Naruto : Dragon Jinchuriki

The sun dipped lower into the horizon as Fū, Riku, and Daisuke continued their journey toward Konohagakure, the Land of Fire's dense forests surrounded them, and the atmosphere was alive with the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves.

Riku walked slightly ahead, his white eyes focused and alert, though his mind was far from calm. The air around him was filled with tension, but it was his own thoughts that weighed heavily on him.

Behind him, Fū hummed a cheerful tune, her orange eyes gleaming with an excitement she didn't bother to hide. Her long mint hair caught the fading sunlight, and her peridot necklace swayed gently as she moved. She kept her gaze fixed on Riku, her lips curving into a fond smile every time he glanced back to check on them.

Daisuke trailed behind, his heavy pack slung over his shoulders and his expression a mixture of awe and anxiety. A newer addition to their group, he felt the pressure of keeping up with his two remarkable teammates.

"So," Fū chirped, breaking the silence, "how long until we reach Konoha?"

"Two days if we keep this pace," Riku answered without looking back.

Fū grinned. "Plenty of time to get to know each other better. Right, Daisuke?"

Daisuke chuckled nervously. "Sure. Though I feel like I'm already way behind you two. You've known each other for years, right?"

Fū's grin widened as she glanced at Riku. "Yup. Ever since we were kids."

Riku's lips twitched into a small, fleeting smile. "If by 'kids,' you mean two little brats who got into more trouble than we should have, then yes."

"Hey!" Fū protested, though her tone was playful. "I was the responsible one, thank you very much."

"Sure you were," Riku said dryly.

Daisuke laughed, the tension in his shoulders easing. "Sounds like I missed out on some good stories."

"Don't worry," Fū said, her orange eyes sparkling mischievously. "I'll fill you in on all the embarrassing details later."

---

As the sun set, the trio found a small clearing by a stream to set up camp. Riku set down his pack and immediately began preparing the area, his movements efficient and precise. Fū gathered firewood with an ease born of practice, while Daisuke fumbled with their supplies.

"Here," Riku said, tossing a bundle of kindling toward Daisuke. "Try not to light yourself on fire."

Daisuke caught the bundle, his face reddening. "I wasn't planning on it."

Fū giggled as she returned with an armful of firewood. "Riku's just looking out for you. He's not as scary as he looks."

"I don't think he's scary," Daisuke said quickly, then added under his breath, "Just… intense."

Riku arched an eyebrow but said nothing, focusing on starting the fire.

As the flames crackled to life, the group settled around the fire. The warm glow illuminated their faces, and for a moment, the atmosphere felt lighter.

"So," Daisuke began, breaking the silence, "what's Konoha really like? I've heard stories, but I've never been."

Riku stared into the flames, his expression unreadable. "Big. Crowded. And not exactly friendly to people like us."

Fū frowned. "People like us? What's that supposed to mean?"

"Small village shinobi," Riku clarified. "They look down on us. Don't expect a warm welcome."

Daisuke shifted uncomfortably. "That doesn't sound great."

"It's not," Riku said bluntly.

Fū crossed her arms, her orange eyes narrowing. "Well, they can think whatever they want. We'll show them what we're made of."

Riku glanced at her, his white eyes softening. "Just don't let your guard down. There are more dangers in Konoha than you realize."

"Like what?" Fū pressed.

"Just… trust me," Riku said, his voice low.

Fū leaned closer, her gaze searching his face. "You're hiding something, aren't you?"

Riku didn't answer, turning his attention back to the fire.

---

As the night wore on, the trio gradually relaxed, their laughter echoing through the clearing as they shared stories and banter. Daisuke opened up more, revealing a quick wit that had Fū in stitches. Even Riku allowed himself to smile now and then, though his mind remained preoccupied.

When the fire began to die down, Riku stood and stretched. "I'll take first watch. You two get some rest."

Fū tilted her head, studying him. "You sure you don't need sleep?"

"I'm fine," Riku said firmly.

Fū sighed but didn't argue, knowing better than to push him when he was like this. "Alright. But wake me for the second watch."

Riku nodded, his white eyes reflecting the dying embers of the fire as he turned his gaze to the dark forest beyond.

As Fū and Daisuke settled into their sleeping rolls, Riku remained by the fire, his thoughts drifting to what awaited them in Konoha. The Chūnin Exams were a test of skill, yes, but they were also a stage for politics, betrayal, and hidden agendas.

