Chapter 42 Shadow Dancer
In late July, during summer.
Approaching evening, Shiroshi returned from the Ninja School and unexpectedly heard some news from Rui.
"Going out on a mission?"
Upon hearing Rui express her desire to go on a mission, Shiroshi was slightly surprised.
"Yes, I've thought about it. I'm not suited for the leisurely life of the security team. I've already submitted a transfer request."
Considering that Rui had been working in the security team for over a year now, it was indeed approaching the point of monotony.
The life there had become overly comfortable, and most of the tasks were civil disputes, which left no place for Rui, a powerful Jōnin, to contribute.
Such tasks could easily be handled by ordinary Uchiha shinobi.
The reason she had been assigned to lead the security team as a team captain was partly for prestige.
After all, the security team was an honorary division managed by the Uchiha clan, and many Uchiha took pride in becoming members of the security team.
But for Rui, it wasn't really an honor. Instead, it was a mundane and tedious existence.
"Taking a break outside sounds good."
"Do you want to come along?"
With Rui's invitation, Shiroshi scratched his head in distress and said, "Never mind, I'll pass. I'm just one step away from completing the final fusion in my senjutsu research. Once I succeed in my research, I'll consider it."
Rui didn't insist. Senjutsu research was indeed an important matter.
She was also looking forward to Shiroshi advancing his senjutsu research quickly.
That way, her strength would experience another significant leap, and her usage of the Sharingan would also reach a higher level.
"By the way, since you're going on a mission, you'll need to form a new team, right? With your current rank as a Jōnin, it's unlikely you can join another Jōnin team."
Normal missions are carried out by teams of four.
There were also times when special team configurations were used, such as mixed squads with several Chunin and Genin. This typically happened during times of war.
During wartime, the mortality rate for Jōnin was also very high.
But now was not a time of war, and the normal team configuration was four members.
For a Jōnin, there were three options: two Chunin and one Genin, or three Genin.
"A team captain of another squad has died recently, and I'm going to take on that role. The team members are a bunch of youngsters who just graduated not long ago."
"Haha, that's unfortunate. They've barely graduated and already have to deal with the misfortune of their captain's death, and now you have to replace him as captain."
The graduation season at the Ninja School was usually in March or April.
Now it was July, which meant that the Genin members of this team had graduated less than half a year ago, and their team captain had died during a mission.
It was likely that they encountered some unfortunate accident while on their mission.
After all, many tasks assigned by clients were full of traps and misinformation.
Such incidents happened frequently.
Rui's decision to go on a mission might have been due to her annoyance regarding this situation.
Shiroshi, in turn, allowed her to do as she pleased.
Given Rui's abilities, she probably wouldn't encounter any unexpected situations.
After all, leading a team of rookies wouldn't involve particularly challenging missions.
This situation was completely different from when they had initially joined Team Sakumo.
…
The next day.
Shiroshi arrived at Rui's room and found only a note left behind. After reading its contents, he knew that Rui had already left on her mission.
He simply felt a bit unaccustomed to it, but soon adjusted his mindset.
After having breakfast, Shiroshi immersed himself in the laboratory, working on adjusting the fusion mechanism between chakra and natural energy.
Handling chakra and natural energy individually wasn't particularly difficult.
Especially for those naturally gifted in control, it was quick to pick up, and in battle, not a hint of energy would go to waste.
However, when these two forms of energy were fused, they became challenging to control.
In a transparent container, he used instruments to adjust the fusion of chakra and natural energy within.
Once that was set up, Shiroshi moved on to other research.
This research had some connection to the Earth General, that clay golem.
After the battle with Hyuga Clan's Jōnin Hyuga Hokawa, he realized that the Earth General could provide assistance in many situations.
For instance, human bombs, human bombs, human bombs...
In addition to his infiltration abilities, the Earth General also excelled in sneak attacks.
Although he himself didn't possess strong combat skills, he had an internal space, similar to the principle of a sealing scroll, where he could store many items.
Recently, Shiroshi had prepared a number of deadly weapons like poison gas bombs and detonation charms, placing them inside the Earth General's body. This made the Earth General more than just a communication tool.
