Chapter 21: Time Flows

The sun hung low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the secluded cove where Hayato stood, feet planted firmly in the surf. Two years had passed since he first arrived in Uzushiogakure, years filled with intense training, growing friendships, and the ever-present shadow of war.

Kuruk's ethereal form stood before him, pride evident in the spirit's eyes. "Show me what you've learned, young Avatar." he commanded, his deep voice carrying over the sound of crashing waves behind them.

Hayato took a deep breath, centering himself. In one fluid motion, he raised his arms, and the sea responded. A massive wave rose at his command, towering over the beach. With precise movements, Hayato shaped the water, transforming it into a swirling vortex, then a series of ice spears, before finally returning it to the ocean with barely a splash.

Korra whistled, impressed. "Not bad, rookie. You've come a long way from that kid who could barely make a ripple."

Kuruk nodded in agreement. "Indeed. You've achieved mastery over water in a remarkably short time, Hayato. Your control and power are impressive. I now declare you to be one of the youngest Waterbending Masters in history."

Hayato bowed respectfully, but his expression held a hint of frustration. "Thank you, Masters. But I still can't heal effectively, and blood bending and spirit bending seem to be completely off the table to me."

Korra's expression softened. "Hey, don't be too hard on yourself. Healing is a specialized skill, and as for blood bending... well, maybe it's for the best that you haven't picked that up."

Kuruk stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Remember, Hayato, true mastery is a lifelong journey. You've laid a strong foundation, but there will always be more to learn, new heights to reach."

Hayato nodded, absorbing their words. "I understand. Thank you both for your guidance these past two years. I couldn't have come this far without you."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, marking the end of their final formal training session, Hayato felt a mix of accomplishment and anticipation. His Waterbending skills had grown exponentially, but he knew the real tests were yet to come.

"Now, don't you have a date with a certain red-headed prodigy?" Korra teased, breaking the moment of reflection.

Hayato rolled his eyes, but couldn't suppress a small smile. "It's not a date, Korra. Kana and I are just friends."

"Uh-huh, sure." Korra grinned. "Just friends who spend every free moment together, pouring over seals and 'accidentally' brushing hands."

"Korra," Kuruk admonished, though there was a hint of amusement in his tone. "Let the boy be. Go on, Hayato. We'll speak again soon."

With a final bow to his spirit teachers, Hayato made his way back to the village. The streets of Uzushiogakure were quieter now, the effects of the ongoing war evident in the reduced civilian presence and increased military activity.

He found Kana in their usual spot, a small garden tucked away behind the Uzushikage's tower. At twelve, she had grown into a striking young woman, her vibrant red hair cascading down her back as she bent over a complex seal array.

"Working on something new?" Hayato asked, announcing his presence.

Kana looked up, her face lighting up with a smile that made Hayato return one of his own. "Hayato! I was wondering when you'd show up. And yes, I think I've made a breakthrough on that space-time manipulation seal we've been working on."

Hayato knelt beside her, examining the intricate design. Even after two years of intensive study, Kana's talent for Fuinjutsu never ceased to amaze him. As a Level 8 Seal Mistress at only twelve, she had surpassed many seasoned masters in the village.

"This is incredible, Kana," he murmured, tracing the lines of the seal with his eyes. "The way you've integrated the temporal distortion with the spatial anchor... it's brilliant."

Kana beamed at the praise. "Thanks! I couldn't have done it without your insights on temporal dislocation. It's amazing how our different perspectives can combine to create something new."

As they fell into an animated discussion about the potential applications of their new seal, Hayato couldn't help but reflect on how much had changed. The two had grown closer over the past few years, with the Uzushikage even teaching them both together to aid both of them.

Their conversation was interrupted by the sudden appearance of an ANBU agent, materializing in a swirl of leaves. "Kana-sama, Hayato-san, your presence is requested in the Uzushikage's office immediately."

Exchanging a concerned glance, Hayato and Kana quickly gathered their materials and followed the ANBU. The war had been escalating over the past months and summons like this had become more frequent as the situation grew dire.

As they entered the Uzushikage's office, Hayato felt a sense of foreboding. Uzumaki Ashina stood at the window, his posture tense, radiating an aura of barely contained power and concern.

"Father?" Kana asked, her voice tinged with worry. "What's happening?"

Ashina turned, his eyes grave as they swept over the two young prodigies he had come to see as the future of Uzushiogakure. "Kana, Hayato, thank you for coming so quickly. I'm afraid I have grave news."

Hayato straightened, his mind racing with possibilities. Had Konoha fallen? Was Uzushiogakure under direct threat?

The Uzushikage's next words, however, were the sole event that he had been fearing ever since he began his journey here.

"We've received intelligence that a combined force from Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and led by Kirigakure are currently preparing their forces for a full-scale assault on our Village." The Uzushikage stated with a plain voice.