Masahiko was startled for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure.
Being investigated didn't necessarily mean recruitment.
Even if Danzo did decide to recruit him, at most Masahiko would become a peripheral asset—an information source. The people Danzo truly relied on were raised and trained by his own hand. He didn't trust outsiders with the core of Root.
Still… this was a path worth keeping open.
Maintaining contact with Danzo only reinforced his image as a "villain."
And today's viewer comments had proven just how effective that image was.
Letting out a slow breath, Masahiko shifted his attention to this episode's reward.
The first episode had granted him the Basic Advanced Training: Taijutsu Chapter.
This time, no new training module unlocked—but instead, he received a Ninjutsu Proficiency Promotion Card, allowing a technique to instantly reach the Proficient level.
He didn't hesitate.
"Upgrade Shadow Clone Jutsu."
[Consuming Ninjutsu Proficiency Promotion Card…]
[Shadow Clone Jutsu upgraded successfully]
On the panel, Shadow Clone Jutsu shifted from Beginner to Proficient.
A surge of understanding flooded his mind.
"So that's how it works…"
"The biggest difference at Proficient level isn't chakra cost—it's cognition."
The clones' thinking ability, execution speed, and combat judgment were all refined. More importantly, when a clone dispersed, the mental feedback to the original was now smooth and immediate—no more dizziness or momentary blackout.
Masahiko understood clearly now.
Beginner and Skilled levels could be reached through repetition and time.
Proficient, however, was a real threshold.
And beyond that—
Perfect and Limit Break.
Perfect meant total mastery of the jutsu itself.
Limit Break meant transcending the jutsu's original design.
Like Shisui's Body Flicker.
Or the White Fang's swordsmanship.
Masahiko glanced at the Shadow Clone technique details again, ideas forming.
"Nature Transformation…"
If he could apply elemental chakra to Shadow Clones—like Kakashi's Lightning Clone or Itachi's explosive variant—the technique could evolve even further.
But—
He shook his head.
Too early.
His Fire Style wasn't even stable yet, and Shadow Clone was still far from Perfect.
"I'll focus on taijutsu first."
With that decision made, his consciousness shifted—
And he entered the Training Space.
Inside the blank world—
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Two figures clashed continuously. Their raw speed wasn't extreme, but their reactions were razor-sharp, every movement efficient and precise.
After some time, Young Might Guy stepped back.
"Without using the Body Flicker Technique, your fundamentals are nearly sufficient."
Masahiko blinked. "So… the advanced training is over?"
Guy shook his head.
"No. Or rather—this is where it truly begins."
In the next instant, the green jumpsuit appeared on Guy's body.
Masahiko charged forward confidently—
And was sent flying within three moves.
Two clean kicks slammed into him, and his vision went white.
This big a gap?!
So before… Guy had been holding back entirely?
And this was still called Basic Advanced Training?
Masahiko twitched, then gritted his teeth.
It didn't matter.
This space allowed instant recovery.
If getting beaten meant getting stronger, then he'd take it.
Again.
And again.
The next morning.
Masahiko opened his eyes and sat up, blinking groggily.
His gaze landed on the alarm clock.
5:50 a.m.
He'd trained all night.
The last thing he remembered was being utterly crushed, physically and mentally, before blacking out.
No matter.
Time to work.
Ten minutes later, seeing Naruto's face twisted in agony as he ran, Masahiko's lingering frustration evaporated instantly.
Balance had been restored.
A little later, he spotted Sasuke moving silently through the trees.
That kid was pushing himself too.
Competition wasn't a bad thing.
It drove growth.
Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.
"Damn it! When I get stronger, I'll pay you back for everything you've done!"
Naruto yelled furiously.
"I'll be waiting."
Masahiko replied calmly.
Sasuke clenched his fist beside them, snorted, and walked toward the academy gate.
Naruto kept trash-talking—but his feet honestly stayed planted, waiting.
When Masahiko didn't move, Naruto frowned.
"No running today?"
"I've got something to handle. Later."
Masahiko headed toward the office.
Naruto sat on the swing, sulking.
When Masahiko reappeared, Naruto instantly put on his usual scowl, and the two ran toward the outskirts of the village as always.
Over the past half month, Masahiko's routine hadn't changed much.
Training Naruto.
Practicing Fire Style.
Studying nature transformation.
But—
There was still no sign of Episode Three.
As he trained, Masahiko also reflected on why the plot hadn't progressed.
Eventually, clarity settled in.
The timing of naruto: prequel revolved around two key factors.
First—Naruto.
Though the boy's attitude remained rough, Masahiko could tell he was adapting.
Unconsciously, Naruto had begun to rely on him.
Second—the Uchiha massacre.
That night was the real turning point.
Which meant—
Maintaining his current relationship with Naruto and Sasuke, while deepening his connection to Danzo, would naturally draw him into the prequel's main storyline.
And with Danzo in the picture, he no longer needed to wear the full mask of a villain in front of Naruto.
He could start lifting it—just a little.
So he waited.
And soon—
The opportunity came.
It was Friday.
After school, Naruto sat on the swing at the academy gate, waiting.
Time passed.
No one came.
His expression darkened as he stood up to leave—
Snap.
A crisp sound came from behind him.
"It's still chilly, but popsicles hit different after training."
Masahiko held out half of a popsicle.
The same flavor.
Naruto stared, eyes wide, then looked him up and down.
"You're… not making me run today?"
"You've behaved for over half a month. No pranks, no trouble."
Masahiko smiled.
"What do you want to eat? I'll treat."
Naruto's expression shifted from disbelief to shock.
Was this really the same Yagyu Masahiko?
"You serious?!"
"Don't want it?"
"I want Ichiraku ramen! Extra toppings! I'm eating you bankrupt!"
Ichiraku Ramen.
Steam rose thickly from the counter.
Masahiko finished his bowl—
Then his eyelid twitched.
Two empty bowls sat beside Naruto.
And a third, freshly filled, was already in front of him.
So this is revenge…
"Slurp!"
Naruto finished and sighed in bliss.
"Ahhh… all-toppings ramen is the best!"
"Full?"
"Yeah!"
Naruto nodded, then tilted his head, clearly trying to read Masahiko.
Masahiko patted his head lightly.
"Don't cause trouble."
"A Hokage earns recognition first."
"Power comes after."
Naruto froze.
For once—
He didn't argue.
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