Under the streetlight, the two stood for a moment.
"By the way, this is for you."
Kurenai Yuhi suddenly thought of something and took an item out of her ninja tool pouch.
She smiled brightly and said, "I saw this in Kyoto and thought it suited you well."
"What is it?"
Masahiko was a bit curious.
Kurenai Yuhi spread her palm, revealing a doll.
She said with a smile, "The shop owner said this is a famous samurai named yagyu. Since he has the same surname as you, I bought it."
Masahiko took it and looked closely, feeling surprised.
The doll was very exquisite.
Although the carving wasn't that lifelike, the basic features and face shape were still visible.
It didn't look much like him, but it bore some resemblance to the portrait of his grandfather hanging at home.
Of course, it was only a resemblance.
Thoughtfully, he asked, "What else do you know about this yagyu samurai?"
"I'm not sure, I didn't ask much..."
Kurenai Yuhi recalled carefully and finally shook her head gently.
She really hadn't asked much; she just thought the samurai doll looked good and suited Masahiko at first glance, so she bought it.
After thanking her, Masahiko asked for the address, planning to inquire more about 'yagyu' when he had time to visit Kyoto.
Returning home, he entered the training space again... A few days later.
Inside the Root Organization's base.
"Senior, this is a technique I've come up with recently based on the notes, as well as some of my own thoughts and insights. I wonder if it will be useful to the organization."
Masahiko submitted the concept and prototype of the Water Mist Genjutsu.
The Genjutsu itself wasn't powerful; it was just created because it suited his own flexible and varied combat style.
Giving it to Root, Danzo's people wouldn't find much use for it.
Ji took a look, a look of appreciation appearing on his face, but commented in a cold tone:
"A very wonderful idea. The principle is somewhat similar to the Second Mizukage's technique, but it's a bit too shallow; it's not of much use."
"You're right, Senior."
Masahiko was very respectful.
The other party's tone was unusually gentle: "It's good that you know how to repay the Lord's high regard and are actively working for Konoha."
He put away the scroll.
"How is your research on the Hard Vortex Water Blade I gave you before?"
"I have some ideas, but..."
Masahiko hesitated.
Ji said, "If you have doubts, just say them."
"Senior, the notes the Lord gave me are likely incomplete... I mean, some things were too simple for Nidaime-sama, so he wouldn't have written them down."
Masahiko explained.
Ji pondered for a moment, then nodded in agreement, saying, "I understand what you mean. Continue."
"In my personal opinion, apart from Nidaime-sama, with our talent and ability, this technique might not be something one person can complete."
Masahiko replied, "We could consider using it in combination."
"In combination?"
Ji pondered for a long time before nodding, "That makes sense. Write up a proposal, and I'll collect as much information as possible for you."
"Yes!"
Masahiko answered decisively, then reported on the mission status, "Orochimaru hasn't looked for me, and it's not appropriate for me to approach him proactively, so there's no progress on the mission yet."
"No rush, this is a long-term mission."
Ji replied.
"Then the Lord..."
"The Lord's affairs are not for you to know."
Ji's gaze turned a bit colder.
Masahiko nodded, asked no more, and after chatting for a bit longer, took his leave.
Leaving the base, he appeared normal on the surface, but in his heart, he already understood—
Danzo didn't truly trust him.
Or rather, his role in the Root Organization was essentially a substitute for Orochimaru.
Danzo valued his research talent rather than expecting him to achieve much in 'espionage' or 'combat'.
There were pros and cons.
He glanced at the panel.
[Collapsing Flow (Mastery), Water Jellyfish (Mastery), Flower in the Mist (Mastery)]
Flower in the Mist was the name he gave to this Water Release Genjutsu. After continuous tempering in the training space, it had now reached the Mastery level.
At this level... he could integrate certain Genjutsu techniques into most Water Release techniques through Chakra changes, and guide Flower in the Mist after forming hand seals.
Water Jellyfish and Collapsing Flow were the results of continuous tempering and cultivation after the Ninjutsu function module was upgraded.
Additionally—
[Shikotsumyaku: Proficient]
The words 'Bloodline Development' had completely disappeared.
This meant that the effect of the Bloodline Development Card had completely ended.
His progress was also enormous.
Even without using Shikotsumyaku, his physical strength and speed had improved significantly, and using Shikotsumyaku made it even more impressive.
At the same time.
He had also become more skilled in the use of bones and strength.
Although he hadn't yet achieved the feat of driving bones into an opponent's body and then fragmenting them, he could already perform the operation of driving bone needles into an opponent's body during his battle with 'Kakashi' in the acting instance.
"No one would suspect that someone from Konoha possesses Shikotsumyaku, let alone link that persona to me."
Masahiko was very satisfied.
Compared to easily exposed Dojutsu, a physical Bloodline Limit like Shikotsumyaku was indeed more hidden and difficult to detect.
Reaching the outskirts, he was about to head towards the Ninja Academy, but... halfway there, by a river, he suddenly felt a pang of trepidation.
In the next instant, a blade suddenly burst out of the water, extending continuously as it stabbed toward him.
In the blink of an eye, the blade pierced through his body.
Splash!
Masahiko turned into a splash of water, scattering in all directions and forming patches of water mist in the sunlight.
Under the water mist... three figures appeared, charging toward the river.
The retracted blade extended once more.
However.
Those three figures all turned into even more water splashes and mist.
A second later, within the thick mist, a fireball suddenly flew out along the blade, expanding rapidly as it flew.
As it approached... the flames expanded into a massive fireball.
The river water surged up like a roaring water dragon, charging toward the fireball.
After a massive roar, the fireball and water turned into thick, high-temperature steam.
In the water and steam, a person's figure loomed, but noticed three people and three blades flying from the mist to strike.
Above, front, back... the opponent's gaze swept around, finally slashing at the air to the side.
Clang!
In the air, Masahiko appeared holding a blade.
But a second later... Splash!
A cone-shaped stream of water burst out from the river beneath his feet, and before it could hit the opponent, it suddenly exploded, with concentrated water bullets shooting forward.
The opponent's body turned into a phantom along with the water.
The "Masahiko" holding the blade also vanished like a bubble.
One Second later.
"Clap! Clap! Clap!"
In the distance on the river, the person who had been slashed reappeared, clapping gently with an expression of excitement as if seeing prey.
"Masahiko-kun, meeting again, this technique of yours is more complete, and..."
"This Water Release Genjutsu just disrupted my perception, and then using a Shadow Clone hidden within the Genjutsu to draw attention and cover the main body's movements—it really is somewhat troublesome."
He licked his lips.
"You really are talented. No wonder Danzo took a fancy to you!"
"Lord Orochimaru, this way of greeting doesn't seem very polite."
Masahiko responded with a smile.
Orochimaru laughed: "When I see someone interesting, I can't help but test them... Unfortunately, you are unwilling to become my subordinate."
"I have always respected you, Lord, so how am I not a subordinate?"
"Hehe."
Orochimaru smiled without saying a word.
He could sense Masahiko's ambition.
This person was not the type to be content under others... but precisely because of this, he wanted him even more, growing increasingly eager to subdue this newly emerging genius before him.