"Is that so?"
Ren raised an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "No problem. I'd like another opportunity to experience Shinku Yuhi's swordsmanship. Our spar in the Forest of Death ended far too quickly. I barely had time to enjoy it."
[Hatake Swordsmanship: Precisely.]
The moment Hatake Swordsmanship voiced its agreement, the translucent interface of the Gala System suddenly flickered. Lines of familiar text dissolved, replaced by a new notification.
[Ding! Special-event keywords detected.]
[A limited-time mission has been triggered!]
[Hatake Swordsmanship seeks to prove itself as the greatest sword style in the world. To fulfill this ambition, defeat eight elite swordsmen representing eight different schools of swordsmanship. Break through your limits in battle and proclaim Hatake Swordsmanship's supremacy through victory.]
[Will you help fulfill its wish?]
[Yes / No]
Ren stared at the mission in surprise.
Since completing the special event associated with the Phoenix Sage Fire Technique, he hadn't triggered another limited-time mission. He had even spent time wondering what conditions were necessary to activate one.
He never expected Hatake Swordsmanship to be the next technique to make a request.
Still, the difficulty of this mission was considerably higher than the previous one.
Eight different schools of swordsmanship?
Were there even that many established sword styles in the shinobi world?
Ren considered the question carefully before realizing there probably were.
Konoha alone possessed the Uchiha Style, the standard Konoha sword system, the Gekko clan's secret techniques, and Hatake Swordsmanship. Kirigakure had the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, each of whom fought in a distinctive way determined by their weapon. The samurai of the Land of Iron had developed an entire combat system around swordsmanship, while Kumogakure had even produced a swordsman capable of wielding eight blades simultaneously.
That wasn't even counting the countless smaller clans, wandering samurai, and independent shinobi who had created sword styles of their own.
Finding eight schools was possible.
Defeating their finest representatives was another matter entirely.
Travel across the shinobi world was slow, communication between villages was restricted, and the Five Great Nations regarded one another with constant suspicion. Unless another large-scale war erupted, gathering eight renowned swordsmen in one place would be nearly impossible.
Ren's eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
There was no point worrying about distant opponents yet.
He could begin with Konoha.
If Hatake Swordsmanship wanted to stand at the summit of the shinobi world, Ren would carve a path toward that summit one opponent at a time.
After making his decision, Ren accepted the mission and dismissed the system interface.
He exchanged a few more words with Kurenai before escorting her to the entrance. Beneath the fading evening light, she turned around and gave him a small wave before disappearing at the end of the street.
When Ren returned inside, he found his mother, Aoi, leaning out from the kitchen. She still held a dishcloth in one hand, while open curiosity filled her face.
"Ren, who was that? I thought I heard a girl's voice. Was it Rin?"
"No, it was Kurenai. She came to give me something."
"Kurenai Yuhi?" Aoi paused, quickly recalling the name. "Shinku Yuhi's daughter?"
Ren nodded.
A knowing smile immediately appeared on his mother's face.
"She's a lovely girl. Pretty, gentle, and thoughtful—just like Rin." Aoi's smile widened as she looked at her son. "Our Ren certainly seems popular. If you eventually married either one of them, your father and I would be very pleased."
Ren froze.
Why was she already discussing marriage?
He and the others weren't even close to adulthood, yet his mother was speaking as though she had already begun planning the ceremony.
"That's still far in the future," Ren muttered.
"There's nothing wrong with thinking ahead."
"Right. Of course."
Knowing that continuing the conversation would only encourage her, Ren escaped to his room beneath Aoi's amused gaze.
Once the door was closed, he removed the wrist guard Kurenai had given him and examined it more carefully. The leather was soft yet durable, and its size was almost perfect. He secured it around his wrist, tested his range of movement, then removed it and placed it safely inside his ninja pouch.
A carefully chosen gift deserved to be treated with care.
Ren remained home only long enough to organize his equipment. After informing his mother that he was going out, he left for the Senju compound to keep his appointment with Tsunade.
By then, the sun had disappeared beneath the horizon.
