Chapter 95: A Month, A Fist to Clear the Skies

Chapter 95: A Month, A Fist to Clear the Skies

Time flew, and a month had already passed.

During this month, Team 8 completed three missions—two C-Rank and one A-Rank.

Technically, all three were initially classified as C-Rank, but one was upgraded to A-Rank midway.

Any mission involving combat against ninja—whether rogue or not, even if their strength barely surpassed that of an Academy student—automatically fell into the B-Rank category.

Wealthy patrons often spared no expense, hiring powerful shinobi for B-Rank or higher escorts. But not everyone was so generous. Many stingy clients gambled on luck, hoping to avoid ninja encounters while paying C-Rank fees for B-Rank results.

Team 8’s first two C-Rank missions went smoothly, without a single hitch.

In truth, Team 8 was practically immune to surprises.

Even without the Rinnegan, Izayoi’s Kagura Shingan could scan dozens of kilometers. Hinata’s Byakugan offered nearly thirty kilometers of visual range, and Shino’s insects handled scent detection. Their survival capabilities bordered on absurd.

Unless enemies possessed space-time ninjutsu, even flying foes couldn’t ambush them—they’d be spotted dozens of kilometers away.

Thus, Team 8 was destined to avoid the chaos Team 7 often faced, where nine out of ten missions spiraled into disaster.

If clients cooperated, Team 8 would even suggest detours to avoid hidden threats, charging only the original C-Rank fee.

But during their third mission, Team 8 encountered a particularly stubborn client—a petty noble from Konoha who fancied himself wealthy.

Arrogant and short on cash, he refused Izayoi’s advice after being warned about rogue ninja lurking twenty kilometers ahead.

“You expect me to waste time on a detour? Liar!” the client scoffed.

Unsupervised and youthful, Team 8 decided to teach him a lesson.

When the bandits ambushed them, Team 8 abruptly declared the mission abandoned. The terrified client instantly wet himself, begging to upgrade the mission to B-Rank. Izayoi coldly refused, claiming the risk was too great.

In the end, the client groveled, upgrading the mission to the highest A-Rank tier—a million ryō reward.

After Hinata and Shino effortlessly crushed the bandits, the man became meek as a lamb. He knew full well that defaulting on payment might earn him a fatal lesson from these three teens.

Thus, Team 8’s record gained an A-Rank mission—albeit a messy one.

Completing three missions back-to-back left Izayoi and Hinata unfazed, though Shino remained his usual stoic self.

Izayoi led all missions, using his Kagura Shingan and Hinata’s Byakugan for surveillance. They strolled like tourists, clinging together during hikes, meals, and even sleep—taking turns resting their heads on each other’s laps.

Shino’s insects lost their appetite during this time, as if full without eating.

After three missions, Shino finally begged for a break, escaping the suffocating cuteness.

Hinata, meanwhile, wore a wistful expression.

In the village, Hanabi, Karin, and even Sasuke competed for Izayoi’s attention. Only during missions did Izayoi belong solely to her.

Two months passed, and Izayoi’s new home neared 50% completion. At this pace, it’d be ready by mid-to-late December.

Unfortunately, his Wood Release’s vast range disrupted delicate construction work, slowing progress. A simple Triple Room One Hall Technique could’ve built an ordinary house in seconds.

---

Meanwhile, in an underground base in Rice Country…

“Damn you, Third Hokage!”

Orochimaru hissed, rinsing blood from his hands in a dimly lit bathroom. His arms throbbed with agonizing pain—not physical, but spiritual.

Outside, Kabuto adjusted medicine vials, frowning. “Your soul’s rejection of this body has accelerated. You must transfer hosts within a week.”

“I know!” Orochimaru snapped, his composure fraying.

Staring at the endless crimson water, he growled, “Prepare Sasuke Uchiha. I’ll initiate the transfer early.”

Kabuto adjusted his glasses. “The Cursed Seal hasn’t matured yet. Without Cursed Seal Two, he can’t access the Sage of Six Paths’ power.”

“Don’t underestimate him,” Orochimaru smirked. “To kill Itachi, Sasuke would claw his way out of hell itself. That resolve will forge him into a perfect vessel.”

Kabuto nodded, understanding. “I’ll have the Sound Four retrieve him within three days.”

---

At dusk, by the Naka River…

“Haaaa—Boom!”

A girl’s cry echoed as a lightning-charged torpedo exploded.

