The view from the precipice stretched far across the marshes, but the Tanshi were too tired to appreciate it. They settled in quickly, the tension of the long hike easing from their shoulders as they began to relax, pulling out rations to eat.
“Oh.” Kiba looked up from where he was spreading his own mat and blanket. “You didn’t think we were done for the day, did you?”
Is he serious? Aimee thought as Momoka groaned beside her, tucking away the rice ball she’d been about to eat.
“What now, Kiba-Sensei? No more map lessons, please,” Taiga complained, joining the others as they gathered around their Squad Leader.
Kiba scratched the back of his head, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Well, you’ve all been hounding me to teach you more about Mana and the various shinobi techniques that use it. But you can have the rest of the day off if you're too tired.”
Aimee watched as the three younger Tanshi practically exploded with renewed energy, springing to their feet and assuring Kiba they were more than ready.
Up until then, Kiba had focused most of their training on formations, teamwork, and recognizing the flow of Mana within their bodies for better control. It was basic work they’d covered in early training, but he pushed them further, making them repeat theexercises in challenging environments that tested both their concentration and stamina. One session had even involved maintaining focus while balancing stacks of books on their heads and being chased by a herd of wild horses.
“All right, if you’re all sure you’re up to it, we’ll get started,” Kiba said. “As you know, there are three main methods for using Mana as a shinobi.”
“Mind, body, and element,” Momoka chimed in immediately.
“Yes.” Kiba nodded. “Simply put, mind techniques allow you to sense and confuse the enemy. Body techniques can enhance speed and strength, sometimes to very dramatic results, or be used to aid a comrade's recovery. And element techniques harness the five elements and their combinations to manipulate the external environment.”
“Fireball!” Taiga shouted, his eyes lighting up. “Are we going to learn how to throw fire like the Great Phoenix?!”
“No,” Kiba replied, his tone dry as he began pacing around them, his hands clasped thoughtfully behind his back. “We’re going to learn something much more difficult.” He paused for effect. “And far more useful.”
“More difficult than a fireball?” Brows furrowing, Taiga crossed his arms.
Kiba stopped at the edge of the drop-off, leaning back on his heels, eyes gazing out over the expanse. “The challenge with fireball techniques isn’t about performing them,” he said, his tone more measured now. “It’s about knowing when to use them.” He glanced back at them with a wry smile. “But for today,” he continued, taking a deliberate step backward.
Momoka gasped as he went over the edge. “Kiba-Sensei!” She ran after him. Even Aimee’s heart picked up a beat, though she knew he was likely fine.
They rushed to the edge after him.
This better be part of the training, Squad Leader, Aimee thought, her stomach twisting in a way it hadn’t in a very long time.
When they peered over the edge, Kiba sat there casually, his back resting against the cliff wall, one hand raised above him, fingers skimming the rock. No handholds or ledges were visible, and nothing explained how he was suspended in place.
“Sensei!?” Momoka called. “Are you okay?”
“What?” Kiba glanced up, blinking as if just noticing their presence. “Oh, yes. I’m fine. Just observing the terrain below.”
“Show off.” Iruka crossed his arms.
Without warning, Kiba pushed off the cliff wall with ease, his muscles rippling beneath his dark tunic as he launched into a graceful backflip. His body twisted in the air with precision before he landed lightly on the balls of his feet, barely a sound escaping from the impact.
“What?! How!?” Taiga stammered, wide-eyed, but Kiba raised a hand, signaling for silence.
“If you ask someone from the independent territories, they might tell you that of all the shinobi’s powers, flying is among them.”
“It’s not?” Oba-chan stepped closer.
“No,” Kiba smiled. “Or at least not from any ninja I’ve ever seen. But…using the technique I just demonstrated, the limits of where we can go and how we get there are drastically reduced.”
“How?” Iruka asked.
“How do you think?”
Ah, forcing them to think it through, Aimee mused.
It was a method she’d often used herself, but as she glanced around at the younger Tanshi, she doubted any of them would piece it together. The confusion on their faces was unmistakable. Momoka’s lips pursed, Taiga scratched his head, and Iruka’s eyes narrowed. And to behonest, she wasn’t sure if she could figure it out either. They hadn’t seen the technique in action, and she wasn’t very familiar with Mana or its more advanced uses yet.