Silver moonlight spilled across Konoha's rooftops, while warm lanterns gradually illuminated the streets. Children chased one another between the houses as their parents called them home. A stray cat lay stretched across a stone wall, watching the village with half-closed eyes.
Konoha seemed peaceful.
Ren knew better than most how fragile that peace truly was.
He crossed the main street and entered the Senju compound. On the way, he passed the courtyard belonging to Kana and Naoto Uzumaki—the same courtyard he had helped clean earlier that afternoon.
Neither of them was outside.
Ren continued onward until he reached Tsunade's residence.
He knocked twice.
No answer came.
After waiting for nearly half a minute, he knocked again. This time, faint movement sounded from within.
"Who is it?" Tsunade called, her voice carrying an unusually relaxed tone.
"It's me, Ren."
Silence lingered for several seconds.
"Come in."
Ren pushed open the door and stepped into the courtyard. Warm, moisture-laden air brushed across his face, carrying the clean fragrance of medicinal herbs.
A small lamp hung beneath the wooden corridor, casting a soft golden glow over the courtyard.
Tsunade was seated beside a low table, drying her damp hair with a towel. She had evidently just finished bathing. Instead of her usual clothes, she wore a loose, plain-colored robe, while drops of water still clung to the ends of her golden hair.
Ren hesitated at the entrance.
"Lady Tsunade."
"You certainly know how to choose your timing, brat."
Tsunade continued drying her hair as she looked at him. "I told you to come later, but I didn't tell you to wait until the middle of the night. It's almost eight. Were you planning to sleep here?"
"I thought arriving too early might inconvenience you."
"And this is convenient?"
Tsunade gave him a pointed look before gesturing toward the cushion across the table.
"Come here and sit."
Ren obeyed and sat cross-legged opposite her.
Only then did he notice the collection of books and scrolls arranged across the tabletop. There were enough of them to form a stack nearly half a meter tall. Many of the covers had yellowed with age, and their corners were worn, but every title remained clearly legible.
Detailed Explanation of the Human Chakra Network — Annotated by Tobirama Senju.
Essentials of the Chakra Scalpel — First Draft.
Toxicology and Emergency Treatment.
A Preliminary Study of Cellular Activation.
Every volume looked dense enough to be used as a weapon.
"What are all these?"
"Materials I collected or wrote during my early years." Tsunade placed the towel aside and allowed her half-dried hair to fall over her shoulders. "They contain the Senju clan's foundational medical knowledge. They can be considered part of our private inheritance."
Ren looked from the books to Tsunade.
Her expression had changed.
The relaxed laziness from moments earlier had vanished, replaced by the authority of the greatest Medical Ninja in the shinobi world.
"You said you wanted to become my disciple," she continued. "If you thought that only meant learning a few healing techniques, you were mistaken. A Medical Ninja's most important weapon is knowledge. You need to understand the human body, the Chakra Network, poisons, drugs, emergency procedures, and the consequences of every technique you use."
Tsunade tapped the stack with one finger.
"Master these books first. Only then will you be qualified to learn the techniques that made me famous."
Ren's expression stiffened slightly.
How long would it take to memorize all of this?
The Gala System answered before he could estimate.
[Ding! Giftable item detected!]
[Special Item: The Senju Clan's Medical Legacy — Basic Volume.]
[Compatible recipient: Healing Technique.]
Ren's worries immediately disappeared.
So the books could be presented as a gift.
He only needed to copy the contents and give them to Healing Technique. Once its understanding improved, it could transfer that knowledge back to him through instruction and training.
It would be far more efficient than studying every line alone.
Tsunade noticed his silence and leaned forward, wearing an openly challenging smile.
"What's wrong? Is the great genius finally frightened?"
"Not frightened," Ren replied calmly. "I was estimating how long it would take me to master everything."
"Hmph. At least you understand the scale of the task."
Tsunade folded her arms.
"Then I'll give you a deadline. Two months. Within that time, you must memorize these books and understand their essential principles. I don't want you mindlessly repeating words. I expect you to apply what you've learned."
