Morning sunlight slowly spread across the forest as Kaelen walked along the narrow path leading back toward the Ancient Masters Village. The cool air moved gently through the tall trees, and the sound of birds echoed in the distance. For the first time in three months, Kaelen was leaving the forest where he had trained day and night under Razen.
The training had changed him. His steps were firm and balanced, and his breathing was calm and controlled. The long hours of endurance training, sword practice, and survival drills had strengthened both his body and his mind.
Strapped securely across his back was the legendary sword Raizen. The blade rested inside its dark sheath, but Kaelen could still feel a faint energy coming from it. It was as if the sword had a presence of its own.
Kaelen paused for a moment and looked back toward the forest.
Near the edge of the trees stood Razen, watching silently.
"You should keep moving," Razen said calmly. "The exam will not wait for you."
Kaelen nodded and turned toward him. "Thank you for everything, Master Razen."
Razen crossed his arms and studied him carefully.
"Remember this, Kaelen," he said. "Training ends here, but the path of a warrior never ends. Out there, your enemies will not show mercy."
Kaelen bowed his head slightly in respect. "I understand."
For a moment neither of them spoke. Then Razen turned away and disappeared into the forest.
Kaelen took a deep breath and began walking again.
After some time, the tall wooden gates of the Ancient Masters Village appeared in the distance. Several ninja guards stood near the entrance, checking the people who entered the village.
When Kaelen approached, one of the guards glanced at him, then looked again with slight surprise.
"Are you one of the academy students?" the guard asked.
Kaelen nodded. "Yes."
The guard looked at the sword on Kaelen's back but said nothing more and allowed him to pass.
As Kaelen stepped into the village, the familiar sounds of the marketplace returned—merchants shouting, people bargaining, and children running through the streets.
Three months ago, this place had felt overwhelming to him.
Now, it felt different.
Kaelen walked calmly through the busy streets until he reached the academy grounds. Many students were gathered in the courtyard, talking nervously about the upcoming exam.
Suddenly, someone shouted his name.
"Kaelen!"
Kaelen turned around.
Running toward him was Allan, his face filled with excitement.
"Kaelen! You're back!" Allan said as he stopped in front of him.
Kaelen smiled. "Yeah. Looks like I made it back just in time."
Allan looked at him carefully from head to toe.
"You've changed," Allan said. "You look… stronger."
Kaelen laughed slightly. "Razen didn't make training easy."
Allan then noticed the sword on Kaelen's back.
"Wait… is that a real sword?" Allan asked, pointing at it.
Kaelen nodded. "My master gave it to me when my training finished."
Allan's eyes widened. "That must mean your training is complete!"
"It is," Kaelen replied.
Allan crossed his arms confidently. "Good. Because the final phase of the ninja examination begins tomorrow."
Kaelen looked toward the large arena building standing in the center of the academy.
Many students were already gathering near the entrance, preparing themselves.
"This is the team battle round, right?" Kaelen asked.
Allan nodded. "Yeah. Two people in a team. Only five teams will pass."
Kaelen thought about it for a moment.
More than a thousand students had started the exam, and now only a few would become ninjas.
Allan then smiled and extended his hand.
"So… what do you say?" he asked. "Want to form a team with me?"
Kaelen looked at his friend and smiled.
"Of course."
The two friends shook hands and began walking toward the academy building together, ready to face the final challenge that would decide their future.