"Of course you deserve it," Kiyomi said. "You saved so many people and protected the village. Why wouldn't you deserve it?"
Kawaki looked at her.
"Kiyomi, do you know?" he said. "I've always envied you."
"Envied me?" Kiyomi was stunned.
"Yeah," Kawaki said. "You have so many friends, so many people who care about you. I have nothing."
"You do," Kiyomi said. "You have us."
Kawaki smiled.
It was the second time Kiyomi had seen Kawaki smile.
"Thank you," Kawaki said.
"Don't keep thanking me," Kiyomi said. "We're friends. Friends don't need to thank each other."
Kawaki nodded.
The two of them left the hospital together.
As they walked, Kiyomi suddenly remembered something.
"By the way, are we still training today?"
"Of course," Kawaki said. "We can't slack off because of what happened last night."
"You're right." Kiyomi clenched her fist. "I need to learn Chidori as soon as possible."
"Isn't Chidori really hard?"
"It is," Kiyomi said. "But I'll learn it."
"Why are you so determined?"
"Because I want to get stronger," Kiyomi said. "Strong enough to help you control Kāma."
Kawaki looked at her, his eyes filled with complicated emotions.
"Kiyomi..."
"What is it?"
"Nothing." Kawaki shook his head. "I just think it's great that I met you."
Kiyomi smiled.
"I feel the same way."
When they arrived at the Training Ground, Sasuke was already waiting for them.
"You're here." Sasuke looked at them. "I heard what happened last night."
"Teacher Sasuke," Kiyomi said.
"You did well," Sasuke said. "Especially you, Kiyomi. I can't believe you managed to use the beginnings of Chidori."
"I still have a long way to go," Kiyomi said. "It's too weak."
"It's weak because you don't have enough Chakra," Sasuke said. "But being able to use it after such a short time is