"Two months?"
"Is that too difficult?"
Ren glanced at the towering stack again.
"No. I can do it."
Tsunade's lips curved into a satisfied smile.
"Good. If you pass my examination, I'll teach you one of my trump cards as a reward."
A trump card belonging to Tsunade was no ordinary technique.
It could be the Chakra Enhanced Strength technique, the Creation Rebirth method, or even knowledge related to the Strength of a Hundred Seal.
Whatever she chose, it would be invaluable.
Ren nodded firmly. "I understand."
He paused briefly before asking, "Can I allow someone else to read these books?"
Tsunade's eyebrow rose.
"Someone else? You mean Rin, don't you?"
Ren didn't bother denying it.
"Yes. Rin has exceptional talent for Medical Ninjutsu and already possesses a solid foundation. If we study together, we should both progress faster."
Tsunade stared at him for a moment before sighing.
"I know how close the two of you are. Even if I refused, you would probably memorize everything and secretly teach her afterward."
Ren offered an innocent smile.
Tsunade ignored it.
"Fine. Rin may study them with you, but none of these books may be lost or damaged. Some are the only surviving copies."
Her gaze sharpened as she slowly clenched one fist.
A crisp series of cracks echoed through the courtyard.
"In two months, I'll examine both of you personally. If either of you fails, I'll teach you exactly what happens to disciples who waste their teacher's effort."
Ren straightened immediately.
"Yes, Lady Tsunade. We'll complete the assignment."
"Good. Now take them and leave. It's already dark."
Tsunade picked up the towel again and resumed drying her hair, dismissing him with a casual wave.
Ren gathered the books into his arms, rose carefully, and said goodbye. Only after leaving the courtyard and feeling the cool night wind against his face did he release a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.
Tsunade's presence could be overwhelming even when she wasn't angry.
Perhaps that was only natural for a woman who had survived countless battles, commanded thousands of shinobi, and earned the title of Sannin.
Ren adjusted the heavy stack in his arms.
"Two months…"
With Healing Technique's assistance, it might not even take one.
Tomorrow, however, he had two other matters to handle: teaching Rin a new Water Release technique and preparing for his spar with Kurenai.
His schedule was becoming increasingly crowded.
Ren pushed those thoughts aside and headed home.
The night passed without incident.
Early the next morning, Ren finished breakfast and met Rin near their usual route. Together, they traveled to the training ground on Konoha's western side.
According to their agreement, Ren would teach her a new Water Release technique.
He had originally considered the Water Dragon Bullet Technique, but its Chakra demands and complicated sequence of hand seals made it unsuitable as a first step. Instead, he began with the Water Formation Wall.
Ren's mastery of both techniques had already reached an advanced level. He could explain how the Chakra should gather, how it needed to flow through the throat, and how the water's shape had to be maintained after release.
He demonstrated the technique beside the stream.
Water surged upward with a thunderous roar, forming a curved barrier several meters high. Sunlight fractured across its surface before the wall collapsed back into the stream.
Rin watched attentively.
"The important part isn't producing as much water as possible," Ren explained. "It's maintaining uniform Chakra distribution across the wall. If one area is weaker, an attack will break through there."
Rin nodded and formed the required hand seals.
Her first attempt produced only an uneven sheet of water that collapsed almost instantly. Instead of becoming discouraged, she carefully recalled Ren's explanation and tried again.
The second wall lasted longer.
The third actually took shape.
Once Rin had grasped the basic method, Ren left her to repeat the technique while he moved to the opposite side of the training ground. He drew his blade and began practicing Hatake Swordsmanship.
The training ground soon filled with two alternating sounds—the violent rush of water and the sharp whistle of steel cutting through the air.
Hours passed.
By noon, both had exhausted a considerable amount of Chakra. They stopped beneath the shade of a large tree and sat beside one another to rest.
Rin reached into her ninja pouch and removed two carefully wrapped lunchboxes. She hesitated briefly before handing one to Ren.
"Ren, I prepared these this morning. Consider it payment for teaching me."
