prevailed.

Lee's situation was a unique one. Since he couldn't wield chakra like his peers, he was given an opportunity to demonstrate his prowess against a seasoned genin. With an energetic battle cry, the arena transformed into a whirlwind of swift kicks and punches, Lee's boundless energy leaving everyone in awe. By the end, with the genin down and panting, Lee stood tall, his fiery determination evident.

Although whispers persisted about which Jounin sensei the newly graduated students might receive, Neji and Lee were fairly certain of their own future instructor. Word had it that they'd be placed under the tutelage of Gai, one of Konoha's strongest Jounin. Lee's previous interactions with Gai had been enriching, and Neji, though unfamiliar with Gai's eccentricities, respected the man's reputation.

As for Tenten, her standing as the top Kunoichi of her class naturally linked her to Neji. Given the academy's usual practice of team formations, if Neji was to be paired with Gai, then she too was bound for the same destiny. Tenten harbored slight insecurities regarding her place, but the prestige associated with Gai was enough to assuage any lingering doubts.

After the day's events at the academy, the group dispersed, with Neji, Lee, and Tenten heading in separate directions. Ryomaru took it upon himself to accompany the girls – Temari, Hinata, and Hanabi – on their way home.

The air was filled with a sense of companionship and mild exhilaration as Ryomaru walked with Temari, Hinata, and Hanabi towards their homes after the eventful graduation ceremony. The sky above painted with hues of orange and purple, cast a warm glow on the group, shadowing them gently as they traversed the pathways of Konoha.

First, it was Temari's turn to depart, and she did so with a mild sense of reluctance, her gaze lingering on Ryomaru and the sisters. "See you all tomorrow then." Her voice was light, a subtle edge of cheerfulness to it.

"Absolutely, Temari! Take care!" Ryomaru waved with a pleasant smile on his face, and the Hyuga sisters echoed his sentiment with soft farewells.

Once Temari's figure disappeared from view, the chatter amongst the remaining group became more fluid, light teases and gentle laughs filling the air. They discussed the mundane and the extraordinary, their conversations easy and filled with a youthful zest.

"So, Ryomaru, training with Lee must've been quite the adventure, huh?" Hanabi's tone held a hint of playful curiosity.

Ryomaru laughed, remembering Lee's boundless energy and enthusiasm. "Oh, it certainly was! The guy's energy is limitless!"

"I can only imagine," Hinata softly chimed in, her eyes glinting with subdued amusement, glancing ever so subtly at Ryomaru.

"Did he make you wear that… interesting green outfit too?" Hanabi giggled, covering her mouth to stifle her laugh.

"He tried, he really did!" Ryomaru chuckled, the image of Gai and Lee in their distinctive outfits flashing in his mind.

Hinata and Hanabi shared a soft laugh, their eyes dancing with shared mirth. As they walked, there were moments when the gaze of Ryomaru and Hanabi would meet, causing a gentle blush to adorn Hanabi 's cheeks, while Ryomaru's charming smile grew just a tad bit warmer.

Reaching the gates of the Hyuga compound, Ryomaru halted, the soft glow of lanterns casting intricate shadows on the ground. Hinata and Hanabi turned toward him, their expressions reflecting the mellow warmth of their shared time.

"Thank you for accompanying us, Ryomaru," Hinata said, her voice gentle, eyes shimmering in the dim light.

Hanabi nodded, trying to suppress a blush, "Yes, thank you. It was... nice."

Ryomaru flashed his usual charming smile, "Anytime. Take care, you two."

As Hinata and Hanabi entered the compound, he took a moment to watch their retreating figures before setting off on his way home. But as he took a few steps, he sensed a familiar presence. In an instant, Mabui emerged gracefully from the shadows. Her ebony skin contrasted beautifully against her sleek white attire, a knowing smirk playing on her lips.

"Well, isn't this a surprise? Mabui-nee," Ryomaru greeted with a hint of playfulness, "I knew I wasn't walking alone."

Mabui laughed softly, "Of course, you weren't. You think I'd let the young prince of Cloud Village wander the streets of Konoha without keeping an eye out?"

Ryomaru rolled his eyes at the 'prince' moniker. "You always have to tease, don't you?"

Mabui winked, "Only because you make it so easy. Especially with all the little blushes from Hanabi and Temari."

Ryomaru's cheeks reddened just a hint. "Now you're just making things up."

A teasing glint appeared in Mabui's eyes. "Oh, trust me, I have a keen sense of observation. It's part of my job, after all."

He smirked, "Speaking of observation, have you noticed how the clouds turn a particular shade of pink during sunsets here in Konoha? Reminds me of a certain someone's face when I try my hand at flattery."

Mabui chuckled, trying to mask the slightest hint of a blush. "Nice try, Ryo. But it'll take more than that to get to me."

The two continued their journey in comfortable silence for a while, the gentle hum of Konoha's evening routine surrounding them.

Ryomaru glanced at Mabui, "Thanks for being there, Mabui-nee. It's good to know someone's always got my back."

Mabui smiled genuinely, "Always, Ryo. No matter where you are or what you do, I'll be there, watching over you."

He grinned, "I know. And it's reassuring. But I would rather you to be on my side." He linked his arm with her, making her blush. "Hah! Got you! I still got it." 

Mabui giggled, "You do."

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