SWNOVELXO Chapter 44: Fire Capital.
After around half a day of slow travel—filled with light conversation, occasional jokes, and constant vigilance for any ambush—we finally arrived at the capital of the Land of Fire.
The Fire Capital was vibrant, glowing with festive energy. Lanterns hung across the streets, children ran around laughing, and merchants shouted from colorful stalls. It reminded me of the Hidden Leaf—only grander in scale.
Our first stop was the Daimyo's palace.
As we handed over Ikkyu, the Daimyo's son, the Land of Fire's ruler greeted us with a relieved smile. His expression softened as he pulled his son into a hug. "You've done well," he told us. "Your mission reward will be doubled."
He was about to send us on our way when Ikkyu suddenly spoke up.
"Father, I'd like to spend a little more time with them," he said, glancing at us meaningfully. "They're not just guards anymore—they're friends."
Minato-sensei raised an eyebrow, then glanced at me and Kakashi. We both looked at him, silently asking for his approval. He smiled, clearly understanding our thoughts.
"We'll leave tomorrow morning," he agreed.
The Daimyo looked a little surprised. Like many nobles, he didn't particularly value shinobi. But seeing the bond his son had formed with us... he let it go.
Ikkyu eagerly took us on a small tour of the capital. And instead of booking us an inn, he invited us to stay at his personal estate.
Being the Daimyo's heir, his house was enormous. Each of us got our own room. Once we'd settled in, we freshened up and decided to head out for dinner.
That night, we tried everything—from dumplings to fire-grilled skewers, spiced hotpots, and sweet rice balls. It was refreshing. No battles, no blood—just warm food and laughter.
While we ate, Ikkyu gave us a lot of insight about the capital—the politics, the structure, and the nobility. It was clear he wasn't just being friendly. He was investing in a connection. A future alliance.
Minato and I both noticed it. And honestly? I didn't mind.
Unlike his father, Ikkyu had treated us with respect from the start. I had no issues maintaining a bond with someone who might become the next Daimyo. Kakashi didn't say much, but I knew he felt the same.
Later, we ended up at a large hot spring.
We slipped into the steaming water and leaned back, the tension from days of combat finally melting away.
It was then that I turned to Minato-sensei, my voice innocent and just a little playful.
"Sensei… will you teach me the Flying Raijin?"
Minato raised an eyebrow. "I can't just teach it to anyone. The jutsu is highly classified. You'd need Hokage-sama's approval."
I smirked. "Come on. I already have the jutsu scroll. Don't forget—it was created by Tobirama Senju. He left it behind for our clan."
Minato paused, then laughed lightly. "Fine. But before that, I'll have to test your level in time-space and fuinjutsu. It's not a technique you can learn just by wanting it. You need complete mastery."
Beside us, Kakashi remained quiet. He looked up at the sky.
"You're not interested?" I asked him.
He shook his head. "Not really. I'm working on something else… trying to infuse my chakra nature into Rasengan like Jutsu. A lightning variation."
That caught Minato's interest. "Oh? That's ambitious."
Kakashi shrugged. "Just experimenting."
We spent the rest of the evening talking, teasing each other, and enjoying the warmth of the spring. At some point, I asked Minato when his wedding would be. He flushed slightly and muttered, "Next year."
I smirked. "About time."
Eventually, we returned to our rooms and slept peacefully for the first time in days.
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The next morning, we packed our things. Ikkyu met us at the front gates, dressed in formal attire.
"Thanks for staying," he said warmly. "I hope you enjoyed the capital."
"We did," I replied. "More than expected."
Minato gave him a firm nod. "If you ever need assistance… don't hesitate to send word to the Hidden Leaf."
Ikkyu's expression brightened. "I won't forget that."
We waved him goodbye and left the capital behind.
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While traveling back, Minato walked beside me.
"I'll inform the Hokage about your Wood Release," he said. "And also that you'll begin Flying Raijin training under me—pending his approval."
I nodded. I was done hiding. It was time to go all in.
We reached the Hidden Leaf Village within a few hours.
Minato smiled as we stood at the gates. "Alright. Let's all go freshen up and spend time with our families. I'll report the mission to Hokage-sama. Later this evening, let's meet at the training ground near Kakashi's house. Ren—I'll test your time-space aptitude there."
We all nodded.
Kakashi headed off toward his home—and likely to meet Gai after the academy.
Minato disappeared in a yellow flash toward the Hokage's office.
And me?
I turned toward the Senju compound, eager to see Tsunade again.
It was time to stop holding back.
Time to grow even stronger.
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