Normally, ANBU operatives didn't earn commissions—just a flat salary. But this time had been a Daimyō's private request, so Natsume Yō actually pocketed his own cut of the reward.
"Status: Level 65. Just thirty-five more EXP to break through to chunin… tch, still a long way. And only two years left to clear this side quest."
His gaze sharpened. Two years later, no one could predict how strong Hatake Kakashi or Uchiha Shisui would become. At the very least, they'd be jonin-tier monsters. If he wanted to keep up, there was no room for slacking.
After washing his face, Yō pulled out the Beginner's Wind Sword Technique scroll. He was finally ready to train it.
Sharpness. Speed.
The very first line blazed across the page in blood-red characters.
"Exactly what I figured about wind nature…" Yō flipped through, eyes gleaming. The scroll laid it out clearly:
To master Wind Sword Technique is to make your blade faster, sharper, deadlier. Power without speed is sluggish; speed without power is hollow. Only when both advance together does true swordsmanship awaken.
After that, the text cut off—only practice drills remained.
Yō smirked. "So basically, same foundation as Konoha sword manuals. The difference's probably in the detail work."
He drew his ANBU-issue short blade.
Slash. Cut. Thrust. Sweep. Flick.
Simple movements. But with wind nature backing them, those basics could become devastating.
Shff! Shff! Shff!
Blade arcs sliced the air, white gleam flashing under the moon. The courtyard echoed with a rhythmic whoosh-whoosh, like steel singing against the night sky.
Somewhere unseen, the Third Hokage watched through his Telescope Technique. His eyes softened, and he nodded. "Such a hardworking child, training even at this hour…"
—
The next day.
After a hot bath, Yō threw on clean clothes. Weekend meant no classes at the Academy—perfect timing for his "date."
Walking through the village streets with Wada Chiba clinging to his arm, he wore a calm smile. The people laughed, the market buzzed, peace filled the air.
Chiba, however, was practically glowing. She didn't shop much, so every stall, every trinket seemed like treasure. Her joy spilled out, bubbling with curiosity.
Yō smiled with her, but his mind drifted. His eyes were a little unfocused—because he was still replaying the Wind Sword training in his head. The deeper he practiced, the more terrifying its potential became.
"Yō, look at this mask! Isn't it cute?"
A tug at his arm pulled him back. Chiba had slipped on a playful fox mask, tilting her head, waiting for his answer.
He gave her a mischievous once-over, leaning in suddenly to cup her cheeks with both hands. "Mm. Perfect. It suits you way too well."
"E-Eh?!"
Her entire face turned cherry-red, the sudden intimacy short-circuiting her composure. She was so adorable it made him want to bite.
And then—
"Well, if it isn't Wada Chiba! Didn't think you could actually snag a boyfriend. Guess even turtles find their green beans, huh?"