Chapter 54 - Nohara

Nohara Rin glanced at the form, her delicate brows tightly furrowed.

The research direction prescribed by Shimizu was far too specific, almost as if he intended to mold her into a specialist medical ninja.

A ninja specialized in ophthalmology.

"This... I don't have that much time."

Nohara Rin hesitated for a moment before speaking honestly.

The time required to study these topics was simply too extensive, leaving her with barely any free time each day.

"So this won't work, that won't work—what do you think you're capable of, then?"

Shimizu leaned closer, and before Nohara Rin's startled gaze, he kissed her.

Nohara Rin tried to push Shimizu away, but his muscular frame remained immovable.

His body, honed by countless grueling battles, was not something a medical ninja like Rin could hope to budge.

Her lips were sealed, and even their noses pressed together, leaving Rin feeling suffocated. The clear world before her eyes gradually blurred as her brain seemed to lack oxygen.

This was an unprecedented experience. Rin's mind resisted fiercely, but her body followed its primal instincts.

Warm breath spread across her lips, carrying a faint and captivating fragrance.

As much as Rin hated to admit it, Shimizu's "localized taijutsu" was undeniably skilled—so refined that it seemed like he had trained in the Hyuga clan's techniques. His movements felt as if he had mastered a miniature version of the famed "Rotation."

A silvery strand unconsciously trailed from the corner of her lips, and just as Rin's mind blurred, nearing the point of suffocation, Shimizu finally let go.

His dark eyes gazed intently at Rin as he gently wiped away the silver thread at her lips, exuding an intimacy that made Rin's skin crawl.

But the words he uttered chilled her to the bone.

"Think it over carefully. I'll give you one more chance."

With that, Shimizu placed the sealing scroll and the plan on the kitchen table before turning and leaving without looking back.

Poof.

The shadow clone dispersed into smoke.

Kakashi, who was outside, looked around in confusion. He instinctively glanced toward the inner room and caught sight of Shimizu walking down the hallway.

"Shadow Clone Jutsu?"

Kakashi's eyes widened slightly. This technique was entirely different from the basic Clone Jutsu taught at the academy!

Although both created duplicates, the basic Clone Jutsu produced mere illusions, while the Shadow Clone Jutsu created tangible entities capable of assisting in combat, transmitting messages, and more.

"When did you learn the Shadow Clone Jutsu?"

"I've known it for quite a while. Want to learn? I can teach you," Shimizu replied, taking a seat by Kakashi.

If Kakashi mastered the Shadow Clone Jutsu, it would accelerate the development of Chidori.

Since he was teaching Kakashi, Shimizu figured Kakashi might reciprocate by sharing Chidori with him. After all, both were researchers of Lightning Release techniques.

"Thanks."

Kakashi's perpetually furrowed brows relaxed slightly, showing a hint of gratitude.

He didn't bother with pleasantries. A jutsu that could improve mission success rates was too valuable to pass up.

In his heart, Kakashi felt increasingly grateful toward Shimizu. During his darkest moments, it was Shimizu who stayed by his side.

If given the chance, Kakashi was determined to repay Shimizu.

Perhaps Shimizu was the kind of comrade his father often spoke of—someone who could be both a partner and a close friend.

Inside the house, Rin adjusted her disheveled clothes.

She shook her head, trying to rid herself of the disgusting sense of pleasure that lingered in her body.

"It's just a normal physiological reaction, Nohara Rin. You've studied medical ninjutsu," she told herself, her voice trembling.

A large tear rolled down her cheek, which she quickly wiped away.

Taking a deep breath, she reassured herself that this was perfectly normal.

As long as her chastity was intact and her heart remained with Kakashi, nothing else mattered.

She swiftly gathered the form and the sealing scroll, tidied her hair, and set the food on the table.

"Dinner's ready."

Kakashi and Shimizu, standing outside in the courtyard, heard Rin's call.

Kakashi noted with confusion that Rin's voice sounded hoarse, as if she had been crying.

"Let's go, Kakashi," Shimizu said, walking in first. Kakashi quickly followed.

Seeing Kakashi's ravenous expression, Rin forced a smile, burying her grievances deep within as she placed the dishes before them, pretending nothing had happened.

"The weather has been quite hot lately," Kakashi suddenly remarked.

"Hm?" Rin paused, not understanding his comment.

Kakashi pointed earnestly to the dampness on Rin's face. "Didn't you wash your face with cold water?"

Now that he had a way to accelerate his training progress, Kakashi felt slightly better and had the mood to engage in casual conversation.

"Uh... yes, that's right. The weather is hot."

Hurriedly, Rin wiped away the remaining dampness from her face and lips, realizing it was from earlier. Shimizu was truly despicable.

Kakashi gave her a puzzled look but quickly shrugged it off, focusing on his meal as thoughts of developing his Lightning Release techniques filled his mind.

Seeing that Kakashi hadn't noticed anything, Rin breathed a sigh of relief. She stiffly moved her startled body to her seat and began eating silently.

Shimizu, on the other hand, leisurely picked up a slice of fish with his chopsticks. He even called over a dove, tossing it a piece of fish, which the bird swiftly caught mid-air and swallowed.

Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the three of them.

Three hours later, Kakashi left, and Rin followed suit.

Walking behind Kakashi, who carried nothing on his back after destroying his wooden practice swords during training, Rin hesitated. She glanced at his back, lips parting as if to say something but ultimately held back.

The grievance she had buried surged within her, and she felt an impulse to tell Kakashi everything.

Her brown pupils briefly flashed red, faint reflections of tomoe spinning within them.

Just as she was about to speak, just as the red glow threatened to erupt, Kakashi spoke first.

"Rin, Shimizu's cooking is surprisingly good."

"Y-yeah... it is."

Rin swallowed her words, instinctively agreeing with him.

Moments later, she reminded herself that she no longer had to fear Shimizu. She only needed to tell Kakashi that Shimizu was not a good person and to stay away from him.

What Rin didn't know was that Shimizu had already planted a Rewriting Seal within her. In her mind, she believed Shimizu no longer had any means to threaten her.

"Kakashi, Shimizu, he..."

"In school, Shimizu always seemed unapproachable. But deep down, he has a warm heart, doesn't he?"

Kakashi spoke with a hint of admiration.

He recounted how Shimizu often practiced kenjutsu with him, shared unique insights about Lightning Release, and discussed their understanding of the ninja code.

Seeing Rin at Shimizu's house today further convinced Kakashi that she and Shimizu must share some similarities with him. Otherwise, why would she be there?

"Rin, you think so too, don't you?"

Kakashi stopped in his tracks, turning to face her with an expectant look in his eyes.

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