"Got it!"
Everyone answered in unison. Sarutobi Asuma, Yuhi Shinku, and Yuhi Kurenai headed toward the village with Kawaki Aoba. Looking at familiar Konoha, Aoba smiled warmly. This was his home, the place he wanted to protect.
Back in the village, Aoba went to the medical room for a quick examination. Once he was sure nothing was seriously wrong, he returned to his quarters. He sat on his bed, replaying the battle and considering where he had fallen short, while feeling the newly awakened power within him.
A knock came at the door. Aoba opened it to find Asuma standing there with a bottle of Chakra recovery medicine and a smile. "Aoba, am I interrupting? I brought you a bottle of high-grade Chakra recovery medicine. Drink it and get some rest. We're going to the Hokage Office tomorrow. Hiruzen Sarutobi wants to see you."
Aoba accepted the medicine. "Thank you, Asuma-sensei. You're not interrupting.
"Hiruzen Sarutobi wants to see me? Is it because of the battle?"
Asuma nodded with a smile. "That's right. He heard how you performed and was impressed. He wants to meet you and commend you.
"But don't be nervous. He's very kind."
Aoba nodded, excitement filling his eyes. "I understand, Asuma-sensei! I'll do my best and live up to his expectations!"
"That's the spirit!"
Asuma patted Aoba's shoulder. "Now get some rest. I'll come for you tomorrow, and we'll go to the Hokage Office together."
"Okay. Thank you, Asuma-sensei!"
Aoba watched Asuma leave, then shut the door and drank the medicine. A powerful surge of Chakra flooded his body, quickly restoring most of what he had spent.
Aoba sat on his bed and closed his eyes to train. He wanted to grow familiar with his newly awakened pale-purple lightning and strengthen his Lightning Release, ready for