Shigure's relentless training continued without pause.
And with it, the strength of his Boil Release kept increasing.
As the sun began to set, the voice of the Great Sage echoed in his mind:
[Great Sage: Analysis complete. The host's current Boil Release meets fusion requirements.]
"So it's finally done?"
Shigure let out a breath, dispersing the Heat Breath Blade. He had been soaking in that boiling aura all afternoon. While it didn't drain his chakra, the prolonged exposure definitely taxed his spirit.
Leaping out of the training pool, he stood on the bank and looked at Zangetsu in his hand.
The blade had been bathed in Boil Release chakra for hours, and now the previously deep blue patterns seemed to have shifted. The hue had lightened, and a faint reddish glow shimmered along its surface.
"...What's going on?"
He stared at it, puzzled. But in the end, he didn't think too much of it.
Sheathing Zangetsu, Shigure nodded to himself. Boil Release was now strong enough. All that remained was Ice Release.
Ice Release had been passively progressing in the skill bar for more than two days now.
Even if he didn't actively train it, the passive accumulation should bring it to the required level by tomorrow morning.
Back with Naruto...
Shigure didn't expect to see Naruto already working on the third stage of the Rasengan.
First the balloon, then the rubber ball, and now—he had moved on to the leather ball!
Naruto was currently staring at the orb, which was swirling chaotically but hadn't burst yet. He finally collapsed onto the ground, panting hard.
"This is so tough…"
Shigure walked over and said, "Alright, that's enough for today. It's almost dark. Let's head back to the village."
Hearing that, Naruto jumped up with a flip and grinned. "Shigure! You're back! I was just about to go looking for you if you didn't show up!"
"Looks like you've been making real progress!"
Naruto scratched his head, a little embarrassed. "Hehe, it's only because of your help. Otherwise, I'd still be stuck on step one!"
"Help?"
Shigure blinked. "What help did I even give you?"
The two returned to the village together—just in time for dinner.
"Shigure, want to grab some ramen together?"
Ramen?
Shigure declined without hesitation and started walking home.
Ramen again? Last time, that guy and Sasuke ate through all my money…
Right now, I'm completely broke.
Eat ramen again? No way. I'll just see what's left in the fridge.
"Fine! If you're not coming, I'll go eat alone!"
When Shigure got home, he had just sat down when—knock knock—someone was at the door.
Don't tell me… Naruto again?
He got up and opened the door.
"Who is it—?"
"Shigure-kun, you really do live here!"
Standing outside was Hinata.
Shigure blinked, surprised.
Wait… the Hyuga clan lets their heiress run around this late?
"Hinata? Are you alright?"
"I… I heard you're going on a mission tomorrow, so…"
She trailed off mid-sentence, cheeks turning a familiar shade of red.
Shigure chuckled softly.
"Come in, let's talk."
"E-Eh?! C-Come… inside?!"
"Yes! Come in! What, should I just leave a guest like you standing at the door all day?"
Hinata let out a soft breath, mustering the courage to step into Shigure's small home. Her pale eyes scanned the interior.
If she had to describe it in one word—it would be: simple.
There weren't many decorations. The place felt somewhat empty, but the essentials were all present. Tables, chairs, a small sofa… everything functional, yet there was something oddly off about the atmosphere.
"Have something to drink," Shigure said, placing a cup on the coffee table and gesturing for Hinata to sit.
Hinata kept her head low the entire time, avoiding his eyes as she took the cup with both hands. She quietly curled up in a corner of the sofa like a nervous little animal.
"What did you want to say?"
Shigure asked while sipping his own tea.
"I… I just wanted to say… Shigure-kun, you're going on a mission, right? You might not be back in the village for a while..."
"Yeah, we're heading to the Land of Waves. It'll take a few days."
Hinata raised her head slightly, their eyes met—then she immediately looked away again. Flustered, she fumbled in her pocket and pulled out a small charm.
"This… this is for you, Shigure-kun. I hope… I hope your mission goes well… and you return safely."
An amulet?
Shigure took it and smiled. "Thanks, Hinata."
She had come by just as he returned home, and now this charm… she'd probably been waiting nearby for a while.
Shigure glanced at Hinata, stepping closer. She panicked the moment he moved, springing to her feet.
"I—I—It's getting late! I should go home now!"
"I'll walk you back."
Boom boom boom!
Suddenly, someone knocked on the door. Shigure blinked, a bit confused.
Why were so many people showing up today?
Hinata looked absolutely mortified. If someone found her here alone with Shigure, especially at this hour… and if her father found out?
"Who is it?"
Shigure called toward the door.
Seeing Hinata's flustered look, Shigure instantly understood. She was the eldest daughter of the Hyuga Clan.
It would definitely be troublesome if anyone saw them alone like this.
After all, it was already completely dark outside. A man and a woman, in a house alone, on a windy night… No matter how innocent, no explanation might be enough.
"Open up! Shigure, it's me!"
That voice made Shigure wince.
Uncle Masano.
He hadn't visited in a while, but if memory served, he tended to show up every few days. And as it happened, Shigure was just about out of living expenses.
"Shigure-kun..."
Hinata whispered, looking at him pleadingly, unsure what to do.
His home was small and open, no place to hide…
Except one.
"Hide under the bed. Just wait there until Uncle Masano leaves."
Hinata's gaze flicked to the bed.
Hide in Shigure-kun's bed?! Why does that sound…
But Shigure didn't give her time to dwell on it. He went to open the door.
Masano stood there with a broad grin.
"Graduated, huh? I heard you're heading out on a mission tomorrow. Didn't expect you to be dispatched so soon after becoming a Genin…"
"Looks like the Hokage's got high hopes for you!"
"Kakashi's your instructor, right? That guy's no joke—you're lucky. Make the most of it..."
Judging from how he kept going, Masano clearly wasn't leaving anytime soon.
Shigure sighed quietly and glanced toward his bed.
That poor girl must've been hiding there for a while now...
...
TN:
🔟 Support me on P-com/LordMerlin