Ch39: Final Ninja Graduation Examination
After the events that followed the execution of the mission, Yasuke had collapsed from the intense emotional shock. Upon regaining consciousness, he found himself leaning on the back of Sakumo, who was carefully carrying him through the dense, dark Forest of Death, in the direction of the exit.
The way Sakumo held him reflected a conscious attempt to offer reassurance and security, trying to make the movement as gentle as possible to allow Yasuke to rest.
Sakumo, sensing Yasuke's movement on his back, decided to talk to him. Her voice was serious but understanding as he began:
—"I don't expect you to forgive me, Yasuke. Even if you decide to hate me for what I made you do, I will accept your hatred. However, I hope this experience will serve you well in the future.
There was a pause, a silence filling the space between them as Sakumo continued.
—When I was young, I witnessed the deaths of countless comrades who were paralysed on the battlefield after taking out an enemy or seeing their comrades fall.
Yasuke, still silent, processed the words, feeling the weight of each resonate with his recent experience.
—Listen well, the shinobi who leave their mark on history are not necessarily the most talented or the strongest. They are those who, at the end of the day, can return home alive and not in the arms of their comrades to be merely buried.
Sakumo noticed the slight tremor in Yasuke as he continued his explanation with a thoughtful pause. His voice was calm, but his words carried a weight that filled the air with solemnity.
—Yasuke, you must understand that the ninja world is unforgiving and complex, full of challenges that will not ask if you are ready to face them. I do not mean to scare you, but it is crucial that you are aware of this reality. My approach as a sensei is unique; I do not teach common techniques or predictable routines. I will not be able to show you my special clan techniques, as they are unique and customised to my fighting skills. Instead, my method is based on learning through direct experience, facing real challenges and rigorous training.
He paused, allowing his words to settle as Yasuke processed the information, his breathing still ragged from recent exertion and emotional shock.
—What I can offer you are the lessons that life and war have taught me. I am looking for someone who can not only follow instructions, but who can think for himself and make critical decisions in times of pressure. Someone I can trust with my life and who, in turn, trusts me to support him.
Sakumo looked for a fallen log and carefully let Yasuke sit on it, crossed his arms and observing Yasuke with a look that mixed severity and a hint of understanding he explained.
—This path is not an easy one, and being my student will involve trials that will challenge every aspect of your being. But if you are willing to learn and grow, to adapt and overcome, then you could become the shinobi you aspire to be.
Yasuke listened intently to Sakumo's every word, but he was torn in his emotions and thoughts. While he understood his potential sensei's perspective, he was unsure if he could meet such expectations. Inwardly, he questioned whether he was really the right candidate for this path, especially when peers such as Minato showed an undeniable enthusiasm for the life of a shinobi.
—Do you think I can live up to your expectations? —he finally asked, his voice revealing a mixture of doubt and hope. The question hung in the air, accompanied only by the soft rustle of the wind through the trees. Yasuke hoped for an answer, but he also feared what Sakumo might say. In his mind, the idea of being an ordinary shinobi, one who could save people without the burden of great expectations, seemed enough. He was not looking for heroic feats, but simply the opportunity to make a difference within his capabilities.
Sakumo nodded at Yasuke's question, as if already expecting that answer. With a calm voice and a tone of understanding, he began to speak:
—"Listen, Yasuke, the future is uncertain and it is our actions that have an impact on what may happen. You could have given up at any time during the test, but you chose to face the challenge to the end. The choice of every step you take, every move you learn, the roads you avoid and the roads you choose to cross, the bridges you build or decide to destroy; all these decisions are yours. It is you who must decide what life you want to lead.
—Yasuke, you have passed the test, and now the choice is yours. You can choose to be my student, which will not be an easy path, as I do not teach like other senseis. You will face challenges that will push you to the limit every day. Or if you prefer, you can join a genin team of this year's graduates, become part of a team of three, and follow a more conventional training. It's up to you, which path do you prefer to take?
