Under the streetlights at night, the two walked side by side.
Streetlights, shrubbery, and silhouettes.
Human voices, insect chirps… everything wove a perfect picture of the quiet night.
A bench appeared ahead; Kurenai Yuhi walked over, sat down, and patted the spot beside her. "Sit."
"Alright."
Masahiko sat and continued, "Maybe my understanding is shallow, but unless one has a special Bloodline Limit, the essence of genjutsu is still to disrupt Chakra and control the mind…"
Kurenai listened, pondered, then nodded gravely. "I see what you mean—if you only master genjutsu, you lack a way to win?"
"Exactly. Against a genjutsu expert, relying on one skill turns your strength into a weakness."
Masahiko sighed. "That's what I learned sparring with that Anbu senior."
"Oh?"
Kurenai smiled with interest. "Your opponent was an Anbu expert?"
"Mm. A strong Anbu—fast, superb with blade and Ninjutsu, flawless. I had no answer."
Masahiko gave a soft sigh.
"Ebisu told me he was defeated in seconds, yet you destroyed two of his Shadow Clones."
Kurenai's lips curved. "By comparison, you're already impressive."
"Maybe I'm arrogant, but only by measuring myself against the strong can I ignite my will and grow faster."
Masahiko replied.
Kurenai couldn't help a light, melodious laugh.
Those words… "You certainly don't hide what you think of Ebisu."
"Because he and I aren't the same."
Masahiko answered calmly. "He believes only elites or their children can become strong; clearly, I'm not one of them."
Kurenai blinked, her smile fading as she gazed at him, silent for a long moment.
When Masahiko looked over, she seemed to wake from a dream.
"Yeah…"
She lifted her eyes to the moon.
"People like you, Might Duy, Might Guy… you only lack an opportunity, but that chance usually costs more to obtain…"
"Compared to us—Ebisu, me—with better origins, the path to becoming Ninja is much smoother."
Kurenai sighed, feelings mixed.
Masahiko smiled.
"Life is long; a few setbacks are nothing. You, me, Yakumo—it's the same for all."
"Right, life is long; we mustn't lose heart!"
Kurenai smiled gently, stood, hands clasped, serene.
"I have to rise early tomorrow. I'm off. Thanks for the advice… and, could you pick up Yakumo in the morning?"
She explained, "Recently her parents told me they're moving tomorrow; I'm afraid the Kurama Clan might trouble them."
"Don't worry, leave it to me. Be careful on your mission."
Masahiko nodded solemnly.
Kurenai looked relieved.
They waved goodbye under the streetlight, then turned into the night… Next day.
[Water Release • Wave Riding Strike: Proficient]
For B-rank jutsu, the "Basic Training" perk helps less; at best it provides a training ground.
But… that help is already huge.
As for companion jutsu… "You're applying for the C-rank Water Wave?"
"Yes."
Masahiko nodded.
Water Wave is a foundational Water Release Ninjutsu.
As a Special Jonin, approval is easy—just some money and subsidies.
The clerk recorded it and bowed. "Shall we release the jutsu through the Ninja Academy?"
"Fine, thank you."
Masahiko gave a slight nod and headed for the Kurama district.
But… today, in Yakumo's yard, a man stood at the gate, surrounded by Kurama clansfolk young and old.
"Murakumo, you…"
"Your Name. represents the clan's hope, yet you'd forsake the clan with its only hope!"
"Would you truly betray the clan?"
Voices of resentment and rage roared, thick with negativity.
Kurama Murakumo ahead frowned, face bitter, saying nothing.
Upstairs at the window, a girl held a drawing board, gaze icy.
No wonder Kurenai worried… As the crowd pressed closer, in the next instant a figure appeared beside Murakumo.
"Murakumo-senpai, what's wrong?"
"You!"
Murakumo was surprised Masahiko had come.
Masahiko inclined his head. "Before Kurenai left, she asked me to take Yakumo to school today."
Then he looked at the others at the gate.
"What's going on?"
The Kurama clansfolk choked, all turning to Kurama Unkai in their midst.
He was leading this move.
"Sigh."
Murakumo stepped forward.
"Yakumo's body is too weak to shoulder the clan's hope. Since you won't give up, my family can only leave."
"If one day she chooses to bear it, we'll return."
At that his tone hardened. "If you keep harassing us, I'll petition Hokage-sama for protection."
"Brother, you…"
Kurama Unkai's eyes showed disappointment. "How foolish!"
"Pinning all hope on a frail, congenitally weak child—shameless."
Masahiko chuckled. "Lost your arms and legs? Without the Bloodline Limit your clan dies?"
"What do you know!"
Unkai glared, then sneered. "I remember—after Kurenai brought you to Murakumo's house, this happened…"
"He must want to split our Kurama Clan!"
Someone shouted from the crowd.
More jeers rose, even—
"Get out of our territory!"
With that, radishes and cabbages flew at Masahiko.
"Fools."
Masahiko formed a strange hand-seal, drawing the blade at his waist.
In an instant six figures appeared.
Blade-light flashed; every thrown object was sliced in mid-air, scattering away.
The crowd recoiled in shock; Unkai found himself pushed to the front.
Clearly Clone Jutsu, yet each clone had flashed a blade—real yet illusory.
Such strength… Was this guy really just a Ninja Academy taijutsu teacher?
As Unkai opened his mouth, a breeze brushed past.
Someone appeared beside him, whispering in his ear.
"If you truly knew your clan's Bloodline Limit, you'd see you're courting death. Scram if you don't want to die."
Masahiko glanced toward the upper floor.
Following his gaze, Unkai saw the girl on the second floor flick her brush.
The next moment his jaw dropped, barking sounds spilling out—
A dog burst from his mouth, clawing his face.
Claw-marks ran red across his skin.
Unkai screamed.
"Unkai!"
"What are you doing?"
"We'll report to Hokage-sama!"
They retreated, shouting.
Masahiko's face showed scorn as he surveyed them, sighing at Unkai.
"Still don't get it? I'm actually saving you."
"We… we're leaving!"
Kurama Unkai, deathly pale, stared at the mansion in terror.
In that instant he had felt death.
Kurama Yakumo… she really dares to act—and she can do it!