It was several hours later when Anya stepped out of the room.
She exited, one hand bracing her waist, the other pushing the door open. Her pale face gave off a weak appearance, softening her sharp features just enough to make her even more captivating.
Just after stepping out of the hospital, she unfortunately ran into someone familiar.
"Hey there, you white-haired brat," a mocking voice rang in Anya's ears, sounding particularly irritating. "Getting out of the hospital already? You look pretty beat up—haha..."
Minato's voice followed, "Anya, are you hurt? Did something happen over at the Land of the Blacksmiths?"
The two newcomers were none other than Kushina and Minato.
Anya gave them a fake smile, taking a deep breath before answering, "I'm fine."
Kushina seized the opportunity, seeing that Anya was still putting on a brave face, and playfully slapped her hard on the back while saying, "If you're sick, you gotta get treatment! Want me to call Tsunade-sama for you? She'll have you back on your feet in no time."
Tsunade again? Knowing my luck, I'd be six feet under before she finishes healing me...
The slap nearly knocked Anya off balance, almost causing her to stumble and fall. Annoyed at where the conversation was going, she glared at Minato and said, "Control your woman and keep her away from me."
Upon hearing this, both Kushina and Minato blushed.
Humiliated and furious, Kushina shot back, "You white-haired brat, you—"
"Alright, enough bickering," Minato sighed helplessly, stepping between the two. He noticed those two had always been at each other's throats—they fought every time they met.
Annoyed at where the conversation was going, Anya turned to Minato. "Are you here to visit the patients?"
Minato nodded, "Yes. Kushina barely escaped capture by Kumo ninjas during her mission. Many ninjas were injured protecting her, so we've been coming here often these days to check in."
Kushina fell silent too, her usual fire dimmed.
"Well then, go ahead. By the way, your teacher Jiraiya has returned to the village."
Minato's face lit up, "Is that true? Then I'll go find him after visiting the patients."
Their bond was obvious—the kind only true mentor and protégé could share.
After parting ways with Minato, Anya headed home, changed her clothes, put on her mask, and went straight to the Anbu.
Upon arrival, she found Yugao and Haku Tsukasa training. Shisui and Inoichi weren't around—they must've gone back to their respective clans.
When Haku saw Anya, he immediately approached, confronting her, "Why did you take so long to return? You told me I could follow you nonstop after joining Anbu!"
What could Anya say? She could only give a half-hearted promise, "Won't happen again."
Haku didn't seem entirely convinced but stopped asking.
At that moment, Yugao also approached, seeming hesitant about something.
Anya noticed and asked, "What's wrong?"
"Captain, do you know where Hayate Gekko went? After returning, I visited his house a few times but couldn't find him at home."
They'd been close friends since childhood—Yugao and Hayate Gekko. Due to poor health, Hayate had never trained alongside them with swords. Ever since he entered Root's elite training program, Yugao hadn't seen Hayate at all.
Anya remained silent for a moment before finally answering her question, "He's already dead."
"What? How is that possible?" Yugao's voice was filled with shock.
"It's true. This matter relates to the betrayal of an important figure, so the village has kept it under wraps."
"So you're saying he was killed by someone. Who was the killer?" A strong killing intent radiated from Yugao.
Sigh... It's a bit complicated—it was all a misunderstanding. Technically, Tsunade was the one who killed him—but Orochimaru gave her the poison to do it. But in the end, the real culprit was himself.
Now that Yugao had become his teammate, Anya didn't want her bearing grudges. Without hesitation, he sold out the Snake Master and swore solemnly, "Orochimaru did it. Unfortunately, he's already defected."
"Orochimaru," Yugao spoke slowly, syllable by syllable: "I will kill him no matter what."
"It won't be easy to kill him though. Right now, you're still far too weak. Come with me."
Anya led Yugao into the center of the training field and drew the Blade of Indifference, saying, "Come on, draw your sword. I'll teach you."
"Okay."
Yugao's eyes turned cold as the flame of revenge burned in her heart. She unsheathed her blade and charged at Anya.
While sparring, Anya explained all the flaws present in her sword techniques.
"Your basics are solid already, but you can't put full power into every sword strike. Just like throwing a punch, sometimes pulling back your fist prepares you for a stronger next blow."
"That's right! Pay attention to the rhythm of your swordplay. Don't let your enemy get used to your moves. After each sword strike, stay decisive—especially when facing enemies stronger than yourself."
"Keep a firm grip on your sword, focus intently. If your opponent has no openings, create one through your sword technique, then finish them off decisively. Learn how to seize opportunities."
With his current swordsmanship, Anya could easily stand against the legendary White Fang in a fair match. Standing above, he easily coached Yugao throughout their sparring match. He taught her two sword techniques without holding anything back: Dance of the Blade and Hidden Blade Technique.
Mastering these two techniques would give her a much better chance of surviving future battles.
After finishing teaching Yugao, Anya walked toward Haku and said, "As for your battlefield performance this time, you failed. If it happens again next time, I won't bring you along anymore. Now, come on. Use ninjutsu against me and train seriously. Your Ice Release holds great potential. You must learn to fully control it."
Upon hearing Anya's words, determination filled Haku's eyes. Gathering chakra, he launched an attack against Anya.
[Secret Technique: Thousand Needles of Death]
[Ice Release: Twin Dragon Blizzard Slash]
[Ice Release: Piercing Dragon Tiger Strike]
Haku effortlessly unleashed various offensive jutsu. Ice Release isn't just a single attribute; it's hard to counter with just one technique. The freezing effects within the techniques could also slow the enemy's movement speed—offering many advantages.
Through the battle with Haku, Anya discovered that Ice Release was even more powerful than he'd imagined. It could only be said that Haku himself disliked fighting, which is why he never fully developed the true potential of Ice Release.
Anya unleashed her sword art, blocking all of Haku's attacks while sharing her experience on how to take down enemies with minimal chakra.
Shisui Uchiha had somehow arrived at the scene too, accompanied by a young follower. Watching the epic clash unfold before them, both itched to join in.
Anya immediately noticed their arrival and called out directly, "Shisui, team up with Haku's Ice Release and attack me. Yugao, you join too."
"Alright."
The three attacked Anya at once.
Shisui's genjutsu struck first, followed quickly by Haku's Ice Release and Yugao's long blade.
With attacks covering long, medium, and close ranges, Anya finally felt a flicker of pressure.
"Well done."
Anya's body shimmered with a flash of lightning. Channeling her new Lightning Blade Art into the Blade of Indifference, she countered their attacks one by one. Electric discharges carrying paralyzing effects pierced toward the trio.
[Ice Null Dome!]
Haku condensed an elliptical Ice Wall midair through Ice Release, blocking Anya's strike. The four clashed once more in fierce combat.
Young Itachi watched the fighting intently, silently exclaiming in admiration: Foster Father is so strong. I must train hard and become just as powerful as him someday.
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