"Kawaki." Kiyomi greeted him.
"Kiyomi." Kawaki looked at her. "Are you training?"
"Yes." Kiyomi nodded. "Teacher Sasuke is teaching me Lightning Release."
"Lightning Release?" Kawaki was taken aback. "Have you learned it?"
"Not yet," Kiyomi said. "I can only gather Lightning Release chakra for now."
"That's still impressive," Kawaki said. "Lightning Release is a difficult technique to master."
"Really?" Kiyomi smiled. "Then I'll have to work even harder."
Kawaki looked at her, a complicated emotion flickering in his eyes.
"Kiyomi, you've changed," Kawaki said.
"Changed?" Kiyomi was surprised. "How?"
"You've gotten stronger," Kawaki said. "And there's something different about your eyes, too."
"Really?" Kiyomi touched her face. "I haven't noticed."
"You'll keep getting stronger," Kawaki said.
"Thanks," Kiyomi said with a smile.
They continued walking.
After a while, Kawaki suddenly stopped.
"Kiyomi, there's something I need to tell you," Kawaki said.
"What is it?"
"The Kara Organization has been active again lately," Kawaki said. "They're searching for a new vessel."
Kiyomi's expression changed.
"A new vessel?"
"Yes," Kawaki said. "And this time, their target is a shinobi from the Leaf."
"A shinobi from the Leaf?" Kiyomi's eyes widened. "Are they going to attack the Leaf?"
"I don't know," Kawaki said. "But we have to be careful."
"I understand." Kiyomi nodded.
Kawaki turned and left.
Kiyomi stood where she was, feeling uneasy.
The Kara Organization was making another move.
And their target was a shinobi from the Leaf.
"I have to get stronger." Kiyomi clenched her fist. "Strong enough to protect everyone."
Night fell over Konoha, quiet and still.
Kiyomi lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.
She couldn't stop thinking about what Kawaki had said.
The Kara Organization was searching for a new vessel.
Their target was a shinobi from the Leaf.
"Who could it be?" Kiyomi sat