CHAPTER WORDS:- 1247
AN:- SORRY FOR NOT UPLOADING FOR THE PAST COUPLE OF DAYS, BUT I AM BACK, WITH CONSISTENT UPLOADS. HOPE THAT MIGHT MAKE IT UP.
Chapter 10:- Blood Research
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"You are not properly Concentrating. Did you fall behind on your training?" Ruri's voice carried a faint tone of disapproval as she glanced at Natsuki's fallen body.
To her, whatever He did in his spare time EXCEPT training felt like a little more than distractions from his training.
"It's just a personal interest. Honestly, I enjoy research a bit more than combat training," Natsuki replied with a casual shrug.
He reached for his back pocket, picked up a small pouch, and tossed it to her. Ruri caught it and frowned, glancing between him and the small package with slight suspicion.
"What's in here?"
"Something good—a special batch of soldier pills I made myself. They're more effective than the standard-issue ones, with improved chakra recovery and stamina boosts. They're easier to digest, too, so you won't feel sick from them."
Soldier pills were commonly used by ninjas on missions to replenish energy and chakra reserves. However, because of their notoriously bitter, herbal taste, most avoided taking them unless absolutely necessary. They also tended to cause indigestion if consumed too often.
"Big talk," Ruri said, snorting, but she tucked the pouch into her tool bag nonetheless.
"So, what made you decide to start making soldier pills?"
"Mostly because I figured you'd want to graduate early from the Academy, and this might help you along," Natsuki replied with a knowing look. To try and Be inconspicuous, He needs to act like he is a friend to her, and honestly, he feels a friendship blooming, even though there is an age difference.
Ruri shot him a quick glance but said nothing.
Sensing an opening, Natsuki asked, "So, when are you planning to graduate?"
Ruri replied calmly, "Your reasoning makes sense, but unfortunately, you're wrong this time."
"Wrong?"
Ruri smiled faintly. "Yes. I'd actually love to graduate early, but the elders in my clan don't like the idea. Graduating now would mean being sent to the frontlines, where the death rate for rookies is pretty high."
Natsuki nodded in understanding. "That makes sense. Protecting a talented ninja like you is logical. Graduating at the usual pace is probably best. No need to rush it."
After all, graduating meant leaving behind the safety of Konoha and facing the real dangers of the ninja world. Graduating typically took six years in the Academy. Right now, Natsuki and Ruri were only fourth-year students, with several years left to develop and strengthen their skills.
Some "geniuses" were allowed to graduate early and were thrust directly into the dangers of frontline missions. Given his knowledge from his previous life, Natsuki had assumed Konoha's leaders had a rule in place to prevent children under ten from graduating early during wartime. But he knew better than to count on it.
After all, even in his old world, he remembered stories of Konoha pushing young ninjas into combat situations. They weren't treated like kids but as capable soldiers from the moment they graduated, no matter how young.
Itachi, Minato and Kakashi are prime examples of this. Itachi Uchiha became an ANBU member at 11 years old, Kakashi became A Jonin at the age of 12, and Minato Was a Genius which was said to be once in a Generation.
Thinking this through, he added thoughtfully, "Ruri, the elders in your clan wouldn't expect you to be Jonin-level before graduation, would they?" Ruri rolled her eyes. Did this guy think Jonins were as common as weeds on the roadside?
The gap between Chunin and Jonin was huge, far more significant than between Genin and Chunin. Jonin were masters in at least one area of ninja combat and skills.
While Ruri had high ambitions, she wasn't about to assume she'd master any one field to that degree anytime soon.
The two continued chatting, and by six o'clock, they decided to go to Ichiraku Ramen to grab dinner before parting ways for the evening.
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"Sorry, I am Late."
Natsuki's voice broke through the darkness in the dense forest behind the Academy. It was already night, and his meeting spot with Ayane was secluded and quiet.
Ayane, who had been waiting for him, turned slowly toward him. Over the past two years, she had grown taller and had advanced to Fourth-year status.
"It's fine; I just got here myself. But are you still researching 'That'?" she said, with an awed tone.
Natsuki scratched his head, smiling sheepishly. "Yeah, it is a little difficult, but here." Natsuki tosses his special-made pills towards Ayane, who grabs it and puts it in her Tool bag.
She knew that he quietly began some mysterious experiments. For the past year, Natsuki has been asking her for odd favors, and when she confronted about it, he explained what he was trying.
Ayane knows he isn't fully truthful, but Natsuki is the person who gave her a will to continue living. If she cannot Even Help Natsuki with these Matters, then what is the point of him Helping her?
Natsuki shifted, breaking the silence. "No issues on your end, I hope?"
"None," she replied. "I'm just another branch family member. The main family wouldn't waste resources keeping track of someone like me."
Ayane's tone was calm, but there was an unmistakable trace of bitterness and resignation. She then took a small, cloth-wrapped bundle from her pouch and handed it to Natsuki.
"Thank you," he murmured.
"It's nothing. But just studying the blood might not be enough, right?" Ayane asked, glancing at the bundle, aware of the weight it carried.
The experiments were getting serious. Ayane had taken it upon herself to gather samples, mostly from her fellow branch members. It was dangerous, painstaking work, but she understood it was necessary.
This was Natsuki's focus—discovering a way to lift the Caged Bird curse and grant Ayane her freedom. Understanding her concern, he spoke reassuringly. "Blood samples are just one part of it. Breaking the seal won't depend solely on the blood. But it gives us a place to start."
The samples would allow him to run comparisons and gather data, searching for a small, precise entry point to unravel the complex seal. If blood alone could unravel the Hyuga's secrets, then their ancient legacy wouldn't hold much value.
"But for now, we're limited in what we can work with. Bigger samples and tests will have to wait."
Hearing this, Ayane looked relieved. Gathering the blood samples had already taken considerable effort. Trying to get full samples or anything larger would certainly lead to capture.
"It's getting late; we should go our separate ways. Staying longer might get us noticed," Natsuki suggested, cautious not to attract any attention.
Getting discovered now would jeopardize both of them, not to mention his carefully laid plans. In silence, they each went their own way, while Natsuki feels extremely guilty, he knows that this MIGHT be the only way to free Ayane from her Cursed seal.
There is Another Way, BUT if he focuses on that, His position in the village might be much more important than it is now, as Fuinjutsu Users are a Rarity In Konoha, even though Konoha has the Support of Uzumaki's.
THE END
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AN:- SOME CONSTANT CHANGES, ESPECIALLY THE CREEPY STUFF LIKE AYANE BEING CUTE-SY AND SHI, ALONG WITH RURI SHOWING SOME FEELINGS FOR THE MC. HOPE YOU LIKE THIS CHAPTER.