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The meeting concluded on a note of cautious optimism, the initial skepticism giving way to a consideration of the possibilities that Horyu's unconventional proposal presented. Hinata walked Horyu out of the Hyuga compound, their steps in sync as they navigated the path leading away from her family's ancestral home. A soft blush tinted her cheeks, more pronounced as they passed through a secluded stretch of foliage, away from prying eyes, soon revealing its reason. In a burst of emotion, Hinata wrapped her arms around Horyu, her voice carrying a mix of gratitude and determination. "Thank you, Horyu. Once again, you are trying hard for me."
Horyu's response was a gentle chuckle, his hand finding its way to her head in a comforting pat. "I need you strong so you can watch my back," he said, offering her a smile that spoke of camaraderie and an unspoken promise.
Hinata's smile widened, her eyes shining with resolve. "I promise I will always watch your back," she vowed, her voice firm despite the flutter in her heart.
"I will hold you to that," Horyu replied, his tone light but underlined with sincerity. With a final nod, he stepped away, leaving the shelter of the foliage behind as he made his way to Kurenai's home.
He notified everyone else, and it was time to tell their Sensei. Ignoring Asuma, as Horyu couldn't care less about him, he found it necessary to inform Kurenai about his impending journey. Unlike with Shisui, where he had to carefully navigate the conversation, with Kurenai, Horyu felt a straightforward approach would suffice. She deserved to know that he would embark on a long journey, albeit not the real reasons behind it. Instead, he planned to stick to the cover story he used for Shisui—establishing a spy network and training with his Summoning Tribe.
Walking towards Kurenai's residence, Horyu rehearsed what he would say, ensuring his reasons sounded convincing without revealing too much. The streets of Konoha were bustling with life, but he barely noticed, so focused was he on the task at hand.
Arriving at her door, he knocked, waiting for Kurenai to answer. The door opened, revealing Kurenai, who greeted him with a smile, "Horyu, to what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Sensei, I have something important to discuss," Horyu began, stepping inside as Kurenai gestured for him to follow. They settled in the living area, where he took a moment to gather his thoughts.
Kurenai's expression turned serious, sensing the gravity of Horyu's visit. "What's on your mind?"
"I'll be leaving the village for a while," Horyu stated, watching Kurenai's reaction closely. "I intend to expand my knowledge and skills, particularly focusing on espionage and furthering my training with my summoning tribe."
Kurenai nodded, though concern was evident in her eyes. "That sounds like a significant undertaking. How long do you plan to be away?"
"The timeline is uncertain. However, it's necessary for my growth and, ultimately, will benefit Konoha." Horyu's tone was firm, leaving no room for debate.
Understanding the implications, Kurenai sighed. "I suppose this isn't a decision you've made lightly. What about your team, though? Have you considered how your absence might affect them?"
"I have," Horyu replied, leaning forward. "In fact, that's part of why I'm here. Not only to inform you of my departure but to discuss Hinata's training with Tsunade-sama."
Kurenai's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Tsunade? That's ambitious. How did you arrange that?"
Horyu smiled slightly. "I will chip in the chance Tsunade-sama gave me last time. It's a valuable opportunity for her. I also suggested that Ino train with Tsunade, focusing on medical jutsu and enhancing her strength."
"Both Hinata and Ino under Tsunade's tutelage could change the landscape of our village's capabilities," Kurenai mused, the initial shock giving way to excitement. "But it won't be easy. Tsunade-sama is... elusive and moody."
"I'm aware," Horyu acknowledged. "But I am hopeful. They'll be leaving soon to seek her out."
"And what about Shino?" Kurenai asked, her concern for all her students evident.
Horyu's expression turned slightly apologetic as he addressed Kurenai, his voice carrying a hint of regret mixed with resolve. "I've looked into finding a mentor for Shino as well, but given the unique nature of Aburame techniques, it's proven more challenging. For now, he'll continue his training here in Konoha." Although he wanted to find a mentor for Shino, the specialized nature of Aburame clan techniques presented a significant obstacle. Internally, Horyu contemplated various fanfics he had access to, where Aburame Jutsu were depicted with extraordinary power. Although uncertain whether Shino could master such techniques, Horyu was determined to offer him the opportunity, aiming to provide every advantage possible.
After talking a little longer with Kurenai, the moment for departure arrived, marked by a gesture more personal than customary farewells. As Horyu made to leave, Kurenai approached him, the emotional weight of the moment evident in her stride. She enveloped him in a tight hug, her arms firm around his frame, conveying a mix of concern and unwavering support. "Be careful," she whispered, her voice imbued with a tenderness rarely displayed. Horyu, though initially taken aback by the intensity of the gesture, responded with a gentle pat on her back, a silent promise to heed her warning. With Kurenai's cautionary words echoing in his mind, Horyu set his sights on the Aburame Clan's residence.
As Horyu arrived at the Aburame Clan compound, he deftly navigated through the defensive insects that guarded the perimeter. His understanding of how insects perceived the world had significantly improved since his first spar against Shino, where his genjutsu had proven ineffective against them. Now, equipped with this knowledge, he was able to manipulate their perception, effectively sneaking past them without triggering any alarms—a revelation of his growth in the art of illusion.
Knocking softly on Shino's window, he waited patiently. The stoic teen appeared moments later, opening the window with a calm that belied the surprise Horyu knew he felt. "Horyu," Shino greeted, his voice as composed as ever, though Horyu caught the faint signs of shock in his otherwise serene demeanor.
"I will leave Konoha for training soon, and Hinata too will leave to study under Tsunade-sama. Sadly, I am not capable of finding a mentor for you," Horyu explained, his tone bearing a hint of regret for not being able to provide for Shino as he had for the others.
Shino, ever pragmatic, shook his head slightly. "Our clan techniques are unique," he acknowledged, understanding the challenges in finding external mentorship for their specialized skills.
Seizing the moment, Horyu extended a scroll towards Shino. "This technique is something I thought of. I don't know if it's possible to implement, but if there's someone who can do it, it's you," Horyu said, his voice imbued with confidence in Shino's capabilities.
As Shino unfurled the scroll and scanned its contents, his usual impassivity gave way to a rare display of shock. "This is..." he began, his voice trailing off as he absorbed the information laid out before him.
"Something you thought of," Horyu finished for him, a smirk playing on his lips at Shino's reaction. "It has nothing to do with me, got it?" he added, emphasizing the importance of keeping this between them.
Shino nodded in agreement, the weight of the gesture not lost on either of them. Then, in a rare display of camaraderie, they exchanged a brief, bro-hug—a simple yet profound acknowledgment of their bond as teammates and friends. With that, Horyu left, stepping back into the streets of Konoha.
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