The greatest advantage of Water Release: Rampaging Water Waves was its unusually low chakra consumption. Unlike the Great Fireball Technique, however, it did not improve Ren's natural affinity for Water Release.
That meant his talent for water techniques remained far below his talent for Fire Release—even after receiving the gifted fragments.
To make matters worse, the Water Severing Wave was considered one of the most difficult Water Release techniques to master.
An ordinary shinobi could spend several months practicing without producing anything remotely usable. The technique demanded exquisite chakra control, extraordinary compression, and the ability to maintain a narrow, stable stream of water even while moving.
Ren had studied medical ninjutsu, so his chakra control was already considerably better than that of most shinobi his age. Unfortunately, it still wasn't enough for him to master such an advanced technique overnight.
After several attempts, the so-called "water gun" he produced remained weak and unstable.
The thin stream struck the earth wall Hiruzen had created, producing several dull thuds and leaving behind a few uneven pits. Forget slicing through the wall, the attack's penetrating power might not even match an ordinary Dragon Fire Technique.
Looking at the embarrassing marks on the wall, Ren fell silent.
Hiruzen Sarutobi and Minato Namikaze, however, quietly breathed sighs of relief.
Ren's talent for Fire Release was already frightening enough. If he displayed the same monstrous aptitude for Water Release, even the two of them would struggle to remain calm.
Of course, if he truly possessed that level of talent, it would also be an incredible blessing for Konoha.
A shinobi who mastered both Fire and Water Release at such a young age might eventually learn to combine the two chakra natures. Perhaps he could even develop a new kekkei genkai.
Even if he failed to reach that stage, becoming an elite jonin was almost guaranteed.
Reaching the Kage level was not impossible either.
"It's all right, Ren."
Hiruzen chuckled when he noticed Ren staring at the wall.
"The hand seals for the Water Severing Wave are complicated, but that isn't the most difficult part. Compressing the chakra and maintaining the water's stability are the true challenges."
He rested one hand behind his back, his gaze drifting toward the gouges in the wall as if remembering something from many years ago.
"When Lord Tobirama taught me this technique, even I needed a considerable amount of time to master it. You've only practiced it a few times. There's no reason to rush."
"I understand."
Ren nodded, then hesitated for a moment before speaking again.
"Lord Third, may I borrow the Water Severing Wave scroll?"
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed slightly.
Ren continued before the Hokage could refuse.
"Your explanation was very detailed, but my aptitude for Water Release is limited. I'm afraid I can't fully understand everything after hearing it only once. If I could study the scroll several more times, I might be able to discover where I'm going wrong."
Hiruzen stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"In principle, I cannot allow that."
Ren's heart sank slightly, although his expression remained calm.
The Water Severing Wave was an S-rank ninjutsu created by the Second Hokage. Its value was no lower than many of the forbidden techniques stored inside the Scroll of Seals.
In a smaller ninja village, such a technique would be regarded as a national treasure.
It was natural for Hiruzen to refuse.
"However…"
Ren immediately looked up.
Hiruzen's stern expression softened into a faint smile.
"Considering how many times you've rendered valuable service to the village, I can make an exception."
Ren had successfully obtained permission to study the Water Severing Wave scroll.
"I'll hand the scroll to Minato," Hiruzen continued. "You may study it under his supervision. If you encounter any problems, ask him first. If Minato cannot answer your questions, you may come directly to me."
"Once you've mastered the technique, Minato will return the scroll."
Hiruzen paused, studying him carefully.
"Is that acceptable?"
"That would be perfect!"
Ren allowed an appropriate amount of surprise and gratitude to appear on his face.
He understood the arrangement perfectly.
Although he had recently been promoted to special jonin, that rank alone was not enough for Hiruzen to entrust him with an S-rank ninjutsu scroll. If the scroll were stolen by an enemy village, the consequences would be severe.
Minato would act as both supervisor and guarantor.
The arrangement created a slight problem for Ren.
It would be difficult to copy the scroll while Minato was watching him. If necessary, he would have to memorize it section by section and transcribe everything after returning home.
That would be troublesome, but it was a small price to pay for an S-rank technique.
