MTLNOVEL Chapter 46: Chapter 46: As Expected Of Danzō's Grandson
Yugao's story was simple.
When the team first assembled, Hyūga Hizashi had almost let it slip.
Yugao's father and Gekkō Hayate's father had both died on the battlefield in the Land of Earth. When their bodies were found, they were incomplete—brutally dismembered.
After investigation, it was determined that the one who killed them was a Jōnin named Bunga, a highly valued shinobi in Iwagakure under the Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki.
Yugao had trained tirelessly in swordsmanship for one goal, to personally avenge her father by killing his murderer.
Monga…
Yami rested his chin on his small hand, thinking hard.
He vaguely remembered this person. He was indeed one of the stronger shinobi from the Land of Earth, with a look somewhat similar to Kurotsuchi's father, Kitsuchi.
During the Fourth Shinobi World War, he had become the Sealing Squad Leader, which meant… in the end, Yugao's revenge had failed.
"When does revenge ever truly end?" Yami sighed like a tiny adult—completely at odds with his young age.
Yugao's expression changed. She thought Yami was rejecting her request.
But before she could show disappointment, she heard the little guy continue sighing,
"That's why, when you kill someone, you have to pull them out by the roots—big or small, kill them all."
"Otherwise, when their kids grow up, they'll come looking for you. The cycle never ends. Such a pain."
Yugao: "..."
She had forgotten Yami was Danzō's grandson, there was no way he would say something soft-hearted.
"I can teach you swordsmanship." Yami took a slow sip from his teacup. "I have not only Konoha's sword techniques, but also rare ones from other villages the old man collected for me."
"But… what are you offering in return?"
"Money?" Yugao asked tentatively. "I still have savings, and I can give you my mission earnings in the future."
"What's your money worth? One embezzlement from the old man is worth more than that."
Yami shook his head. "And I don't need jutsu either. I'm already qualified to learn most jutsu in Konoha. The Uzuki family was originally a samurai clan, so you don't even have a ninjutsu foundation."
"..."
With each word, Yugao lowered her head more and more until she finally buried it into her chest.
Only today did she realize that the person who had always been praised by her superiors and teachers as outstanding… was actually so lacking.
"Of course…" Yami, sensing she had reached her limit, finally relented. "You still have great potential. Fine… consider it my investment."
"So, for every month I train you, you'll help me with one thing. Don't worry, it won't be anything like betraying the village. Can you accept that condition?"
"No problem." Yugao agreed without hesitation and bowed deeply. "Thank you, Yami-kun."
Ding!
[The bond between Host and Uzuki Yugao has reached the third stage. Reward: Swordsmanship "Hazy Moon Night."]
The information for Hazy Moon Night appeared in Yami's mind. It was an advanced sword technique fused with Dance of the Crescent Moon. While its power wasn't particularly outstanding, its attack style was highly unconventional.
"Alright." Yami set down his teacup and stood up.
"I was heading out to train anyway. Come with me."
Yugao nodded and followed obediently.
...
Training Ground No. 47—it was still the same place Hizashi's team had gathered the first time.
Although Yami already had a good grasp of Yugao's abilities, he decided to spar again, just to be safe.
This time, Yami only defended and didn't attack, allowing Yugao to go all out.
After about fifteen minutes of combat, Yami called for a stop.
By now, Yugao was panting heavily and dripping with sweat.
"Do you know what your problem is?" Yami sat on a large stone, casually tossing the Kusanagi Sword to the side.
"Stamina?" Yugao asked between breaths.
"Surface-level," Yami scoffed. "That's the basics. After five minutes, your sword strength and speed drop. After ten minutes, you can't even execute techniques properly."
"On top of that, your base strength is about the same as a child's. What's the point in learning flashier sword techniques?"
Snap!
With a small slap of his hand on the stone, the Kusanagi Sword leapt up. Yami caught it midair and brought it down forcefully.
The entire rock split in two, revealing a smooth, clean cut.
"No matter what, speed and strength are the foundation of everything. Only when the base power is even can technique and tactics come into play."
"Don't focus on sword training for now. Improve your physical fitness and total chakra capacity first."
Seeing his serious expression despite his young age, Yugao nodded firmly,
"I understand, Yami-kun."
"Good. You go refine chakra. I'll begin my own training."
...
Yugao sat cross-legged under a large tree, focusing on chakra refinement, while Yami began practicing Mind's Eye of the Kagura (Universal Version).
He placed his fingers on the ground and smoothly released chakra in a steady, orderly fashion, dividing it into countless thin threads that spread into the earth, forming a web-like structure.
Chakra acted as the eye of will, enabling the user to sense the presence of nearby lifeforms.
The first step was easy. Releasing chakra felt like walking on water.
The difficult part was the second step, spreading the chakra threads evenly and maintaining equal strength in each one. If not, perception would be inaccurate.
Even with his Ultimate-level chakra control talent, it still required repeated practice to master.
The sun eventually began to set.
Yugao had spent the entire day refining chakra, and Yami had spent the entire day poking the ground.
By now, both of them were starving. Yugao took the initiative to invite Yami out for barbecue. She had found out last time that he loved it—especially beef.
Meanwhile, Kurenai stood outside Yugao's house, completely bewildered.
Wait… where did her two teammates go?
She had searched all day and still couldn't find them.
Did they go on a mission without telling her?
(To be continued.)
***
For every 200 PS = 1 extra chapter. Support me on patreon to read 30+ advanced chapters: patreon.com/Blownleaves.