Deep within a forest, Hiroshi Tanaka remained focused, surrounded by the symphony of nature. The sound of the wind brushing against the leaves and the distant chirping of birds was barely audible over the faint electric hum emanating from his hands.

  With his feet firmly pnted on the damp ground and his hands weaving intricate seals, Hiroshi closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He visualized the electric current coursing through his body, channeling it to his fingertips. In a swift motion, he pivoted on his heels and unleashed a bolt of lightning toward an old tree in front of him.

  The lightning crackled as it struck the bark with precision, leaving a smoldering burn mark. However, it wasn’t enough to bring the tree down.

  —Still not powerful enough… Again —he murmured to himself, adjusting his stance.

  He didn’t know how long he had been trying to master this Lightning technique. While he had grasped the basics of manifesting lightning, he still couldn't control it properly.

  He recalled his master's words:

  —Lightning is like a dragon—powerful yet untamed. If you do not control it, it will destroy you before you can wield it.

  As he prepared for another attempt, a faint rustling in the nearby bushes caught his attention. Hiroshi froze, holding his breath and extending his senses. The atmosphere grew tense. He was not alone.

  —Who’s there? —he asked quietly, turning toward the sound. His hands had already completed the seals, ready to unleash a Fire Jutsu at any moment.

  From the bushes emerged a hooded figure, draped in a dark crimson cloak that blended with the shadows of the forest. Their face was obscured, but a deep voice emanated from beneath the hood.

  —Still struggling with Lightning, Hiroshi? —the figure said mockingly.

  Hiroshi’s hand rexed slightly, but he didn’t lower his guard.

  —I will master Lightning —he responded firmly—. I just need time.

  Then, narrowing his eyes, he asked:

  —Why are you here? I was promised that none of you would bother me while I carried out my duties as a ninja.

  The figure stepped forward, their movements deliberate.

  —We expected you wouldn’t st long as a ninja —the voice said coldly—. The superiors are not satisfied with your stubbornness. Return to the cn and take your duty as the young master.

  Hiroshi sighed.

  —I don’t care what they think, whether it’s the stupid elders or the idiot cn leader. They promised that as long as I didn’t give up, they wouldn’t bother me. Now go back where you belong and don’t bother me again —he said, waving his hand as if shooing away an annoying insect.

  The man was unfazed by the boy’s attitude.

  —I understand. That is all from the elders. Now... —he said while pulling out a scroll—. This might be of use to you. —He handed him the scroll.

  Hiroshi frowned and took the scroll, reading its contents, only for his eyes to widen as he looked at the man in confusion.

  —This is…—

  —That is the attitude of a cn leader. I hope it proves useful to you.

  With those final words, he simply vanished.

  Hiroshi was left alone. He muttered weakly:

  —Stupid old man… —he said, sitting down on the ground to study the contents of the scroll.