Chapter 23

Pakura considered this, her gaze thoughtful. "So, you're conditioning your chakra network to handle more power while also refining the quality of your chakra. That's impressive but also risky."

Hiro nodded, acknowledging the danger. "I know. If I push too hard, I could damage my chakra pathways. That's why I'm careful not to overdo it. But it's a necessary risk if I want to keep up with the challenges ahead."

Pakura's expression softened slightly, a hint of respect in her eyes. "I understand. You're not just training to be stronger; you're training to overcome your own limitations. That takes dedication."

Hiro smiled, feeling a sense of validation from Pakura's words. "I've had good guidance," he said, glancing at Mikoto.

Mikoto returned his smile, a warm glow in her eyes. "You've done the hard work yourself, Hiro. I've just been here to support you."

Pakura watched the exchange between them, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "It seems I have a lot to learn from both of you. If I'm going to be part of this training, I want to know everything you've been doing."

Hiro nodded in agreement.

With that, the three of them began their training session, the air filled with the sounds of exertion and focus. Hiro led Pakura through the chakra circulation exercises, guiding her as she started to understand the principles behind the technique. Mikoto provided guidance on physical conditioning, pushing them to their limits while ensuring they didn't overextend.

Pakura stood there, watching the two of them...

Finding someone who would love you like that is very rare...

She glanced at Mikoto, realizing that while she knew some details about Hiro, she knew almost nothing about Mikoto.

Hiro is from the Uchiha clan, given that he possesses the Sharingan—not just any Sharingan, but the legendary Mangekyō.

Although she had a good relationship with Mikoto, she had never asked who Mikoto really was. She didn't want to pry or interfere in their lives. 

But if she wasn't mistaken, they must be in hiding too, just as she was being hunted by the Sand Village.

Pakura stood there, watching the two of them—Hiro and Mikoto—move with an effortless synergy that spoke of trust and understanding. She couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. 

Finding someone who would love you, someone who would stand by your side, was something she had longed for, but it seemed so elusive in the life of a shinobi.

Her thoughts drifted to Hiro. He was strong, determined, and had the legendary Mangekyō Sharingan—a testament to the weight he carried on his shoulders. 

Pakura had pieced together some details about him, but there were still so many gaps, especially when it came to Mikoto. She knew Hiro was from the Uchiha clan, a name that evoked fear and respect across the lands. 

She glanced at Mikoto, who was now correcting Hiro's stance with a gentle touch, her eyes filled with something Pakura couldn't quite place—love, concern, perhaps even sorrow. 

Mikoto was more than just a skilled kunoichi; she was someone who had chosen to stay by Hiro's side, to support him no matter what.

Pakura sighed inwardly. She had never imagined herself in such a situation, hunted by her own village, forced to rely on strangers—no, not strangers, but people who had shown her kindness and acceptance. 

A part of her yearned for the normalcy that seemed just out of reach. 

She wanted what Hiro and Mikoto had—a bond forged not only in battle but in something deeper, something real.

But could she ever have that? Could she ever let herself be vulnerable enough to find a partner who would accept her, flaws and all? The thought both intrigued and frightened her. 

Pakura had always been a warrior, her life dictated by missions and orders. But now, with her own village turning against her, she realized how lonely that path had been.

She shook her head slightly, pushing the thoughts away. Now wasn't the time to dwell on such things.

Pakura shook her head slightly, pushing the thoughts away. Now wasn't the time to dwell on such things. The sky had begun to lighten, the first hints of dawn creeping over the horizon. 

She realized with a start that they had been training all night.

"We should head back," Mikoto said softly, noticing the growing light. Her voice was calm, but there was an underlying urgency that Pakura couldn't miss.

Hiro nodded in agreement, wiping the sweat from his brow. "We'll pick this up again tomorrow night. Let's get some rest."

The three of them packed up their things in silence, the camaraderie of the night still lingering in the air. 

As they made their way back to their hidden shelter, Pakura couldn't help but steal a glance at Hiro and Mikoto. The way they walked side by side, the unspoken understanding between them—it was something she both admired and longed for.

Days passed in a blur of routine. By day, they remained hidden, each of them keeping a low profile to avoid detection. 

By night, they trained relentlessly, pushing their limits under the cover of darkness. 

Pakura found herself growing closer to both Hiro and Mikoto, the shared struggles and late-night conversations forging a bond she hadn't expected.

Yet, despite the growing sense of belonging, Pakura couldn't shake the feeling that their time was running out. The Sand Village wouldn't stop hunting her, and by extension, they were all in danger.

One night, as they were finishing another intense training session, 

Pakura Mikoto and Hiro turned into defensive stance 

And soon on the trees one by one many Ninjas with Sand Village protector appeared 

Looking down on the three of them