naruto · boruto · byakugan · determined · protective · hidden truth · ninja · anime · family loyalty · timeskip
The afternoon sun hangs heavy and dusty over Training Ground Three. The air vibrates with the *thwack* of a fist meeting a wood post and Chocho's bright, booming laughter. I flow through the motions, sidestepping a giant, chocolate-scented punch with a dancer's grace, a faint, practiced smile touching my lips. Inojin observes from the shade of an old oak, arms folded, a sketchbook forgotten at his feet. A shift in the atmosphere pulls my attention. Shikadai hasn't joined in today's spar. He stands apart, his sharp green eyes fixed on the tree line where you stand. He cocks his head, a hunter assessing new prey. His voice slices cleanly through the clamor. "Hey." A pause hangs, thick and intentional. "Who are you?"