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Yuhi shinku looked at the two young people in front of him and smiled. For now, he wasn't planning to teach them any specific ninjutsu, but instead, he wanted to talk to them about the various advanced concepts related to being a ninja. These were topics typically taught at higher levels in the ninja academy.
"Form and nature changes?" Yuhi Kurenai raised her hand and asked curiously, "What is that?"
Glancing at his daughter, Yuhi shinku explained, "This is a change in chakra."
As he spoke, he formed a ball of chakra in his hand and molded it into various shapes right in front of Yuichi Yuuki and Yuhi Kurenai's eyes.
"See, this is a form change of chakra."
"Form change is essential for performing and mastering ninjutsu," Yuhi shinku explained. Without pausing, he continued, "For instance, take the Fire Release: Dragon Fire Technique you two have been practicing."
"That jutsu requires a form change, but its requirements aren't too strict. You can perform it even if you haven't mastered it completely."
"But other jutsu demand both form and nature changes to work."
Yuhi shinku spoke tirelessly, occasionally demonstrating as he went on. Yuuki Yuichi listened closely and, over time, began to understand the distinction between the two.
Form change in chakra could be seen as the ability to control chakra effectively, whereas nature change focused on enhancing the power of the jutsu itself.
For example, a strong form change requires a high level of chakra control, while a nature change makes the flames more intense and the temperature higher.
Using the Dragon Fire Technique as an example, a typical jutsu might generate flames reaching 500 or 600 degrees. However, with nature change, those same flames could reach 800, 900, or even 1000 degrees.
By now, Yuuki Yuichi fully understood. He decided to work on his chakra control tomorrow and focus on nature transformation later.
Seeing the understanding dawn on Yuuki's face, Yuhi shinku nodded to himself. This boy was sharp—no wonder his daughter had taken a liking to him. He glanced outside, noticing that it was already past seven in the evening and fully dark.
"You two should go rest." Yuhi shinku took out some money from his pocket, handing it to Yuuki Yuichi. "I'll be leading a team on a mission tomorrow, and it could take five or six days."
"You two can eat out during that time."
Yuuki took the money and counted it right in front of him. He looked up and said, "It's not enough!"
"Not enough?!" Yuhi shinku was stunned. He'd calculated it carefully—how could it not be enough?
Yuuki, confident in his reasoning, explained, "We have to train during this time!"
He glanced over at Yuhi Kurenai and added, with a sad look, "I'm fine. I can handle being hungry for a few days, but Kurenai is still growing!"
"Poor Kurenai, she's going to starve."
Yuhi shinku: "..."
He's just using Kurenai as an excuse to get more money.
Just as Yuhi shinku was at a loss for words, Kurenai glanced at her father and then at Yuuki. She stood by Yuuki's side and said pitifully, "It's okay, Yuichi. I'll starve with you."
Hearing this, Yuhi shinku sighed and took out another 10,000 Ryo. "Alright, enough already. Here you go."
10,000 Ryo was a lot of money. A bowl of Ichiraku Ramen only cost 60 Ryo, so this amount would last them quite a while. They already had some money on hand as well, so this was more than enough.
Sure enough, after taking the additional money, Yuuki grinned and said, "I'll take good care of Kurenai while you're gone!"
"Uncle Shinku, don't worry about a thing!"
Yuhi Shinku: "..."
It was as if Yuuki was talking like he'd be gone forever.
With a cold snort, Yuhi Shinku turned and went back to prepare his supplies and ninja tools for the mission. Even though it was just a simple mission to deal with bandits, he still needed to be ready.
The 10,000 Ryo he had just handed over stung a little, but he consoled himself with the thought that his students would make it back in future missions. As a jonin, he was entitled to half the earnings from any mission, while the remaining half would be split equally among the team.
A newly graduated genin was, essentially, an unpaid laborer for a while—an old tradition in their world. Team leaders had the responsibility of teaching their students and ensuring their safety, so the rewards balanced out.
Watching Yuhi Shinku's retreating figure, Yuuki thought to himself, One day, I'll become a team leader too!
It's a stable job, close to home, with minimal tasks. And the money comes in fast without needing to go on dangerous missions yourself. Perfect.
Turning to Kurenai, Yuuki smiled and gave her half of the money he had. "Kurenai, we've got plenty now!"
"Yeah!" Kurenai accepted the money with a bright smile, her eyes soft with affection.
She had purposefully played along with Yuuki's scheme to get more money. They didn't really need that much, but if Yuuki wanted it, she would always support him.
Unaware of Kurenai's affectionate gaze, Yuuki leaned closer to her ear and whispered, "Come to my room tonight. I want to show you something cool."
Kurenai was taken aback, and her face turned red. She thought for a moment and, in a small voice, said, "That's not appropriate… we're still too young."
Her voice was so quiet that even Yuuki didn't hear it. He looked at her seriously and said, "Come on, it's something really nice."
Still hesitant, Kurenai eventually nodded.
Relieved, Yuuki wrapped his arm around her shoulders as they sat outside in the small yard, gazing at the stars.
Feeling the warmth of Yuuki's presence, Kurenai's face reddened, and she slowly leaned her head on his shoulder.
When Yuhi Shinku came out and saw the scene, he paused. Smiling to himself, he went back to preparing for his mission.
In the world of ninjas, the path ahead was often dangerous, with many never reaching old age. Missions or wars claimed most, and Yuhi Shinku didn't see himself as any different. If anything were to happen to him, at least Kurenai would have someone dependable by her side.
And Yuuki Yuichi was that person.
These two had grown up together, childhood sweethearts, and they had a strong bond. Besides, Shinku had raised Yuuki himself and knew him inside out.
Though mischievous, he was undoubtedly a good kid.
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