Sasuke, crackling with Chidori Stream, stared wide-eyed at the towering water geyser. Rain drenched him, his Tomoe Sharingan reflecting Karin’s crimson gaze—glowing redder than his own.

“Were you trying to kill me?!” he roared, his fighting spirit shattered.

“Huh? But you told me to go all out!” Karin scratched her head.

“I said taijutsu sparring on the river! You’ve mastered Lightning Release: Nature Transformation, right?” Sasuke groaned, envisioning a female Naruto.

“Oh! Right… I’ve been practicing Mighty Ultimate Fist lately. Reflex!” Karin laughed sheepishly.

Sasuke’s soul trembled. If she’d instinctively used Lightning Chakra to electrify her cells and Body Flickered behind him… he’d be greeting his ancestors right now.

Realizing she shared Naruto’s signature cluelessness, he deactivated his Chidori. “Forget it. We’ll train another time.”

Never again, he vowed.

Hinata, at least, sparred quietly, ending matches gracefully when he tired. He’d rather train with Hanabi than risk death by “accident.”

Karin’s punch had crushed his earlier joy at awakening the Tomoe Sharingan.

He vanished with a gloomy Body Flicker, leaving Karin puzzled.

Why did his mood swing so fast?

Shrugging, Karin Body Flickered to Izayoi, who fished nearby.

“Izayoi-kun, it’s getting dark. Should I cook here or bring you dinner?” she chirped.

“No need. Let’s go back together.” Izayoi glanced at the bucket brimming with fish and contentedly reeled in his fishing line.

“Izayoi, let me carry the bucket for you.”

“No, you’re soaked from head to toe. Go change first.”

“It’s fine. My body’s strong enough now—I won’t catch a cold.”

“All right. You’ve been working hard in training lately. Let’s have fish soup tonight.”

“Mm-hmm…”

The girl’s face lit with smiles as she single-handedly carried the bucket. Sometimes she walked side by side with Izayoi, other times she skipped ahead, bursting with energy. This vibrant version of her was the complete opposite of the frail girl from months ago.

Since joining Hidden Leaf Village, Karin had become noticeably more cheerful.

She’d thought life on Cherry Blossom Street was already heavenly.

But she never expected to feel even happier.

During the day, she cooked for Izayoi and that perpetually scowling pretty boy, then went to work at the Hokage Office. Both her teacher and senior colleague treated her with warmth and care.

The Chunin and Jonin in their green vests—once distant and aloof—now showed her nothing but friendliness, even a hint of respect. There was none of the malice she’d endured in Grass Village.

Among her friends, she had Hinata Hyuga, the prestigious Hyuga heir, as her closest confidante, and Hanabi Hyuga, that mischievous little sister.

So blissful was this life that Karin often woke from sleep in tears, drenching her pillow, terrified it might all vanish like a dream.

Karin knew Izayoi had given her this happiness.

That’s why she trained with relentless determination.

She wanted to grow as powerful as her teacher, to rise to the highest ranks of the village and finally support Izayoi in return.

Even during downtime, her care for Izayoi was meticulous.

Cooking, laundry—every household chore—she handled alone.

If he wished, Izayoi could live like he did during the Rinnegan Awakening era: idle, waited on hand and foot.

Even Sasuke Uchiha had grown accustomed to Karin’s indirect care.

Just look—back at the Uchiha clan mansion, Sasuke had already changed clothes and was now reading on the veranda, waiting for dinner.

Normally, he’d hunt and cook for himself.

Otherwise, if he waited for Izayoi’s cooking, he’d starve.

While Karin changed, Izayoi returned from storing the fishing gear, suddenly retrieving two scrolls from his room and tossing them onto the veranda where Sasuke sat.

Picking them up, Sasuke frowned in confusion. “What’s this?”

“A gift for your eyes evolving.” Izayoi grinned.

Sasuke stiffened slightly, a warm current stirring in his chest.

But his expression remained aloof as he scoffed, “You’re early. You should’ve waited until I awakened Mangekyō Sharingan.”

Even as he spoke, his lips curled upward as he eagerly unrolled the scrolls.

“Genjutsu scrolls and Fire Release scrolls?!”

Sasuke’s eyes widened as he stared at Izayoi, firing off questions. “Where did you get so many genjutsu techniques? And Great Fireball, Great Dragon Fire, and Dragon Fire… These are Uchiha Clan’s Fire Release techniques! How did you get them?”