"Good. We'll end today's lesson here."
Hiruzen placed a hand on Ren's shoulder and gave him an approving look.
"Ren, I have high expectations for you. With your talent, as long as you continue working hard and don't allow arrogance to cloud your judgment, your future will be limitless."
"I won't disappoint you."
Hiruzen offered a few more words of encouragement before leaving the training ground under the protection of several ANBU.
As the current Hokage, he was buried beneath endless official duties. Finding enough time to personally teach Ren was already rare. It was impossible for him to offer the same careful, long-term guidance he had once given Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru.
Minato, however, remained behind.
He helped Ren correct several mistakes in the Fire Dragon Flame Bullet. Minato rarely used Fire Release in battle, but his fundamentals were solid, and his understanding of chakra control was far beyond that of an ordinary jonin.
As for Water Release, Minato had never seriously practiced it.
Even so, his theoretical knowledge was extensive. He had also fought alongside—and against—many Water Release specialists. The insights he offered allowed Ren to examine the technique from several different angles.
Only after their lesson had nearly ended did Ren casually mention the technique he truly desired.
"Minato-sensei, about the Flying Thunder God…"
Minato stared at him for a moment before smiling helplessly.
"I knew you wouldn't forget."
"How could I forget an S-rank space-time ninjutsu?"
"I've already promised to teach you, so I won't go back on my word."
Minato's expression then became serious.
"However, you've just started learning two new techniques. You haven't mastered either of them yet. If you immediately begin studying another S-rank ninjutsu, you'll spread your attention too thin."
Ren opened his mouth, but Minato raised a hand to stop him.
"Don't be impatient. Spend the next few days practicing the Fire Dragon Flame Bullet and Water Severing Wave. I'll speak to Lord Third and collect the scroll for you."
"After that, I'll begin teaching you the fundamentals of space-time perception. Once your perception reaches the required standard, I'll show you the Flying Thunder God formula."
Minato had finally agreed to begin Ren's training in space-time ninjutsu.
"All right."
Ren nodded obediently, but his thoughts were already racing.
Both the Water Severing Wave and Flying Thunder God were classified by the system as Legendary Limited skins. Their original techniques, however, were entirely different.
The Water Severing Wave belonged to Water Release: Rampaging Water Waves. Ren had already raised that technique's favorability close to the maximum. Once he obtained the corresponding skin, gifting it should be easy.
The Flying Thunder God was connected to the Summoning Technique.
Ren had only recently begun cultivating that technique's favorability, so it remained far from the level required to gift a Legendary Limited skin.
If he couldn't gift the skin and had to depend entirely on his own aptitude, mastering the Flying Thunder God might prove extremely difficult.
Rather than forcing the issue, he might be better off using the time to attend a few more sealing lessons with Kushina. Space-time ninjutsu and sealing techniques were closely connected, and learning from her would strengthen his foundation.
It would also give him a chance to search for a better skin for his Sealing Barrier Method.
After answering a few more questions, Minato found an excuse to leave.
Ren remained at the training ground for several hours, repeatedly practicing both techniques. He didn't stop until the sun began sinking toward the horizon and his chakra reserves were nearly exhausted.
By the time he returned home, night had already fallen over Konoha.
The following morning, Ren met Rin Nohara, and the two headed toward the Senju compound together.
Their visit was mainly for Kana and Naoto Uzumaki.
Tsunade had decided to let the two Uzumaki live inside the Senju compound. Several unoccupied houses needed to be cleaned and repaired, and new furniture had to be arranged.
Ren and Rin had only recently completed the Chunin Exams and had not yet received new missions, so they had plenty of free time.
Helping with the relocation was useful in more ways than one.
They could repay Kana for trusting them, deepen their connection with the Uzumaki survivors, and leave a favorable impression on the remaining Senju clansmen.
When they arrived, the compound was already bustling with activity.
Several members of the Senju clan were carrying furniture and clearing out two small houses near Tsunade's residence. Dust drifted through the sunlight as old mats, broken shelves, and rotting wooden boxes were removed from the buildings.
Kana noticed Ren almost immediately and hurried over.
"Ren!"
"Good morning, Sister Kana."