After a long silence in which Yasuke pondered deeply, he found the words to answer Sakumo. With a mixture of resolution and a shadow of uncertainty in his voice, he said:
—I don't know why you give me so much confidence, but I hope I can meet your expectations, Sensei.
Sakumo listened to Yasuke's reply and, with a smile, placed his hand on the young man's head. In a kind and reassuring tone, he said:
—Let's get you out of here. It looks like after this last week you need a good shower and a comfortable bed.
This simple, yet caring gesture marked the beginning of a new chapter in Yasuke's life, now under Sakumo's tutelage.
Sakumo's mention of the week of the trial made Yasuke remember his partner in crime during that week. Worried about the state he had left his friend in before facing his enemy, Yasuke startled, interrupting the moment of relief. He took a deep breath, trying to calm the whirlwind of emotions flooding through him.
—Sensei... —Yasuke began, his voice thick with anxiety, 'How long have I been unconscious?
Sakumo thought for a moment before answering.
—You were unconscious for about two hours the first time, and an hour and a half the second time,—Sakumo explained, watching Yasuke's reaction carefully.
Yasuke, with urgency stamped on every word, shared with Sakumo all the events he had experienced during the week, especially highlighting the critical situation of his feline companion. He expressed his deep concern and the urgent need to find help to save his friend. Sakumo, listening attentively and with a serenity that conveyed both understanding and concern, nodded calmly after hearing the story.
—First we need to verify the leopard's current condition before making any decisions,—Sakumo said in a measured tone that reflected her experience and the gravity of the situation.
Silence fell for a moment as Yasuke processed his sensei's words, the anxiety clear in his eyes as he considered the possible consequences of delay.
—I understand the urgency, Yasuke, and we will do our best. Let's check on him and then we'll decide on next steps,— Sakumo continued, offering quiet but determined support to his new student.
Yasuke nodded even though his trembling pupils betrayed his current state of nervousness.
Sakumo, aware of Yasuke's delicate state, decided to carry him on her back, making sure he was comfortable as they made their way to the location Yasuke had indicated. As they made their way through the forest, the path became uneven, forcing Sakumo to adjust his pace carefully, avoiding any sudden jerks that might make Yasuke uncomfortable.
Sakumo's seriousness was palpable, reflecting his commitment to the safety of his new student and the importance of the mission ahead of them. During the journey, a reflective silence reigned, interrupted occasionally by the directions of Yasuke, who, despite his weakness, maintained a determined tone as he guided Sakumo towards their destination.
Arriving at the cave where Yasuke and the leopard had taken refuge during the ordeal, the tranquility of the surroundings was immediately apparent. There were no signs of nearby threats, allowing Yasuke to exhale a deep sigh of relief.
Surrounded by the peaceful silence of the forest, interrupted only by the occasional murmur of wildlife, he felt a sense of security that he had missed during the previous turbulent days. Still leaning on Sakumo's back, his gratitude for the absence of danger was palpable, and the peace of the place brought him momentary comfort amidst the aftermath of his ordeal.
Upon entering the cave, they found a disheartening scene. The leopard was lying down, its heavy breathing evidence of its critical condition. Sakumo, sensing the animal's weak chakra, frowned in concern.
The leopard, sensing the presence of the newcomers, could barely open its eyelids and growled towards Sakumo. Yasuke, noticing his friend's wariness, got off Sakumo's back and approached carefully. Recognising Yasuke's familiar scent, the leopard allowed him to approach. Yasuke placed his hands on the leopard's head and the piercing cold he felt in his palms made him shiver, a clear sign of the severity of the animal's condition.
The silence in the cave was interrupted only by the leopard's labored breathing, creating an atmosphere charged with concern and urgency.
—Yasuke, this leopard's chakra is at critically low levels; its stamina is minimal. I'm afraid the only reason it has managed to hold on so far is because it was waiting for you,— Sakumo watched with concern as he spoke to Yasuke from a safe distance. Her voice reflected the seriousness of the situation.
Hearing this, Yasuke tried to deny the statement with a shake of his head, but his trembling hands, which felt the alarming coldness of his friend's body, weakened his own conviction.