Now, besides conducting senjutsu research, Shiroshi was also concurrently working on experiments involving "artificial beings."
He intended to create another "artificial being" similar to the Earth General.
The Earth General possessed the "earth" characteristic.
His abilities in earth infiltration and mobility far exceeded those in water.
This time, Shiroshi planned to create a new artificial being.
Bestowing upon it the "yin" characteristic.
In other words, Yin Release.
This type of jutsu was also manifested in the shadow techniques used by Chudan's Team.
Their ability to hide within shadows was a utilization of Yin Release.
Similarly, techniques like the Nara clan's Shadow Imitation Jutsu and the Uchiha clan's Sharingan genjutsu fell under the category of Yin Release.
Quickly, Shiroshi's mind formulated a new blueprint.
He began by designing the plans, then took out the materials he had already prepared from the lab's inventory and started the construction process.
He hoped this time he could create a being with a higher level of intelligence.
Being smarter than the Earth General, his dimwitted "child," would be satisfying enough.
The process of creating artificial beings wasn't particularly complex.
The first step was shaping. Changing the nature of chakra using yin-yang chakra transformation to give life essence to the formed substance. Then, using natural energy as their life source, he'd set a trait allowing them to autonomously regulate and absorb external natural energy.
Next came the most critical step.
With a living shell, only the insertion of a soul remained.
A shell without a soul wasn't a complete life form.
And the core of this soul... was Shiroshi himself.
He transferred fragments of his own soul through soul techniques.
After cultivation and adjustment, he filled the body of the created puppet with these soul fragments.
The final step involved placing the puppet, now fused with his soul fragments, into a glass container brimming with natural energy for the perfect fusion.
In this manner, Shiroshi silently watched as his new "child" came to life from the instrument...
…
In the following time, Shiroshi quietly awaited the birth of his "child" while observing the progress of his senjutsu fusion.
In the afternoon, Shiroshi headed to the Ninja School for work.
Upon returning after work, his "child" in the laboratory remained unconscious. It seemed to require a substantial amount of energy absorption before fully coming to life.
Soon, a day had passed.
The next morning, as usual, Shiroshi went to Rui's room.
He didn't find Rui there.
She hadn't returned for a day.
She probably took the newly graduated kids from the Ninja School for a mission outside the village.
Suddenly, Shiroshi felt an indescribable emotion. As he looked at Rui's empty room, a sense of loss filled his heart.
Since moving to this place, he hadn't been separated from Rui for such a long time.
He oddly missed her.
While thinking this, Shiroshi headed toward the underground laboratory.
Inside the laboratory, nothing had changed. The "child" he created was still in the glass instrument, its eyes closed tightly as it absorbed the natural energy within.
Shiroshi glanced at the senjutsu fusion data on the computer. It had made some progress compared to yesterday, though the improvement was not significant. Nevertheless, it was getting remarkably close to success.
The entire morning passed like this. He adjusted the research methodology during the period, yet success still remained slightly out of reach.
Shiroshi thought about the shrine maiden in the Land of Demons. During these days, he had exchanged quite a few letters with her through the Earth General and other means.
However, most of their communication pertained to cooperation.
For example, forming a company in the Land of Demons and hoping for official neutrality from their government to establish further collaboration.
But Shiroshi knew that the shrine maiden of the Land of Demons was knowledgeable about the application of natural energy.
She had also warned him to be careful of "Mount Myoboku."
Mount Myoboku, one of the Three Great Sacred Places, was also one of the origins of senjutsu.
Could that shrine maiden also be knowledgeable about senjutsu?
However, directly asking such a question might be too abrupt. After all, something as important as senjutsu wouldn't be easily handed over to others, even if he were in her shoes.
Posing this kind of secretive question could potentially strain their relationship.
After all, it likely concerned an important heritage that the shrine maiden's lineage couldn't divulge.
"It's really difficult..." Shiroshi furrowed his brows. Looking at the clock, it was already past twelve. He decided to stop thinking about it and went out for lunch.
