Kaelen sat near the fire in Razen's small hut, his leg bandaged and rested. Outside, night had fallen, and the chirping of crickets filled the forest. The scent of herbs and old parchment hung in the air. Razen poured a strange tea into a wooden cup and handed it to Kaelen.
"This will help with the pain," he said, then sat across from him. His eyes, though old, held a fire—one that had seen countless battles and centuries of secrets.
Kaelen took a sip and asked, "You said you knew my ancestors. Who were they?"
Razen smiled faintly. "They were the founders of this village. Your bloodline traces back to one of the greatest shinobi clans—The Arclight Clan. A rare group with the ability to manipulate all five elemental energies. But even among them, there were legends—your great-grandfather was one."
Kaelen blinked in disbelief. "But… everyone says those stories are lost."
"Lost to most," Razen said. "But not to me. Your great-grandfather was my closest comrade in the First Ninja War. He wielded a power unlike any seen before—an energy that combined thunder and light itself. But after the war, he vanished, leaving behind only pieces of his teachings—some of which I see you already carry."
Kaelen's hand instinctively went to the small scroll he had found in his family's old storage. "These inscriptions… they're from him?"
"Yes," Razen nodded. "And if you stay strong, train hard, and survive what's coming… you might awaken that legacy."
---
The next morning, Kaelen woke early. His leg still ached, but it was healing fast thanks to Razen's herbs. Razen handed him a scroll.
"Go now. Register for your second exam part. You've earned it. And don't tell anyone who I am… yet."
Kaelen nodded with determination. "Thank you, Master Razen."
---
Kaelen returned to the village, the academy grounds now busier than ever. Students rushed about, preparing for the second phase. He made his way to the Registration Hall, and just as he was about to enter—
"KAELEN!"
A familiar voice called out.
"Allan!" Kaelen turned, smiling.
The two friends rushed toward each other. Allan looked surprised and relieved. "Where were you? I thought you gave up!"
Kaelen grinned. "Not a chance. I found someone to train me."
"Wait… what? Who?"
"You won't believe it," Kaelen said, glancing around. "I met an S-rank ninja… near the forest beside the academy. He's… different. Powerful."
Allan's eyes widened. "You mean someone was hiding near our academy this whole time? And he agreed to train you?!"
"Not easily. He made me take a test—almost lost my leg. But I passed."
Allan shook his head in disbelief, then clapped Kaelen on the shoulder. "That's insane, Kaelen. But I'm proud of you. We're both still in this!"
"Yeah," Kaelen said, smiling. "And we're going to become true ninjas. No matter what."
The two friends entered the hall together, their spirits high, their paths converging again. What lay ahead was unknown, but Kaelen could feel it—his story had just begun to unfold.
---