Chapter 11: Bonds Forged in Lightning and Fire

At only six years old, Ei already understood that the future of Kumogakure rested in building not only personal strength but also strong alliances. After all, no Raikage could stand alone. Her bond with Yugito was solid, and together they were learning to synchronize their movements and tactics. But Ei knew they needed more. Kumogakure wasn't just a village of lone warriors; it thrived on the strength of teams. 

She needed to find more partners, comrades who could grow with her as they rose through the ranks. Two names kept coming to her mind: Samui and Mabui.

Samui was already known in the academy for her calm demeanor and incredible talent with a sword, which was rare for someone their age. She didn't talk much, but her actions spoke louder than words, and Ei had seen the quiet precision Samui carried in every move. As for Mabui, she was the smartest of their generation, always quick to grasp complex lessons and form strategies. Though her role wasn't in direct combat, Mabui had shown an unusual aptitude for analyzing situations—and Ei had heard she had a budding talent in space-time ninjutsu, something even the adults spoke of with respect.

Ei knew that together, they could form a team that would be unstoppable. But first, she had to convince them.

---

Ei found Samui practicing on one of the smaller training grounds near the academy. At just six, her control over the sword was better than most kids twice her age. Ei watched quietly as Samui worked through a series of basic forms, her movements sharp and precise. Even at this young age, Samui's talent with the sword was undeniable.

"Samui," Ei called, walking toward her.

Samui turned, her blue eyes calm and assessing, always quiet but never dismissive.

"I want you on my team," Ei said, cutting straight to the point. "I've seen how good you are with a sword, and I know you're stronger than most of the kids around here. Yugito and I are already working together, but we need someone like you."

Samui remained quiet, thinking it over. "Why now?"

Ei shrugged. "Because we're only going to get stronger, and I need people I can trust. You and I both know that in Kumogakure, strength matters. We can push each other to grow."

Samui didn't say much, but after a long pause, she nodded. "Fine. I'll join."

Ei smiled. That was Samui's way of agreeing, and Ei appreciated the straightforwardness.

---

Next on her list was Mabui. She wasn't one for physical training like Samui, but Ei knew where to find her—she was often in the administrative building, helping with small tasks, even at this young age. Mabui's intelligence was already well-known, and Ei had always respected her sharp mind.

"Mabui," Ei called as she walked into the office, finding Mabui sitting with some scrolls, eyes focused on reading and learning the more theoretical aspects of being a shinobi.

Mabui looked up, surprised to see Ei. "Ei? What's going on?"

"I'm forming a team," Ei replied, stepping closer. "Yugito, Samui, and I are going to train together, and I want you to join us."

Mabui blinked, her young face showing a hint of skepticism. "Me? I'm not really into all that sword and combat stuff like you guys. I'm more focused on strategy."

"That's exactly why I want you," Ei explained, her tone serious. "We don't just need people who can fight. We need someone who can think ahead, someone who sees things others don't. Besides, you're already showing talent in space-time ninjutsu, aren't you?"

Mabui raised an eyebrow. "It's still pretty basic. I haven't done much beyond theory."

"That's why we'll train together," Ei said with a confident smile. "You'll develop your skills, and we'll all learn from each other. Besides, I know you're quick to figure things out on the fly. That's something we need."

Mabui thought about it for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, I'll join."

---

Later that day, the four of them stood on the training grounds together for the first time—Ei, Yugito, Samui, and Mabui. Ei felt a sense of satisfaction as she looked at the group. Each of them was young, but she could already see the potential.

"From today on, we're a team," Ei said, her voice firm. "We're all six years old now, but we're stronger than anyone gives us credit for. Yugito's flames, Samui's sword, Mabui's mind—we're going to grow together, and no one will be able to stand against us."

Samui stood calm and composed, already used to the idea of training as a team. Yugito, her blue eyes gleaming with the untamed energy of Matatabi, was eager to prove herself. Mabui seemed thoughtful, her mind already ticking with ideas.

"We'll train together regularly," Ei continued, "and focus on improving what each of us is best at. Samui, your swordsmanship is already impressive, but we'll keep pushing it. Yugito, your control over the blue flames of Matatabi gives you an advantage in fire jutsu, but we're going to refine that power. And Mabui, we'll work on developing your space-time ninjutsu, turning it from theory into something practical."

Yugito grinned. "I've been waiting to work on my flames more. Matatabi's power is no joke, and I'm not holding back anymore."

Samui nodded. "My sword skills can always get sharper."

Mabui smiled faintly, already thinking of ways to apply her knowledge in real-world scenarios. "I'll see what I can do with the space-time ninjutsu. It's still pretty new to me, but I'll figure it out."

---

Their first training session as a group began immediately. Ei watched as Samui worked on her sword techniques, her movements sharp and precise. At just six years old, Samui was already surpassing what most adult shinobi could do. Her ability to focus and maintain control over her weapon was impressive, and Ei could tell that with proper guidance, Samui would become one of the best swordsmen in Kumogakure.

On the other side of the field, Yugito was working with her flames. The blue fire of Matatabi burned hot, dancing in controlled bursts as Yugito shaped it to her will. Ei couldn't help but admire how well Yugito was already handling the Two-Tails' power, even at such a young age. Matatabi's flames weren't ordinary fire—they were fiercer, hotter, and far more destructive. But Yugito had a natural talent for keeping that power in check, using it to enhance her fire jutsu.

Mabui stood nearby, watching the others with a calculating eye. Even though she wasn't physically sparring or using jutsu, her role was equally important. She analyzed each movement, considering their strengths and weaknesses, always thinking a step ahead. Ei knew that Mabui's mind would be their greatest weapon in battle.

By the end of the day, Ei felt a deep sense of accomplishment. Each of them had unique abilities, and together, they were already beginning to form a powerful team. They were still young, but Ei could see the potential in each of them—and she knew that as they grew stronger, they would become an unstoppable force in Kumogakure.

As the sun began to set, Ei gathered the group together. "This is only the beginning. We're six years old now, but soon, we'll be stronger than anyone in the village. Let's keep pushing ourselves. We have a long way to go, but I know we're going to be great."

Samui, Yugito, and Mabui nodded in agreement, each of them determined to grow stronger in their own way.

Together, they would rise.

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End of Chapter 11.