Upon returning, Shiroshi's expression slightly froze.
The glass instrument he used to nurture his "child" was now empty.
His "child" had vanished.
The natural energy within was still there, and the glass instrument remained undamaged. It was as if the entire entity had been wiped clean from the glass container.
Shiroshi took a few steps forward and immediately sensed that something was amiss in the laboratory.
Shadows.
A large number of shadows.
Countless shadows on the walls, on the floor, on Shiroshi himself, performing eerie and highly distorted rotations.
Blurry darkness, silent tranquility.
In this strange and twisted shadow dance, it evoked a somewhat bewildering and mysterious feeling.
Eventually, all the shadows came to a halt.
Converging into one point.
Quietly rising from the ground before Shiroshi, a tangible form appeared.
"Father."
A voice that carried an indifferent tone, yet distinctly female.
Clad entirely in black, with flowing jet-black hair, a pure-black metal mask, only a pair of cold eyes dominated by entirely black irises were exposed.
A shadow of the dark night as cold as ice and snow.
She knelt on one knee on the ground, offering her creator the utmost respect and admiration.
Shiroshi's eyes filled with satisfaction. From her cold gaze, he could discern that she was unlike the idiotic Earth General.
She was a daughter of normal intelligence.
Just then, another object rose from the ground, a head made of earth.
As it was about to speak, a dark shadow glided across its neck.
The head, with its pale golden eyes wide open, rolled across the ground, only stopping when it collided with a wall.
The shadow daughter, who continued to show her reverence to Shiroshi, spoke in a proud and icy tone, "Father, the enemies have been dealt with."
"..."
"Father?"
The shadow daughter's voice carried a hint of confusion.
Why wasn't she being praised yet?
"He is your brother..."
The shadow daughter's body stiffened, and she lowered her head, seemingly at a loss.
Shiroshi let out a soft sigh, then consoled her, "But you don't need to worry too much. Your brother has issues with his mind; he won't remember these things. Just treat him nicely in the future."
…
...%￥"
Inside the laboratory, enduring Earth General's mumbling, Shiroshi assisted him in reattaching his head.
He probably wanted to convey his happiness upon meeting his cute sister for the first time.
Once his head was reattached, he started dancing and celebrating.
Truly a heartwarming scene of affection.
Shiroshi felt a profound sense of contentment. This was the feeling of being a family.
Meanwhile, the shadow daughter seemed uncertain about how to face her peculiar-looking brother. She transformed into a plane of pure black darkness on the ground and shot into Shiroshi's shadow like an arrow, disappearing from sight.
"￥*…%￥%…"
Seeing the shadow daughter vanish, Earth General resumed his mumbling. Even Shiroshi, the creator, had no clue about what this guy was trying to express.
"Alright, she's your sister. She was just born today and doesn't know much yet. You're already two years old, so forgive her this time."
Shiroshi stroked Earth General's head, advising him to be more forgiving.
"￥*%￥#￥%…"
Earth General dropped a document on the ground, spoke these words, and immediately burrowed into the earth, disappearing.
"Really, none of them make things easy."
Shiroshi complained with a sigh. He needed to learn his lesson for next time.
Picking up the document Earth General left behind from the ground, he gave it a shake to remove the minimal dust.
It contained recent information about the Demon Country Pharmaceutical Company.
Some time had passed, and the business activities of Ziyuanhua Pharmaceutical Technology Company were also gaining momentum.
Ziyuanhua Pharmaceutical Company produced and sold drugs that weren't currently circulating in the market. The main types were cold medicine, fever-reducing medicine, stomach medicine, and various other drugs that supported the body's health recovery. Tests had shown that these drugs were more effective than the ones available in the market.
Currently, their main focus was on neighboring countries such as the Snow Country, the Shadow Country, and the Bear Country, while the Wind Country and the Earth Country were the primary focus among the Five Great Nations.
Due to the distance between the Demon Country and the Fire Country, there wouldn't be a large-scale influx of pharmaceuticals into the Fire Country's market in the near future.