“I stole them. So don’t go telling anyone they’re from me.” Izayoi said bluntly.

Seeing Izayoi’s serious expression, realization dawned in Sasuke’s eyes. “You weren’t your real self during the Chūnin Exams, were you?”

“Bingo. No prize.” Izayoi chuckled, pointing at him. “Now you’re my accomplice too. If I get caught, I’ll expose you.”

“Tch…childish.” Sasuke scoffed, but his fingers caressed the scrolls lovingly, his previous eagerness for the Yin Seal now forgotten.

Sharingan’s evolution had distinct stages.

One tomoe was the Eye of Insight, enhancing dynamic vision to see through all ninjutsu, genjutsu, and taijutsu.

Two tomoe became the Eye of Copying, allowing replication of observed techniques.

Three tomoe marked the Genjutsu Eye—the stage where Sharingan earned its “one-on-one invincibility” reputation.

No need for sealing techniques; a single glance could trap enemies in genjutsu, their heads rolling before they even realized.

Fighting Uchiha required sacrificing one eye—worse than severing an arm.

Mastering countless genjutsu was essential to unleash full tomoe power.

These two scrolls arrived at the perfect time.

Learning their techniques would amplify Sasuke’s strength exponentially.

“Huh?”

Suddenly, Sasuke’s expression shifted to shock. “Shadow Replication Technique? Isn’t this a forbidden technique? You even have this?”

“If I can casually invent S-rank ultimate techniques, stealing a few trashy ninjutsu isn’t a big deal.” Izayoi rolled his eyes.

Sasuke said nothing, his gaze suddenly gleaming with golden light. “So… you have even more good stuff?”

“Of course.”

Izayoi smirked smugly. “Call me ‘adoptive father’ and I’ll give you another treasure.”

“Adoptive father!”

“…”

Now it was Izayoi’s turn to gape.

Seeing Sasuke’s ape-like reach toward him, Izayoi grumbled, “You’ve really abandoned all shame.”

“Do I even have dignity left with you?” Sasuke’s face flushed as he shouted. “How many times have you taken advantage of me? I already said it—give it to me now!”

Speechless, Izayoi could only raise his thumb. “Impressive. Humility and resilience—truly heroic.”

“Don’t change the subject. I’ll tell Hinata Hyuga and ruin your reputation at the Hyuga Clan gates.” Sasuke, finding Izayoi’s weakness, struck like a viper.

“…You win!”

Izayoi’s lips twitched as he finally relented.

Never thought the hawk would get pecked by a fledgling today.

As Izayoi prepared to retrieve the gift, his expression suddenly shifted, confusing Sasuke.

Thud-thud-thud…

Footsteps echoed on wooden planks.

Karin, in casual clothes, rushed from the house to the veranda, her face grave. “Izayoi…”

“I know.”

Izayoi nodded, smiling. “Go change first. Sasuke and I will greet our guests.”

“Yes.”

Karin nodded firmly and ran back inside.

Sasuke’s expression hardened. “Enemies?”

“Orochimaru’s men coming for you.” Izayoi teased.

Sasuke’s face darkened. “Persistent bastard.”

“Relax. Not him personally—just his underlings.” Izayoi reassured. “But one’s quite strong. If we fight nearby, your house might not survive. Let me handle him first.”

With that, Izayoi lifted into the air.

Sasuke followed with Body Flicker.

Soon after, Karin, now in battle gear, leapt after them.

Meanwhile, Tayuya, the genjutsu specialist of the Sound Ninja Four who’d infiltrated Hidden Leaf during the perception squad rotation, suddenly frowned. “What the hell? Weren’t we told only Sasuke was at the Uchiha Compound? Why are there two chakra signatures this massive?!”

“Did they discover us?”

Kidōmaru’s expression turned grim as he looked toward the white-haired youth leading their advance—their former captain.

“Kimimaro, should we continue?”

“Proceed.” Kimimaro Kaguya said calmly, his deathly pale face devoid of color.

Yet his eyes burned with resolve. “I’ll handle those two. Your mission is to take Sasuke.”

Kimimaro’s voice grew resolute. “Once you capture him, leave Hidden Leaf immediately. I’ll buy you time… Orochimaru, since I can’t be your vessel, let this be my final dance for you.”

His voice faded to a whisper, his gaze distant, as if returning to that moment, that flower, that person.

His existence found meaning through meeting you… Orochimaru, you are my reason to live!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end