The two stood beneath the streetlamp for a quiet moment.
"Oh, right. This is for you."
A thought seemed to strike Kurenai Yūhi. She reached into her ninja tool pouch and pulled out a small object. Her smile was bright and disarming as she said, "I saw this while I was in the Capital. I felt it suited you."
"What is it?" Masahiko asked, his curiosity piqued.
Kurenai opened her hand, revealing a small doll resting in her palm. "The shopkeeper told me it's a figurine of a famous samurai named Yagyu," she explained with a laugh. "Since you share the same surname, I just had to buy it."
Masahiko took the doll and examined it closely. A flicker of surprise crossed his face. The figurine was exquisite. While the carving wasn't hyper-realistic, the fundamental facial structure bore a distinct character. It didn't look particularly like him, but there was an uncanny resemblance to the portrait of his grandfather that hung in his family home.
'Of course, it's merely a resemblance,' he thought.
"What else do you know about this Yagyu samurai?" Masahiko asked, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"Not much, I'm afraid. I didn't ask too many questions…" Kurenai frowned slightly as she tried to recall the details, eventually shaking her head. She truly hadn't pried; she had simply bought it on a whim because the samurai doll looked cool and seemed like a good match for Masahiko.
Masahiko thanked her and casually asked for the shop's address, intending to investigate this "Yagyu" matter whenever he found time to visit the Capital. After parting ways and returning home, he immediately dived back into the System's training space.
Several days later, inside a Root stronghold.
"Senpai, based on the notes and some of my own insights and reflections, I've conceptualized a new technique. I'm submitting it in hopes it might be useful to the organization."
Masahiko handed over a scroll detailing the concept and prototype of his Mist Flower Genjutsu. The technique itself wasn't overwhelmingly powerful; it was simply a utility spell he had created to complement his own flexible and unpredictable combat style. Handing it over to Root didn't matter much—Danzō's men wouldn't find much use for it anyway.
Toge glanced over the contents. A look of appreciation surfaced on his face, though his tone remained cold and critical. "A fascinating concept. The principle vaguely resembles the Second Mizukage's techniques, but it is far too shallow. Its practical application is limited."
"Your criticism is just, Senpai," Masahiko replied with practiced reverence.
Surprisingly, Toge softened his tone. "You understand the need to repay Lord Danzō's favor by actively contributing to Konoha. That is a good mindset." He put the scroll away. "How is your research coming along regarding the Hard Whorlpool Water Blade I gave you previously?"
"I've made some headway, but…" Masahiko hesitated, letting the sentence hang.
"If you have doubts, speak plainly," Toge commanded.
"Senpai, the notes Lord Danzō provided… it is highly likely they are incomplete. What I mean is, certain principles were likely too elementary for the Second Hokage, so he didn't bother writing them down." Masahiko offered his explanation smoothly.
Toge fell into thought, then nodded in agreement. "I understand your point. Go on."
"My personal assessment is that, aside from the Second Hokage himself, this technique may be impossible for a single person to execute given our current aptitude and capacity," Masahiko answered. "However, we might consider a 'combined application' approach."
"Combined application?" Toge mused for a long moment before nodding. "That makes sense. Draft a proposal. I will do my best to gather the necessary data for you."
"Yes, sir!" Masahiko accepted the order decisively. He then shifted to his mission report. "Orochimaru has not approached me, and it would be improper for a subordinate to initiate contact. Therefore, there has been no progress on that front."
"No need to rush. That is a long-term assignment," Toge replied.
"Then, regarding Lord Danzō…"
"Lord Danzō's affairs are not for you to know." Toge's gaze turned icy.
Masahiko bowed his head, asking no further questions. after a brief exchange of pleasantries, he took his leave.
Walking out of the stronghold, his expression remained neutral, but internally, the situation was crystal clear.
'Danzō doesn't truly trust me.'
Or rather, his positioning within Root was virtually identical to Orochimaru's former role: a "Researcher." Danzō valued his intellect and talent for developing jutsu, not his potential as a spy or a combat asset.
It had its pros and cons.
He glanced at his System interface.