Ren accepted it. "You don't need to pay me."
"I know, but I wanted to."
The quiet sincerity in her voice prevented him from arguing.
"Then thank you."
Rin smiled, but instead of opening her own lunchbox, she reached into her pouch again.
"There's something else."
She pulled out a compact medical kit. The pouch looked slightly overfilled, and every clasp had been carefully secured.
Rin held it out with both hands.
"A few days ago, you left the village on a mission with Minato-sensei. After you returned, I heard that you had been promoted to Special Jonin, but I never had an opportunity to congratulate you properly."
Her fingers tightened nervously around the pouch.
"I made this medical kit myself. It contains bandages, disinfectant, antidotes, military ration pills, and medicine for treating wounds. I prepared some of the medicine personally."
She lifted her eyes to meet his.
"I know you're strong, but missions can still be dangerous. I thought this might help you someday."
Ren stared at the medical kit.
The scene stirred a strange memory.
In the original course of events, Rin had created a medical kit to celebrate Kakashi's promotion to Jonin.
Now, however, that gift had been prepared for him.
Another fragment of the future had quietly changed.
Ren didn't regard becoming a Special Jonin as an achievement deserving celebration, but dismissing Rin's gift would mean dismissing the time and care she had invested in making it.
He accepted the medical kit solemnly.
"Thank you, Rin. I'll carry it with me and put it to good use."
The nervousness vanished from Rin's face. Her smile brightened, pure and radiant beneath the midday sun.
"I'm glad! I hope it helps you, Ren."
"It already has."
Rin blinked, and a faint blush touched her cheeks.
Ren opened the lunchbox before the atmosphere could become too awkward.
"Let's eat."
They had only taken a few bites when the sound of hurried footsteps came from the edge of the training ground.
A familiar voice shattered the peaceful silence.
"Hey! Ren! Rin!"
Obito charged into view, breathing heavily. His goggles sat crooked across his forehead, and his expression was full of righteous indignation.
"So you really were secretly training here! How could you leave me out?"
Ren calmly continued chewing his rice ball.
"What do you mean, secretly? We always use this training ground. There isn't a sign at the entrance forbidding you from coming."
"That's not the point!"
Obito planted both hands on his hips.
"You should have told me in advance! I'm the man who's going to become Hokage. I can't afford to fall behind while the two of you train together!"
Rin covered her mouth, unsuccessfully hiding a laugh.
Obito's eyes shifted toward the two lunchboxes and then to the medical kit beside Ren. His expression changed immediately.
"Wait. Did Rin prepare lunch for you?"
Ren took another bite.
"Yes."
"And that medical kit?"
"A present from Rin."
Obito's face stiffened as though he had just received a devastating blow.
Rin hurriedly tried to explain. "It was to congratulate Ren on becoming a Special Jonin—"
"I understand!"
Obito clenched his fists and turned toward Ren, competitive fire blazing in his eyes.
"Ren, fight me after lunch!"
"Why?"
"My Fire Release has improved tremendously over the past few days. This time, I'll definitely surprise you!"
Ren studied him for a moment.
Obito's stance was careless, his goggles were crooked, and jealousy was written plainly across his face. Yet beneath all that, Ren could sense genuine confidence.
Something had changed.
Perhaps Obito truly had made progress.
Ren closed his lunchbox and slowly rose to his feet.
"Fine."
Obito grinned and reached for his ninja pouch.
At that moment, another presence appeared at the edge of the training ground.
Kurenai stood beneath the trees, while beside her waited a tall man carrying a sheathed blade.
Shinku Yuhi had arrived.
His calm gaze moved from Obito to Ren before settling on the sword at Ren's waist.
"I hope we aren't interrupting."
The Gala System flashed before Ren's eyes.
[Hatake Swordsmanship: The first opponent has come.]
Ren's hand rested on the hilt of his blade.
What had begun as a peaceful morning of training was about to become something far more dangerous.
And before the sun set, Hatake Swordsmanship would claim its first victory—or discover just how far it still stood from the summit.
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