Chapter 8: The Weight of a Name

The next few days passed quickly as Ei's training with Yae intensified. Her progress with illusion techniques and the seamless integration of her lightning chakra into her movements impressed her father, the Third Raikage. But with every step forward, Ei felt the weight of her family name growing heavier on her shoulders. Being the daughter of the Raikage and Kumogakure's princess meant living up to expectations no ordinary shinobi faced.

As she approached the Raikage's office, the familiar tension settled in her chest. She had been summoned—without reason, which usually meant either praise or a mission. Either way, it would mean a conversation with her father, and Ei had learned early on that every conversation with him carried an unspoken test of her abilities, resolve, or dedication to Kumogakure.

Ei knocked once on the large, imposing door, then pushed it open. Her father, the imposing figure of the Third Raikage, sat at his desk, towering over the paperwork that lay before him. His face was calm but unreadable, as usual. Beside him stood her brother, A, his massive arms crossed over his chest. He gave Ei a short nod, a gesture of respect but not one of warmth. A was never one for sentiment, especially during matters of the village.

"Ei," her father's deep voice boomed as soon as she stepped inside. "You've been progressing well in your training. But there's something else you must understand beyond just your personal strength."

She stood at attention, her posture straight, her eyes meeting his with unwavering focus. "I'm ready to learn, Father."

The Raikage leaned back in his chair, folding his hands in front of him. "You are the daughter of the Raikage. The expectations of you are not simply about strength or skill. They are about leading, about understanding the power that comes with that role."

A shifted slightly, his piercing gaze resting on Ei. "You're strong, Ei. No one denies that. But the village doesn't just need power—it needs someone who understands what it means to carry the weight of a name like Raikage. What you represent to the people."

Ei felt a flicker of unease. She had spent her life training, pushing her limits, and mastering techniques. But leadership? That was something she hadn't considered in full. Not yet, at least. Her focus had always been on perfecting herself as a shinobi, not on the burden of ruling.

The Third Raikage stood, his massive frame dominating the room as he walked around his desk to stand before her. "Being Raikage isn't just about strength, Ei. It's about making decisions that affect every person in this village. Your strength will protect them, but your wisdom and your heart will guide them."

Ei met her father's gaze, her voice steady but her mind racing. "I understand the responsibility, Father. But I'm still learning. I still have much to prove."

Her father placed a hand on her shoulder, his grip firm yet reassuring. "You're right. You do have much to learn, but that doesn't mean you can wait to understand the weight you carry. You're a princess of Kumogakure, and that means you're already responsible for these people in ways you might not yet realize."

A stepped forward, his brow furrowing slightly. "It's not just about being strong enough to fight our enemies, Ei. You'll need to be strong enough to make the hard choices—ones that might not always feel right but are necessary for the village's survival."

Ei nodded slowly. She had seen glimpses of that responsibility during the times she had observed her father at work or overheard the conversations between her brother and him. But hearing it so directly made her realize how much more she needed to grow, not just as a warrior but as a leader.

The Raikage turned away, pacing slowly as he spoke. "You will one day lead this village, Ei. And when that day comes, you'll need to have more than just raw strength at your disposal. You'll need to know when to strike, when to withhold your power, and when to listen to those around you."

His words struck deeper than any lightning bolt. Ei had always known that her father saw potential in her, but to hear him speak so candidly about the future she was expected to step into felt overwhelming. It wasn't just about mastering her power anymore. It was about mastering herself.

"Tomorrow, you will accompany your brother on a mission," her father said, his back still turned. "It's time for you to see how decisions are made in real-time, on the battlefield and off. This will be your first step toward understanding the full breadth of your responsibilities."

Ei blinked, caught off guard. She hadn't expected to be sent on a mission so suddenly, especially not one with A. The weight of his reputation was enough to crush anyone unprepared for the challenge.

A grunted, his usual serious demeanor softening just a fraction. "I'll be there with you, Ei. Don't worry. Just do as I say, and you'll learn more than you can from any training session."

Ei nodded, determination filling her chest. "I understand."

Her father turned back toward her, his expression softening slightly. "Good. Remember, Ei, the name Raikage isn't just a title. It's a promise to the people of Kumogakure. You must be strong enough to keep that promise."

Ei clenched her fists at her sides. This was a new challenge, one she hadn't anticipated. But if there was one thing she had learned from her years of training under her father's rigorous methods, it was that nothing worth achieving came without struggle. She would face this mission head-on and prove that she was worthy not only of the power she had been given but also of the responsibility that came with her name.

As she turned to leave, her mind raced with thoughts of what tomorrow would bring. She had fought in training, tested her limits with Yae, and learned to harness the power of lightning. But now, she would be tested in ways that went beyond battle. Her decisions, her leadership, her understanding of what it meant to be a Raikage—all of it would be scrutinized, not just by her father and brother, but by the village that looked up to her.

Stepping out into the cool evening air, Ei took a deep breath. The future was uncertain, but she knew one thing for sure: she would not allow the weight of her name to crush her. She would rise to meet it, stronger and more determined than ever.

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End of Chapter 8.