Ren waved, then gestured toward the girl beside him.
"This is Rin Nohara. She's one of my teammates, a student of Minato-sensei, and a chunin of Konoha."
Rin bowed politely, wearing her usual warm smile.
"It's nice to meet you, Kana."
Ren then turned toward Rin.
"Rin, this is Kana Uzumaki. She's from the same clan as Kushina."
"I've heard a lot about you," Rin said. "Ren told me what happened in Kusagakure. I'm glad you and Naoto made it safely to Konoha."
Kana's expression flickered at the mention of Kusagakure, but the shadow quickly faded.
"Thank you. If Ren and the others hadn't come…"
She stopped before finishing the sentence and shook her head.
"That's all behind us now. Please, come inside."
Ren and Rin quickly joined the others.
Ren handled most of the heavy lifting, carrying cupboards, tables, and bundles of supplies between the courtyards. Rin helped clean the rooms and spoke with Kana while they worked.
Before long, Rin's gentle personality melted through Kana's lingering unease.
The two began chatting naturally, and laughter gradually replaced the cautious silence that had hung around Kana since her arrival in Konoha.
Kana asked several questions about Kushina.
Rin only knew general details, but she told Kana what she could—Kushina's energetic personality, her relationship with Minato, and the respect many younger shinobi held for her.
Naoto remained quiet, yet even he occasionally joined their conversation.
As for the other Senju clansmen, Ren barely recognized any of them. Two looked vaguely familiar from the Ninja Academy, perhaps instructors from different classes, but neither had taught him or Rin.
Both sides exchanged polite greetings before returning to work.
They continued until evening.
The setting sun cast a warm golden glow over the entire compound. By then, the two small courtyards looked completely different.
The rooms were clean and bright. The damaged furniture had been replaced, fresh bedding had been prepared, and every fallen leaf had been swept from the stone paths.
For the first time since leaving Kusagakure, Kana and Naoto had a place they could truly call home.
Rin entered Kana's bedroom to help arrange the bedding.
It would have been inappropriate for Ren to follow them inside, so he leaned against the wooden frame beside the sliding door and rested.
His arms ached pleasantly after an entire day of physical labor. He had only just slowed his breathing when he heard footsteps approaching from behind.
A moment later, a soft arm draped across his shoulders.
A familiar herbal fragrance reached his nose, accompanied by a warm and unmistakably heavy pressure against his back.
Ren didn't need to turn around.
Among everyone he knew, only one person would greet him like this.
And no one else possessed such an astonishing weight.
Naturally, he wasn't referring to her body weight.
Ren glanced over his shoulder. Tsunade's face was only inches from his own, and her amber eyes reflected the golden light of the sunset.
"Lady Tsunade."
"Hmph. I knew you would come."
Her voice carried a lazy, satisfied note. Her golden ponytail swayed as she casually inspected him.
"Well? Did the two techniques the old man taught you yesterday finally stump our little genius?"
"They're manageable."
Ren answered honestly.
"I can already use the Fire Dragon Flame Bullet, but it's still far below Lord Third's level. I need to improve the shape transformation and prevent the flames from dispersing."
"As for the Water Severing Wave, that one is difficult. Its chakra-compression requirements are extremely high. I haven't found the correct balance yet."
"Oh?"
Tsunade raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical.
"So there are things even you can't learn immediately?"
She released an exaggerated sigh.
"The Water Severing Wave was created by my granduncle, after all. He was the greatest Water Release user of his era. Your white hair might resemble his, but it seems your talent is still a long way behind."
Ren didn't argue.
Instead, his thoughts wandered in a completely different direction.
He had always found the Senju clan's hair colors strangely inconsistent. Hashirama and his brothers had black, white, and two-toned hair. In Tsunade and Nawaki's generation, blond and brown had appeared as well.
The Senju bloodline was powerful, yet hair color seemed to be inherited almost at random.
He couldn't help wondering what color Tsunade's child might have—
Footsteps sounded from inside the room, interrupting the dangerous direction of his thoughts.
Kana emerged carrying a small wooden tray with several cups of warm water.
"Lady Tsunade, Ren, please have something to drink. You've all been working since morning. You must be exhausted."
