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"Away from the dust? First encounter?"
Shinichi wasn't entirely sure what these options meant, and Minato and Nonō were equally puzzled. So, naturally, all three turned their eyes toward Hirito.
Hirito's eye twitched slightly. Why me? he cursed inwardly.
Do they really think I'm that kind of person? Do they think I'm like Jiraiya-sensei?
"Can you explain these two types?" Hirito asked calmly.
"Yes, my lord," the waiter replied, her voice suddenly softening, taking on a formal tone. Her expression became reserved, almost serious—though it didn't last long, as she quickly reverted to her usual cute demeanor.
After the explanation, Hirito and the others learned about the two options. "Away from the dust" was a simple hot spring with water over 25 degrees Celsius. Since the concentration of beneficial minerals in the water was relatively low—less than 1 gram per kilogram—it was more affordable.
This hot spring was colorless and transparent, with no specific restrictions, making it suitable for all ages and great for relieving fatigue.
The "First Encounter" hot spring, on the other hand, had a blue hue.
"Blue?" Minato asked, intrigued.
"Yes," the waiter explained. "It's a salt-based hot spring. The water appears blue because crystals in the water reflect sunlight in an irregular way. It also contains moisturizing ingredients that give it a 170% skin-beautifying effect. This has been confirmed by many satisfied customers."
In the end, after Shinichi delivered a lecture on how "ninjas must endure" and how "luxurious indulgences weaken a ninja's willpower," the group unanimously decided to go with "Away from the dust."
Shinichi made sure to emphasize that the decision had nothing to do with the fact that "First Encounter" was three times the price.
"Ahh, this is amazing..."
"Comfortable…"
Steam thickened the air, creating a fog-like atmosphere. Three wet and relaxed bodies soaked in the hot spring, pillows of white towels behind their heads. It was pure bliss.
The water temperature wasn't too high, but there was a deep heat that penetrated their muscles, easing even the most stubborn knots of tension.
The hot water worked its way into their skin, melting away grime and sweat. The surface of the water shimmered with the sunlight that filtered through the cracks in the window, casting a warm glow on everything.
After a while, the group let out contented sighs.
"I didn't expect hot springs to feel this good." Minato spoke up, his voice full of wonder. This was his first time in a hot spring.
"Nothing beats a hot bath after a mission. It relaxes you to the core," Shinichi sighed in agreement, leaning back like a contented uncle, still looking a bit greasy despite the bath.
Hirito, supporting his head with his right hand, let his left hand rest just beneath the water.
Gurgle, gurgle...
Suddenly, a small whirlpool formed in front of Hirito, the water spiraling rapidly. This caught the attention of Shinichi and Minato.
"Hirito, are you... practicing ninjutsu?" Minato asked curiously, swimming closer.
"Kind of," Hirito replied. "I'm trying to see if I can wrap a water balloon in chakra using just my hand."
"Water Style?" Shinichi asked, raising an eyebrow.
Hirito shook his head. "Not exactly. Water Style is about maintaining fluidity. What I'm trying to do is hold the water still in my hand, like a balloon—without it moving."
As Hirito focused, he raised his left hand out of the water, balancing a rapidly rotating water ball in his palm. He had successfully created a water sphere!
Hirito smiled to himself, but as he tried to slow the rotation, the water ball collapsed with a splash.
"Still not right," he muttered. "I can only hold it if it's spinning fast."
"Water is shapeless," Hirito continued. "It's tricky to keep it stable."
The effect he wanted was for the water to stay perfectly still in his palm, able to change form at his will. This was a method Hirito had come up with to further refine his chakra control after mastering the ability to carve objects with his chakra air blade.
After all, water was fluid and difficult to manipulate. If he could reach a level of control where water could change shape as he desired, it would mean his chakra manipulation had reached an advanced level.
This idea had come to Hirito from a battle he had once seen in his past life.
It had been a battle of "water," where control was everything.
Though Hirito hadn't yet succeeded, Shinichi saw potential in what he was attempting.
"You're manipulating the water with chakra, without using hand seals…"
Hirito nodded. "Yes, it's a Muji Ninjutsu. I borrowed some of its principles."
"Muji Ninjutsu?" Shinichi was surprised but chose not to press further. He figured it was likely a Hyuga clan secret technique.
"How powerful is it?"
Hirito smiled. "It's pretty good, but I can't demonstrate it here. I'll show you later."
Turning to Minato, Hirito added, "Actually, Minato, this ninjutsu would suit you well. I'll teach it to you sometime."
After all, this technique would someday be Namikaze Minato's signature move—but Hirito had developed it first.
"Are you sure? Hirito, you've helped me so much already," Minato said, clearly interested. He had yet to learn any offensive ninjutsu due to limited resources, and the offer intrigued him.
"No worries. We're teammates, after all."
Shinichi, overhearing this, realized that it was time for him to start teaching Minato some ninjutsu as well. He couldn't rely solely on taijutsu and throwing techniques forever.
"Minato," Shinichi called out, "have you ever tested your chakra nature?"
"Yes, sensei," Minato replied. "I have three attributes: fire, wind, and lightning."
"Three attributes..." Shinichi mused, wondering which ninjutsu would be best suited for Minato's unique chakra nature.
After they finished their bath, the group stepped out, wrapped in towels. They were greeted by the sight of Nonō already seated at a table, dressed in a cozy bathrobe and happily enjoying some food.
"Shinichi-sensei, Hirito, Minato—you're so slow!" Nonō teased. "I've already finished two bowls of porridge."
"What porridge?" Hirito asked, intrigued.
"It's the yam porridge Mr. Takeuchi recommended. It's delicious! My stomach feels so warm now," Nonō replied, patting her belly with a satisfied smile.
"Really? Let's try some, too!" Hirito called out to the waiter.
"Yes, my lord," came the waiter's reply in that familiar soft, melodic tone, like the sound of a pen smoothly gliding across paper.
End of the Chapter.
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