Of course, if Fire Country merchants were willing to serve as agents, the wealthy business companies wouldn't be turned away.
Shiroshi believed that the responsible person on their side, Gato, would make a reasonable judgment. If not, he might need to replace a more capable subordinate to manage the company's affairs.
During the period of initial accumulation for the organization, ample funds were of utmost importance.
Economics determined politics, and politics influenced military matters.
Money was the primary manifestation of the economy.
Only after that could economic factors shape the superstructure, and provide feedback to an organization, feedback to a country.
To achieve prosperity and development, the economy was the fundamental foundation.
The organization currently had a sufficient workforce, whether it was research personnel, staff members, or armed personnel for protection, all had reached the first stage of formation.
After the pharmaceutical company accumulated a considerable amount of capital and established a strong reputation, they would move on to recruiting personnel in various countries to further expand their workforce.
The organization remained covertly active in the shadows, while the company attracted attention in the open.
Hiding in the shadows for too long might lead to a qualitative transformation in the organization's scale.
Hence, the neutral identity of the Demon Country could provide great convenience.
This was the win-win cooperation plan that Shiroshi and the Miroku Priestess were planning to achieve.
Shiroshi had a close relationship with that priestess.
…
After dinner, it was already two hours after Shiroshi had finished work at the ninja school.
He was about to head toward the underground laboratory when he suddenly sensed two familiar chakra signatures within his range.
He began walking toward the front yard and indeed saw a boy and a girl standing at the entrance. They were both quite young, likely students from the ninja school.
The boy had his hands behind his head and wore protective goggles over his eyes. He had a disdainful expression on his face.
"Senior Shiroshi, sorry to disturb you at such a late hour."
The girl, on the other hand, bowed politely to Shiroshi.
"It's no problem. But why did you come looking for me so late, Noohara?"
The girl was a hardworking student from the medical ninja experimental class at the school, named Noohara Rin.
When Shiroshi was initially a teaching assistant in the experimental class, she displayed a diligent and studious attitude. She had exceptional talent in medical ninjutsu and was likely to become an outstanding medical ninja in the future.
Among all the students in the experimental class, Shiroshi was most impressed by her.
"Tsunade-sensei's lecture this afternoon contained some parts that were hard to understand. I searched for information in the library, but it didn't help. Can I ask Senior Shiroshi for help with my questions?"
Rin's face reflected her diligent and eager-to-learn attitude. She genuinely seemed to love medical ninjutsu and aspired to become an excellent medical ninja in the future.
After a moment of thought, Shiroshi nodded and said, "I see. Well, then, Noohara, come in. I don't have anything particularly important to do right now."
"I'm truly grateful, Senior Shiroshi."
A sincere and innocent smile appeared on Rin's face.
"It's nothing. Noohara's diligence and eagerness to learn impressed me. You see, being a capable medical ninja is quite challenging for girls. Many times, they'll face unpredictable dangers. By the way, didn't you go to see Lady Tsunade?"
"I did go before, but I found Lady Tsunade completely drunk at the tavern..."
Rin's face bore a hint of helplessness.
"..."
Shiroshi also shook his head with a touch of helplessness but didn't say anything.
He had long become accustomed to it.
Perhaps the deaths of Nawaki and Kato had affected her greatly.
Over these years, her experiences of getting drunk in the tavern were countless.
However, she never compromised during classes—there was no tardiness or early departure, making her a responsible teacher for the experimental class.
Shiroshi led the boy and girl inside, then turned to the boy and asked, "Why did you come in as well?"
"Of course, I have to watch out for this guy's ill intentions toward Rin."
The boy didn't mince his words and spoke without any filter.
"You have a talent for making jokes, Uchiha Obito. You might have a brighter future as an entertainer than as a ninja."
"I wouldn't want someone like you, who relies on women, to say that. It's quite embarrassing."
Obito continued walking arrogantly with his hands behind his head, striding forward with an air of indifference.
"By the way, is Rui-senpai not at home?"
Obito looked around at the quiet surroundings and asked this question.
"Why are you asking that?"