[Collapsing Torrent (Mastery), Water Style: Jellyfish (Mastery), Mist Flower (Mastery)]
Mist Flower was the name he had given to the Water Style Genjutsu. After relentless grinding in the training space, it had finally reached the Mastery level.
At this tier, he could infuse Genjutsu mechanics into most of his Water Style techniques through chakra manipulation. A few hand signs were all it took to guide the enemy into the Mist Flower illusion. As for Water Jellyfish and Collapsing Torrent, they were the fruits of constant refinement following the upgrade to his Ninjutsu functional module.
Furthermore:
[Shikotsumyaku: Skilled]
The text indicating "Bloodline Development in Progress" had completely vanished. This meant the Bloodline Development Card had run its course.
His progress was immense. Even without activating the Shikotsumyaku, his base physical strength and speed had skyrocketed. When active, his capabilities were formidable. He had also become far more proficient in manipulating his skeletal structure.
While he couldn't yet pull off the horrific feat of inserting his bones into an enemy and then detonating them from the inside, he could now replicate the move he used against "Kakashi" in the Performance Instance—firing bone needles directly into an opponent's body.
'No one would suspect a Konoha ninja of possessing the Shikotsumyaku. And they certainly wouldn't link this ability to my other personas.'
Masahiko was satisfied. Compared to Dojutsu, which were easily identified by the eyes, a physical constitution Kekkai Genkai like the Shikotsumyaku was much easier to conceal.
He reached the outskirts of the village, intending to head toward the Academy. However, halfway there, as he passed a riverbank, a sudden wave of heart palpitations warned him of danger.
In the next instant, a long blade burst from the water's surface, extending unnaturally as it thrust toward him.
In the blink of an eye, the blade pierced through his body.
Splash!
Masahiko dissolved into a burst of water, scattering in all directions and forming a hazy mist under the sunlight.
Beneath the cover of the mist, three figures materialized, charging toward the river. The retractable blade shrank back, only to extend once more, seeking blood. But the three figures it struck merely exploded into more water and mist.
Seconds later, from within the thickening fog, a fireball roared out, traveling along the length of the extended blade and expanding rapidly as it flew.
Boom!
As the massive fireball closed in, the river water surged upward. Like a roaring dragon raising its head, the water crashed into the flames. A deafening hiss filled the air as fire and water annihilated each other, creating a dense cloud of scalding steam.
Amidst the currents and steam, a figure flickered into view. Simultaneously, the attacker noticed three distinct silhouettes—three blades—slashing toward him from the fog.
Above. Front. Back.
The attacker's snake-like eyes scanned the threats. Finally, he slashed his blade decisively at the empty air to his side.
Clang!
Sparks flew as Masahiko materialized from the empty air, his sword blocked by the attacker's parry.
But in the next second…
Whoosh!
A cone-shaped torrent of water erupted violently from the river beneath their feet. Before it even made contact, the torrent detonated, fracturing into countless condensed, high-pressure water bullets that strafed the area forward.
The attacker's body seemed to liquefy, dissolving into a blur of shadows to evade the barrage. The "Masahiko" holding the sword also faded away—a mere illusion.
A moment later.
Clap! Clap! Clap!
Further down the river, the man who had been slashed materialized again. He applauded softly, his face wearing the excited expression of a predator who had found intriguing prey.
"Masahiko-kun. We meet again. Your technique has become far more complete. And…"
The pale man licked his lips. "That Water Style Genjutsu disrupted my sensory perception just moments ago, allowing a Shadow Clone hidden within the illusion to draw my attention while the main body maneuvered… truly troublesome."
His golden, slit pupils narrowed with delight.
"You really are talented. No wonder Danzō has his eye on you!"
"Lord Orochimaru," Masahiko replied with a polite smile, sheathing his blade. "Your method of greeting seems a bit impolite."
Orochimaru chuckled. "When I see someone interesting, I can't help but test them… It is a pity you are unwilling to become my subordinate."
"I have always respected you, Lord Orochimaru. How am I not a subordinate?"
"Heh."
Orochimaru smiled but said nothing more.
He could sense the ambition radiating from Masahiko. This was not a man content to serve beneath others. But that only made it more enticing. Orochimaru's desire to subdue and possess the burgeoning genius before him only grew stronger.