Weekend Training

As the first weekend of Ryomaru's stay in Konoha arrived, after breakfast, Mabui took him to the Hyuga Compound for his training session with Hinata, Hanabi, and Temari.

"Are you ready, Ryomaru?" Mabui asked, a supportive smile on her face.

Ryomaru, brimming with confidence, nodded. "Of course, Mabui-nee. I'm looking forward to training with them."

As they approached the Hyuga Compound, the traditional architecture and serene atmosphere impressed Ryomaru. Hinata and Hanabi were waiting at the gate, while Temari arrived almost at the same time as him, a look of anticipation in her eyes.

"Welcome, Ryomaru, Temari-san." Hinata greeted, bowing politely. Her eyes were gentle but curious, reflecting her interest in learning from the young Cloud prodigy.

Hanabi, more energetic, jumped forward. "I can't wait to see what you can teach us!"

"Nor I," Temari added, her voice firm yet respectful.

The five of them moved to the training grounds, where an open area surrounded by trees provided a suitable place for the session.

They settled under an ancient tree, its gnarled branches stretching overhead like the protective arms of a wise elder. As they began to chat about their last week, the atmosphere was light and jovial, filled with laughter and storytelling. It was clear that Ryomaru's charm had an effect on the girls, his ice-blue eyes sparkling with warmth and confidence as he engaged in the conversation.

Hanabi was smiling at him, her eyes wide with admiration. "You should have seen it, Ryomaru! I managed to land a new technique during my recent training. It's still a work in progress, but I think it'll be great once I master it."

"That sounds incredible, Hanabi-chan!" Ryomaru exclaimed, leaning forward with genuine interest. "You'll have to show me sometime. I bet it's amazing."

Temari chimed in, her voice carrying the firm determination that was characteristic of her. "Oh, and speaking of new things, you wouldn't believe the foods I've tried here in Konoha. There's this place that serves the most delicious grilled fish. You should come with us next time!"

Ryomaru's face lit up at the suggestion. "Grilled fish? That sounds wonderful. I'd love to join you."

Hinata, who had been more reserved up to this point, finally spoke, her voice soft but filled with curiosity. "Ryomaru-kun, how did you find your time in the Cloud? Was it very different from Konoha?"

Ryomaru considered the question, his expression thoughtful. "Well, Hinata-san, there are certainly differences, but I think both places have their own unique charm. Cloud has a certain intensity that I've grown used to, but Konoha... it has a warmth that's very inviting."

Hinata's eyes softened at his words, and she nodded in agreement. "I'm glad you feel that way. I hope you continue to enjoy your time here."

From a distance, Mabui watched them with a gentle smile on her face, a book in her hand forgotten. The sight of Ryomaru fitting in so well and capturing the attention of his new friends filled her with pride. But then a mischievous thought crossed her mind, and she giggled to herself. 'Miori-san will be devastated that Ryomaru will be snatched away soon.' The idea of Ryomaru's mother's reaction to his growing popularity brought a knowing smile to Mabui's face.

After some time, the conversation turned to their upcoming training session, and they began to discuss their plans.

"So, Ryomaru," Temari started, her eyes narrowing slightly as she adopted a more serious tone, "what exactly do you have in mind for today's training? I'm interested to see what you can teach us."

Ryomaru looked around at the eager faces and nodded, his own expression turning more focused. "I thought we could start by sharing some techniques from our respective villages. Then, maybe we can spar and learn from each other. What do you think?"

Hanabi jumped up, her energy contagious. "That sounds like a great plan! I'm ready when you are."

Hinata smiled warmly, her eyes reflecting her approval. "I think it's a wonderful idea. It will be a valuable experience for all of us."

Ryomaru then giggled, his ice-blue eyes twinkling with excitement. "You will love the next step of Cloud Shaping exercise." While others were still surprised, he called out, "Mabui-nee."

Without a moment's hesitation, Mabui threw a scroll through the air. Ryomaru caught it expertly, a graceful motion that seemed almost effortless. With a wave of his hand, a piece of cloud appeared in front of him, its ethereal form hovering just above the ground.

Everyone watched in anticipation as Ryomaru focused his chakra, and the cloud began to reshape. It turned thin, long, and flat, like a pathway suspended in mid-air. The concentration in his eyes was intense, yet his expression remained relaxed and confident.

Then, focusing his chakra on the soles of his feet, Ryomaru stepped onto the cloud, his body defying gravity. He turned to look at the girls, a proud smile on his face.

The reactions were immediate and varied.

Hinata's eyes widened, her face a mixture of astonishment and curiosity. She was the first to speak, her voice trembling with wonder. "Ryomaru-kun, that's... that's incredible! How are you doing that?"

Temari, her eyes narrowed and eyebrows raised in excitement. "I've never seen anything like this in Suna. It's fascinating."

Hanabi's reaction was the most animated, her face lit up with sheer excitement. She jumped up and down, clapping her hands. "Wow, Ryomaru! That's the coolest thing I've ever seen! Can you teach us how to do it? Can we ride on clouds too?"

Ryomaru laughed, the sound light and joyful. "Of course, Hanabi-chan! But this is just the first step." He then put one leg on the ground, his chakra this time expertly covering the underneath of the cloud, making sure it did not friction with the ground. He started to skate with the cloud, gliding smoothly across the grassy terrain.

Even Mabui, who had seen much of Ryomaru's talents, looked impressed this time. Standing on top of a cloud was a mid-level chakra control exercise, but actually surfing with it was high-level. She knew Ryomaru was an expert in chakra control even at a young age, but this was still above Genin-level. Ryomaru was just nine, and yet he commanded his abilities with an ease that belied his years.

Hanabi's eyes were practically glowing with excitement. "I want to do that! Ryomaru, you have to teach us!" Hanabi's excitement was palpable as she squealed, "You're really skating on a cloud! That's amazing, Ryomaru! Teach us how to do it too!"

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