After returning home, Asuna told her parents that she wanted to join the exchange program between Konoha Ninja Village and Amegakure Ninja Village. This came as something of a surprise to Kazemori Masaki and Satomi. They exchanged glances, put aside their work, and sat down in front of Asuna and Akemi.
"Asuna, why do you want to go to the Land of Rain?" Satomi asked, puzzled. "There are other places within our own country where you can gain experience. You don't need to go there."
Asuna repeated the reasons she had given the others. Although Satomi thought they made sense, as a mother, she still worried about her daughter's safety, even knowing that this was something a shinobi had to face. She turned her gaze toward Kazemori Masaki beside her, silently urging him, Say something.
Seeing this, Kazemori Masaki gave a light cough. "Asuna, have you really decided to go there?"
"Yes, I'm sure," Asuna said, nodding.
"You understand the risks involved? Unlike here at home, even our village's Anbu can't keep the situation there under control." Kazemori Masaki asked once more, and again received an affirmative answer.
"All right, then you can go." Kazemori Masaki agreed to Asuna's request. "Tomorrow, I'll have the Ninja Academy add your information to the exchange student roster."
"Masaki!" Satomi had not expected Kazemori Masaki to agree so readily, without even asking for details. She grew anxious. "Are you really going to let her go?"
"Mother, you're worrying over nothing. Asuna is strong. Tsunade and Sakumo went to the Land of Rain before, so why can't my little sister?" Akemi spoke up in support of her sister.
"That may be true, but..." Satomi's voice faded.
"Asuna and Akemi will have to leave us sooner or later. We should at least let them learn how