"I heard from the elders of the clan that Rui-senpai seems to have resigned from the security team. Even though she's a powerful Jonin, why would she give up the position of squad leader in the security team?"
Obito's curiosity was evident.
"Perhaps it wasn't a good fit for her. For her, carrying out missions outside might be more suitable. After all, the security team often deals with trivial matters..."
"It's not trivial at all! I deeply respect the seniors working in the security team. It's an honor for our Uchiha clan! Therefore, helping the village through the security team, that's not something trivial!"
Shiroshi glanced at him but didn't say anything.
"Because if you can't handle even these minor tasks well, you won't be able to become a Hokage!"
Obito's expression became more serious than ever before.
"Hokage?"
Shiroshi's expression became strange.
Rin, who was on the side, laughed and explained, "Well, Shiroshi-senpai, Obito's dream is to become someone recognized by everyone, to become a Hokage and help everyone in the village."
Hearing Rin say this, Shiroshi's gaze toward Obito became even more peculiar.
"What are you looking at me like that for?"
Obito retreated cautiously.
"Nothing, I'm just thinking about some unrelated things."
Could he really be an Uchiha?
Shiroshi had doubted Obito's true identity more than once. Even though he knew that many in the Uchiha clan hoped for their members to become Hokage, it was often driven by intense personal desire or for the clan's political service. It felt more like an obsession.
In Shiroshi's eyes, Obito was simply a child who saw being a Hokage as a pure dream and wanted to fulfill it.
Did the Uchiha clan also have such interesting characters?
For the first time, Shiroshi felt a sense of anticipation toward this Uchiha boy. Perhaps his future would be quite intriguing.
"But Obito is really hardworking and compassionate. He often helps elderly ladies in need on the streets."
"Oh, well, it's not that big of a deal. Rin, you're exaggerating."
With this praise from Rin, Obito didn't notice that he was walking with a floating gait and nearly stumbled on level ground.
In a quiet room, Shiroshi turned on the lights, gestured for the two to sit down, and then went to prepare some desserts and tea to entertain them.
Although he had come tonight as a chaperone, following Rin into the room, upon seeing her deeply engrossed in seeking medical knowledge from Shiroshi, she had entered a state of study. Obito refrained from interrupting, as his knowledge of medical techniques was not particularly clear.
Observing Rin's earnestness in seeking guidance and the fact that the freeloader could calmly respond to her various queries, Obito thought that this freeloader did have some abilities.
At least when it came to medical ninjutsu.
Around ten o'clock in the evening, the private tutoring session finally concluded.
"Shiroshi-senpai, thank you for tonight."
"No problem. You're welcome to come over anytime, Noohara. I'll do my best to help you with anything you need."
Shiroshi smiled faintly and watched as Rin left.
Beside her, Obito followed her closely.
Though he was already beginning to nod off, he insisted on seeing Rin home before he could relax.
Witnessing this scene, Shiroshi was even more certain—Uchiha Obito... was definitely an abnormal Uchiha.
…
The unimaginable physical pressure suddenly fell on him, jolting Shiroshi awake from his slumber.
It was another sunny morning.
But compared to the bright, warm sunlight, the full orb that had appeared before him, seemingly out of nowhere, had an even more alluring charm that he couldn't help but long for.
Not to be exaggerated, but compared to girls his age, it was already quite remarkable.
Just like Rui—her figure was modest and low-key, unlike her formidable strength. Hence, upon seeing something so dynamic and full of vitality, Shiroshi couldn't help but imagine how breathtakingly beautiful it would be to soak in a hot spring. Even if he were floating on the water's surface, he could conjure up the wonderful and enchanting view it would offer.
"Good morning, Shiroshi-kun."
The girl, straddling Shiroshi like a mount, used her fair fingers to touch his nose, greeting him naturally.
"... What are you doing, Ayane?"
Honestly, the unfolding scene before him left Shiroshi's mind momentarily befuddled.
"I read about this in a book recently, that boys like to wake up this way. Shiroshi-kun, do you not like it? Or would you prefer I wake you up in a different way?"