He clenched his fists, the familiar heat of determination rising within him. No matter what happened, he would protect his team. Fū, Daisuke, and even himself—they would all make it through.

For now, he would focus on the journey ahead.

…

Riku sat cross-legged under the shade of a towering tree just outside the outskirts of Konoha. The soft hum of nature surrounded him: birds chirping, the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze, and the occasional crackle of Fū's laughter as she sparred with Daisuke in the distance. Shiro perched on a low-hanging branch above him, preening his feathers and occasionally shooting Riku a curious glance, as if sensing the storm of thoughts swirling in his young master's mind.

Riku sighed, resting his chin on his palm, his white eyes staring blankly into the forest. One skill. That was the decision he had made. Out of respect for the other participants and to challenge himself, he would limit himself to one of his abilities during the exams. But the real dilemma was which one.

The Ryūgan? His inherited dojutsu was perhaps his most powerful weapon, offering him enhanced perception, precognition in battle, and unparalleled tracking capabilities. But relying on it might make the challenges too easy. It was almost like cheating, and Riku didn't want to overshadow Fū or Daisuke either.

His monoflame? The black fire that came from his connection to Kokuenryū was devastating, but it felt... excessive. Using it would put his opponents at risk of serious harm, and that wasn't what the exams were about. He needed to prove himself, not incinerate the competition.

White sparks? The raw, electrifying lightning chakra was another strong contender. It offered versatility and overwhelming power, but it could be just as dangerous as the monoflame. He couldn't risk losing control of it in a high-stakes situation surrounded by other participants.

"What's got you looking like you're planning world domination?" Fū's voice broke through his thoughts.

Riku looked up to see her standing with hands on her hips, orange eyes shining with curiosity. Her mint-green hair fell in a loose cascade around her shoulders, framing her teasing grin. Behind her, Daisuke trudged over, looking slightly winded from their spar.

"I don't dominate worlds," Riku replied, smirking. "I just save them."

Fū rolled her eyes but plopped down on the grass next to him. "Seriously, what's eating at you? You've been sitting here all broody for a while."

"I'm trying to decide which one of my skills to focus on during the exams," Riku admitted, running a hand through his hair.

"Why limit yourself?" Daisuke asked, plopping down on the other side of Riku. His broad frame and calm demeanor made him the perfect counterbalance to Fū's energy. "You're strong enough to use them all."

"Exactly why I shouldn't," Riku replied. "I don't want to overshadow everyone else. It's about teamwork and fair competition. Not showing off."

Fū tilted her head, giving him a thoughtful look. "That's actually... pretty noble of you. But it also sounds like you're making it harder on yourself for no reason."

"That's the point," Riku said, chuckling. "If it's too easy, I won't improve. Plus, I want to see how far I can go without relying on all my trump cards."

Daisuke nodded slowly. "Fair enough. So what are you thinking?"

Riku leaned back against the tree trunk, closing his eyes for a moment. "I'm leaning toward shadow manipulation," he said after a pause.

"Shadow manipulation?" Fū repeated, raising an eyebrow.

"It's the least destructive of my skills," Riku explained. "It's versatile, and I've been working on it a lot recently. Plus, it fits my fighting style—quick, strategic, and unpredictable."

Fū smirked. "You just want to look cool sneaking around in the shadows."

"And you don't want to look cool throwing around lightning?" Riku shot back.

"Tch. Fair point." She laughed.

Daisuke grinned. "Well, I think it's a solid choice. You're already scary enough without going all out. Shadows will be enough to give everyone a run for their money."

Shiro cawed softly from the branch above, as if offering his approval.

Riku looked up at the magpie and smiled. "See? Even Shiro agrees."

"Well, it's your choice," Fū said, standing and stretching. "But don't think for a second I'm going to hold back just because you are. I'm planning to win, and I'll kick your butt if I have to."

Riku smirked, rising to his feet as well. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

As the trio headed back toward their campsite, the weight of Riku's decision lifted slightly. The exams were going to be challenging, no matter what he chose to focus on. But with teammates like Fū and Daisuke by his side, he felt ready to face whatever came next.

