Back Mountain.
"Yo, our genius Yugao has made significant progress in recent days. It's almost noon, and she just arrived. It seems she's confident to be the first to master this ninjutsu."
When Uzuki Yugao arrived at the training ground, Mitarashi Anko immediately showed a wild demeanor, staring defiantly at Yugao, as if to say, don't blame yourself for not practicing hard if you lose.
After all, they are now a team. Yugao excels in physical techniques, Yuhi Kurenai is skilled in illusion techniques, and Anko dominates in ninjutsu. The three complement each other, naturally fostering competition.
Looking at Mitarashi Anko's childish provocation, Yugao's pale face revealed a cold smile. "Sister Anko, I'm not like some who only need to practice ninjutsu every day. As Kaien-sama's assistant, I have to help him handle official duties every night."
Hearing Yugao's sarcasm, Anko wasn't embarrassed. Instead, she arrogantly lifted her head, "Can't help it—I'm naturally talented in ninjutsu, and Kaien dotes on me."
Yugao smiled lightly, unfazed. Yet inside, she felt victorious: the "Kaien" Anko talked about still belonged to her at night.
Under bright sunlight, despite a deep rest, Yugao felt as though walking on clouds. She took out a rubber ball and began practicing under a tree's shade, pretending calm but secretly sweating.
On the other side, Anko, filled with determination, glared at Yugao and then glanced toward Kurenai. This time, her gaze revealed a hint of guilt, knowing Kurenai's relationship with Kaien.
"I must be first to master the Rasengan. My ninjutsu talent won't be beaten," thought Anko, pumping herself up.
Yuhi Kurenai, Yugao, and Anko formed a tight-knit squad. Though cooperative on missions, each trained competitively in back mountain drills.
Anko's playful straightforwardness stemmed from recognition as a genius since academy days and her time under Orochimaru. Yugao's calm intelligence came from her Anbu training. Kurenai's meticulous mind inherited from her father ensured her leadership role.
Under a large tree, Kurenai subtly stared at the others, irritated by Yugao's arrival.
Nearby, at the waterfall's base, Uchiha Kaien sat meditating on the rippling water, honing his body ninjutsu and Sage Mode.
Abruptly sensing presence, Kaien opened his eyes—only to find Kurenai emerging from the water, triumphant and wet, draped across his crossed legs.
"Kaien, it's really you!"
His tone was amused as he admired her mischievous gaze and teasing fingers on his abdomen.
"Kurenai, shouldn't you be training? It's broad daylight."
She shot him a flirtatious look, lounging across his legs. "Not good? Yet you can't resist a naive apple."
He sighed. "You know the burden I bear to revive the Uchiha clan. Responsibility comes first, temptation second."
His three-tomoe Sharingan flared. Kurenai coldly snorted, "Power fuels ambition. I heard about Yugao's father's debts."
Caught, Kaien only nodded, acknowledging a man's folly but standing firm in responsibility.
Kurenai wrapped around him, jealousy and guilt in her eyes, unseen by Kaien. Tears blended with lake water as she clung behind him.
He teased, "You bribed me with a gold necklace to study a ninja's body. Tsk tsk."
She flushed, replying sweetly, reigniting memories of their academy romance.
Suddenly, unseen hands gripped Kaien's waist underwater—Kurenai's—but he activated Sharingan, scanning for intruders then relaxed, swept up in the intimate moment.
Meanwhile, Anko practiced near the waterfall, tension in her stance. Seeking refreshment, she dashed into the lake but instead glimpsed Kaien and Kurenai's private training.
Underwater, Anko froze, astonished by their fish-like agility. She forgot to resurface as she absorbed the scene.
"Amazing! So this is what they can do!" thought Anko, mesmerized by Kaien's and Kurenai's underwater prowess.
Kaien, flushed, noticed Anko's submerged head, smirked, and resumed practice. Kurenai, fully immersed, remained blissfully focused.
Below the waterfall, Anko's boots peeked above water, toes clenched in embarrassment. One might think she was drowning, but her ninja constitution sustained her underwater vigil.
Her shoulders trembled, yet eyes stayed fixed—learning new heights of strength from Kaien and Kurenai's display.
Competition, loyalty, and hidden desires played out beneath the waterfall's roar, each ninja driven by personal vows in this fairyland of training.
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