"It's fine with anything, but you should probably read fewer of these strange books in the future."
Shiroshi let Ayane get off him.
No matter what, the sight of her seductive posture just now was making it difficult to restrain his physical reactions.
He quickly put on his clothes, and just as he was about to finish dressing, a shadowy figure dressed in black walked in. The shadowy girl carried a plate and gently set it down nearby.
"Father, Mother, I've prepared breakfast for you. Please enjoy."
"?"
"Thank you for your hard work. You've even prepared breakfast for us."
While Shiroshi was still trying to make sense of what was happening, Ayane had already begun to praise the shadowy girl's thoughtfulness.
Ayane turned to Shiroshi with a smile and said, "Shiroshi-kun, look how well-behaved our daughter is. She specially prepared breakfast for both of us. Let's eat together."
She emphasized the words "our daughter" particularly strongly.
"..."
Shiroshi just wanted to know what had transpired between his dumb daughter and Ayane while he was still asleep.
…
After having breakfast, Shiroshi began to speak:
"Why do you have the time to come here?"
He knew that Ayane didn't have much free time to spend outside the Hyuga clan. While it was true that she had more free time when the Sakumo team was still together, it had been quite a while since the team disbanded, and she had rarely been seen outside during that period.
The most recent time she had come out seemed to have been during Sakumo's funeral.
Subsequent communication had been limited to discreetly exchanging information.
"I took the day off today, it's no big deal."
Ayane smiled.
"Is it really okay for you to slack off from work like this?"
"There's no problem with this kind of thing. Our future clan leader is a reasonable person. Unlike the elders who have strong control tendencies, he's quite open-minded."
Ayane rarely spoke so highly of anyone from the Hyuga clan.
Hyuga Hizashi, Shiroshi wasn't hearing this name for the first time.
The sole designated heir of the Hyuga clan, he possessed exceptional ninja talent and handsome features. Before turning twenty, he had become a well-known Jonin in the village.
Although his true strength remained unknown, as the heir to the Hyuga clan, his power among the Jonin must be exceptional.
Mediocre individuals cannot become clan leaders of prestigious ninja clans.
In any case, ninjas usually spoke through their strength.
Even within the Hyuga clan, someone with the title of heir and excellent ninja abilities would gain recognition by becoming the clan leader. Just like the position of Hokage, a certain level of strength was a prerequisite. With strength in place, one could then discuss political capital and elections.
If the strength wasn't up to par, they would be eliminated in the first round.
"Moreover, Rui isn't at home now, right? I was afraid you'd be lonely at home all by yourself, so I came specially to chat with you and alleviate your boredom. If you find me bothersome, I can go back now. As long as it's Shiroshi-kun's command, I'll comply. Feel free to use me as you like."
She portrayed a look of dedication and honesty, without a hint of resistance. In her serene and beautiful voice, which was as gentle as the breeze, she spoke these words, her gaze tender enough to melt a man's bones.
But Shiroshi believed that deep down, there must be another side to her.
"Rest assured, I won't find you bothersome. However, just make sure not to disrupt my work."
"Okay..."
Ayane obediently nodded.
The meaning underlying her words was the potential for complete submission to Shiroshi's commands, both body and soul.
Upon reflection, Shiroshi did experience a momentary desire and impulse just now.
Compared to the outwardly repulsive yet internally upright Rui, Ayane was truly a carnivorous creature.
"Speaking of which, I didn't expect you to create a second clone. The way that person appeared was quite mysterious."
At this moment, Ayane recalled that when she had just arrived, the shadowy girl had easily sensed her. She had silently emerged from the shadows in the wall.
If she didn't possess strong perception abilities, it would have been difficult to detect that she had already been marked by someone.
"Are you talking about the Shadow Dancer? I granted her the power of Yin Release."
Like General Tsuchi, the shadowy girl also bore the name "Shadow Dancer," or rather, that was her codename.
Strictly speaking, neither of them belonged to the category of normal beings.
Leaving General Tsuchi, who possessed a near-immortal body, aside for now, the Shadow Dancer's abilities were even more difficult to defend against.
