Kurenai took advantage of the moment when Raizen's kunai blocked hers.
She released a genjutsu-based clone from behind her, identical in appearance to herself, with a pink cherry blossom aura swirling around it.
Technique: Genjutsu: Chaos Clone
Effect: Combines a clone with genjutsu to make attacks feel real, even producing pain sensations for the target
Raizen instantly recognized the technique
....it was a legacy of Kurenai's clan, designed to surprise and confuse.
Kurenai thought to herself, puzzled:
"Why isn't he dodging?"
…Alright, follow me."
Samui placed the cloth on the table and led Raizen upstairs.
Raizen immediately followed.
"Big sister?"
Atsui, around Raizen's age, scratched his head.
He hadn't seen the child ahead (Raizen) and assumed he was just another customer.
He shrugged it off and began wiping the greasy tables with the cloth Samui had placed.
Samui pushed open the door to the second floor, her fingers trembling slightly.
Quickly masking her emotions, she let Raizen step forward first.
The upstairs room was small and simple, a staff rest area with a low table and a few floor cushions near the window.
Sunlight poured in, lending a warm, hazy glow, yet it failed to thaw Samui's chill.
Raizen casually sat in a chair, his long fingers tapping the table lightly, eyes fixed on Samui.
"Since we're upstairs, let's not waste time.
I want a sword technique suitable for me. It should appear plain; if it doesn't suit me, I'll come back next time."
Raizen made bold demands.
If you can get something, get it thoroughly.
High-powered Lightning Release techniques existed, but required a lot of chakra and were risky to use openly.
Any outsider would question where Raizen learned these techniques.
The safest choice: sword techniques.
Some low-key moves were hard to distinguish from basic swordsmanship, ideal for covert purposes.
"Understood."
Samui nodded.
The scroll for Raizen would be funded officially.
She went to fetch it and returned shortly with a scroll.
Kumogakure, aside from Lightning Release, excelled in swordsmanship.
In the ninja world, swords and knives went hand in hand.
Example: Killer Bee's multiple swords, nearly overwhelming Sasuke and forcing him to use his Mangekyo Sharingan.
Raizen took the scroll but didn't immediately open it.
Instead, his gaze scanned Samui's face, from her delicate features down to her pale, slender neck.
Samui felt the scrutiny, maintaining her calm facade, though the coldness in her eyes intensified.
Her experience as a spy had exposed her to countless situations.
That look…
Raizen's eyes lingered briefly on her, then shifted toward the hem of her skirt.
The seemingly indifferent Samui was forced into an uncomfortable position.
"Miss Samui," Raizen smiled slightly, his tone even,
"Your little brother is young and full of potential. It'd be a shame if anything happened to him, right?"
Samui's face remained impassive, but her eyes betrayed a flicker of unease.
Even the usually composed Samui could not fully maintain control when it concerned her only brother.
---
"Don't worry. I only wish to see a bit more sincerity from Miss Samui."
The air seemed to freeze. Sunlight shone on the table, but could not dispel the tension.
Samui hesitated, finally lowering her gaze and unconsciously clutching her skirt.
Refusing Raizen could mean he would report to Samodo or expose the hideout.
She had little choice.
Her fingers tightened, then released, lifting the skirt slightly.
Her cold exterior concealed all her emotions, while her pale, slender legs were revealed in sunlight.
Raizen's smile grew brighter.
Samui serving Kumogakure meant aiding the enemy—a sin.
Sharingan awakened: her left eye turned scarlet, a black tomoe appearing.
The previously dormant right eye also flickered red, generating special chakra toward Raizen's right eye.
Raizen sensed another layer was needed to fully awaken his right eye.
Kumogakure sought his body; the Uchiha sought his loyalty.
On top of that, the shinobi world was on the brink of war, and Raizen had just absorbed some of the anger accumulated from Uchiha Hazuki's earlier visit.
A forced melon isn't sweet, but it quenches thirst.
Even amid tedious training, one must find moments to relieve stress.
"Good. This level of sincerity satisfies me. I'm slightly more confident about returning to Kumogakure, but…"
Raizen paused mid-action.
Samui's slightly shorter stature halted him, creating a moment that seemed absurdly comical.
"Let's leave it here for today. I hope Miss Samui chooses her words carefully in the future."
Raizen casually tucked the scroll into his coat and left.
Grabbing leverage was useful, but pressing too hard could backfire.
Samui was only about 15 years old, and Samodo, being over thirty, was difficult to handle.
Choose the softest persimmon to squeeze.
The door closed softly, the wood creaking in the quiet room.
Samui stood, shoulders trembling slightly.
.............
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