"Thank you, Kana."
Tsunade took a cup but kept her attention fixed on Ren.
"Speaking of which, brat, your family's Raw Cola has been selling ridiculously well."
Ren accepted another cup as Tsunade continued.
"The Chunin Exams brought merchants and visitors from all across the continent. Your distributors used the opportunity to push Raw Cola into several major cities throughout the Land of Fire."
A smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
"Now there's a rumor spreading outside Konoha. Apparently, the 'Strongest Genin in Konoha' became so powerful because he grew up drinking Raw Cola."
Ren's eyelid twitched.
"It sounds ridiculous, but it's effective," Tsunade said. "People buy a bottle out of curiosity, then return for another after tasting it."
She took a sip of water, unable to hide her satisfaction.
"At this rate, monthly sales should stabilize above one hundred and fifty thousand bottles within two months. If we earn four or five ryo per bottle, that's over six hundred thousand ryo in monthly profit."
Ren had already heard the same figures from his father, Tajima.
The slogan about Raw Cola creating Konoha's strongest genin had not originated from either of them. It had been invented by the merchants Tsunade selected to distribute their product.
Apparently, those merchants possessed both ability and ambition. They knew exactly how to turn Ren's performance during the Chunin Exams into profit.
With Tsunade backing the agreement, they were unlikely to act too recklessly.
Even so, the Mikami family had to remain cautious.
No matter how cooperative the merchants appeared, the concentrated syrup formula had to remain firmly within the family's hands. That formula was the foundation of the entire business. Losing it would mean surrendering everything they had built.
Ren drank from his cup.
"One hundred and fifty thousand bottles is too conservative."
Tsunade looked at him.
"Oh? Then how many do you expect?"
"Two hundred and fifty thousand."
Her eyebrows rose.
"You're that confident?"
"A little."
Ren smiled.
"Our next step is to launch an empty-bottle exchange. Anyone who collects eight empty glass bottles can trade them for one new bottle of Raw Cola."
Tsunade's gaze sharpened with interest.
"We'll also introduce a lottery. Some bottle caps will contain the words 'One More Bottle.' Anyone who finds one can exchange it for another bottle free of charge."
Ren lifted his cup slightly.
"The first campaign encourages customers to keep buying while allowing us to recover and reuse glass bottles. The second uses the possibility of a free reward to stimulate sales."
"We increase demand and reduce production costs at the same time."
Tsunade stared at him.
For once, she looked genuinely speechless.
Then her amber eyes widened as if she were seeing him for the first time.
"Ren… you really are a genius."
She leaned closer, examining his face suspiciously.
"What exactly is inside that little head of yours? How do you keep inventing these strange schemes?"
"Why are you even a shinobi? With a mind like yours, becoming a merchant might earn you more money than completing missions ever could."
Ren replied without changing his expression.
"Perhaps I learned it after spending so much time around you."
"Stop flattering me!"
Tsunade laughed and flicked him lightly on the forehead.
"If I possessed that kind of talent, would I constantly lose money at gambling dens?"
Her laughter gradually faded.
For a few silent seconds, she studied the white-haired boy before her.
Ren was far taller than he had been a year ago. His shoulders had broadened, and the softness of childhood was disappearing from his face. He now stood somewhere between a boy and a young man.
Beneath the golden sunset, his calm expression carried a strange sense of reliability.
He had risked his life for his teammates, protected Konoha's interests, rescued the surviving Uzumaki, and transformed a simple drink into a rapidly expanding business.
More importantly, despite everything he had achieved, he still came here without being asked and spent an entire day helping two displaced strangers build a home.
Tsunade's gaze grew increasingly serious.
The sudden change in her expression didn't escape Ren's notice.
"Hey, brat."
"Hm?"
He turned toward her.
The surrounding voices seemed to fade. Even the evening breeze fell strangely still.
Tsunade removed her arm from his shoulders and stood upright. There was no teasing in her amber eyes now—only a solemnity that made Ren's heartbeat quicken.
Then she asked the question that would change the course of his future.
"What you said before—about wanting to become my disciple…"
Tsunade held his gaze.
"Were you serious?"
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