Happy Birthday, Rin

After Rin paid the bill, Yayoi invited her to the Forest Hinterland to test his Alchemical Weapons.

Regarding the fact that he had Rin pay the bill, Yayoi felt he had done nothing wrong.

He was helping Rin improve her strength and was also busy researching the Caged Bird. It was reasonable to collect some payment in advance, right?

Anyway, Yayoi felt he was being fair and reasonable.

As he thought about it, Yayoi couldn't help but sigh that there were fewer and fewer people like him who were willing to help others in the ninja world.

"Today we'll continue testing the Heaven-Returning Sword Dance. This time, I'll have you try controlling two swords."

Yayoi took out two swords from his backpack.

Both of them were the latest Alchemical Weapons he had forged.

Unlike the prototypes, Yayoi had optimized them to a certain extent.

As for the first prototype, Yayoi had given it away as a gift.

"Take these and perform the Heaven-Returning Sword Dance."

"Yes."

Rin nodded and took the two Azure Swords from Yayoi's hands.

Then, she closed her eyes and infused them with Chakra.

Suddenly, the air became scorching, dust swirled, and vegetation was cut into shreds.

Rin released all her Chakra, and the two swords in her hands became increasingly light and sharp.

A semicircular sphere formed as soon as Rin began to spin, and invisible sword edges converged around her body.

It was like a Blade Storm, combining the original defensive properties of Heaven-Returning Sword Dance with offensive capabilities.

"Stop now."

Yayoi felt that the Heaven-Returning Sword Dance was no longer a problem. The next step was a normal sword dance.

After the sword edge was reversed, the Soft Fist transformed from an extremely soft fist into an extremely hard sword.

Rin's own offensive power was greatly enhanced, making her like a Sword Saintess.

Killing some fierce beasts was as easy as slicing vegetables.

Afterward, Yayoi had Rin pick up the two Chakra Swords and perform two sets of Soft Fist.

"How does it feel, controlling two swords compared to one?"

"Two swords are better, especially when spinning the Revolve. If I only have one sword, I'll need to expend extra Chakra for a shape transformation."

Rin remained silent for three seconds before slowly voicing her thoughts on the two sword-wielding styles.

Actually, she had more to say, but for some reason, she ultimately didn't.

The weight on her chest was actually affecting how she felt when swinging her sword.

However, perhaps due to girlish shyness, Rin decided to remain silent after thinking it over.

Rin returned the two Alchemical Daggers to Yayoi.

"Rin, today is your birthday, isn't it?"

The atmosphere suddenly became a bit quiet. Yayoi seemed lost in thought, and Rin didn't remind him. Fortunately, the next moment, Yayoi's gentle voice rang out again.

"Mm."

Rin nodded.

"These two swords are my birthday gift to you. Happy birthday, Rin."

"Thank you."

Rin accepted the swords that Yayoi personally handed over, and a familiar emotion welled up in her heart.

Today, it's my birthday.

"Thank you for the gift. I'm very happy."

A smile appeared on Rin's originally indifferent face, like the Melting Snow Mountain, like a Hot Spring in Snow Mountain, containing gentleness within.

"You look really beautiful when you smile. Smile more often from now on."

Seeing Rin's smile, Yayoi couldn't help but smile himself, gently advising her.

Perhaps this didn't align with his original intention of having Rin work for him, but it definitely aligned with his human kindness.

But this time, the usually obedient Rin didn't nod in agreement. Instead, she remained silent for a long time before saying, "I can't."

"Alright, you don't need to force a smile, but when you feel the need from within, don't suppress yourself."

Yayoi acted as a life mentor, advising Rin.

"Okay, it's getting late. Today's experiment is over. See you tomorrow."

Yayoi glanced at the darkening sky and then bid Rin farewell. But halfway through, he suddenly remembered something.

"Oh right, don't lend these two swords to anyone else, or it'll cause me a lot of trouble."

"No, absolutely not."

Rin's gaze was persistent and firm. Yayoi felt like he had seen this kind of look somewhere before.

However, he still said with a smile.

"I believe you."

The sky gradually darkened, but Rin's eyes seemed to contain light.

He turned and left, walking step by step towards the Hyuga Clan Territory.

"Danzo's dog."

In the silent dark night, a black shadow suddenly flashed, and a pair of black eyes quietly lit up in the darkness.

The black shadow streaked through the jungle and landed among the branches. In the blink of an eye, it reappeared on another branch. The sound of rustling leaves was constant, and the branches trembled lightly.

The night was not silent. It was Summer, and the insect chirps were incessant, like the Language of the Forest.

Yayoi was circling the forest.

Ever since he left the Uchiha Clan Territory today, he had felt someone following him.

At school, they inexplicably lost their trail.

There were no signs of continued tracking when he ate with Kushina, but just after he finished testing the Alchemical Weapons with Rin.

That faint sense of being watched suddenly appeared, prompting him to carefully sense his surroundings.

He discovered that someone was indeed following him.

And he couldn't shake them off. It should be a Special Jonin, skilled in tracking.

"Genbu, huh?"

Yayoi's gaze darkened, a hint of ruthlessness flashing in his eyes. For those who tracked him with ill intentions, Yayoi's principle was to make use of them.

The Dragon Blood Invasion experiment needed materials anyway.

But if he did this, there would be certain risks involved.

After all, he was still a child nearing ten years old. Such things absolutely could not be discovered.

Thinking this, Yayoi fell silent for a few seconds and chose to head towards the Uchiha Clan Territory.

Since he couldn't kill, he could only hide.

Although Yayoi was angry, since she lived in Konohagakure, there were always restrictions.

This was a red line that could not be crossed, otherwise it would be breaking the rules.

Yayoi did not yet have the right and strength to break the rules, so her only recourse now was to borrow power.

Borrowing the power of the Uchiha, even if it might displease Danzo further behind the scenes, there was no other way.

Besides, Yayoi would deal with this viper in the shadows sooner or later.

Whether for public or private reasons.

Otherwise, if she wanted to conduct any experiments in the future, she would probably have to worry about Danzo.

However, she had not yet developed, so she needed to endure.

Thinking of this, Yayoi headed directly towards the Uchiha Clan Territory.

At night, the Uchiha Security Force was still working.

One or two Uchiha were on patrol.

On their backs was engraved the pattern of a Red and White Ping Pong Paddle. In Konohagakure, the Uchiha's pattern was the symbol of the Security Force.

"Who's there!?"

Suddenly, one of the Uchiha activated his Sharingan and stared into the forest where the shadows lay.

"I am Uesugi Yayoi."

"It's you. What are you doing out here when you should be sleeping?"

The patrolling Uchiha relaxed slightly upon seeing it was Yayoi and lowered his guard.

Uesugi Yayoi was someone recognized by the Elder, and the secrets behind it were mostly known to everyone.

Coupled with Yayoi's frequent visits to the Uchiha Clan Territory, the Uchiha in this area had almost come to regard her as one of their own.

After all, if she was recognized by the Elder, it wasn't impossible to offer a little recognition herself.