Shiroshi created her for the sake of his safety.
Because he had decided to abandon the practice of strengthening himself through training, he would no longer focus on direct combat in the future.
Considering that there would be attacks that he couldn't anticipate, the Shadow Dancer was born as an assassin and guardian to protect his life. She resided in Shiroshi's shadow most of the time.
When enemies approached him, she would use shadows for defense or to attack them.
As such, her speed and proficiency in Yin Release were both exceptionally high.
If she integrated Sage techniques in the future, her shadow's speed and power would further increase.
"Yin Release? Is it like the Nara clan's Shadow Imitation Technique?"
Recalling the peculiar way the Shadow Dancer had appeared, it made sense now.
"It's somewhat similar, but there are differences."
The Nara clan's shadow jutsu was not very aggressive, focusing more on control to create opportunities for attacks by allies.
On the other hand, the Shadow Dancer's shadow jutsu balanced both defense and offense, constituting a comprehensive shadow ninjutsu.
After all, this clone was specifically created to protect Shiroshi's safety. This type of ability was more suited for assassination and protection, unlike General Tsuchi, who was more like a communication tool.
Back when General Tsuchi was created, Shiroshi's technique wasn't very mature yet.
Therefore, compared to the Shadow Dancer, the life form of General Tsuchi was quite unique and unconventional.
As the technology in this area became more sophisticated, the clones created in the future would naturally become stronger.
When that time came, he could further enhance and upgrade his existing two clones.
"To think it's such a dangerous ability, I already feel sorry for those enemies."
Ayane casually thought about it and realized just how terrifying this malicious way of fighting would be for flesh and blood ninjas.
Shiroshi-kun was as scheming as ever.
However, if she could use that scheming mind to control her body, it would be great.
Even though she was the person who had initially gained Shiroshi's trust, the woman with the Sharingan, she really wanted to drown her in the sea.
As she calmly sipped on her cold tea there was still a strong sense of unwillingness in Ayane's heart.
This unwillingness was only second to the kind she felt when she couldn't resist the fate of a caged bird.
Because the strength of that Sharingan woman surpassed her own, and that was an undeniable fact.
"This is my way of fighting. They are my clones, so naturally they should be counted as a part of my strength. After all, I'm different from you all. I don't have that convenient bloodline limit. I can only increase my sense of security through other means."
Shiroshi, who wasn't sure what Ayane was thinking, believed that the above words were a decision he had carefully thought through.
Although he didn't want to admit the strength gap caused by bloodline, sometimes he had to bow down to reality.
Most people couldn't overcome the suppression brought by their bloodline, and that was why Shiroshi often ended up at a disadvantage in battles against Rui.
It wasn't very noticeable when they were younger, but after awakening the Sharingan, the gap grew larger and larger, to the point of being insurmountable.
Shiroshi acknowledged that he couldn't be a ninja who could ignore the suppression caused by his bloodline.
That's why he needed other things to compensate for his shortcomings.
Understanding his flaws and seeking ways to remedy them was a part of personal growth. It required self-awareness, objectivity, and not being overly arrogant or overly self-deprecating.
Impatience, jealousy, coveting, and greed were all unnecessary emotions.
He just needed to be ordinary.
"It's strange... It's morning, but the weather is so hot."
Ayane tugged at her collar, looking unusually displeased with today's scorching weather.
Although the environment here was tranquil, the July weather in Konoha was truly unbearable.
"Well, it's almost August."
"It's always a bit tough around this time of the year... Umm, Shiroshi-kun, is there a bathhouse here?"
"Do you want to take a bath?"
"Yeah, would you join me?"
These words naturally spilled out of Ayane's mouth, and an innocent smile appeared on her face.
She had completely no awareness of what her words implied.
The room suddenly became so quiet that it was hard to breathe.
"So... would you like to take a bath together? After all, the weather is so hot, isn't it?"
Breaking the silence, Ayane smiled and extended the invitation once again.
…
Calm down.
I am a doctor.
A researcher.
Be rational and don't be controlled by irrational desires.
