JOURNEY OF AN ORDINARY NINJA

Chapter-18: True Friendship

Morning at the Estate

Akira woke early, the soft rays of sunlight filtering through the tall windows of his room. The gentle rustling of the wind through the vineyard leaves could be heard even inside the grand yet serene estate at the edge of Konoha. Akira glanced at himself in the mirror, smoothing his slightly unruly pink hair—a feature he inherited from his mother, Umiko. Despite his usual composure, there was a spark of nervous excitement in his amber eyes. Today was an important day: his first-year academy exams.

Downstairs, Akira found his parents in the dining room, already awaiting him. The table was laden with a light yet nutritious breakfast. Toshiro Senju, his father, sat with a poised demeanor, a cup of tea in hand. His mother, Umiko, stood by the window, her striking long pink hair cascading down her back as she admired the morning sun over the vineyards.

"Good morning, Akira," Umiko greeted warmly as she turned toward him. "Nervous about your exams today?"

"A little," Akira admitted, sitting down. "But I think I'm ready."

Toshiro set his cup down and gave Akira a stern yet encouraging look. "Confidence is important, but don't let it cloud your focus. These exams aren't just about passing—they're a chance to measure your growth."

Akira nodded, taking his father's words to heart. Toshiro was a man who understood the weight of preparation and discipline, having faced his own challenges balancing his lineage as a member of the Senju clan with the demands of their family's business empire.

"Remember, Akira," Umiko added with a gentle smile, sitting beside him, "it's not just about winning or losing. It's about giving your best effort. And if something doesn't go as planned, use it as a chance to learn."

Akira hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Father, have you ever been this nervous before an important moment?"

Toshiro leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "Of course. Especially during the time I negotiated the partnership with the Senju clan. Their terms weren't easy—sharing 40% of our profits in return for their investments was a gamble. But I knew the potential growth for our pharmaceutical business. It wasn't just about me; it was about ensuring our family's future."

"And you still managed to do it," Akira said, admiration in his voice.

Toshiro's expression softened. "Because I believed in what we were building. Just like you should believe in your own abilities. You've worked hard, Akira. Your mother and I have seen it."

Umiko chuckled, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Speaking of nerves, do you remember the conflict with the head of the Nara clan?"

Akira leaned forward, intrigued.

"They weren't pleased with the profits we earned from exporting new medicines," Toshiro explained. "They claimed it disrupted some of their herbal exports. It took weeks of discussions and diplomacy to resolve the tension. But the point is, I didn't let pressure deter me. That's something you should remember today."

"I will," Akira said with newfound determination.

Umiko reached out, placing a comforting hand on Akira's. "You're already making us proud, Akira. No matter what happens today, know that we support you completely."

"Thank you," Akira said, a small smile playing on his lips. "I'll do my best."

"Now finish your breakfast," Toshiro instructed, a rare hint of warmth in his tone. "You'll need the energy."