Chapter 2:
Shadows on the HorizonThe sun dipped low over Uzushio, painting the ocean in shades of orange and gold. Haruto stood on the training field, his hands trembling as he held a freshly inked scroll. Sweat dripped from his brow, mixing with the salty sea air. He'd been at it for hours, practicing the barrier seal Daichi had taught him. Almost there, he thought, his jaw tight with focus. If I can get this right, I'll have a real defense against what's coming.
Kushina sat cross-legged under the same tree from earlier, her stuffed fox in her lap. She'd been unusually quiet, watching Haruto with wide, curious eyes. "Haru-nii, you're all sweaty, dattebane," she finally said, tilting her head. "You gonna make a big boom again?"
Haruto chuckled despite himself, glancing at her. "No booms this time, Kushina. I'm trying to make a shield." Earlier, he'd accidentally overcharged a seal, sending a small explosion of chakra into the air. It had scared a flock of seagulls—and made Kushina giggle for a solid ten minutes. At least someone's entertained, he thought, shaking his head.
He returned to the scroll, forming the hand signs Daichi had shown him: Tiger, Boar, Snake. A faint hum of chakra buzzed through his fingers as he pressed the scroll to the ground. Blue lines of energy spread outward, forming a dome-like barrier about three feet wide. It shimmered for a moment before flickering out. Haruto cursed under his breath. Too weak. It won't stop a kunai, let alone a full-on attack.
"Getting closer," Daichi's voice came from behind. The Jonin had been watching from the sidelines, arms crossed. "Your chakra control needs work, though. You're wasting too much energy."
Haruto straightened, wiping his hands on his pants. "I know. I'll get it right next time." I have to. There's no one else to rely on. He glanced at Daichi, hesitating. "Sensei, have you noticed anything… strange lately? Ships on the horizon, maybe?"
Daichi's expression darkened, his scar twitching slightly. "You're sharp for a kid. Yeah, the elders got a report this morning—Kiri ships were spotted a few miles out. Probably just scouts, but it's got everyone on edge." He paused, studying Haruto. "Why do you ask?"
Haruto's stomach twisted. Scouts. That's how it starts. Kiri, Kumo, Iwa—they'll all come for us. He forced a shrug, keeping his tone casual. "Just a feeling. We can't be too careful, right?"
Daichi nodded slowly. "True. But don't go spreading rumors, Haruto. The last thing we need is panic." He clapped a hand on Haruto's shoulder, his grip firm. "Focus on your training. If trouble comes, we'll handle it."
You won't, Haruto thought, his chest tightening. Not if history plays out like I know it will. He gave a small nod, watching Daichi walk off to check on the other trainees. The weight of his knowledge felt heavier than ever. Four years. That's all I've got to change things. I can't count on the elders or even Daichi. It's up to me.
"Haru-nii!" Kushina's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. She was on her feet, pointing toward the cliffs. "Look, look! A big bird!"
Haruto followed her gaze. A hawk circled high above the ocean, its wings cutting through the twilight sky. But something was off—it wasn't a wild bird. A small scroll was tied to its leg, glinting in the fading light. A messenger hawk… but whose? His instincts screamed danger. He scooped Kushina into his arms, ignoring her squeal of protest, and sprinted toward the village center.
"Haru-nii, why running?" Kushina asked, clinging to his neck.
"Just a hunch," Haruto muttered, his eyes scanning the horizon. As he reached the main square, he spotted Elder Hana, a stout woman with graying red hair, speaking to a group of shinobi. The hawk landed on her outstretched arm, and she quickly untied the scroll. Her face paled as she read it.
Haruto set Kushina down, his heart pounding. "Stay here," he told her, then approached Hana. "Elder, what's going on?"
Hana's eyes flicked to him, her expression grim. "A message from a Konoha patrol. They spotted a Kiri fleet—three ships, heavily armed, moving toward our waters." The shinobi around her murmured, their voices tense. "It's not an attack… not yet. But they're testing us."
Haruto's mind raced. Three ships. Kiri's feeling us out, seeing how we'll respond. If we show weakness, they'll strike sooner. He clenched his fists, his resolve hardening. "Elder, we need to prepare. Strengthen the defenses, set up patrols—"
Hana cut him off with a sharp look. "You're a child, Haruto. Leave this to the adults." Her tone softened slightly as she saw the determination in his eyes. "But… you're right to be worried. Go home. We'll handle this."
Haruto bit back a retort. They won't handle it. They'll underestimate the threat, just like they did in the original timeline. He gave a curt nod and turned away, grabbing Kushina's hand. As they walked back to his house, his mind churned with plans. I'll train harder. Master that barrier seal by tomorrow. And I need to scout the cliffs myself—see what Kiri's up to.
"Haru-nii, you look mad," Kushina said, tugging at his hand. "Don't be mad, dattebane."
Haruto forced a smile, ruffling her hair. "I'm not mad, Kushina. Just… thinking. Let's get you to bed, okay?" I can't protect her if I'm not strong enough. And I can't rely on anyone else to do it for me.
As night fell over Uzushio, Haruto sat by his window, a sealing scroll spread out before him. The distant sound of waves was a constant reminder of the danger lurking beyond the horizon. He dipped his brush in ink, his hand steady despite the storm in his heart. I'll save this village. Even if I have to do it alone.