But upon careful consideration, the desire that arises for the opposite sex's body is a natural instinct and pursuit.
In the open-air hot spring pool, Shiroshi leaned against the partition. He wasn't even aware of when he had already entered the pool to take a bath.
"The water temperature here is quite suitable. To be honest, I envy you all. You get to soak in such a good hot spring every day."
From behind the partition, Ayane's voice sounded envious.
"..."
Shiroshi closed his eyes and automatically brushed aside Ayane's words.
A slight sound came from behind the partition, caused by Ayane moving closer.
"It's so comfortable..."
Ayane's soft moan of comfort reached Shiroshi's ears.
"Shiroshi-kun, how do you feel?"
"It's okay."
Shiroshi's vague response carried a hint of restraint. His mind had begun to wander, imagining something floating on the water's surface.
In any case, he needed to calm down.
"Shiroshi-kun."
"What is it?"
"When you and Rui take baths, do you share the same pool?"
Ayane seemed curious about this matter.
"If I did that, I would have been burned to death by her Fire Release long ago."
Ayane laughed and said, "True, in this regard, Rui is probably really shy. But if it were me, I wouldn't mind... things like that."
Shiroshi naturally understood the implicit invitation in her words.
Although he knew Ayane wasn't in a state of undress on the other side, his self-control right now wasn't as confident as usual.
The atmosphere fell silent.
It continued that way until an hour later. Both of them leaned against the same partition without any communication.
"I'm done washing up. Don't stay in too long either, soaking for too long isn't good for your body."
Shiroshi stood up from the pool and called out to Ayane on the other side.
"I understand. Shiroshi-kun, go about your own business. I'm satisfied to have spent this much time together."
"..."
Shiroshi got out of the pool, put on his clothes, and then went to the lounge. He saw that Ayane was still in the women's bath area; she probably wanted to stay in a bit longer.
Shiroshi didn't pay much attention, he opened the door to the lounge and prepared to return to his lab to work.
"To come here for a bath this early in the morning, that's quite unusual."
Hearing this familiar voice, Shiroshi's body stiffened.
Rui appeared at the door with a change of clothes. Her face was a bit sweaty, clearly having just returned and wanting to relieve her fatigue by taking a bath here.
"Ru-Rui, didn't you go out on a long-term mission? And why are you back at this time?"
Shiroshi raised his volume a bit.
Rui's face displayed a hint of annoyance:
"Enough about that. The client lied about the mission rank. It was supposed to be a C-rank mission, but it turned out to be an A-rank mission unsuitable for beginners. I halfway through the mission gave him a beating, and let him deal with it on his own. Afterward, I brought back those three rookie genin."
"Oh, I see..."
"Why are you speaking so loudly?"
Rui's eyebrows furrowed as she heard Shiroshi's slightly elevated voice.
She had never liked it when others spoke to her in a loud voice; she found it very noisy.
"Ah, cough cough, my throat isn't in great condition these past few days. I'm afraid if I speak too softly, you won't be able to hear."
Shiroshi stepped aside, allowing Rui to enter. She walked in, heading towards the women's bath area.
"Wait!"
"What else is there? You're acting strange today."
Rui turned around to look at Shiroshi.
"Um... it's nothing, it's just been a few days since I last saw you, and I kind of missed you. Should we grab breakfast together?"
"I bought breakfast on my way back."
Saying this, Rui narrowed her eyes, glancing towards the women's bath area and then back at Shiroshi, who was trying to maintain a composed demeanor.
"Since you've already had breakfast, I'll leave first. I won't disturb you while you're bathing."
Shiroshi felt a bit uncomfortable under Rui's scrutinizing gaze and just wanted to leave quickly.
"Don't go just yet. I'll be done with my bath soon. Wait here, I want to discuss something with you."
Before Shiroshi could refuse, Rui stepped into the women's bath area.
Seeing how straightforwardly Rui entered the women's bath area, leaving him no room to maneuver, Shiroshi knew that Rui had likely noticed something.
Now he was completely doomed!
(Chapter End)