Despite his initial denial, the evidence of cold, direct contact with the leopard only made his denial lose its force, even to himself. The silence that filled the cave seemed to absorb the last hope, and the shadow of the inevitable goodbye began to hang over them both, leaving a heavy silence between master and apprentice.
Yasuke, overcome with emotion, could no longer hold in his sadness and bowed his head, letting his tears flow freely. Each tear that fell on the leopard's fur seemed to convey the pain and deep connection between the two companions.
The leopard, despite its obvious weakness, made an effort to comfort Yasuke. With a fragile but meaningful gesture, it raised its head and, with difficulty, rubbed its forehead against Yasuke's, trying to offer him some comfort amidst the overwhelming silence of the cave.
As Yasuke struggled to comprehend the situation, the leopard turned his gaze to his own belly, a gesture that initially confused Yasuke.
Watching from a respectful distance, Sakumo caught the subtle change in the leopard's behaviour and, in a calm voice, explained the possible reason behind this behaviour.
—Yasuke, it seems that your friend has concentrated all his remaining chakra in his abdomen. There is something there that he is desperately trying to protect.
At that precise moment, Yasuke exhausted every last bit of his chakra to activate his techniques.
— "ROOM" "SCAN" — Although his strength did not allow him to sustain the techniques for long, he succeeded with the brief activation.
Exhausted by the effort, Yasuke collapsed backwards, but Sakumo, attentive and quick, intervened to soften his fall and prevent him from hurting himself. While assisting him, he heard Yasuke murmur
—Now I understand everything... that's why you were so protective of your belly.
Sakumo, steadying Yasuke, carefully pulled him closer to the leopard. Yasuke, with a smile lighting up his tired face and resting his forehead against the leopard's, spoke with affection and regret:
—I am such a fool, how did I not see it before? Your need to eat so much, your reaction when I wanted to check your belly... you are pregnant. I'm so sorry, if you hadn't met me, you could have given birth without complications, but I dragged you into fights even in your state.
Yasuke's words were filled with silences and pauses, his voice trembling with the emotion of the moment, and the leopard's heavy breathing offered a somber counterpoint to his apologies. The leopard, though weakened, seemed to understand Yasuke's emotions, responding with a soft growl that spoke of forgiveness.
In the dim light of the cave, Yasuke was overwhelmed by the leopard's plight. Aware of the time that was rapidly running out for her, he made a desperate effort to find something that could save her.
He frantically rummaged through his ninja tool bag, emptying his pockets in a haphazard attempt to find something useful.
Miscellaneous items littered the floor of the cave as Yasuke, his voice trembling and his hands shaking, discarded one item after another that was useless for his purpose.
The leopardess, with weak but determined gestures, tried to communicate her urgency, pressing her paw first on her belly and then against Yasuke's chest, a gesture he understood but did not want to accept.
—No, you can't ask me to do that. You have to do it, you're going to survive. Surely I have something that can help you,— Yasuke muttered, desperation evident in every word as he continued to search feverishly through his things, refusing to accept the reality of his inability to change the impending course of events.
Sakumo, observing Yasuke's desperation, tried to pacify him with firm but understanding words.
—Yasuke, stop. There is nothing more you can do,— he said, trying to bring calm in the midst of the young man's emotional storm.
Yasuke, desperate and refusing to accept the situation, pleaded in anguish for help.
—Sensei, please, there must be something that can help her,— he implored in a trembling voice, searching his pockets and tool bag for any possible remedy.
Sakumo, with a look full of empathy, tried to make him understand the reality of the situation.
—Yasuke, react. She has already accepted her fate. Now it's time for you to make a decision,—he said, emphasising the importance of accepting the inevitable and thinking about fulfilling the leopard's last will.
As Yasuke struggled internally with his grief and the urgency of the situation, Sakumo offered one final piece of advice, marking the weight of the decision Yasuke had to make.
—Are you going to carry out his last will, yes or no?—he asked, urging him to make one.
To be continued...