Mokuton Phantom in Naruto

In the days that followed, meetings at the Hoshikage's tower became routine. Aiko, Tadashi, Keiko, and Kousei were summoned almost daily, leaving Ryuusei and Misaki to spend most of their time together. Unlike Ryuusei, who couldn't hide his curiosity about the village's discussions, Misaki, older by a few years and already versed in Uzumaki traditions, remained composed and observant.

After the third consecutive day of meetings, the family returned home with news:

"Misaki will be joining the academy and the star energy training," Aiko announced as they gathered in the living room.

Ryuusei's face lit up with excitement. He spun toward Misaki, grinning ear to ear.

"I'll show you everything I've learned! Starting with chakra control!"

But Misaki, her voice calm yet firm, cut him off with a polite smile.

"I already trained in that back in Uzushiogakure, Ryuusei. I can circulate chakra and even perform intermediate Fūinjutsu seals."

Ryuusei blinked, momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected her, barely older than him, to be so advanced.

"Ah… right," he chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "Then maybe you can teach me something new! Or we can train together?"

Misaki hesitated, her serious demeanor softening into the faintest of smiles.

"Training together sounds fine. But don't underestimate what I already know."

Ryuusei nodded eagerly and pulled her toward the backyard. As he eagerly demonstrated the evasive maneuvers he'd mastered, Misaki observed with sharp eyes, quickly noting flaws in his technique.

"Your left foot is too far out," she pointed out during a dodging drill. "It throws off your balance against lateral attacks."

Ryuusei shifted his stance, surprised by her precision.

"Wow… you really know your stuff! Who taught you all this?"

"My parents," Misaki replied quietly, her tone softening. "They specialized in tactical combat… before their last mission."

Silence hung between them for a moment. Ryuusei, remembering his mother's words about Misaki's loss, chose his next words carefully.

"Well," he offered with a grin, "you can teach me what they taught you, and I'll show you the secrets of the star mist. Deal?"

Misaki studied his face for a moment, as if measuring his sincerity. Then, finally, she nodded.

"Deal."

Inside the house, Aiko watched the two through the window, a quiet smile touching her lips.

"She's more mature than I expected," Keiko murmured, stepping beside her daughter.

"Trained to be a shinobi since she was seven," Aiko sighed. "Uzushiogakure never wasted time when it came to nurturing talent."

From across the room, Tadashi, who had been listening, grunted approvingly.

"At least she won't let the boy slack off."

With Misaki's arrival, Ryuusei's days took on a new energy. The house, once quiet and often empty, now buzzed with activity. Kousei, who had previously spent weeks away on missions, now only took short assignments within the Land of Bears. For Ryuusei, life felt perfect: his family was complete, and he had a new friend to share his journey with.

Adapting to the academy, however, wasn't easy for Misaki. Though none of the instructors openly voiced their reservations, it was clear they were hesitant to allow an outsider to access Hoshigakure's prized star energy training. But Misaki, with her sharp wit and undeniable skill in Fūinjutsu and strategy, quickly silenced any doubts.

Seiryu, Ryuusei's closest friend, took a liking to Misaki as well. The trio soon became inseparable, whether sparring in the training fields, practicing seals under Tadashi's watchful eye, or lounging beneath the star-lit sky, dreaming of the future.

Training grew more intense with each passing year. Tadashi, grudgingly accepting his role as an instructor, taught them advanced Fūinjutsu techniques once exclusive to the Uzumaki clan. Misaki, already proficient in many seals, often helped Ryuusei grasp the more complex concepts, while he, in turn, introduced her to the intricacies of the star mist techniques.

By their final year at the academy, practical exercises had escalated to simulated missions in the forests surrounding the village. These tests, designed to prepare students for real-world challenges, were anything but safe, many students left bruised, some even hospitalized.

Yet Ryuusei, Misaki, and Seiryu stood out. Their teamwork was seamless, born from countless hours spent training together. While others struggled, they thrived, complementing each other's strengths and covering each other's weaknesses.

Meanwhile, Aiko and Keiko took on new roles as medical ninjas within the village, part of the agreement Eizen had proposed. In exchange for allowing Misaki access to the Kujaku Myōhō training, the Uzumaki women would contribute to the village's healthcare system.

Aiko accepted without hesitation, recognizing the opportunity not just for Misaki, but to further solidify the bond between the Uzumaki and Hoshigakure.

Three years passed. In the 54th year of the Shinobi Calendar, Ryuusei and Misaki finally graduated from the academy. To celebrate, the family hosted a grand feast, filling their home with laughter and warmth.

Kousei, raising his cup high, beamed with pride.

"I'm so proud of you both," he declared. "Ryuusei, you're on your way to becoming an incredible shinobi. And Misaki, you'll bring honor to the Uzumaki name."

Tadashi, ever the stoic, allowed a rare smile to break through.

"They've come far," he admitted, eyes softening. "But the real training begins now."

Misaki, usually composed, smiled openly for once. In this house, among these people, she had found something she thought lost, family.

"Thank you," she said quietly, glancing at Ryuusei. "For everything."

Ryuusei grinned, heart swelling with pride and gratitude.

"We're real shinobi now. The world's out there waiting for us!"

As Ryuusei spoke, his eyes sparkled with youthful ambition. He dreamed aloud of heroic missions, of protecting the village and carving his name into history. For him, the world was simple, good versus evil, heroes and villains.

But as he spoke, his parents and grandparents exchanged heavy glances. Tadashi's smile faded into a tight line, Keiko lowered her gaze, and Aiko quietly squeezed Kousei's hand, as if steadying herself.

They had seen the truth Ryuusei had yet to grasp, that the shinobi world was far from black and white. It was a place where ideals clashed with reality, where power often dictated justice, and betrayal could come from the hands of supposed allies.

For now, Ryuusei lived in a world of dreams. And perhaps, they thought, it was better to let him hold on to that innocence a little longer.