Aoki also took advantage of his free time to study the phenomena that caught his attention—steam, smoke, and mist.
He often sat by the hot spring, observing how the steam moved in the air, how the gas changed shape and disappeared.
From these observations, an idea began to form in Aoki's mind: to create a new breathing technique related to these elements.
Aoki sat at the edge of the hot spring, his body feeling relaxed while his mind was busy contemplating the next step.
The Water Breathing Technique that Aoki had created took years to perfect—eleven forms of swordsmanship that now formed the foundation of Aoki's skills.
However, Aoki's understanding of the Breathing Technique had deepened, giving him confidence that creating a second technique might not be as difficult as before.
Still, a big question lingered in Aoki's mind: What should the next Breathing Technique be like?
Mist initially seemed like an intriguing choice.
The nature of mist, which envelops and confuses opponents, could be a useful tactic.
However, upon further reflection, Aoki realized that mist might be less helpful in the current situation.
Aoki needed something more practical—whether it was the ability to move quickly or perhaps something that could provide better information on the battlefield.
"If it's about speed, the Lightning Breathing Technique would be perfect," Aoki murmured softly. "But if it's about gathering information... maybe mist could still be useful?"
Aoki closed his eyes, trying to visualize a new technique inspired by the phenomena around him.
However, Aoki's thoughts, which were almost reaching a conclusion, were interrupted by a sensation.
Aoki's trained instincts caught the presence of several pairs of eyes peeking from behind the wooden wall.
Aoki didn't need to turn around to know who was doing it.
A sour smile appeared on Aoki's lips.
"Haah..." Aoki sighed deeply, trying to ignore the strange feeling that arose.
The women from the Brothel were indeed aggressive, even towards a boy of eleven or twelve like Aoki.
Although Aoki didn't care much, the situation still made him a bit uneasy. After all, Aoki had a fiancée.
Mei Terumi.
That name crossed Aoki's mind.
Even though the relationship was more one-sided—only Aoki knew about their engagement, while Mei was completely unaware—the fact could not be ignored.
In addition, there was Shizune Kato.
The little girl from Konoha who openly claimed to like Aoki.
This reality made Aoki even more hesitant.
Aoki knew Shizune's feelings were sincere, and on one hand, he felt something vague for Shizune himself.
But was reciprocating those feelings the right decision?
"Why does all of this feel more complicated than it should?" Aoki thought as he gazed at the sky, which was beginning to turn red with dusk.
Aoki didn't want to hope too much for any relationship or emotions.
Right now, Aoki's priority was the task at hand—protecting the women who depended on him and creating a technique that would help him survive in this harsh world.
Everything else, including feelings, could wait.
Aoki looked up at the starry night sky, his mind filled with questions that seemed to have no answers.
The cold air from the hot spring felt in contrast to the warmth of the steam enveloping it, creating a calm yet contemplative atmosphere.
What would happen after all this?
Since arriving in the Naruto world, Aoki had changed many things. Some changes seemed small, almost imperceptible. However, some were so significant that their impact would surely be felt far into the future.
The most obvious was Sakumo. In the history that Aoki knew, Sakumo Hatake was supposed to have chosen a tragic path—suicide due to guilt and immense pressure.
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[Announcement: A New Novel Has Been Added!
Marvel: The Sorcerer in America
Lance White is not an ordinary human. His body is a manifestation of the power of a Super Saiyan, while his soul is an unexpected combination of a Shinigami and a mutated Arrancar, granting him unparalleled spiritual strength. With Poseidon Scale Armor protecting Lance's body and The God Killer Sword and Trident of Neptune in his hands, Lance fulfills his destiny as a hunter of darkness.
In a world filled with heroes and supernatural threats, Lance hunts the most sinful villains on earth—creatures too evil to be forgiven—and navigates the realms of hell to defeat the unimaginable terrifying monsters.]
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