…

…

The morning sun bathed Konoha's gates in a warm golden glow as Riku, Fū, and Daisuke approached the bustling village. The three had prepared for this moment meticulously, knowing the Chūnin Exams would be filled with surprises and challenges. Riku's white eyes scanned the crowd, while Fū adjusted her headband, her mint-green hair catching the light. Daisuke walked with his usual calm composure, his large frame exuding quiet confidence.

Konoha was alive with activity, and the energy was infectious. Merchants peddled their wares along the streets, shinobi darted from rooftop to rooftop, and civilians chatted animatedly. It was a stark contrast to Takigakure's quieter, more serene atmosphere.

"This place is... loud," Fū remarked, her orange eyes darting around.

"You'll get used to it," Riku said, a small smirk tugging at his lips.

Daisuke tilted his head toward the Hokage Monument in the distance. "That's impressive. A mountain dedicated to their leaders."

As they made their way through the village, the sound of a commotion drew their attention. A sharp, taunting laugh echoed from an alleyway nearby, followed by an indignant shout.

"Leave him alone!" a familiar voice barked.

The trio exchanged glances and headed toward the source of the noise. When they turned the corner, they saw three figures towering over a small group of kids.

A small boy, with spiky blonde hair and whisker-like marks on his cheeks, stood protectively in front of another boy wearing goggles and a blue scarf. Behind them, a pink-haired girl looked equally determined, but there was an unmistakable tension in her stance.

Facing them were three unfamiliar shinobi. The tallest, a boy with unruly red hair and a large gourd strapped to his back, stood silently, his teal eyes cold and unfeeling. To his left, a girl with four pigtails smirked, spinning a giant fan in her hands. The third, a boy with purple face paint and a puppet strapped to his back, sneered as he leaned forward menacingly.

"You shouldn't have bumped into me," the puppet-wielding boy said mockingly, his voice dripping with malice.

The blonde boy—Naruto, Riku recognized—stepped forward. "Back off, you freak! Konohamaru didn't do anything wrong!"

"Oh, and what are you going to do about it?" the girl with the fan asked, her tone playful but threatening.

Riku sighed. "Looks like we're stepping in."

Fū cracked her knuckles. "I thought this village was supposed to be peaceful. Guess not."

Daisuke nodded, his expression neutral but his eyes sharp. "We shouldn't let this escalate."

The trio walked closer, their presence immediately drawing attention.

"Hey," Riku called out, his tone calm but carrying an edge. "Three against two doesn't seem very fair, does it?"

The sand siblings turned to face the newcomers. The puppet user sneered. "And who are you supposed to be?"

"Just passing through," Riku said, his white eyes gleaming. "But I can't stand bullies."

Naruto's eyes widened when he saw Riku, Fū, and Daisuke. "Whoa! Who are you guys?"

Fū winked at him. "Just some concerned citizens."

The girl with the fan frowned. "This has nothing to do with you. Walk away."

"Or what?" Daisuke asked, his voice calm but his posture firm.

Before the situation could escalate further, the red-haired boy with the gourd stepped forward. His presence alone was enough to silence everyone.

"Enough," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "We don't have time for this."

His siblings looked at him in surprise but didn't argue. The girl with the fan folded her weapon with a sigh, and the puppet user scowled but stepped back.

As they turned to leave, the red-haired boy paused, his cold eyes locking onto Riku's. There was a moment of silence, the weight of his gaze pressing down like a physical force.

"You," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "There's something different about you."

Riku didn't flinch, meeting the boy's gaze evenly. "I could say the same about you."

The red-haired boy didn't respond, but the corner of his mouth twitched upward in what could have been a smirk—or a warning. Then, without another word, the sand siblings walked away, their presence leaving an unsettling tension in the air.

Once they were out of sight, Naruto let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "Man, those guys are creepy!"

"Who were they?" Fū asked, looking at Naruto.

"No idea," Sakura said, her voice uneasy. "I think They're here for the Chūnin Exams."

"Thanks for the help!" Konohamaru said, grinning up at them.

"Don't mention it," Fū replied, ruffling his hair.

Naruto looked at Riku curiously. "You're here for the exams too, aren't you?"

Riku nodded. "Yeah. And if those three are competing, it's going to be interesting."

"Interesting is one way to put it," Sakura muttered.

As the trio continued on their way, Riku couldn't shake the feeling of Gaara's gaze lingering on him. He clenched his fists, his thoughts racing. 'The exams haven't even started, and things are already heating up.'